Why Some Platforms Thrive and Others Don’t
An analysis of the factors that make marketplace businesses work, and what makes them fail, comparing leading examples such as AirBnB, Uber, Alibaba, and Didi.
I Almost Married a Con Man
The story of an experienced journalist’s doomed relationship with the man she called “The Commander”. She asks herself why she, someone trained to ask questions, didn’t see the warning signs.
The Mysterious Life (and Death) of Africa’s Oldest Trees
New research suggests that baobabs are dying in unprecedented number. This is the story of the ancient trees (the oldest amongst them shared the planet with Julius Caesar) and their multi-purpose usage by the people and animals who live by them (sparring partner, burial ground, gallows, super-food and more).
How Beauty Is Making Scientists Rethink Evolution
Complete with extraordinary photography, a look at the evolutionary factors leading animals to have “conspicuous, metabolically costly and physically burdensome sexual ornaments”, such as the beautiful plumage of exotic birds.
Why the richest woman in Britain changed her will 26 times
The story of Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, currently being portrayed on screen by Rachel Weisz in the awards season contender The Favourite.
The Other Side Of Paradise: How I Left A Buddhist Retreat In Handcuffs
The author writes about his experience going to a full-on meditation course where things didn’t end well for him.
Inside the Haywire World of Beirut’s Electricity Brokers
The complicated business of Beirut’s independent electricity grid.
Trump Engaged in Suspect Tax Schemes as He Reaped Riches From His Fathe
The result of months of investigative work, this story examines Donald Trump’s finances and tax arrangements in detail. In doing so, it kills off one of the key Trump myths – that he was self-made, and it suggests that the family’s approach to tax was highly creative.
The Long Shots
The story of Luvo Manyonga, a hugely gifted South African long jumper, and also a one time user of tik, a local variant of crystal methamphetamine. The story looks at his life and career and the lives of the people who saw his potential and sought to help him.