The largest country not represented at the United Nations is Taiwan. Officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan was a founding member of the UN and held China’s seat until 1971. However, it was replaced by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) under the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognised the PRC as "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations."

Despite having a population of around 23 million people and a significant economy, Taiwan is not a UN member due to pressure from the PRC, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes its participation in international organisations under the name "Republic of China." Taiwan participates in some international bodies under alternative names, such as "Chinese Taipei", but remains excluded from the UN.

Ukraine could benefit from more precise and powerful artillery systems and advanced missiles to enhance its combat effectiveness. Here’s how each option could improve their military capabilities:

 1. More Precise and Powerful Artillery

Ukraine uses 155mm artillery extensively, but more advanced versions with precision-guided capabilities and longer ranges could make a significant difference. Some examples include:

- 155mm Excalibur Shells: These are precision-guided artillery rounds that use GPS to strike targets within a few meters of accuracy, even at long ranges. Excalibur shells would allow Ukrainian forces to destroy high-value targets with fewer rounds, making their artillery more efficient. These shells are especially useful in urban environments or for hitting key logistical nodes and command centres without causing excessive collateral damage.

- Long-Range Artillery Systems: Systems like the M1299 self-propelled howitzer, which can fire precision 155mm rounds at ranges up to 70 km (compared to the 30-40 km range of current systems), would give Ukraine a significant range advantage over Russian artillery, allowing it to strike deeper behind enemy lines.

- Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): Ukraine has already received M270 and HIMARS systems, which are incredibly effective due to their long range and accuracy. These systems use GPS-guided rockets and can launch up to 12 missiles at once, precisely hitting targets over 80 km away. Increasing the supply of HIMARS or providing longer-range munitions could further improve Ukraine's ability to hit key Russian positions.

2. Missiles for Greater Combat Effectiveness

Missiles, especially those with long-range and precision-guided capabilities, would significantly boost Ukraine’s ability to strike critical targets far behind enemy lines, disrupting Russian logistics, command structures, and air defence systems.

- ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System): This is a long-range tactical missile capable of striking targets up to 300 km away. If supplied to Ukraine, ATACMS would enable Ukrainian forces to hit Russian command posts, ammo depots, and infrastructure deep in Russian-held territories. This could force Russia to push its logistics and command centres further, complicating its supply lines.

- Longer-Range Air Defense Missiles: While Ukraine has already received NASAMS and Patriot systems, longer-range air defence and surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) would help neutralise Russian air superiority, protecting Ukrainian troops from Russian missile and aircraft strikes. Systems like SAMP/T (which Ukraine has been promised) can intercept both aircraft and ballistic missiles at longer ranges.

-Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles: Ukraine has also successfully used Harpoon missiles to target Russian naval assets. Continuing to receive such missiles would help Ukraine maintain control over its Black Sea coast and prevent Russian forces from launching amphibious operations or blockading key ports.

Key Details on U.S. Literacy:

1. Functional Literacy: According to various studies, around 21% of adults in the U.S. fall below a level considered "functionally literate." They may struggle with reading comprehension, basic math, or understanding complex written instructions (such as interpreting medical forms or job applications). This can affect their ability to navigate daily life or perform effectively in many jobs.

2. Adult Literacy Levels: The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) measures literacy proficiency in adults in several developed countries. It found that:

   - 43 million Americans (around 1 in 5 adults) have low literacy skills. This means they read below a 6th-grade level, limiting their ability to compare information from multiple sources or understand written instructions.

   - Around 54% of U.S. adults read below a high school level, which can limit career advancement and daily task management.

3. International Comparisons: When ranked against other developed nations, the U.S. literacy levels for adults fall around the middle or lower-middle in recent assessments. Countries like Japan, Finland, and the Netherlands perform better in terms of both basic and functional literacy.

   - For example, in the PIAAC survey, the U.S. ranked 16th out of 34 OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries in adult literacy.

The largest farm owners in the U.S. are a mix of individuals, families, and corporations that have acquired vast amounts of agricultural land for purposes ranging from traditional farming to land investment. Some of the biggest names in U.S. farm ownership include private individuals with extensive landholdings, investment firms, and agricultural corporations.

