The copyright status of Superman outside the United States is a complex issue due to differing international copyright laws and the Berne Convention, which regulates intellectual property protections across multiple countries. Here are the key issues:

Copyright Expiration in Different Countries

Superman was created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, first appearing in Action Comics #1.

Under U.S. copyright law, Superman is still under copyright protection due to extensions provided by the Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA) (also known as the Sonny Bono Act).

However, in some countries, copyright duration is shorter, meaning Superman could enter the public domain sooner outside the U.S..

Countries Where Copyright May Expire Sooner:

In many nations following “Life + 50 years” copyright laws (such as Canada, New Zealand, and some African nations), works enter the public domain 50 years after the author’s death.

Joe Shuster (co-creator of Superman) died in 1992, and Jerry Siegel died in 1996.

Superman could become public domain in Canada, which follows Life + 50 years in 2043.

In Mexico and most of the European Union, which follow Life + 70 years, Superman could become public domain in 2066.

Differences in U.S. and International Copyright Law

The U.S. has specific laws extending copyrights for corporate-owned characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Superman.

The Berne Convention (an international copyright agreement) ensures that works are protected based on each country’s local copyright term.

In some countries, the earliest Superman stories may enter the public domain sooner than in the U.S., but newer adaptations and trademarks remain protected.

Trademarks vs. Copyright

Even if Superman comics enter the public domain, Warner Bros./DC Comics still owns the trademark to the Superman name, logo, and distinctive visual appearance.

Even if a country no longer protects early Superman stories, new works using the Superman brand could still violate trademarks.

Disney has used similar trademark strategies with Mickey Mouse to prevent public use of the character despite copyright expirations.

The Public Domain Debate

Legal scholars and public domain advocates argue that corporate copyright extensions unfairly keep iconic characters under control longer than initially intended.

Some nations may not enforce DC’s copyright extensions if they believe Superman should already be in the public domain under their local laws.

This debate could result in legal battles in different jurisdictions over whether Superman’s early works can be freely used.

The Magnetic North pole of Earth has been moving for centuries. Its movement is caused by the complex motion of molten iron and nickel within the Earth's outer core, which generates the magnetic field.

How Fast Is Magnetic North Moving?

Historically, magnetic north has drifted slowly, at about 10–15 km (6–9 miles) per year.

However, its movement has accelerated significantly since the 1990s, shifting at approximately 50–60 km (30–37 miles) per year.

As of recent measurements, magnetic north is moving from Canada toward Russia, specifically toward Siberia.

Why Is Magnetic North Moving?

The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten metals in the outer core (a process called the geodynamo).

Changes in this flow alter the distribution of magnetic forces, causing the north magnetic pole to shift unpredictably.

Scientists believe the current acceleration is due to a high-speed jet of liquid iron beneath Canada, which has weakened part of the field, allowing the pole to drift toward Russia.

Impact of Magnetic North’s Movement

Navigation Systems:

Magnetic compasses rely on magnetic north so that rapid shifts can affect air, sea, and land navigation.

The World Magnetic Model (WMM), which is used in GPS and navigation systems, must be updated more frequently.

Airports periodically rename runways based on shifting magnetic headings.

Aviation and Military Operations:

Pilots, especially those flying in polar regions, must adjust their navigation based on the changing pole position.

The U.S. and other militaries track these changes to maintain accurate missile and satellite navigation.

Potential Link to a Pole Reversal?

Scientists have speculated whether the Earth is heading toward a magnetic pole reversal (where north and south magnetic poles swap places).

Magnetic reversals have occurred several times in Earth's history but take thousands of years to complete.

There is no immediate evidence that a complete reversal is happening soon.

