THE BINDER DOCTRINE:
Whitmer’s Surprise Cameo in Trump’s Oval Office Reality Show

In a moment sure to be archived under “Nope, not today”, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer inadvertently pioneered a new political survival tactic: The Binder Shield—the ancient art of blocking your face with office supplies when caught in the wilds of an unscheduled Oval Office press conference.

The presumed 2028 presidential hopeful had come to D.C. to talk about boring, important things like Michigan’s ice storms and tariffs. But before she could say “Great Lakes,” she was whisked into the Trump Show, Season ∞, Episode “Let’s Sign Some Orders and Blame the Deep State.”

There she stood—“glumly,” as the New York Times kindly put it—while the former president monologued like a man who thinks executive orders are collectible baseball cards. Cameras flashed. Whitmer flinched. Then came the moment: face half-obscured by binders, she stared into the middle distance like someone stuck in an elevator with a karaoke machine playing YMCA on loop.

Her team moved faster than a campaign intern at free pizza hour. “The governor was surprised to be brought into the Oval Office without notice,” her spokesperson told CNN, “and her presence is not an endorsement of… well, any of it.”

Trump, of course, took the chance to praise Whitmer as a “very good person” and a “great governor” from the “great state of Michigan.” This is interesting, considering just a few years ago, he publicly lambasted her as “that woman” who dared to blame the federal government during a pandemic—and who was later the target of a literal kidnapping plot by people who took his rhetoric a little too seriously.

Speaking later at a college in Michigan, Whitmer offered a polite-but-pointed “hard pass” on the whole ordeal. “Not my scene, not my script, not where I wanted to be,” she said. “But I stayed in the room to advocate for Michigan. That’s the job.”

Meanwhile, critics—primarily online but increasingly meme-equipped—focused less on policy and more on her well-timed Binder Shield technique. One tweet read, “That’s not just a binder; that’s emotional armour.”

Vladimir Putin has agreed to a limited ceasefire that would stop Russia from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after a high-stakes phone call with Donald Trump.

However, the Russian leader declined to commit to a 30-day complete ceasefire, a plan Trump pitched that Ukraine agreed to last week.

This dented the US president’s hope of quickly ending hostilities. The Kremlin said Putin demanded that the West halt all military aid to Kyiv before it could implement such a plan.

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, spoke after the call. He said Ukraine was favourable to both sides halting attacks on each other’s infrastructure, but he was waiting for “details” of what had been agreed upon first.

Trump interpreted the discussion positively, writing on his Truth Social platform shortly after the call ended that he had had a “very good and productive” conversation with Putin.

“We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine,” he added.

There have been instances in U.S. history where a president has defied or ignored a federal judge's ruling.

Andrew Jackson (1832) – Ignored Supreme Court in Worcester v. Georgia

What Happened? The Supreme Court ruled in Worcester v. Georgia (1832) that the state of Georgia could not impose its laws on Cherokee territory.

Jackson’s Response: He reportedly said, “John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it.”

Impact: Jackson refused to enforce the ruling, leading to the forced removal of Native Americans, culminating in the Trail of Tears.

Abraham Lincoln (1861) – Ignored Habeas Corpus Order

What Happened? During the Civil War, Lincoln suspended habeas corpus (the right to appear before a judge) to arrest suspected Confederate sympathizers.

Chief Justice Roger Taney’s Ruling: In Ex parte Merryman (1861), Taney ruled that only Congress, not the president, could suspend habeas corpus.

Lincoln’s Response: He ignored the ruling and continued suspending habeas corpus.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1942) – Japanese American Internment

What Happened? FDR signed Executive Order 9066, forcing Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II.

Legal Challenge: Federal courts upheld the order at the time (Korematsu v. United States, 1944), but later rulings criticized the decision.

Impact: The order was seen as unconstitutional, but it wasn’t defied in the traditional sense.

Dwight Eisenhower (1957) – Defied a State Judge, Enforced Federal Law

What Happened? After the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus used the National Guard to block Black students from entering Little Rock Central High School.

State vs. Federal Conflict: A federal judge ordered desegregation, but Faubus ignored it.

Eisenhower’s Response: He overruled the state judge and sent federal troops to enforce school desegregation.

Richard Nixon (1974) – Refused to Hand Over Watergate Tapes

What Happened? During the Watergate Scandal, a federal judge ordered Nixon to hand over White House tapes.

Supreme Court Ruling: In United States v. Nixon (1974), the Court unanimously ruled that Nixon must comply.

Nixon’s Response: He delayed but eventually complied before resigning.

Donald Trump (Multiple Cases)

Travel Ban (2017): Federal judges blocked Trump’s travel ban, but his administration continued fighting in court until the Supreme Court upheld a revised version.

Jan. 6 Records (2021-2022): Trump sought to withhold White House documents from Congress, but courts ruled against him.

Gag Orders (2023-2024): Some judges issued gag orders on Trump in legal proceedings, which he openly criticized and sometimes violated.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

The name Gaza has ancient origins and has been used for thousands of years to refer to the city and region in what is now the Gaza Strip. The name’s meaning and history trace back to various languages and civilizations.

Origins of the Name "Gaza"

Ancient Semitic Roots—The name Gaza comes from ancient Semitic languages, likely related to the Hebrew and Canaanite word ʿAzzā (עַזָּה), which means “strong” or “fortified.”