Here are some of the largest farms and landowners in the U.S.:

 1. Bill Gates

   - Farmland owned: Over 270,000 acres (as of 2021).

   - Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has become the largest private farmland owner in the U.S. His investments in farmland are managed through Cascade Investment LLC, and his holdings span multiple states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, and Nebraska. Gates' farmland investments are part of a long-term strategy to support sustainable agriculture and innovation in food production.

 2. Ted Turner

   - Farmland and ranchland owned: Approximately 2 million acres.

   - Ted Turner, media mogul and founder of CNN is one of the largest individual landowners in the U.S., though much of his land is ranchland rather than strictly farmland. He owns vast ranches in Montana, South Dakota, and New Mexico. Turner is also known for his conservation efforts and commitment to sustainable agricultural and wildlife practices.

 3. The Emmerson Family

   - Farmland owned: About 2.3 million acres.

   - The Emmerson family, through their company Sierra Pacific Industries, owns extensive forest and timberland, particularly in California and Washington. While much of this land is used for timber production, the family is one of the largest private landowners in the U.S., controlling vast swaths of land used for various agricultural and forestry purposes.

 4. The Reed Family

   - Farmland and timberland owned: Over 1.7 million acres.

   - The Reed family operates Green Diamond Resource Company, which manages large tracts of timberland, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. While their holdings are focused on timber, some of the land is used for agricultural purposes, making the Reed family one of the largest private landowners in the U.S.

 5. John Malone

   - Land owned: Over 2.2 million acres.

   - John Malone, the former CEO of Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI) and a significant player in the cable television industry, is the largest private landowner in the U.S. While much of his ranchland, he also has significant agricultural holdings, especially in Colorado and New Mexico. Like Ted Turner, Malone’s land combines working ranches and conservation efforts.

 6. The Fanjul Family

   - Farmland owned: Hundreds of thousands of acres.

   - The Fanjul family, through their companies Florida Crystals and Domino Sugar, owns vast sugarcane plantations in Florida and the Dominican Republic. They are among the largest private landowners in the U.S. regarding agricultural land devoted to sugarcane production.

 7. The Simplot Family

   - Farmland owned: Over 400,000 acres.

   - The Simplot family, through the J.R. Simplot Company, is one of the largest privately owned agribusinesses in the U.S. The company produces many of the nation's potatoes, particularly for fast-food chains like McDonald’s. The Simplot family owns extensive farmland, especially in the western U.S.

 8. Stewart & Lynda Resnick

   - Farmland owned: Over 190,000 acres.

   - The Resnicks, through their company, The Wonderful Company, own large farms that produce almonds, pistachios, pomegranates, and citrus fruits. Their farms are located mainly in California’s Central Valley. The Resnicks are among the largest agricultural producers in the U.S. and are particularly influential in the nut and fruit industries.

 9. The Boswell Family

   - Farmland owned: Over 150,000 acres.

   - The Boswell family, through J.G. Boswell Company, is a major agricultural force in California. The company is one of the largest cotton producers in the world and also grows tomatoes and other crops. The Boswell Company controls large tracts of land in California’s Central Valley, much of it devoted to irrigated farming.

 10. The Offutt Family

   - Farmland owned: Over 190,000 acres.

   - The Offutt family operates R.D. Offutt Farms, one of the largest producers of potatoes in the U.S. The family owns and leases farmland across several states, primarily in the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Their agricultural empire supplies major food processing companies and fast-food chains.

 11. The King Ranch

   - Farmland and ranchland owned: Over 825,000 acres.

   - King Ranch, located in Texas, is one of the largest ranches in the world. While primarily known for cattle ranching, the King Ranch also grows crops like cotton, citrus, and pecans, making it a significant player in both livestock and agricultural production.

 Other Notable Large Landowners:

   - The Ford Family (through Farming & Timber Enterprises): Significant landholdings in Oregon.

   - The Irving Family (through J.D. Irving Limited): Large timberland holdings, especially in Maine.

   - Paul Fireman (former Reebok CEO): Extensive land in Montana.

Bill Gates' farming investments are managed through a private investment firm called Cascade Investment LLC, which handles various aspects of his financial portfolio, including farmland. Cascade Investment is overseen by Michael Larson, Bill Gates' chief investment officer since 1994. Larson and his team manage the farmland acquisitions and overall strategy for these investments.

