FLOSSI & THE STATE OF DISUNION
The first State of the Union address was delivered by President George Washington on January 8, 1790, in New York City, which was then the capital of the United States.
Key Facts About the First State of the Union Address:
Location: Federal Hall in New York City.
Audience: The First Congress of the United States.
Length: 1,089 words—one of the shortest in history.
Main Topics:
The strength and unity of the young nation.
The need to establish a national defense.
The importance of promoting science, industry, and agriculture.
Encouraging citizen participation in government.
Unlike today, Washington delivered the address in person, but later presidents (starting with Thomas Jefferson in 1801) sent it as a written report to Congress. The tradition of delivering it as a speech in person was revived by Woodrow Wilson in 1913 and continues today.
FLOSSI SAYS: "Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration with parades and floats took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1857. The Mystic Krewe of Comus, a secret society of revelers, introduced the tradition of organized parades with themed floats and torch-lit processions. This marked the beginning of the elaborate Mardi Gras celebrations that continue to this day.
Before that, Mardi Gras had been celebrated in Louisiana since at least 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville held a small celebration near present-day New Orleans. However, these early festivities lacked the structured parades and floats that became the hallmark of the event in the mid-19th century.
The world’s largest Mardi Gras celebration takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Known as the Rio Carnival, it is the most famous and extravagant Carnival celebration in the world, attracting millions of people every year.
The highlight of the celebration is the Sambadrome parade, where top samba schools compete with dazzling floats, extravagant costumes, and energetic dancers.
Over 2 million people take to the streets each day of the festival.
Hundreds of street parties (Blocos) with live music, dancing, and festivities happen throughout the city.
While New Orleans, Louisiana, hosts the most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S., Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the largest and most extravagant pre-Lenten festival in the world.
FLOSSI: AU REVOIR, FOR NOW
Throughout history, some nations have chosen to withdraw from specific alliances, but it's rare for a country to completely disengage from all international partnerships.
Moldova's Withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): In recent years, Moldova has taken steps to distance itself from the CIS, a regional organization of former Soviet Republics. By December 2023, it announced its intention to withdraw fully from the CIS by the end of 2024.
Armenia's Suspension of Participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO): In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that Armenia had "frozen" its participation in the CSTO, a military alliance led by Russia. By December 2024, Pashinyan stated that Armenia considered itself "outside the CSTO" and had "crossed the point of no return" regarding its membership.
Mexico's Withdrawal from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR): In 2002, Mexico formally withdrew from the TIAR, also known as the "Rio Treaty," which was a mutual defense pact among countries in the Americas. Mexico cited the treaty's ineffectiveness, particularly highlighted during the Falklands War in 1982, as a reason for its withdrawal.
FLOSSI GIVES A LIFT TO THE VP
The chairlift was invented by James Curran, an American engineer, in 1936. He designed it while working for the Union Pacific Railroad as part of their efforts to develop the Sun Valley Ski Resort in Idaho.
Curran was an engineer at the Union Pacific Railroad, which was looking for ways to attract tourists to Sun Valley, Idaho.
He specialized in mechanical transport systems and was inspired by banana conveyor systems used in loading cargo onto ships.
Curran adapted conveyor technology to create a lift system that could transport skiers up a mountain.
Unlike earlier rope tows and cable cars, his design allowed skiers to sit in a moving chair while transported uphill.
This made skiing more accessible, safer, and faster, revolutionizing winter sports tourism.
The first chairlifts were installed in 1936 at Sun Valley Resort, Idaho, making it the first ski area in the world to have a functioning chairlift.
It immediately boosted the popularity of skiing, influencing ski resort development worldwide.
The chairlift allowed ski resorts to expand, leading to mass adoption of skiing as a recreational sport.
Today, modern chairlifts use high-speed detachable systems, heated seats, and enclosed bubbles for added comfort.
SLAVA UKRAINI, FLOSSI & THE DOG’S BREAKFAST
SLAVA UKRAINI
Several significant diplomatic failures have reshaped the world.
The Congress of Prague (1813): In 1813, the Congress of Prague convened to negotiate peace during the Napoleonic Wars. However, the negotiations failed, leading to the resumption of hostilities and the eventual downfall of Napoleon's empire.
