Compasses at the ready, we’re going on an adventure. | Screenshot via LatLon Connect
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you walked in a straight line around the world from Greenville? Wonder no longer, wanderer.
Let us introduce you to LatLon Connect, an online tool that allows users to explore cities across the world that share the same latitude and longitude.
Follow the blue lines in any direction to see which other cities are highlighted. Those are the ones directly in line with your original destination.
Bonus: The settings button at the top of the screen allows users to tweak the results, meaning you can look for cities with smaller or greater populations, and you can expand the buffer distance — altering the number of cities that will show up.
Do you recognize this place? It sits on the same longitude as Greenville. | Photo via Canva
Here’s what we found
In our search, we stuck with the default settings, looking for places with 100,000+ people with a buffer zone of 6.21 miles (that’s 10 kilometers).
Dozens of results popped up in our search, with the most populated city lying directly to the south: Cuba’s capital of Havana, pictured above. That building in the background is the National Capitol of Cuba, which bears a resemblance to the Capitol building in Washington, DC.
And the largest US city Greenville is aligned with? Tampa, Florida (hey, TBAYtoday). We won’t spoil which other cities we found. Explore for yourself.
For more info on Greenville’s international connections, we threw together a guide featuring one of our sister cities — Bergamo, Italy.
This could be your cue to plan a Labor Day getaway. The average cost of domestic round trip flights is 6% lower this year than it was last Labor Day weekend, averaging $720. Next stop, get familiar with Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport before booking your trip. (AAA)
Ranked
No. 15. That’s where Greenville’s Wade Hampton High School just ranked in a report of the nation’s best high schools. For South Carolina, 230 schools were ranked using metrics like academic performance and college preparation. Consider yourself a top student? Prove it on our games site. (US News & World Report)
The Word
Can you pronounce “Chechessee?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. That’s the hardest place to pronounce in all of South Carolina, according to a new study by Preply. Around Greenville, our place names are typically easier to say, and have plenty of history behind them.
Stat
54%. That’s the percentage of Americans who say they consume alcohol — the lowest number recorded since tracking began in 1939. If you’re part of the 46% taking a break from booze (but still want a delicious drink), peruse our list of Greenville’s alcohol-free sips.
Pets
Forget Whiskers and Mittens — Charlie is the most popular cat name in South Carolina, according to a new study. Have a better moniker in mind for a feline friend? Meet adoptable cats at the Greenville Humane Society who still need a name — and a home. (Newsweek)
Kids
Calling all Noahs — it’s your time to shine. This name ranked as South Carolina’s most popular for babies born last year, with names Liam, William, James, and Charlotte rounding out the top five. No matter the name of the little munchkin — or munchkins — in your life, good thing Indy is chock full of kid-friendly activities.
Trending
Been singing “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” all summer? A sing-along version of the hit Netflix movie is coming to theaters this Saturday, Aug. 23 + Sunday, Aug. 24. Check out locations and showtimes near you — and get it all out, once and for all.
We already knew Furman’s campus is among the most beautiful schools in the world. Now, it’s in writing.
A new ranking of the planet’s most stunning university campuses placed Furman No. 13. “The view of the Florentine Bell Tower cannot be missed,” wrote the report. And we’d just like to say — that’s one spot higher than the UK’s prestigious University of Cambridge. Go Paladins.
A dog puzzle toy rated 4.5 stars. Treat your dog to a toy that actually stimulates them, challenging them to problem solve and explore while they sniff out treats. Bonus: Adjust this one toy from beginner to advanced, so dogs can ease in and improve without buying multiple puzzles.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.”
While I may have taken that quote from an animated movie about a kung fu-fighting panda, it serves as an excellent reminder to try and appreciate the here and now. So, I challenge you to do something for yourself this weekend. Take a stroll through a park you haven’t been to yet, go to that restaurant you’ve been too busy for, ortake a moment to slow down and smell the roses. The possibilities are endless.
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