 Key Crops and Activities on Gates' Farmland:

1. Row Crops (Staple Crops):

   - Much of Gates' farmland is used for growing staple crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and rice. These crops are often grown in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Nebraska, where Gates owns significant acreage.

2. Potatoes:

   - A notable portion of his farmland in states like Washington is dedicated to growing potatoes. Some of this land is leased to large-scale potato producers that supply companies like McDonald's with French fries.

3. Cotton:

   - Some of Gates' farmland in southern states like Mississippi is used for cotton production. Cotton is a standard cash crop in this region, and it is grown on several of the large tracts of land that Cascade has acquired.

4. Rice:

   - Gates owns rice farms in Arkansas, one of the largest rice-producing states in the U.S. Rice is a staple crop in the region, and Gates' land contributes to the state’s overall rice production.

 Notable Locations of Gates’ Farmland:

- Louisiana: 69,000 acres.

- Arkansas: 47,000 acres (including rice farms).

- Nebraska: 20,500 acres (primarily for corn and soybean production).

- Washington: 14,000 acres (including potato farms).

- Florida: 25,000 acres (used for various crops).

- Mississippi: 16,000 acres (cotton and other crops).

In Israel, Tel Aviv is known as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. With an estimated one dog for every 11 residents, this has earned Tel Aviv a reputation for having one of the highest rates of dog ownership globally, especially relative to population size.

The Story of "Hachiko" – The Israeli Version

  - One of the most touching stories in Israel is often compared to the story of Japan’s famous dog, Hachiko. In this case, a loyal Israeli dog would wait daily for his owner, a Holocaust survivor, to return to the bus station after work. Tragically, one day, the owner passed away, but the dog continued to wait for him at the station for years. Locals began caring for the dog, feeding and keeping him company. The dog's unwavering loyalty struck a deep chord with the community, making the story widely known in Israel.

  - The Oketz Unit, Israel’s elite canine special forces, is another famous source of dog stories. The dogs in this unit are trained for military missions, including tracking, detecting explosives, and search and rescue operations. Many of these dogs are considered national heroes for their bravery in saving lives during dangerous missions. For example, there are stories of dogs in the Oketz Unit who detected bombs during the Second Lebanon War and in various operations in Gaza, preventing potential casualties. When one of these dogs dies in action, they are often honoured as fallen soldiers.

The Story of Lu-Lu the Dog and Gilad Shalit

   - When Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was held captive by Hamas (from 2006 to 2011), his family’s dog, Lu-Lu, became a symbol of loyalty and hope. The black Labrador remained by the Shalit family’s side, comforting them during their long ordeal. Upon Gilad Shalit's release, Gilad and Lu-Lu reunited, bolstering the family's emotional resilience and the power of a dog’s companionship.

The Hero Dog of the Carmel Fire

   - During the 2010 Carmel Forest Fire, one of the worst natural disasters in Israeli history, a heroic dog named Shira became known for her bravery. Shira, a mixed-breed dog, guided her owner and several others through thick smoke and out of danger as the fire approached their area. Her keen instincts and loyalty saved lives, and she was later honoured for her actions during the crisis.

Dogs Rescued During Operation Protective Edge

   - During the 2014 Gaza War, also known as Operation Protective Edge, there were several stories of soldiers being saved by military dogs from the Oketz Unit. In one instance, a dog named Levi detected a tunnel that Hamas fighters were using to stage an ambush on Israeli forces. Levi's discovery helped avert a potentially deadly surprise attack, making him a hero in the eyes of the soldiers.

The Story of "Nili"

   - In the early days of Israeli independence, a dog named Nili became famous for her work with the Haganah. This Jewish paramilitary organisation later became part of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Nili was trained to deliver messages across dangerous terrain and often accompanied Jewish fighters during the tumultuous period before and after the founding of Israel. Her story is part of the broader history of how animals played roles in Israel's fight for survival.

