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Winning Hearts & Tongues: A Polish to Lemko Case Study (2023)
When minority and local languages are lost, national security suffers: not only are significant increases in suicidality, depression, diabetes, assault, and substance abuse often documented, a void is created that has historically been exploited by adversaries. For example, millions from minority language communities ahistorically assume the Russian language and/or identity as their own…
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Japan: Mt Fuji is an active volcano
Mount Fuji is an active volcano. Its cone is almost perfectly symmetrical because repeated eruptions built up smooth layers of lava, ash, and cinders. You can see Fuji only about one in three mornings. Winter air gives the best visibility. Climbing season runs from July to early September.
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Japan’s Owakudani volcano valley: wake up and smell the sulphur
Owakudani is a volcanic valley here in Hakone. You can see behind me steam vents that smell strongly like sulfur. Locals like to boil eggs in those vents and they say it adds seven years to your life. Sometimes the smell of sulfur is so strong that they have to close down everything. On a…
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Chūreitō pagoda (Mount Fuji lookout point)
Chūreitō is a pagoda built in 1963 as a peace monument honoring Fujiyoshida’s war dead. You’ve got to walk up 400 steps to get here as a reminder that perspective isn’t free. You may see Mount Fuji if it is not covered by clouds.