A History of the Roman Ruins in Palmyra, Syria, and Their Destruction

Ancient Origins of Palmyra

Palmyra, located in modern-day Syria, was one of the most important cities of the ancient world. The "Pearl of the Desert" was a crucial trading hub linking the Roman Empire to Persia, India, and China along the Silk Road. The city dates back to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, but it rose to prominence during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Palmyra became part of the Roman Empire in 64 BCE when Rome annexed Syria. By the 1st century CE, it had grown into a wealthy and cosmopolitan city, thanks to its role as a trade center between the East and the Mediterranean.The Roman Golden Age (1st–3rd Century CE)

During the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, Palmyra flourished under Roman rule. The city blended Roman, Persian, and local influences, creating a unique cultural and architectural style. Some of its most famous structures from this period include:

1. The Temple of Bel (32 CE) was one of the most important religious buildings in the Roman world. It was dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel.

2. The Great Colonnade – A nearly 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long monumental street lined with towering Corinthian columns.

3. The Roman Theater – A well-preserved semi-circular structure used for performances and public events.

4. The Tetrapylon – A grand monument marking the intersection of Palmyra’s main roads.

5. Funerary Towers and Tombs – Elaborate sandstone burial monuments showcasing the city's prosperity.

In the 3rd century CE, Queen Zenobia of Palmyra briefly led a rebellion against Rome, establishing the Palmyrene Empire (c. 270–272 CE). However, her rule was short-lived, as Roman Emperor Aurelian crushed the rebellion in 272 CE, bringing Palmyra back under Roman control.

Decline and Abandonment

Palmyra's importance declined after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of Islamic rule in the 7th century CE. It was largely abandoned by the medieval period, though it remained a site of historical interest.

By the 19th and 20th centuries, archaeologists uncovered and restored much of Palmyra’s ruins, making it one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Destruction by ISIS (2015–2017)

In 2015, during the Syrian Civil War, the Islamic State (ISIS) captured Palmyra and deliberately destroyed many of its ancient monuments, considering them idolatrous.

Among the worst acts of destruction:

• The Temple of Bel was dynamited in August 2015.

• The Temple of Baalshamin was blown up in August 2015.

• The Roman Theater – Partially destroyed and used for executions.

• The Tetrapylon – Heavily damaged.

• Several Tower Tombs were reduced to rubble.

ISIS also executed Khaled al-Asaad, an 82-year-old Syrian archaeologist who had overseen Palmyra's preservation for decades.

Changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America would be a highly complex process involving legal, diplomatic, geographic, and cultural considerations. Here's an overview of the factors at play:

Geographic Naming Authorities

U.S. Domestic Process:

In the United States, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) oversees the naming of geographic features within U.S. territory and ensures consistency in naming conventions.

While the BGN can change names domestically, its decisions typically apply only to names used in the United States and on U.S. maps.

International Standards:

Internationally, geographic names are standardized by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) and recognized by global cartographic authorities.

The name "Gulf of Mexico" is internationally recognized, making a unilateral name change by the U.S. unlikely to gain widespread adoption.

The name "Gulf of Mexico" has been in use since at least the early 16th century, making it deeply embedded in historical and cultural records.

Treaties and international agreements referencing the Gulf of Mexico might need renegotiation or clarification to reflect the new name.

The logistical costs of changing maps, signage, and legal documents would be substantial.

Precedents for Name Changes

Similar changes have occurred historically, but they are rare:

Indian Ocean vs. Arabian Sea Debate: Ongoing disputes exist over names of international waters.

Persian Gulf vs. Arabian Gulf: The name "Persian Gulf" has been contested by some Arab states advocating for "Arabian Gulf," but it remains internationally recognized as the Persian Gulf.

DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup that has recently garnered significant attention for its rapid advancements in AI technology. Founded in Hangzhou, DeepSeek has developed a series of open-source large language models (LLMs) that have demonstrated impressive performance in various benchmarks.

Key Developments:

• DeepSeek-R1: Launched in November 2024, this model focuses on logical inference, mathematical reasoning, and real-time problem-solving. It has been reported to outperform industry leaders in specific benchmarks, achieving high accuracy in mathematical problem-solving and programming tasks.