The Trojan Horse concept—something harmful disguised as beneficial or harmless—has appeared throughout history, literature, and even modern cybersecurity. Here are some notable Trojan Horse scenarios and stories, ranging from ancient tales to contemporary strategies:

 The Original Trojan Horse (Ancient Greek Mythology)

   - Story: The term "Trojan Horse" originates from the Greek myth of the Trojan War, famously recounted in Homer’s "The Iliad" and later in Virgil's "The Aeneid". The Greeks, unable to breach the walls of Troy after a decade of war, devised a plan to deceive the Trojans. They built a giant wooden horse, hiding soldiers inside, and pretended to sail away. Believing the horse to be a peace offering, the Trojans brought it into the city. Greek soldiers emerged from the horse at night and opened the gates for the returning Greek army, but the city was sacked.

   - Outcome: This story remains one of the most famous examples of deception in history and gave rise to the term "Trojan Horse" for any trick that causes an opponent to invite a foe into a secure place.

 The Wooden Horse Escape (World War II)

   - Scenario: A real-life parallel to the mythical Trojan Horse occurred during World War II when British POWs at Stalag Luft III, a German POW camp, built a vaulting horse as part of an escape plan.

   - Trojan Horse Strategy: Under the guise of using the horse for exercise, the prisoners dug a tunnel beneath it, hiding their digging equipment and dirt inside. Every day, they would move the horse to the dig site, and while some men exercised above, others dug beneath. The horse was then moved back into the camp at the end of the day.

   - Outcome: Three prisoners successfully escaped using this method. This daring escape became famous and was the subject of the book and film "The Wooden Horse".

 The Battle of Carthage (146 BC)

   - Scenario: During the Third Punic War, the Roman Republic laid siege to Carthage. After breaching the city walls, the Romans faced fierce resistance from the Carthaginians, who had built barricades in the streets. To break the final resistance, the Romans used deception.

   - Trojan Horse Strategy: Roman soldiers pretended to retreat, luring the Carthaginians out of their fortified positions. When the defenders pursued, the Romans launched a surprise counterattack, capturing critical parts of the city.

   - Outcome: The city of Carthage was ultimately destroyed, marking the end of the Punic Wars. This feigned retreat tactic is a classic military Trojan Horse strategy.

The Siege of Alesia (52 BC)

   - Scenario: During Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul, the Gallic leader Vercingetorix retreated to the fortified city of Alesia, where Caesar laid siege.

   - Trojan Horse Strategy: While Caesar built fortifications around the city, he also set traps and built fake retreats to lure Gallic reinforcements into ambushes. He employed deception to divide and weaken the Gallic forces while maintaining a double-layer siege.

   - Outcome: The siege was successful, and Caesar’s tactics, including deceptive strategies, led to the final defeat of the Gallic forces, cementing Roman control over Gaul.

Albert Staehle (1899–1974) was an American illustrator best known for creating the original Smokey Bear image and his work on various commercial and public service campaigns. Here are key details about his life and career:

Early Life and Career:

- Birth: Albert Staehle was born in Germany in 1899 and emigrated to the United States with his family as a child.

- Artistic Talent: Staehle showed artistic talent early and eventually trained at the Art Students League in New York City. His early career involved working as an illustrator for advertising and commercial art projects, creating posters, ads, and magazine covers.

Commercial Success:

- Advertising Work: Staehle became a highly sought-after illustrator for advertising campaigns, working with major brands like Pepsi-Cola, Brewing Companies, etc. His animal illustrations mainly gained popularity, often featuring dogs, cats, and other creatures.

- Magazine Covers: Staehle also gained fame for his magazine covers, especially for Saturday Evening Post, Collier’s, and other popular magazines in the 1930s and 1940s.

Creation of Smokey Bear (1944):

- Smokey Bear: In 1944, Staehle was commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service and the War Advertising Council to create a character for the fire prevention campaign. His creation, Smokey Bear, became an iconic symbol of wildfire prevention in the United States. Staehle’s original depiction showed Smokey wearing a ranger hat and holding a shovel, with a serious yet approachable demeanour.

- Legacy of Smokey Bear: Smokey’s famous slogan, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!” became one of U.S. history's most well-known public service announcements. Staehle's contribution was foundational to the character’s long-lasting success and popularity.

