Historical
January: The First Month of the Year
Basics About the First Month of the Year January derives its name from Janu, the god of beginnings and transitions in Roman mythology. Janu was said to be the protector of gates, doorways, and paths, which is fitting because many of us view January as the doorway to the new year.
By Margaret Minnicksabout a month ago in FYI
The French Defense Model Won't Work for Europe
In today’s increasingly multipolar world, power doesn’t just belong to superpowers anymore. It belongs to the states that understand leverage—how to move money, influence, and security through places where sovereignty is weak and attention is scarce. As the United States, China, Europe, and Russia focus on managing their own global rivalries, a different tier of actors has stepped into the gaps.
By Lawrence Lease2 months ago in FYI
The Gift That Came Wrapped in Flesh
Christmas is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year when people rush to and fro preparing for the festive holiday. They buy gifts for family and friends. Some people spend more than they can afford just to get the right presents for those on their list.
By Margaret Minnicks2 months ago in FYI
Diving Deep into the Crisis in Venezuela
“We’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela. Large tanker. Very large. Largest one ever seized, actually.” That was Donald Trump, speaking on December 10, announcing the latest escalation in Washington’s long-running feud with Venezuela. It was vintage Trump—off-the-cuff, boastful, and ominous. But behind the theatrics was something far more serious: a renewed standoff between the United States and a country that has spent more than a decade unraveling in slow motion.
By Lawrence Lease2 months ago in FYI
Uganda’s Elections are a Critical Flashpoint. Here’s What to Know
On January 15, 2026, Uganda will hold a nationwide general election. The contest will once again pit the country’s long-serving strongman, Yoweri Museveni, against prominent opposition figure Bobi Wine, reprising their 2021 showdown. After decades of uninterrupted rule and multiple re-elections, Uganda’s opposition believes—perhaps more out of necessity than optimism—that this could finally be the year Museveni is forced from power.
By Lawrence Lease2 months ago in FYI
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" Items and Their Cost for 2025
Using various sources such as PNC Wealth Management’s “Cost of Christmas” report, market averages, and expert valuations, here’s an estimate of the cost of the gifts given from December 25 until January 5, 2025.
By Margaret Minnicks2 months ago in FYI