• DeepSeek-V3: Released in December 2024, DeepSeek-V3 is a mixture-of-experts model with 671 billion parameters. It was trained over approximately 55 days at a cost of around $5.58 million, significantly lower than the expenditures of competitors like OpenAI. Benchmark tests indicate that DeepSeek-V3 outperforms models such as Llama 3.1 and Qwen 2.5 while matching the performance of GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet.

Market Impact:

The emergence of DeepSeek has had a notable impact on global tech markets. On January 27, 2025, major U.S. tech stocks, including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Tesla, experienced significant declines, potentially losing up to $1 trillion in value.

This downturn was attributed to DeepSeek's development of a competitive large-language model at a fraction of the usual cost and without reliance on advanced Nvidia chips. Following the news, Nvidia's stock fell by nearly 13%.

Technological Approach:

DeepSeek's models are notable for their cost-effective development and efficiency. The company has utilized approximately 2,000 Nvidia H800 chips, which comply with U.S. export controls, to create its models efficiently. This approach challenges the prevailing high-cost AI development models and suggests a potential paradigm shift in the industry.

Controversies:

Despite its technological achievements, DeepSeek has faced criticism for producing responses that align closely with Chinese state-sanctioned views, particularly on sensitive political topics such as human rights and Taiwan. This has raised concerns about censorship and the influence of state narratives in AI outputs.

The National Football League (NFL) and its teams have historically benefited from various tax breaks and public subsidies, particularly in the construction and renovation of stadiums. These financial advantages often come through direct public funding, tax-exempt municipal bonds, and other incentives provided by state and local governments.

Notable Examples of Tax Breaks and Public Subsidies:

Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium):

Public Funding: In 2022, the Buffalo Bills secured a deal for a new stadium with a total cost of $1.4 billion. New York State will fund $600 million, and Erie County will contribute $250 million, for a total of $850 million in public contributions.

Controversy: This deal has faced criticism, especially after the team's valuation increased significantly, leading to debates about the appropriateness of such substantial public investment.

Minnesota Vikings (U.S. Bank Stadium):

Public Funding: Completed in 2016, U.S. Bank Stadium cost $1.1 billion to build, with approximately $498 million funded by public sources, including the state of Minnesota and the city of Minneapolis.

Atlanta Falcons (Mercedes-Benz Stadium):

Public Funding: The stadium, which opened in 2017, cost around $1.6 billion to build. $700 million was financed through tax-exempt bonds and other public funds.

Las Vegas Raiders (Allegiant Stadium):

Public Funding: The Raiders' move to Las Vegas involved the construction of Allegiant Stadium, costing $1.9 billion, with $750 million funded by public money, primarily through hotel tax revenues in Clark County, Nevada.
Tax Strategies Employed by Team Owners:

Beyond stadium subsidies, NFL team owners often utilize tax strategies to minimize their tax liabilities:

• Depreciation of Assets: Owners can depreciate the value of player contracts and other assets over time, allowing them to claim significant deductions. This practice enables owners to report substantial losses on paper, offsetting other income and reducing overall tax burdens.

• Opportunity Zones: Some NFL teams have stadiums in designated "opportunity zones," created to spur investment in economically distressed areas. Investments in these zones can offer tax incentives, including deferrals and exclusions of capital gains.

Thieves have stolen several key artifacts from an exhibition of gold from the ancient kingdom of Dacia at the Drents Museum in Assen, after setting of explosives outside the building.

Among the stolen items is the golden helmet of Cotofenesti, crafted from almost pure gold and dating from 500 BC, along with three gold arm bands

.The heist occurred early Saturday morning, around 3:45 in the morning, when an explosion shattered windows and caused damage to the museum buildings.

Police say several people were involved in what appears to have been a meticulously planned operation.

According to the Telegraaf, the thieves were in and out within three minutes.

Interpol has now been called in to assist with the investigation.

Security footage captured several suspects in action, and a burned-out car, believed to have been used by the thieves, was discovered roughly 30 minutes after the explosion.