The Congress of Berlin (1878): Aiming to address the "Eastern Question" and stabilize the Balkans, the Congress of Berlin redrew national boundaries without adequately considering ethnic and political complexities. This oversight sowed seeds of future conflicts in the region.
The Crimean War (1853–1856): Diplomatic tensions among European powers over the decline of the Ottoman Empire and religious rights in the Holy Land culminated in the Crimean War. The inability to resolve disputes through diplomacy resulted in a costly and deadly conflict.
The Failure of the League of Nations (1920s–1930s): Established after World War I to maintain global peace, the League of Nations struggled with enforcement and unity. Its inability to prevent aggressive actions by nations like Japan, Italy, and Germany highlighted its weaknesses and contributed to the onset of World War II.
The Munich Agreement (1938): In an attempt to avoid war, British and French leaders agreed to Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia. This policy of appeasement failed to prevent further aggression, emboldening Hitler's expansionist ambitions.
The Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961): The U.S.-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's government in Cuba failed disastrously. The incident embarrassed the U.S. government and strained international relations during the Cold War.
The Invasion of Iraq (2003): Based on false assertions about weapons of mass destruction, the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, diminished U.S. credibility, and created regional instability that persists to this day.
FLOSSI: 21st CENTURY GOLD RUSH
Many countries offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs or Golden Visas, allowing individuals to obtain citizenship or residency in exchange for a significant financial investment. These programs often attract wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs
These programs grant direct citizenship in exchange for investments such as:
Government donations
Real estate purchases
Business investments
Job creation in the country
Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment
Caribbean Nations:
St. Kitts & Nevis 🇰🇳 – $250,000+ donation or $400,000 real estate
Dominica 🇩🇲 – $100,000+ donation
Antigua & Barbuda 🇦🇬 – $100,000+ donation
Grenada 🇬🇩 – $150,000+ donation
Saint Lucia 🇱🇨 – $100,000+ donation
Europe:
Malta 🇲🇹 – ~$750,000 donation + investment
Austria 🇦🇹 – ~$3-10 million investment (strict vetting)
Turkey 🇹🇷 – $400,000 real estate purchase
Middle East & Asia:
Jordan 🇯🇴 – $1 million investment
Egypt 🇪🇬 – $250,000+ donation
Vanuatu 🇻🇺 – $130,000+ donation
Golden Visas (Residency by Investment)
These programs offer residency permits (not citizenship) but can lead to citizenship after several years.
Notable Golden Visa Programs
Europe:
Portugal 🇵🇹 – €280,000+ real estate or business investment (ending in 2024)
Spain 🇪🇸 – €500,000+ real estate investment
Greece 🇬🇷 – €250,000+ real estate investment
Italy 🇮🇹 – €250,000+ investment
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Dubai Golden Visa – $550,000+ property investment
United States (EB-5 Visa):
$800,000+ investment in a job-creating enterprise
FLOSSI’S SURGICAL STRIKE
The chainsaw was invented in the late 18th century for medical purposes—not for cutting wood! It was designed as a surgical tool for cutting bone, particularly during childbirth.
The First Chainsaw (1780s) – Surgical Use
Inventors: John Aitken and James Jeffray, Scottish doctors.
Purpose: It was created to assist in symphysiotomies, a medical procedure used to widen the pelvis during childbirth when a baby was stuck.
Design: It looked more like a modern-day bone saw—a small, hand-cranked chain with fine teeth.
The First Chainsaw for Wood (1920s)
Inventor: Andreas Stihl, a German engineer, is credited with developing the first gasoline-powered chainsaw in 1929.
Purpose: Stihl’s design was intended for logging and forestry work.
Impact: This innovation revolutionized the timber industry, making tree cutting faster and more efficient.
Stihl’s company, STIHL, remains one of the top chainsaw manufacturers today.
Evolution of the Modern Chainsaw
1926: Andreas Stihl patents the first electric chainsaw.
1929: Stihl develops the first gas-powered chainsaw.
1930s–1950s: Early chainsaws were huge and required two people to operate.
