Picture your typical dairy cow's daily routine. According to Michigan State University, it goes something like this: grazing for 3 to 5 hours, mooing at will, resting for 12 to… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Embracing the interplay between the arts, nature, and technology, Sanaphay Rattanavong sculpts narratives through both data and human/animal-focused lenses at A-Z Animals, primarily in the realms of weather, culture, cleantech, and climate resilience. His specializations also include creativity and animal intelligence. And cats. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Bennington College and has labored for more than 10 years in the trenches of journalistic, blog, magazine, and fiction writing.
An outdoor enthusiast who also enjoys the finer things in culture, Sanaphay resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with stints in Toronto, Ontario.
Picture your typical dairy cow's daily routine. According to Michigan State University, it goes something like this: grazing for 3 to 5 hours, mooing at will, resting for 12 to… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Welcome to Honolulu, Hawaii's vibrant fusion of Edenic tropicality and urban sophistication. Set on Oahu's (or "O'ahu") southeast coast. The city resembles a mirage within a mirage: surreal natural beauty… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Amid the verdant expanses of Washington State, tales of tangible economic vitality reverberate. Not from scrums of tech hubs or animated beg-to-differs of cafes, but from the rhythmic rows of… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Imagine a sprawling estate agleam with 11,841 square feet of living space. But it's not in the opulent neighborhoods of Beverly Hills or the scenic coasts of the Mediterranean, but… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Choosing a name for your feline companion is a delightful task, a chance to tap into your creativity, your interests, and even your sense of humor. This guide will assist… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Modern Chinese luminaries like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are well-known for their skyrocketing growth. Yet, not all cities march to the same beat. Some lesser-known cities—Hefei, Yangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu,… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Found in all the oceans of the world, the dolphin, an iconic symbol of oceanic grace, harbors an array of behaviors and experiences that stretch far beyond its playful leaps… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Stand atop a peak and let your eyes sweep across Ontario's rugged beauty. This land is rich with lakes and forests, but some points stand out—literally. But the most populous… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Even for those used to saying the word “Fahrenheit,” to spelling it is a different matter. But beyond the studious study of vocabulary, there’s also the placing of geography: that… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Kilmore, a small Victorian town with a population of around 8,000, isn't just the oldest town in the state, it also predates Australia as a nation by 60 years. When… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Why are cows revered in India? A simple question, yet one that leads us down labyrinthine and brambly trails of religious, cultural, and even ecological complexities. This isn't just a… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Ah, the joy of welcoming a new loving canine into your life! There's a special kind of magic in the air when you bring home a black and white dog.… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 6 months ago
Sister cities are dynamic and evolving relationships that forge meaningful connections across cultures, economies, and societies. President Dwight Eisenhower initiated the Sister Cities program in 1956. The program saw itself… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
October in New England is a month traditionally adorned with golden leaves, pumpkin patches, and anticipation of Halloween festivities. Yet, in 2011, Massachusetts found itself in the grip of a… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Denver, the Mile High City, is surrounded by the Colorado Rockies. From its perch, it serves as the state’s capital, and is currently its largest city. With a seamless blend… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Since the days of the Egyptian pharaohs, if not even earlier, cats have been and continue to be enigmatic creatures that captivate our hearts and homes. They often leave us… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Imagine a sun that never sets over a nation. Its light reaching far beyond the mainland, illuminating distant lands across the globe. This poetic tropic is a reality for France.… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Canada is making its mark in the renewable energy arena—by setting down sustainable solar stakes, so to speak, in order to build largescale solar farms. As of January 2023, Canada… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
In the annals of Canadian weather history, few events stand out as prominently as the October Nova Scotia Snowstorm of 1974. This unforgettable blizzard sticks to the minds of Canadians… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Minnesotans of a certain age can’t stop talking about the Halloween Blizzard of 1991. Too young to be anywhere when President Kennedy was assassinated (November) and finding 9/11 (September) a… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Sydney, the current and future biggest and capital city of New South Wales (NSW), teems with life at every corner. The Sydney Opera House and the grand Sydney Harbour Bridge… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
In the stunning ecosystem of the Salish Sea, a strange behavior among Southern Resident killer whales has long mystified scientists. The Salish Sea includes the Puget Sound, the San Juan… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Venice, Italy, that enigma of human ingenuity and resilience, is often called "The Floating City." This city built on water is comprised of 118 small islands interlinked by an intricate… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
