The Plaid Zebra
The Plaid Zebra
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The Plaid Zebra is an alternative news and entertainment website for the curious and inquiring focusing on the independent lifestyle. Broadening the horizons of possible lifestyle choices.

World’s first zero-emissions passenger train is set to take off by the end of the year

Trains, busses, trucks. The’ve all got some things in common – they’re big, they’re powerful haulers, and they also tend to stink… especially busses, if you’re unlucky enough to sit next to a chain smoker. But that’s not the kind…

A lack of real world connections is turning us all into entitled douchebags

BY: NADIA ZAIDI  We know that chivalry is more or less dead. But now it seems like chivalry’s well-known cousin, manners, has followed close behind. I am really surprised by the amount of people who walk around with their heads…

Underwater Yoga is good for your mind, body, and it looks absolutely mesmerizing

BY: NADIA ZAIDI Yoga is one of the most powerful tools for relaxation and exercise. But did you know that you don’t necessarily need solid ground to do it? Aquatic yoga is the practice of doing yoga underwater. It sounds…

Backpacking chair: The perfect lightweight chair to accompany you on your travels

Given the vast range of backpacking chair styles, it can be difficult to decide what kind of chair will be most suitable for your needs. First, decide if bringing along a backpacking chair is in your best interests. If you…

7 tried and true ways to improve or maintain your romantic relationship(s)

Often, unwanted tension in relationships can be avoided, or at the very least reduced. This is not to say that conflict is the worst thing ever, in fact, it is sometimes necessary, but often enough it is easier than you…

Generosity is the key to happiness

BY BROOKLYN PINHEIRO You don’t have to quit your job and volunteer indefinitely to benefit from the power of being generous. A new study concluded that, in accordance to the popular notion, being a giving person does in fact make…

How to take amazing travel photos of yourself while solo

There’s nothing like the sinking feeling of looking through an album of old travel photos and realizing you’re not in any of them. In the moment, it’s easy to get comfortable behind the camera and justify only take pictures of gorgeous…

Scientists used a snail to prove they can successfully erase memories from the brain

Humans are fallible. We’ve all goofed up over the years in ways large and small. Who could forget, for instance, accidentally calling your teacher “Mom?” Or maybe you accidentally let slip that you know a little too much about the…

Meet the man who is increasing food quality and quantity in Africa

Few continents in the world have had quite a time of it as Africa. The proverbial cradle of humanity, the continent and its inhabitants have suffered a variety of catastrophes over the centuries, some inflicted by humans and some not.…

11 common travel scams and how to avoid them

Travel is a beautiful thing; it allows you to see the world, meet different kids of people, and expand your world view. However, for all the good Samaritans who want to help you in your journey, it seems there is always…

Giving vegetables sexy, indulgent names makes people eat healthier

It’s a war that’s been waged in a billion homes all over the world throughout history – the struggle of eating vegetables. Face it – compared to a juicy steak or a helping of fries, there are very few of…

Celebrity endorsements: stop buying the shit that famous people are selling you

Recently Kylie and Kendall Jenner were in the news for superimposing their Instagram pictures over iconic photos of Tupac and Biggie on t-shirts. Although the idea was very stupid it definitely got me thinking about why they felt they could get…

7 ways writing can make you a more tolerant and mindful person

BY: GLORIA KOPP There are so many reasons why a person may want to broaden their mind. In fact, it’s harder to think of a reason why not to try and open your mind to explore new things and constantly…

Lewis Carroll’s mysterious (and creepy) infatuation with the real Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is perhaps one of the most iconic children’s stories of all time. Whether you are most familiar with the classic 1865 novel with its detailed black and white sketches, the dark, twisted, live-action movie version with its…

10 train travel tips to help you prepare for your next rail journey

Train travel has become one of the most romanticized modes of transportation. It’s easy to dream about journeys such as the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Marrakech Express, or The Rocky Mountaineer while pouring over photos of gorgeous landscapes on Pinterest. Plus, with movies such as…

African-Albino models are redefining beauty in the west

BY: NADIA ZAIDI  Featured image of Thando Hopa courtesy of Instagram  Albinism is one of the most unrecognized and yet scorned conditions in the world. It is inherited, and occurs in all ethnic communities. Today, models like Diandra Forrest, a black-American supermodel…

How monuments perpetrate misogyny

The representation of minorities and women has gained significant traction this year. We have seen a steady increase of women (and minorities) in many media forms. We have seen women take over major box office movies and male dominated genres,…

Easy tips to help you stay fit and healthy while traveling

Staying fit and healthy while traveling, especially during long trips, involves so much more than just being active. Feeling your best on the road involves a balance of activity, rest and relaxation, eating right, and self-reflection. Here are some great…

Backpacking jobs: How to work while you travel

If you want to travel the world but can’t afford to quit working entirely, then scoring some awesome jobs while backpacking is essential. Becoming location independent is hard work, and unless you win the lottery, it is something that will take time…

Natural sleep remedies that will help you get to sleep quickly

Do you spend hours at night lying in bed waiting to fall asleep? Cause let me tell you -that ain’t fun. You might want to take the “easy” way out and purchase sleeping pills, but forget reaching for pills and try…