1960s: Lighter, one-man chainsaws were introduced, leading to the modern chainsaw design.
FLOSSI: THE PRESIDENTIAL KISS TEST
The tradition of kissing the ring of a sovereign or high-ranking leader dates back to ancient civilizations and was used as a gesture of respect, submission, or fealty. Historically, it has been particularly prominent in royal courts, religious institutions, and nobility.
Ancient Civilizations: A Symbol of Submission
In the Persian Empire (c. 500 BCE) under the Achaemenid dynasty, subjects were required to prostrate themselves (proskynesis) and sometimes kiss the hand or ring of the emperor to show absolute loyalty.
Ancient Rome (c. 100 BCE—400 CE): Roman senators and officials kissed the emperor's ring as a sign of political allegiance. Julius Caesar and later emperors used rings to seal documents, reinforcing their divine authority.
Medieval Europe: Fealty and Divine Right
By the Middle Ages (500–1500 CE), the practice became standard in European monarchies. Kings and emperors often wore signet rings that symbolized their divine right to rule.
Nobles and clergy were expected to kiss the monarch's ring when swearing oaths of loyalty or vassalage.
The Holy Roman Emperors (800–1806 CE) and the French and English kings maintained this tradition to reinforce hierarchical order and submission.
The Catholic Church: The Papal Ring Tradition
The Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring is perhaps the most famous religious adaptation of this practice.
Since at least the 9th century, Catholic believers and clergy have kissed the Pope’s ring as a sign of obedience and respect for his authority as the successor of Saint Peter.
Cardinals and bishops also received ring-kisses as a gesture of recognition of their spiritual status.
Renaissance and Beyond: Political & Diplomatic Custom
During the Renaissance (15th–17th centuries), ambassadors and dignitaries often kissed the ring of foreign rulers during diplomatic visits as a sign of goodwill.
Even in France under Louis XIV (the Sun King), courtiers performed this ritual to demonstrate their place in the monarchy’s hierarchy.
Decline in Modern Times
By the 19th and 20th centuries, the practice of kissing a monarch's ring gradually disappeared in secular governments.
However, it still persists in religious circles, particularly in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Islamic traditions.
In Britain, formal bowing and hand-kissing were once common, but Queen Elizabeth II discouraged ring-kissing, preferring a simple bow or handshake.
A FLOSSI FLYOVER
The family that has controlled the James Bond franchise for over 60 years is handing over control to Amazon after years of fiercely protecting it from Hollywood overreach.
The deal follows a standoff between Barbara Broccoli and Amazon, which gained a major stake in Bond in 2021 through its $8.5 billion MGM acquisition.
The first on-screen adaptation of James Bond wasn’t a movie but a 1954 television episode of Climax! Featuring Barry Nelson as an Americanized James Bond in Casino Royale.
In 1961, producers Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman acquired the film rights to most of Fleming’s Bond novels and founded EON Productions, securing a deal with United Artists.
FLOSSI 007 PADDLES UP THE AMAZON
The family that has controlled the James Bond franchise for over 60 years is handing over control to Amazon after years of fiercely protecting it from Hollywood overreach.
The deal follows a standoff between Barbara Broccoli and Amazon, which gained a major stake in Bond in 2021 through its $8.5 billion MGM acquisition.
The first on-screen adaptation of James Bond wasn’t a movie but a 1954 television episode of Climax! Featuring Barry Nelson as an Americanized James Bond in Casino Royale.
In 1961, producers Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman acquired the film rights to most of Fleming’s Bond novels and founded EON Productions, securing a deal with United Artists.
The Sean Connery Era (1962–1967, 1971)
Dr No (1962) – The first official Bond film, starring Sean Connery, introduced the world to 007, SPECTRE, and iconic Bond tropes.
From Russia with Love (1963) – Considered one of the best spy thrillers ever.
Goldfinger (1964) – Established the “Bond formula” with gadgets, villains, and one-liners.
Thunderball (1965) – First Bond film shot in widescreen Panavision.
You Only Live Twice (1967) – Introduced Blofeld, Bond’s arch-nemesis.