The state of U.S. infrastructure is widely considered to be in need of significant improvement. Here's an overview of the current state, challenges, and progress being made:

 1. Grading by Experts

   - The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) publishes an Infrastructure Report Card every four years. In 2021, the overall grade for U.S. infrastructure was a C-. This reflects aging systems, underfunding, and a backlog of necessary repairs and modernization efforts across sectors like transportation, energy, and water.

 2. Key Infrastructure Areas:

- Roads: The ASCE gave U.S. roads a D grade, citing over 40% of the system in poor or mediocre condition. There is an ongoing need for repairs, updates, and investment in modern technology.

- Bridges: About 42% of all bridges in the U.S. are over 50 years old, and over 46,000 bridges are classified as structurally deficient. Despite improvements, it remains an area of concern.

- Public Transit: The public transit system received a D-, reflecting inadequate funding, old vehicles, and outdated infrastructure in many regions. Investment in modernizing rail and bus systems is necessary to meet growing demand.

- Airports: U.S. airports, graded D+, are struggling to handle increasing passenger volumes with outdated terminals and systems. The need for modern technology, improved capacity, and more efficient operations is critical.

- Drinking Water and Wastewater: U.S. water infrastructure is aging, with many pipes over a century old. Water systems received a C- due to frequent leaks, contamination risks, and the need for better treatment facilities. Wastewater systems also need substantial investment.

- Energy: The U.S. energy grid, rated C-, is aging and vulnerable to power outages, cybersecurity threats, and growing demands. Modernization to accommodate renewable energy sources and improve resiliency is a priority.

 3. Challenges:

   - Underinvestment: For decades, the U.S. has underfunded its infrastructure, leading to a backlog of projects. The ASCE estimates that the U.S. needs to spend around $2.6 trillion by 2029 to address infrastructure issues.

   - Climate Change: Climate-related events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are increasingly straining infrastructure, requiring more robust and resilient systems.

   - Aging Systems: Many infrastructure systems were built in the mid-20th century and are now reaching the end of their lifespan.

 4. Recent Progress:

   - Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law, providing $1.2 trillion in funding over the next decade. This is one of the largest infrastructure investments in U.S. history, with money allocated to improving roads, bridges, public transit, broadband internet, clean energy, and water systems.

   - Focus on Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on creating infrastructure that is more sustainable and resilient to climate change, with investments in clean energy, electric vehicle charging networks, and public transportation upgrades.

 Conclusion:

While significant strides are being made, the U.S. infrastructure remains in a state of decline in many areas, especially in transportation, energy, and water systems. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is expected to help improve these areas, but the U.S. still faces a long road to modernization and sustainability.

Sources:

- [ASCE 2021 Report Card](https://infrastructurereportcard.org/)

- [U.S. Department of Transportation - Infrastructure Updates](https://www.transportation.gov)

Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, discussed international trade extensively in his seminal work, "The Wealth of Nations" (1776). He advocated for free trade as part of his broader theory of economic liberalism. He argued that international trade benefits all nations by allowing them to specialise in what they produce best.

 Key Concepts from Adam Smith on International Trade:

1. Theory of Absolute Advantage:

   - Adam Smith introduced the concept of absolute advantage in international trade. He argued that countries should specialise in producing goods with an absolute advantage (i.e., where they can produce more efficiently than other nations).

   - If each country specialises in producing goods where it holds an advantage and trades with other countries, all nations involved would benefit, leading to higher global efficiency and wealth.

   Example: If Country A is better at producing wine and Country B is better at producing cloth, it makes sense for Country A to focus on wine and trade with Country B for cloth, and vice versa.

2. Division of Labor:

   - Smith believed that the division of labour, which boosts productivity, could extend beyond national borders. By focusing on their strengths, countries can maximise production efficiency and trade for goods they cannot produce as efficiently.

   - He applied this principle to international trade, arguing that nations should trade with each other to take advantage of the division of labour on a global scale.

3. Opposition to Mercantilism:

   - Adam Smith was highly critical of the mercantilist view, which dominated European economic policy then. Mercantilism emphasised accumulating wealth through heavy regulation, tariffs, and trade surpluses.

   - Smith argued that trade surpluses were not the key to national wealth. Instead, he believed that free trade, driven by competition and market forces, would increase the wealth of nations by promoting specialisation and innovation.

