The most powerful hurricane ever recorded based on sustained wind speeds is Hurricane Patricia in 2015. Patricia reached peak sustained winds of 215 mph (345 km/h), making it the strongest tropical cyclone ever measured in the Western Hemisphere. It made landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast, but despite its extreme power, the mountainous terrain reduced its impact on densely populated areas, limiting widespread devastation.

In terms of the lowest central pressure, another measure of a hurricane's strength, Typhoon Tip in 1979 holds the record for the lowest pressure at 870 millibars (mb), making it the most intense tropical cyclone on record worldwide. Typhoon Tip struck the western Pacific Ocean, but fortunately, it weakened significantly before making landfall in Japan.

 Other Notable Hurricanes:

- Hurricane Katrina (2005): Although not the most powerful, Katrina is infamous for the catastrophic damage it caused in New Orleans due to flooding.

- Hurricane Irma (2017): With winds reaching 180 mph, Irma was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.

Hurricane Dorian (2019) devastated the Bahamas with winds up to 185 mph and caused widespread destruction.

A dog's ability to sniff out items such as guns is rooted in its extraordinary olfactory system. Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about 5-6 million in humans. This allows them to detect even the faintest odours associated with firearms, such as the chemicals present in gunpowder, oils, and metal residues.

Key Scientific Factors:

1. Olfactory Receptors: Dogs have many olfactory receptors and a specialised olfactory bulb in their brain that is 40 times larger (proportionally) than in humans. This allows them to process complex scents.

  2. Scent Differentiation: Dogs can separate distinct chemical compounds from a mixture of smells. Firearms contain specific chemicals, such as nitroglycerin, smokeless powder, and other residues, that give off detectable odours even when a gun is hidden or cleaned. 

3. Chemical Breakdown: Firearms leave behind minute traces of oils and metallic residues on surfaces, and dogs can detect these with great accuracy. For example, when a gun has been fired, the gunpowder residues leave distinct chemical signatures that dogs are trained to recognise.

4. Training: Detection dogs are trained using operant conditioning. They are exposed to different scents related to firearms, such as gunpowder, oils, and metals, and are rewarded when they correctly identify them. Over time, dogs learn to detect firearms reliably or when the weapon is well concealed, even in complex environments.

Dogs' olfactory abilities are so advanced that they can detect faint traces of chemicals in parts per trillion.

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.

"He said what?"