Diamonds Are Forever (1971) – Connery returned after skipping one film.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – Starring George Lazenby, this is the only Bond film where 007 gets married.
Lazenby left after one film despite great action sequences due to behind-the-scenes conflicts.
Live and Let Die (1973) – The first Bond film with Roger Moore, featuring a mix of spy action and voodoo.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – One of the best Bonds, introducing Jaws as a henchman.
Moonraker (1979) – Sent Bond to space to capitalize on *Star Wars' *popularity.
For Your Eyes Only (1981) – A return to realistic espionage after the over-the-top Moonraker.
Octopussy (1983) – Bond in India, featuring a ridiculous clown disguise scene.
A View to a Kill (1985) – Moore’s final Bond film, with Christopher Walken as the villain.
The Living Daylights (1987): Timothy Dalton's darker, more serious Bond was closer to Fleming’s novels.
Licence to Kill (1989) – First Bond movie rated PG-13, featuring drug lords instead of megalomaniacs.
GoldenEye (1995) – Pierce Brosnan revived Bond after a 6-year hiatus, introducing a modern, high-tech Bond.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) – A media mogul villain tries to start World War III for news ratings.
The World Is Not Enough (1999) – First female Bond villain (Elektra King).
Die Another Day (2002) – A CGI-heavy disaster with Bond surfing on a tidal wave.
Casino Royale (2006) – Daniel Craig in a total reboot featuring a raw, emotional, and realistic Bond.
Quantum of Solace (2008) – A direct sequel with a revenge-driven Bond.
Skyfall (2012) became the highest-grossing Bond film ever, delving into Bond’s past.
Spectre (2015) introduced Christoph Waltz as Blofeld but received mixed reviews.
No Time to Die (2021) – Craig’s final Bond film, featuring Bond’s shocking death.
Total Official Movies: 25 (by EON Productions)
Unofficial Bond Films: Casino Royale (1967 parody), Never Say Never Again (1983 remake of Thunderball)
Longest-Serving Bond: Roger Moore (7 movies)
Shortest-Serving Bond: George Lazenby (1 movie)
Highest-Grossing Bond Film: Skyfall (2012) – $1.1 billion
FLOSSI SKATES TO 4 NATIONS WIN
The 4 Nations Face-Off is a men's ice hockey tournament that began in 2025, featuring national teams from Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden. It was introduced to provide a platform for top-tier international competition, especially significant as NHL players had not participated in the Olympics since 2014.Inaugural Tournament (2025):Format: Teams competed in a round-robin format, with the top two advancing to the final.Final Match: Held in Boston, the championship game saw Canada defeat the USA 3-2 in an overtime thriller, with Connor McDavid scoring the decisive goal.
Connor McDavid is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and fastest players of his generation. He is the captain of the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL) and has consistently dominated the league with his elite speed, playmaking, and goal-scoring ability.
The tournament garnered massive viewership, with over 10 million Canadians tuning in for the final. It served as a precursor to the 2026 Milan Olympics, reigniting international hockey rivalries and showcasing elite talent.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם דַּיָּן הָאֱמֶת
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם דַּיָּן הָאֱמֶת
SLAVA UKRAINI
Although Ukrainian and Russian are Slavic languages, they differ in phonetics, vocabulary, grammar, and historical influences. While they share some similarities due to their common East Slavic roots, Ukrainian is closer to Belarusian and Polish than Russian.
Although Ukrainian and Russian share many words, about 38% of Ukrainian vocabulary differs from Russian. Ukrainian is more influenced by Polish, Slovak, and Czech, while Russian more influences Old Church Slavonic and French.
Ukrainian retains the vocative case (used to address someone directly), while Russian has mostly lost it.
Ukrainian is more "melodic" than Russian due to its softer sounds and use of diphthongs.
Russian sounds flatter and has more guttural consonants.
Ukrainian developed with strong Western European influences (Polish, Lithuanian, Austro-Hungarian).
Russia was shaped more by Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine influences.
During the Soviet era, Ukrainian was suppressed in favor of Russian, leading to Russification policies.
SEMPER FLOSSI
The U.S. Marines are reducing their presence on Okinawa as part of a longstanding agreement between Washington and Tokyo to reduce the American military presence on the island, which has existed since World War II.