4. Mutual Benefits of Trade:

   - Smith famously argued that international trade is not a zero-sum game, where one nation’s gain is another nation’s loss. Instead, trade benefits all participants by enabling them to focus on what they do best, leading to increased efficiency and wealth for everyone involved.

   Key Quote: “It is the maxim of every prudent master of a family, never to attempt to make at home what it will cost him more to make than to buy.”

 Legacy:

Smith's ideas laid the foundation for the modern understanding of free trade and influenced subsequent economists, including David Ricardo, who expanded on Smith’s ideas with the theory of comparative advantage.

The U.S. Navy submarine fleet is a critical component of the nation's naval power and is primarily composed of two types of submarines: Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) and Attack Submarines (SSNs). Here’s an overview of their disposition:

1. Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs)

   - Role: SSBNs, also known as "boomers," are strategic assets that carry nuclear ballistic missiles. They form the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, which also includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and strategic bombers.

   - Fleet: The U.S. operates 14 Ohio-class SSBNs, which are stationed at two key locations:

     - Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia: Home to six SSBNs, covering the Atlantic.

     - Naval Base Kitsap, Washington: Home to eight SSBNs, covering the Pacific.

   Future Plans: The Ohio-class SSBNs are being replaced by the newer Columbia-class submarines, the first of which is expected to enter service in the early 2030s.

2. Attack Submarines (SSNs)

   Role: SSNs are multi-mission platforms designed for various tasks, including hunting enemy submarines, launching cruise missiles, conducting intelligence gathering, and conducting special operations. They do not carry ballistic missiles.

   - Fleet: The U.S. operates 50+ SSNs across three classes:

     - Los Angeles-class: These are older submarines, gradually being retired. About 28 are still in service.

     Seawolf-class: Due to high costs, only three of these advanced attack submarines were built, but they remain highly capable.

     - Virginia-class: The newest and most advanced SSNs, designed to be versatile and more affordable than the Seawolf class. Over 20 Virginia-class submarines are in service, with more on order.

   - Bases: 

     - Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut: Key base for the Atlantic fleet.

     - Naval Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: Hosts several SSNs covering the Pacific.

     - Naval Base San Diego, California: A major hub for attack submarines.

3. Guided Missile Submarines (SSGNs)

   Role: The U.S. Navy converted four of its Ohio-class SSBNs into guided missile submarines (SSGNs). These submarines can carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and deploy special operations forces.

   - Fleet: The U.S. operates four SSGNs, two based in the Atlantic and two in the Pacific.

Current and Future Developments:

   - The U.S. Navy is modernising its submarine fleet by developing the Columbia-class SSBNs to replace the ageing Ohio-class SSBNs.

   The Virginia-class Block V submarines are being equipped with Virginia Payload Modules (VPM), which expand their capability to carry more cruise missiles.

   - As of the 2020s, the U.S. Navy plans to maintain a fleet of about 66 attack submarines and continue the strategic modernisation of its SSBN fleet for nuclear deterrence.

The U.S. submarine fleet consists of 14 SSBNs, 50+ SSNs, and 4 SSGNs, all strategically located to maintain a global presence and respond to potential threats.

Americans produce a staggering amount of waste each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

- 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) was generated in the United States in 2018 (the most recent year for full data). This amounts to about 4.9 pounds of trash per person per day.

  The trash includes everyday items like packaging, food scraps, furniture, electronics, and yard trimmings. 

- Recycling: About 32.1% of this waste was recycled.

- Composting: 8.5% of the waste was composted.

- Landfilling: The majority, about 50%, went to landfills.

- Combustion with energy recovery: 11.8% was incinerated in waste-to-energy plants.

Several other countries produce large amounts of trash, often comparable to or exceeding the United States when adjusted for population or waste management systems. Here are some of the top countries that generate significant amounts of waste:

1. China

   - Annual Waste: China produces about 400 million tons of waste per year, more than any other country, given its large population. However, when adjusted per capita, the numbers are lower than the U.S. China's rapid urbanisation and industrialisation contribute significantly to its waste production.