The police are appealing for eyewitnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Museum chief Harry Tupan said it is a dark day for both the Assen Museum and the National History Museum in Bucharest, which had lent the pieces to the exhibition.

“Nothing like this has ever happened in our 170 year history,” he said in a statement.Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu, the Romanian museum director, said that he hopes the items will be brought back safely.

“That is my only hope,” he told broadcaster NOS. “They are so important it will be impossible to sell them.”

The exhibition, Dacia – Realm of Gold and Silver, featured more than 50 artifacts from the pre-Roman kingdom and was set to close on Sunday.

An Israeli startup named FireDome has developed an innovative wildfire defense system inspired by the country's renowned Iron Dome missile defense technology. 

Established in 2024 by CEO Gadi Benjamini and Dr. Adi Naor Pomerantz, FireDome aims to enhance firefighting capabilities by rapidly responding to wildfires.

Key Features of the FireDome System:

Autonomous Operation: The system is designed to function autonomously, detecting and responding to wildfires without direct human intervention.

Eco-Friendly Fire Retardant: FireDome utilizes capsules filled with environmentally friendly fire retardant. These capsules are launched to create protective barriers against approaching fires.

AI-Powered Detection: The system leverages artificial intelligence to detect spot fires caused by wind-blown embers and suppresses them promptly, preventing the spread of wildfires.

Mechanical Launchers: The system employs mechanical launchers that project the fire-retardant capsules to distances of about a quarter mile, allowing for rapid deployment over large areas.

Deployment Plans:

Initial Testing in Israel: FireDome plans to conduct its first system tests in Israel around May 2025. The tests will focus on areas prone to wildfires, such as the forests near Jerusalem and the Carmel region.

Expansion to the United States: In 2026, the company aims to initiate pilot programs in the United States, particularly in wildfire-prone regions like Los Angeles and San Francisco. By integrating advanced defense strategies with artificial intelligence, FireDome seeks to provide a proactive solution to the growing threat of wildfires, enhancing the capabilities of traditional firefighting methods.

For a visual overview of FireDome's technology and its potential applications, you can watch the following video:

Attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos entails significant costs, primarily due to its exclusive, invitation-only nature. Here's a breakdown of the expenses:

Membership Fees:

Organizations typically need to be members of the WEF to receive an invitation. Membership fees vary based on the level of engagement:

Industry Partner: Approximately $263,000 annually.

Strategic Partner: Around $527,000 annually.

These fees grant organizations the opportunity to participate in WEF activities and events.

Annual Meeting Participation:

Once a member, attending the Davos meeting incurs additional costs:

Admission Fee: Approximately $19,000 per person.

Additional Expenses:

Accommodation and Logistics: Davos experiences a surge in demand during the forum, leading to high accommodation costs. 

For instance, reports indicate that simple items like hot dogs can cost around $43, reflecting the overall high-expense and ripoff environment during the event.

Golf is Trump’s most prominent leisure activity, and he plays regularly.

He owns a global portfolio of golf courses, including:

Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster (New Jersey).

Trump National Doral (Florida).

Trump Turnberry (Scotland).

Spectator Sports:

Trump is a longtime sports fan:

Football: He attempted to purchase the Buffalo Bills in 2014 and previously owned the New Jersey Generals, a team in the now-defunct United States Football League (USFL).

Boxing: Trump Plaza in Atlantic City hosted many high-profile boxing matches, including Mike Tyson fights.

During his presidency, he attended several major sports events, such as the Daytona 500 and college football championships.

Television and Media:

As a former reality TV host of “The Apprentice,” Trump maintained a strong connection to television and media.

He watched hours of TV news daily, often tweeting about current events in real time.

Dining and Entertaining:

Trump is known for his love of fast food, including McDonald’s, KFC, and Diet Coke.

Several U.S. presidents have signed significant and noteworthy documents upon assuming office. These actions are often intended to set the tone for their administrations and address pressing national or global issues. Here are some notable examples:

George Washington (1789)

• Inaugural Proclamation:

  • Washington issued a proclamation calling for a national day of prayer and thanksgiving to mark the birth of the new government under the Constitution.