Under this agreement, 9,000 Marines—nearly half of the current force—are slated to relocate. However, the process is already 20 years behind schedule and may take another decade to complete, as the relocation depends on constructing replacement bases.
Personnel and Facilities: Okinawa is home to about 26,000 U.S. military personnel, their families and civilian employees. The island houses 13 U.S. military bases, including major installations such as Kadena Air Base, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and several Army and Navy facilities.
Strategic Importance: The bases on Okinawa are pivotal for regional security and serve as strategic points for U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific. They facilitate rapid deployment and response capabilities across Asia.
The concentration of U.S. bases has led to ongoing discussions about the social, environmental, and economic effects on the local population. Issues such as noise, pollution, and land use have been disputed.
In December 2024, the U.S. relocated some Marines from Okinawa to Guam. This move is part of a long-standing agreement to reduce the American military footprint on Okinawa. The initial phase involved transferring 100 Marines, with plans to relocate approximately 4,000.
HAPPY PRESIDENT’S DAY
The traditional President's Day was originally celebrated on February 22, in honor of George Washington's birthday.
History of the Holiday:
1879: Congress declared February 22 (Washington’s Birthday) a federal holiday, originally observed only in Washington, D.C.
1885: The holiday was expanded to include the entire United States.
1971: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance of Washington’s Birthday to the third Monday in February, creating what is now commonly called Presidents' Day.
The holiday was never officially renamed "Presidents' Day" at the federal level—it is still legally known as Washington's Birthday.
Over time, it evolved to honor both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) was also celebrated in some states.
FLOSSI AT THE DAYTONA 500
The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious and iconic races in NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing). Held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, it is often called "The Great American Race."
It is the season-opening race for NASCAR's Cup Series and is the most-watched stock car race in the United States.
Before NASCAR was founded, stock car racing in Daytona Beach, Florida, was already famous.
Daytona Beach was known for land speed records in the early 20th century, with drivers like Henry Seagrave and Malcolm Campbell setting speed records on its hard-packed sand.
In the 1930s and 1940s, stock car races were held on a 4.1-mile beach-road course, combining sand and pavement.
In 1947, Bill France Sr., a mechanic and race promoter, founded NASCAR to organize and standardize stock car racing.
France wanted a permanent racing venue, leading to the construction of Daytona International Speedway in 1958.
The first Daytona 500 was held on February 22, 1959.
The first race featured 59 drivers competing for a $67,000 purse.
The finish was so close that officials took three days to declare Lee Petty as the winner over Johnny Beauchamp.
The Daytona 500 quickly became NASCAR's premier event, gaining TV coverage and attracting top drivers.
Richard Petty won seven Daytona 500s, making him the race’s most successful driver.
In 1979, the race was broadcast live in full for the first time, helping NASCAR go mainstream.
The famous 1979 fight between drivers Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison after a last-lap crash helped boost the sport’s popularity.
Dale Earnhardt, one of NASCAR's greatest drivers, dominated at Daytona but failed to win the 500 for years.
In 1998, after 20 attempts, he finally won the Daytona 500, and every pit crew member lined up to high-five him.
In the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt tragically died in a last-lap crash, marking one of the darkest days in NASCAR history.
His death led to major safety reforms, including the HANS device and SAFER barriers.
Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Denny Hamlin became dominant winners.
In 2020, Denny Hamlin won the closest Daytona 500 finish ever over Ryan Blaney.
The Daytona 500 continues to be NASCAR’s biggest event, drawing celebrities, presidents, and over 100,000 fans each year.
From Richard Petty’s dominance to Earnhardt’s emotional 1998 win.
Cars reach speeds over 200 mph, making it a true test of skill and endurance.
Massive Prize Money – The purse now exceeds $20 million.
FLOSSI AND THE WHALE
Humpback whales are filter feeders that consume krill and small fish using lunge feeding.
They do not hunt large prey, and their throats are too small (about the size of a grapefruit) to swallow a human.
However, due to the sheer force of their feeding, a person could accidentally end up in their mouth.