   - Management: China has been implementing aggressive waste management policies, including banning the import of foreign waste in 2018 and focusing on recycling and reducing plastic usage.

2. India

   - Annual Waste: India generates around 277 million tons of waste annually. As with China, the per capita waste generation is lower than that of the U.S., but with a population of over 1.4 billion, the total amount is considerable.

   - Challenges: Waste management in India faces challenges due to the rapid growth of urban areas and limited infrastructure for waste collection and disposal, with a significant amount of waste being untreated.

3. Brazil

   - Annual Waste: Brazil produces around 79 million tons of waste annually, which places it among the top waste-producing countries in the world.

   - Waste Management Issues: Brazil faces issues with landfills and recycling, with a large portion of its waste going to unsanitary landfills or being inadequately treated.

4. European Union (EU)

   - Annual Waste: The European Union, as a whole, generates over 250 million tons of municipal waste each year. Countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France contribute significantly to this figure.

   - Management: The EU has some of the most advanced waste management systems in the world, with many member states implementing strong recycling and composting programs. Germany, for example, has a recycling rate of over 67%.

5. Japan

   - Annual Waste: Japan produces around 45 million tons of waste per year. Despite being smaller in land area, its dense population and high consumption levels lead to considerable waste production.

   - Innovative Solutions: Japan is known for its efficient waste management, including incineration with energy recovery and high recycling rates.

6. Russia

   - Annual Waste: Russia produces roughly 55 million tons of waste each year, with much of it going to landfills.

   - Waste Management Issues: Russia struggles with underdeveloped recycling systems and a reliance on landfills, many of which are reaching capacity.

7. Canada

   - Annual Waste: Canada generates approximately 36 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, with a significant portion going to landfills.

   - High Waste per Capita: Despite its relatively small population, Canada has one of the highest waste production rates per capita, driven by high consumption and disposal rates.

One of the most travelled presidential candidates in U.S. history was Harry S. Truman during his 1948 whistle-stop campaign. Truman travelled an impressive 31,000 miles across the United States, giving 352 speeches in various cities and towns, many of which were small and previously unheard of in presidential campaigning. His tour, mostly by train, helped energise his underdog campaign and ultimately contributed to his surprising victory over Governor Thomas E. Dewey. Truman’s direct interaction with rural voters, where he often spoke from the rear platform of his train, became legendary for its personal touch and effectiveness.

Mexico lost a significant portion of its territory to the United States after the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848. This treaty ended the war and resulted in Mexico ceding about 55% of its territory to the U.S., which included present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas.

 Key Points:

1. Mexican Cession (1848): In the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico agreed to cede approximately 525,000 square miles of land to the U.S. in exchange for $15 million and the U.S. assumption of around $3.25 million in claims by American citizens against Mexico.

  2. Texas Annexation (1845): Before the war, the U.S. had already annexed Texas in 1845, which triggered the conflict. Texas had declared independence from Mexico in 1836 but was not officially recognised by Mexico, which led to tensions.

3. Gadsden Purchase (1853): Five years later, in 1853, the U.S. acquired an additional 29,670 square miles of land (in present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico) for $10 million through the Gadsden Purchase, which completed the current U.S.-Mexico border.

"He said what?"

One of the most infamous "hot mic" moments during a U.S. presidential campaign occurred in 2012 when then-President Barack Obama was caught on a hot mic during a conversation with then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The incident happened at a nuclear security summit in Seoul, South Korea.

The Comment:

Obama was heard saying to Medvedev, "This is my last election. After my election, I have more flexibility." Medvedev responded, "I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir." The "Vladimir" in question was Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Context and Reaction:
The comment was made about negotiations about missile defence systems between the U.S. and Russia. Obama was signalling that he would be better positioned to negotiate after the 2012 election when re-election concerns would no longer constrain him.

The 'hot mic' moment sparked a firestorm of controversy, particularly among Republicans. They accused Obama of signalling to Russia that he would make concessions after the election. This incident became a heated talking point in the 2012 campaign, with critics arguing that it revealed a potential weakness in foreign policy.

Legacy:

The comment is often remembered as one of the most significant hot mic moments in U.S. presidential politics, raising questions about diplomatic transparency and the influence of electoral politics on international negotiations.