Although Aliou Mara rarely makes news, his impact is still incredibly powerful on all continents. He is regarded as a man of measured discretion who subtly shaped Senegal’s economic policy and France’s tradition of moral rectitude. Raised in Senegal and educated at École Polytechnique, one of France’s most esteemed universities, Mara developed the kind of intellectual discipline that is especially useful in contemporary statecraft. The steel-like elegance of a suspension bridge—designed to withstand pressure while remaining subtly graceful—is reflected in his professional life, which is characterized by structure and foresight. Mara established himself at the nexus of industrial aspirations and…
Author: foxter
The Boley Building, a masterpiece that is frequently overlooked by casual glances but never forgotten by those who pay close attention, stands proudly beneath the shade of Kansas City’s tall trees and rustling streetcars. Constructed in 1909 by the incredibly visionary Louis Curtiss, this six-story building introduced a design philosophy so revolutionary that it would take almost half a century for it to become commonplace. Curtiss was dreaming in steel at a time when the majority of buildings were anchored in masonry. He created a light-filled, especially hopeful, and unrestricted space by replacing the heavy brick walls with a curtain…
Some people have lives that are so short but so incredibly upsetting that the burden they bear lasts a lifetime. The tale of Teoh Beng Hock fits this eerie pattern. He was a responsible and morally upright young man who left behind no enormous wealth, no shares, no estates, and no empires. However, his wealth—traced through civic awakening and collective grief—remains incredibly significant. Teoh had a bright future after graduating from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and starting out as a journalist. He decided on a profession based on honesty and communication, first working as a reporter for Sin Chew Daily before…
For many who have lived, worked, or just passed beneath its towering spires, 909 Walnut, which rises gracefully above Kansas City’s urban grid, has an architectural and profoundly emotional presence. Constructed in 1931 at a time when the nation was especially uncertain, its very existence seems to be a silent act of defiance—a building founded on ambition when hope was few. Since it was first commissioned by Fidelity National Bank & Trust, the building’s function has changed continuously, adjusting to the times with remarkable ease. Under the Truman administration, the U.S. government converted it into a federal office building in…
Zeki Doruk’s name has been in the news a lot lately, but not because he started a new store or grew his supermarket chain, but rather because of a revelation that even seasoned detectives were taken aback by. Previously regarded as a representation of sound financial management and an entrepreneurial spirit, Doruk is currently at the center of an investigation that has turned up an especially startling twist: he bequeathed his entire fortune to the outlawed Gülenist network FETÖ. Turkish authorities carried out coordinated operations in nine provinces by working together across judicial and intelligence forces, including the Financial Crimes…
Not far from Kansas City’s busy roads and urban vitality is a place so subtly alluring that it seems to stop time. The Grinter Place State Historic Site, which is situated above the Kansas River, provides visitors with an incredibly powerful opportunity to interact with history—not through glass exhibits or textbooks, but through areas that were once teeming with trade, love, life, and change. Constructed in 1857, this Georgian-style brick house has a story that reverberates with each step on its original floors. The pair at the center of Grinter Place’s history is what gives it such significance. One of…
The Anna Kündgen case has sparked a particularly strong emotional reaction across the Rhineland in recent days. On the surface, Anna’s life in the peaceful town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler appeared to be quiet and unremarkable. However, since her sudden disappearance on July 18, 2025, she has gone from being a well-known figure in a small town to the focus of a more urgent public search, inspiring thousands of people to share her story online in a last-ditch effort to find answers. The community has developed an exceptionally successful digital campaign to keep Anna’s name in the public eye by utilizing…
The atmosphere of a first date can subtly influence how the whole evening turns out. Others gravitate toward upscale dining establishments that promise formality but can come across as stiff, while others favor coffee shops for their relaxed atmosphere. Then there’s Kansas City’s Brix Modern Mexican Cuisine, which is a remarkable blend of charming and homey. Brix provides an experience that feels remarkably effective in fostering connections, laughter, and a sense of understanding, especially for anyone hoping to host a first date in a stylish and genuine manner. Brix distinguishes itself as more than just another hip restaurant by fusing…
There are some places that change the mood of an evening the minute you walk in. Green Lady Lounge effortlessly accomplishes that. This velvet-clad, jazz-steeped gem, which is tucked away along Grand Boulevard in downtown Kansas City, has long drawn music lovers, but it’s also becoming a popular choice for first dates. Not only because of the ambiance, but also because it actually cultivates an uncommon quality—unadulterated connection. You are surrounded by a timeless and cinematic atmosphere as soon as you enter the front door. A dimly lit bar illuminated by glass globes, deep red walls, and the sound of…
The Summit Street Bridge in Kansas City creates an ambiance that seems to be made for photography, framed by infrastructure and illuminated by the rhythm of red and gold tail lights. In addition to connecting highways, this modest overpass offers regular commuters a timeless and remarkably clear view of the city skyline. The view, which faces east, simultaneously displays the Kauffman Center’s contemporary curves, the ever-changing flow of I-70, and the structural elegance of Bartle Hall. The experience is both easily accessible and remarkably memorable for photographers looking to capture a genuine urban moment. You can see a vast view…