When you think of Delaware, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's the fact that it's the second smallest state in the US or that it was the first to join… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Alaska is a state of contrasts. With a significant GDP of roughly $49.63 billion as of 2022, largely due to its natural resources, particularly its oil reserves. However, despite this… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Imagine being a part of a 29-man fishing crew held captive by Somali pirates in international waters. With no governmental or insurance backing, life hangs by a thread no one… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria in Australia, is not only the state’s largest, but also the country’s fastest growing. It’s a city that defies easy categorization.… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
The crisp air of autumn in New Jersey finds its red-hued counterparts dangling from tears across its many orchards and farms. The Garden State is not just about its shorelines… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province, is a land of breathtaking contrasts. From the rugged Rockies to the lush rainforests of the coast, the region is a celebration of natural diversity.… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Australia is a nation of striking contrasts, stunning landscapes, and a diverse mix of cultures. The sixth largest country globally by land area, it’s the only one to claim an… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
What can a simple piece of cloth bearing a distinct design convey about the identity, aspirations, and conflicts of a nation? Flags are powerful symbols that can either unite people… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Cradled in the verdant surroundings of Minneapolis, Minnesota’s historic Minnehaha Park, the stunning Minnehaha Falls drops a breathtaking 53 feet. Part of Minnehaha Creek, the falls have captivated artists, photographers,… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Dinosaurs have long captured our imaginations and ignited a sense of awe and wonder in young and old alike. While the Tyrannosaurus rex and the Velociraptor often hog the spotlight,… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
In a world grappling with the impacts of climate change, Metro Vancouver stands both out and in. That is, it sits at North America's geological edge, as well as the… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Forget the idea of a singular, unbroken path—Montana's Continental Divide Trail (CDT) defies expectations with its intricate labyrinth of 800 miles within the state's borders. Part of the larger 3,100-mile… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
As if setting the tone for all Chinatowns to come, the world’s oldest Chinatown has long been a food haven. And all signs point to it remaining so. So let… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
From the majestic shores of Lake Michigan to historic neighborhoods like Bronzeville and Wicker Park, the largest city in the state of Illinois, Chicago, is set to change. Before it… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Imagine a path that stretches as far as the eye can see. It winds through sweeping deserts, scaling jagged mountain ranges, and twisting through lush forests. This is but a… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
What happens to old gravel quarries once mining activities cease? In some cases, they transform into stunning lakes, drawing both wildlife and recreational visitors. That's precisely the transformation that unfolded… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
The quest to understand the enigmatic realm of animal intelligence and self-awareness has captivated scientists, animal enthusiasts, and philosophers alike. Here, we set our sights for the great expanses of… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Have you ever felt like a square peg in a round hole? How about a "fish out of water"? If so, then you've tapped into the universal sentiment that this… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Take a time-travelling trek across Europe's seven oldest capitals, each a living palimpsest of ancient glory and modern vigor. From Athens' time-worn ruins to Lisbon's bustling streets, and from Nicosia's… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Rivers are the veins of Earth through which nourishment flows—to both the natural and human worlds. They cradle vibrant ecosystems and sculpt our landscapes. They are the living henges we… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 7 months ago
Widely recognized as the "Venice of the North,” Amsterdam is a city where historical grandeur and modern practicality effortlessly intertwine. The capital of the Netherlands, the city is one of… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 8 months ago
Introduction Cats are mysterious creatures. They might snooze for most of the day, only to become little bundles of energy as they chase after a rolling toy. Or wake the… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 8 months ago
Majestic stone lions frozen in fierce expressions. Elaborate arches detailed with deep and intricate carvings. Ancient towers stretching toward the heavens. All of this resting silent and submerged in the… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 8 months ago
The geopolitical linchpin that is Saudi Arabia looms large not just in its own neighborhood, but also across the world writ large. Located in the heart of the Middle East… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 8 months ago
Florida’s shipwrecks carry a trove of historical and scientific insights. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that about 10,000 wrecks dot US waters, some resting untouched for centuries.… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 8 months ago
Autumn is a season often characterized by vibrant leaves, pumpkin-spiced lattes, and cooler, more comfortable weather. But while September brings about these welcomed transitions for much of the US, several… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 8 months ago
Not every flower has to brighten up the room. There are flowers that say sad more than sunny. Of course, no flower is inherently sad. None inherently means anything. Instead,… Read More
By Sanaphay Rattanavong 8 months ago