  • This act symbolized his commitment to unity and the moral foundation of the nation.

Abraham Lincoln (1861)

• Call to Fortify Federal Installations:

  • Though not technically signed on Inauguration Day, Lincoln immediately faced the secession crisis.

  • His early orders strengthened federal positions, signaling his resolve to preserve the Union.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933)

• Emergency Banking Act:

  • In his first days in office, during the Great Depression, FDR signed this critical legislation to stabilize the banking system.

  • This followed his Inaugural Address, where he famously declared, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Harry S. Truman (1945)

• End of World War II Planning:

  • Truman assumed office after the sudden death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He immediately signed documents related to the ongoing war effort and the post-war reconstruction.

John F. Kennedy (1961)

• Executive Orders on Civil Rights:

  • Early in his presidency, Kennedy signed executive orders establishing the President’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.

  • While not signed on his first day, these actions reflected themes from his inaugural address emphasizing civil rights and service.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963)

• Proclamation Following Kennedy’s Assassination:

  • Hours after JFK’s assassination, Johnson signed a proclamation designating a national day of mourning and reaffirming the continuity of government.

Ronald Reagan (1981)

• Inaugural Proclamation:

  • Reagan signed an inaugural proclamation, starting the tradition of signing documents in the President’s Room at the Capitol immediately after the oath of office.

  • This act symbolized his focus on tradition and ceremonial aspects of governance.

Barack Obama (2009)

• Executive Orders on Ethics and Transparency:

  • On his first full day in office, Obama signed executive orders focused on ethics rules for government employees and transparency in federal agencies.

  • These actions reflected his campaign promises of reform and accountability.

Donald Trump (2017)

• Executive Order on the Affordable Care Act:

  • On his first day, Trump signed an order aimed at minimizing the financial burden of the Affordable Care Act, signaling his administration’s intention to repeal and replace it.

Joe Biden (2021)

• Series of Executive Orders:

  • On Inauguration Day, Biden signed 17 executive actions addressing pressing issues, including:

    • Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement.

    • Ending the travel ban on several majority-Muslim countries.

    • Instituting a mask mandate on federal property to combat COVID-19.

TikTok's technology is built on a sophisticated blend of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and video processing capabilities, distinguishing it from other platforms in functionality and user experience. Here's an overview of the key technologies behind TikTok and how they set it apart:

AI-Powered Recommendation Algorithm

Key Features:

TikTok's For You Page (FYP) relies on a highly advanced AI algorithm to deliver personalized video recommendations.

The algorithm evaluates:

User Interaction: Likes, shares, comments, watch time, and skips.

Video Metadata: Captions, hashtags, and audio tracks.

Device and Account Settings: Language preferences, location, and device type.

TikTok's algorithm quickly adapts to subtle changes in user behavior, creating a highly immersive experience.

Unlike many platforms that rely on friend or follower networks, TikTok surfaces content from anyone, creating a more serendipitous browsing experience.

Many effects, such as facial recognition and AR overlays, use real-time processing to provide instant feedback as users record.

Music and sound are central to TikTok’s appeal. The app has a massive library of licensed tracks and user-generated audio.

Audio-syncing capabilities automatically align videos with beats or lyrics.

TikTok emphasizes audio-driven trends, enabling users to participate in viral challenges or memes.

TikTok uses natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision to analyze both

TikTok’s focus is on a content graph rather than a social graph:

A social graph links users based on friendships or followers.

A content graph links users based on shared interests and behaviors.

TikTok surfaces content from across the platform, regardless of whether users are connected, breaking the echo chamber of typical social networks.

Katz's Delicatessen is one of New York City's most iconic eateries, with a rich history that reflects the cultural and culinary evolution of the city's Lower East Side.

Year Established: 1888

Katz's began as a small deli opened by the Iceland brothers on Ludlow Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, a hub for Jewish immigrants at the time.

