August 2018

book-review-the-gates-of-europe-a-history-of-ukraine-by-serhii-plokhy-featured

“The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine” by Serhii Plokhy [Book Review]

Reading “The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine” by Serhii Plokhy has had a profound impact on me. Never before did I understand the history of this region which is at the same time both volatile and beautiful; situated at the eastern gateway to Europe its ancient past harks […]

“The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine” by Serhii Plokhy [Book Review] Read More »

flag-maps-of-western-europe-countries-featured

Flag Maps of Western Europe: National Countries Collection

Western Europe has some of the most iconic national flags, and therefore flag maps. Their representative countries are instantly recognizable as they have been some of the world’s most influential in terms of politics, economics, and sports. Western Europe has changed dramatically over time from its first occupation over 300,000

Flag Maps of Western Europe: National Countries Collection Read More »

flag-maps-of-northern-europe-countries-featured

Flag Maps of Northern Europe: Nordic, Cross, Horizontal

The composition of Northern Europe is interesting; let’s take a look at the flag maps of Northern Europe to help define which countries are a part of it and which are not. When we think of this region the obvious Scandinavian countries spring to mind, but what about others that

Flag Maps of Northern Europe: Nordic, Cross, Horizontal Read More »

flag-maps-of-southern-europe-countries-featured

Flag Maps of Southern Europe: Countries and National Colors

What countries make up Southern Europe? Well, like all things geographical it’s not that simple. Geography merely relies on the cardinal points whereas history and linguistics are much more multifaceted and consider nuances such as regional politics and dialect variation. To me Southern Europe is very simple: it’s not Eastern

Flag Maps of Southern Europe: Countries and National Colors Read More »

flag-maps-of-eastern-europe-countries-featured

Flag Maps of Eastern Europe: Official and Alternate Names

The first in our series on FLAG MAPS is going to be Eastern Europe. Now, by definition there is no agreed upon official definition for “Eastern Europe” so we are going to be ultra-inclusive in this article and add bits of Northern Europe and a smattering Southern Europe and all

Flag Maps of Eastern Europe: Official and Alternate Names Read More »

book-review-the-baltic-a-history-by-michael-north-featured

“The Baltic: A History” by Michael North [Book Review]

Michael North’s book “The Baltic: A History” is like trying to study a train through the window of another train flying in the opposite direction at 80 miles an hour. You can get the gist of the passing train’s composition, color, shape, and length but you would never recognize it

“The Baltic: A History” by Michael North [Book Review] Read More »

2018-lithuanian-song-festival-dainu-svente-featured1

2018 Lithuanian Song Festival (Dainų Šventė)

The Lithuanian Song Festival takes place every four years and is an event dedicated to the preservation of Lithuanian cultural (linguistic) heritage through the showcasing of its national song and dance traditions. It is simply spectacular! This year’s 2018 Song Festival commemorates the 100th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuanian

2018 Lithuanian Song Festival (Dainų Šventė) Read More »

5-valuable-multi-volume-book-sets-i-found-dirt-cheap-featured

5 Valuable Multi-Volume Book Sets I Bought Dirt Cheap

Over the years the #booknerd in me has scored! I’ve come across a few valuable multi-volume book sets that I bought for dirt cheap at book sales, garage sales, and even libraries. In addition to being an avid reader I also have been collecting books for over 30 years now

5 Valuable Multi-Volume Book Sets I Bought Dirt Cheap Read More »

Scroll to Top