Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Tokyo ramen shop bans customers from using their phones while eating

    Tokyo ramen shop bans customers from using their phones while eating

    One noodle shop owner takes this custom so seriously that he began timing how long his customers would take to start to eat. He found that those who waited the longest amount of time to dig into their piping hot bowls of soup were usually watching videos on their phones, leading him to take matters…

  • Try Jalisco’s most well-known dish — birria stew

    Try Jalisco’s most well-known dish — birria stew

    For what most believe is the original birria, however, you need to head to a state in western Mexico called Jalisco, which is also the birthplace of such cultural treasures as tequila and mariachi. The foundation of birria tacos is red meat that’s marinated with spices and several types of chile pepper. The slow cooking process…

  • Mexican grill master shares secret to juicy steak with Eva Longoria

    Mexican grill master shares secret to juicy steak with Eva Longoria

    The signature dish of the state in northeast Mexico is carne asada, meaning “grilled meat.” The Spanish term, however, signifies more than a meal; it’s a beloved social ritual. The meat-heavy cuisine of Nuevo León reminds actor, producer and TV host Eva Longoria of the kinds of foods she ate during her childhood in Texas, which…

  • A world in three islands on the Mediterranean

    A world in three islands on the Mediterranean

    Malta itself is the biggest island in the Maltese archipelago, and many visitors see no need to leave it. No wonder – the 95-square-mile (246-square-kilometer) island ticks all the boxes for history, culture, beaches and even nightlife. Start at Valletta, the Maltese capital since 1571. It’s a city intrinsically linked with the Knights of Malta…

  • Hawa Mahal: How India’s stunning ‘palace of winds’ was ahead of its time

    Hawa Mahal: How India’s stunning ‘palace of winds’ was ahead of its time

    In the years to follow, Rajasthan’s kings continued their patronage of art and architecture – including descendant King Sawai Pratap Singh. He was a builder with an artistic side – Jaipur’s old palatial city walls feature numerous examples of his love for art. But nowhere showcases that passion quite like Hawa Mahal, which is not…

  • Inside Maldives’ only multi-island destination

    Inside Maldives’ only multi-island destination

    A private island paradise in a country that’s 99% water, famed for having some of the world’s most stunning coastal scenery? Not a tough sell for most travelers. But there are downsides. Being on a remote island can limit dining options. And opportunities to learn about Maldives’ fascinating history and the challenges it faces as…

  • Inside one of the world’s most luxurious airport transit hotels

    Inside one of the world’s most luxurious airport transit hotels

    Passengers transiting through Hamad International Airport in Qatar’s capital can choose to leave the airport and join a free tour of some of the capital’s most famous attractions, including Souq Waqif and the Golden Masjid. But others can opt to book a room at the Oryx, a Qatar Airlines-owned hotel conveniently located near the C,D, and E…

  • We’ll see what happens’: LeBron James casts doubt over NBA future after loss

    We’ll see what happens’: LeBron James casts doubt over NBA future after loss

    LeBron James began the final game of his 20th NBA season with the highest-scoring postseason half of his matchless NBA career. He ended the night by questioning how much longer he plans to chase history after his Los Angeles Lakers were swept out of the Western Conference finals. We’re committed to keeping our quality reporting open.…

  • Mark Cavendish’s longevity and breadth of success almost unique

    Mark Cavendish’s longevity and breadth of success almost unique

    The words “end of an era” should not be lightly used, but when Mark Cavendish hangs up his wheels later this season the term will apply, absolutely. The Manxman’s glittering career has lasted nigh on 20 years, if his first world title in 2005 is taken as a starting point. In bike racing, he is almost unique…

  • Vinícius Júnior and why it’s time to stop talking about the football

    Vinícius Júnior and why it’s time to stop talking about the football

    So when the standard post‑match interview began with the standard post‑match question, an enquiry as to his thoughts on another defeat, he decided that, actually, no, this wasn’t going to be standard any more. Instead, he shot back: “You want to talk about football?! Or shall we talk about the other thing? That’s more important…

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