In 1903, Willy Katz joined the business, and the name was changed to Iceland & Katz.

By 1910, Willy’s cousin Benny Katz joined, and the business relocated to its current location at 205 East Houston Street, adopting the name Katz’s Delicatessen.

World War II and the Famous Slogan

During World War II, Katz’s Delicatessen became known for its slogan, “Send a salami to your boy in the Army.”

This originated as a campaign to support soldiers overseas, with Katz’s shipping salamis to servicemen.

Katz’s is renowned for its hand-carved pastrami and corned beef, made using traditional methods that take up to 30 days of curing, ensuring authenticity and flavor.

Kosher-Style, Not Strictly Kosher:

While Katz's serves traditional Jewish deli food, it is not certified kosher and operates on Saturdays.

Katz’s has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, most famously in the 1989 movie “When Harry Met Sally,” where the legendary “I’ll have what she’s having” scene was filmed.

In 2013, Katz’s sold its air rights to developers but retained its ground-floor space, securing its future at the historic location.

• Pastrami on Rye: Arguably the most famous dish, piled high with hand-carved pastrami.

• Corned Beef Sandwich: Another deli classic, known for its tender, flavorful meat.

• Matzo Ball Soup: favorite.

• Pickles:

The uneven ratio in prisoner exchanges, where Israel releases more detainees than the number of hostages Hamas returns, is often due to several key factors:

Hostage Value:

Hostages held by Hamas, especially civilians or soldiers, are viewed as highly valuable bargaining chips. Their return is prioritized due to intense public and political pressure in Israel.

Asymmetry in Prisoner Profiles:

Many of the individuals Israel detains are accused or convicted of crimes related to terrorism or violence, but they often outnumber hostages captured by Hamas.

The exchange reflects this imbalance, as Hamas demands a higher number of detainees to justify releasing a smaller group of hostages.

Public Opinion and Humanitarian Concerns:

Israel faces significant domestic and international pressure to secure the return of its citizens, regardless of the cost. This humanitarian emphasis often leads to concessions favoring Hamas's terms.

Many Israelis support these exchanges due to the Jewish cultural and religious emphasis on the value of life (the principle of pikuach nefesh, saving a life). Families of hostages often lead campaigns for their loved ones' return, regardless of the terms.

There is significant public and political criticism of the imbalance. Critics argue that releasing large numbers of convicted criminals, including individuals involved in deadly attacks, poses a security risk and incentivizes future hostage-taking by groups like Hamas.

Examples of Debate:

The 2011 exchange of over 1,000 prisoners for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit sparked extensive debate. Some argued it was necessary to fulfill Israel’s commitment to its citizens, while others viewed it as undermining deterrence.

In 2025, the United States has experienced a significant surge in egg prices, primarily due to the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. This outbreak has led to substantial losses in poultry populations, severely impacting egg production and supply.

Impact on Egg Prices:

• National Average: As of December 2024, the average price for a dozen eggs reached $4.15, marking a 65% increase from the previous year.

• Regional Variations: In certain areas, prices have escalated even further. For instance, in California, the average price for a dozen eggs has approached $9, reflecting a 70% increase from the prior year.

Contributing Factors:

• Avian Influenza Outbreak: The HPAI outbreak has been devastating, with over 130 million birds affected across all 50 states since its onset in 2022. This has led to a significant reduction in egg-laying hens, thereby decreasing egg production.

• Supply Chain Disruptions: The loss of millions of egg-laying chickens has strained the supply chain, leading to shortages and, consequently, higher prices.

• Increased Demand: Seasonal factors, such as the holiday baking season, have heightened demand for eggs, further exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance.

Identifying the top-performing U.S. stocks over the past 24 months reveals significant gains, particularly in the technology and energy sectors.

Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR)
 Specializes in data analytics software, primarily for government agencies and large corporations. Achieved a remarkable return of approximately 829.6% over the past 24 months. 

