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The American Soldier Whose Fear of Fighting in Vietnam Led Him to Defect to North Korea. He Stayed There for 40 Years image

Charles Robert Jenkins, pictured here in 2004, hoped to surrender to North Korea, then seek aslyum at the Soviet Embassy and eventually make his way back to the United States via a prisoner swap. (Public domain via Wikimedia Commons)

 

The American Soldier Whose Fear of Fighting in Vietnam Led Him to Defect to North Korea. He Stayed There for 40 Years

During his time in the repressive country, Charles Robert Jenkins married a Japanese abductee, taught English at a school and appeared in propaganda films

Francine Uenuma

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TODAY IN HISTORY

On this day in 1643, Isaac Newton was born. The mathematician and physicist developed foundational ideas concerning gravity, physics and calculus—but he also had some rather eclectic ideas on alchemy and the occult.

Learn more about his lesser-known research.

PHOTO OF THE DAY
The Austfonna Ice Cap, ranked as the third largest in the world, is a breathtaking expanse nestled on Nordaustlandet Island within Norway's Svalbard archipelago. Covering an astonishing 8,000 square kilometers, this icy giant is confronting a troubling fate, primarily due to the relentless march of global warming. Its rapid thawing is a sobering contributor to the escalating threat of rising sea levels, a somber reminder of the perilous state of our planet's climate.

During my recent expedition to the Austfonna Ice Cap, I had the profound privilege of capturing a truly extraordinary moment—an image that encapsulates the very essence of its vulnerability. While I had visited this location on prior occasions, this time was uniquely disheartening. In June, the sea ice that typically guards this immense ice cap had already receded, granting us access by ship. This year, the onset of melting arrived earlier than expected, giving birth to a mesmerizing waterfall—a testament to nature's relentless transformation.

As I gazed upon the enchanting scenery, it was impossible to ignore the harsh reality that this once-mighty ice cap is steadily dwindling, and its disappearance seems inevitable within a few short years. The image I captured is a composite of 26 individual frames, meticulously stitched together to immortalize the transient beauty of this natural wonder. It serves as both a testament to the awe-inspiring grandeur of our planet and a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the pressing issue of climate change.

Austfonna Ice Cap

© THOMAS VIJAYAN

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