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)
A leading designer of graphics processing units (GPUs) and system-on-a-chip units (SoCs) for gaming, professional visualization, data centers, and automotive markets. Recorded a substantial return of about 688.9% in the same period.

Platforms Inc. (META)
Formerly known as Facebook, it focuses on building social media platforms and applications. Experienced a significant return of approximately 348.4% over the past 24 months.

Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)
Designs, develops, and supplies a broad range of semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions. Achieved a return of around 306.2% during this period.

Arista Networks Inc. (ANET)
Provides cloud networking solutions for data centers and campus environments. Recorded a return of about 292.0% over the past 24 months.

Super Micro Computer Inc. (SMCI)
Develops and provides high-performance and high-efficiency server technology solutions. Experienced a return of approximately 285.9% in the same timeframe.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL)
Operates as a global cruise vacation company. Achieved a return of around 259.2% over the past 24 months.

CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. (CRWD)
Provides cloud-delivered solutions for endpoint and cloud workload protection. Recorded a return of about 240.1% during this period.

The first Cabinet nominee to be rejected by the U.S. Senate was Roger B. Taney, nominated by President Andrew Jackson to serve as Secretary of the Treasury in 1834.

Roger B. Taney:

Taney had been a close ally of President Jackson and served as the acting Secretary of the Treasury in 1833.

He supported Jackson's controversial decision to remove federal deposits from the Second Bank of the United States, which sparked fierce political opposition.

The Controversy:

Jackson's decision to dismantle the Bank of the United States was highly polarizing, and Taney's role in removing federal funds made him a target of critics, particularly in the Senate.

The Senate, led by Jackson's opponents, including members of the Whig Party like Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, viewed Taney as complicit in what they considered an abuse of presidential power.

The Rejection

In 1834, Jackson formally nominated Taney to permanently serve as Secretary of the Treasury.

The Senate, controlled by Jackson's political opponents, rejected the nomination, making Taney the first Cabinet nominee in U.S. history to be denied confirmation.

Aftermath

Supreme Court Appointment:

Despite his rejection, Taney remained a trusted advisor to Jackson. In 1836, after the death of John Marshall, Jackson nominated Taney to serve as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

This time, Taney was confirmed by a closely divided Senate, and he served as Chief Justice until he died in 1864.

Ship Traffic in the Panama Canal

Annual Transits: The canal accommodates about 12,000–14,000 ships annually, depending on trade fluctuations. This equates to 35–40 ships daily on average.

Cargo Volume: The canal handles over 500 million tons of cargo annually (measured in Panama Canal Universal Measurement System or PC/UMS tons).

Container Ships: Account for the largest share of canal traffic.

Dry Bulk Carriers, Tankers, and LNG Vessels: Significant contributors to the overall cargo.

Passenger Ships: Cruise ships also transit, though they represent a smaller portion of traffic.

Major Changes Over the Last 25 Years

Panama Canal Expansion (2007–2016):

A $5.25 billion expansion project, known as the Panama Canal Expansion Project or Third Set of Locks, was completed in 2016.

New Locks Added:

Cocolí Locks on the Pacific side.

Agua Clara Locks on the Atlantic side.

Larger Ships Allowed: The expansion accommodates Neo-Panamax ships, which are up to 366 meters (1,200 feet) long, 49 meters (160 feet) wide, and with a draft of 15 meters (49 feet), significantly larger than the original Panamax limit.

Impact: Boosted global trade capacity, particularly for larger container ships, LNG carriers, and bulk carriers.

Increased LNG and LPG Traffic:

The expanded canal allows the transit of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers, reflecting the growth in global energy trade.

Technological Modernization:

Integration of digital systems for scheduling and navigation.

Enhanced safety measures using advanced tugboats and automated systems for maneuvering ships through locks.

Environmental Measures:

Adoption of water-saving basins in the new locks to reduce freshwater usage.

Economic Impact:

Revenue from canal tolls has significantly increased, contributing billions to Panama's economy. The canal is a critical source of national income.

Climate Change: Droughts have reduced water levels in Gatun Lake, affecting the canal's operations and forcing restrictions on vessel drafts.

Israel's willingness to exchange live prisoners for the bodies of deceased Israelis stems from a combination of cultural, religious, political, and social factors that shape its policies and public sentiment. Here’s an explanation of the key reasons:

Cultural and Religious Values

Jewish tradition strongly emphasises kavod hamet (honoring the dead) and pikuach nefesh (preservation of life). 

Even in death, ensuring that Israeli soldiers or civilians are buried in their homeland according to Jewish customs is a deeply held value.

Judaism emphasizes communal responsibility, where every member of society is seen as part of a larger collective. This sense of duty extends to recovering the remains of soldiers and citizens.

"No One Left Behind" Policy: Israel has a deeply ingrained ethos of leaving no soldier behind, whether alive or deceased. This principle is reinforced by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and widely supported by the public.

The state sees recovering the remains of its citizens as a moral duty to the families and a demonstration of the nation's commitment to its people.

Ensuring that every effort will be made to retrieve soldiers, even after death, is vital for maintaining trust and morale within the IDF.

Israeli society places immense pressure on the government to recover both hostages and the bodies of the deceased. Families of fallen soldiers often become highly vocal advocates, rallying public support.

Bringing fallen soldiers home is seen as reclaiming a measure of dignity and sovereignty, even in tragic circumstances.

By engaging in exchanges for bodies, Israel signals its commitment to the principle of leaving no one behind, even if the terms seem asymmetrical. This approach can also set precedents for future negotiations.

Such exchanges often involve international mediators (e.g., Egypt, Qatar, or the Red Cross), enabling Israel to strengthen diplomatic ties or leverage these relationships in broader negotiations.

Groups like Hamas and Hezbollah often exploit captured bodies as psychological leverage. By retrieving remains, Israel denies them a propaganda tool and provides closure to grieving families.

High-profile exchanges, though controversial, often unite the nation by demonstrating a collective commitment to shared values.

Historical Examples

Goldwasser and Regev (2008): Israel released five Lebanese prisoners, including Samir Kuntar, in exchange for the remains of IDF soldiers Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser.

Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul (2014): Efforts to recover the remains of these soldiers, killed in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge, have been ongoing, with the public and families pressuring the government to secure their return.

The personal and historical links between the Communist leadership in China and North Korea are deeply rooted in their shared revolutionary history and strategic interests, particularly during critical periods like the Chinese Civil War and the Korean War. Here’s a detailed look:

Both Chinese and Korean Communists emerged from anti-imperialist struggles against Japan. During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), many Korean revolutionaries, including Kim Il-sung, fought alongside Chinese Communist forces in Manchuria.

Kim Il-sung and other Korean Communists were active in anti-Japanese guerrilla warfare in Manchuria, collaborating with Chinese Communist leaders like Mao Zedong. This created personal bonds between Korean and Chinese revolutionaries.

After World War II and Japan's defeat, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) supported Korean Communists as both sought to consolidate power in their respective territories. During the Chinese Civil War (1945–1949), North Korea provided logistical support and sanctuary to Chinese Communist forces.

The Korean War (1950–1953)

Strategic Alliance: North Korea’s invasion of South Korea in 1950, with the goal of reunifying the peninsula under Communist control, prompted the U.S.-led UN intervention. 

When UN forces pushed North Korean troops close to the Chinese border, China intervened militarily, sending hundreds of thousands of troops (the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army) to support North Korea.

The Korean War forged a “blood alliance” between China and North Korea. Chinese soldiers fought and died in large numbers to defend North Korea, deepening the relationship between Kim Il-sung and Mao Zedong.

For China, North Korea serves as a buffer state against U.S. military presence in South Korea and Japan. This strategic interest has reinforced their alliance beyond personal ties.

Under Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un, the relationship has fluctuated, with moments of tension over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and China’s role in enforcing international sanctions.