Egyptian Influence – The Egyptians called the city “Ghazzat”, an important strategic city along trade routes.

Greek and Roman Period – The Greeks and Romans called it Gaza, a name that persisted over time.

Arabic Name – In Arabic, the city is called غزة (Ghazza), which retains the ancient Semitic root.

Strategic Location – Gaza has historically been a fortified city, controlling important trade routes between Egypt, the Levant, and Mesopotamia.

Cultural and Military Importance – It was a key city for many empires, from the Philistines and Ancient Egyptians to the Ottomans and British.

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.

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, approximately 650 individuals and organizations have received it.

Presidents Ranked by Number of Honorees

Barack Obama (2009–2017)

123 Medals

Notable Recipients: Ellen DeGeneres, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Biden, Maya Angelou.

Known for honoring many achievers in arts, sports, science, and public service.

Bill Clinton (1993–2001)

113 Medals

Notable Recipients: Rosa Parks, John F. Kennedy (posthumously), Nelson Mandela, Aretha Franklin.

Focused on civil rights, global leadership, and cultural icons.

George W. Bush (2001–2009)

85 Medals

Notable Recipients: Pope John Paul II, Muhammad Ali, Sandra Day O’Connor, Tony Blair.

Emphasized military leaders, religious figures, and international allies.

Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)

36 Medals

Notable Recipients: Mother Teresa, Frank Sinatra, James Stewart, Elie Wiesel.

Often honored individuals from the arts and humanitarian causes.

Donald Trump (2017–2021)

24 Medals

Notable Recipients: Rush Limbaugh, Jim Jordan, Tiger Woods.

Focused on athletes, conservative figures, and military members.

John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)

16 Medals (Posthumously Awarded in 1963)

Notable Recipients: Helen Keller, Robert Frost, John Steinbeck.Established the modern version of the Medal of Freedom.

Richard Nixon (1969–1974)

15 Medals

Notable Recipients: Duke Ellington, Bob Hope, Walt Disney.Focused on cultural and entertainment figures.

Gerald Ford (1974–1977)

11 Medals

Notable Recipients: Walt Disney (posthumously), Joe DiMaggio, Betty Ford. Emphasized cultural icons and personal connections.

Jimmy Carter (1977–1981)

6 Medals

Notable Recipients: Ansel Adams, Alexander Calder.Focused on contributions to the arts and environment.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)

5 Medals

Notable Recipients: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Norman Rockwell.Honored leaders and artists significant to his presidency.

The U.S. president who gave the most press conferences was Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). During his presidency (1933–1945), FDR held an extraordinary number of press conferences, a hallmark of his administration.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Press Conference Record:

Total Number: FDR held 998 press conferences during his 12 years in office, averaging about two per week.

Roosevelt’s press conferences were informal and often held in the Oval Office.

He invited members of the press into a room, standing or sitting casually while answering their questions.

FDR used these conferences to communicate directly with the public through the press, particularly during the Great Depression and World War II.

His ability to shape narratives and respond quickly to events made press conferences a key tool in his presidency.

Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921): 

Wilson pioneered the practice and was the first president to hold regular press conferences.He held roughly 400 press conferences during his two terms.

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961):

Eisenhower held the first televised press conferences, adding a new layer of transparency and public engagement.

He held 193 press conferences during his presidency.

Donald Trump (2017–2021):

Trump engaged frequently with reporters in less formal settings, such as on the White House lawn or during rallies, but held far fewer official press conferences—approximately 39 formal ones during his term.

Joe Biden (2021–Present):

As of recent data, President Biden has held fewer formal press conferences than some of his predecessors, preferring speeches and smaller, controlled media events.

As of November 29, 2024, Russia occupies approximately 18% of Ukraine's territory, encompassing parts of the following regions:

• Crimea: Annexed by Russia in 2014, the Crimean Peninsula remains under Russian control.

• Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts: Collectively known as the Donbas region, these areas have experienced significant conflict since 2014. Russia declared the annexation of these territories in September 2022, but does not fully control them.

• Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts: In 2022, Russian forces occupied portions of these southern regions. Despite declaring annexation, Russia does not have complete control over these areas.

The front lines remain dynamic, with ongoing military operations leading to changes in territorial control. Recent reports indicate that Russian forces have made rapid advances in eastern Ukraine, capturing significant territory in regions such as Donetsk and Luhansk.

It's important to note that the international community, including the United Nations, does not recognize Russia's annexation of these Ukrainian territories.

The last ex-president to drive across the country was Harry S. Truman. After leaving the White House in January 1953, Truman and his wife, Bess, embarked on a road trip across the United States. The journey began in Independence, Missouri, and spanned 19 days, covering over 2,500 miles.

Truman's road trip was quite a significant event, as it was unusual for a former president to travel in such an unassuming manner. The Trumans traveled without Secret Service protection, which was not mandatory at the time, and drove their own car, a Chrysler New Yorker. They stayed in motels and visited friends along the way, drawing attention and admiration from the public wherever they went.

This journey is well-documented in Matthew Algeo's book Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip, which provides a detailed account of the trip and its significance in American history.

• “Four years ago, lying opponents said the country was tired of its ideals - they waged a campaign based on an appeal to prejudice based on the dragging out of bogies and hobgoblins, the subtle encouragement of false fears. America has not lost her faith in ideals - idealism is her heart’s blood. Tricked once we have been.
  
  - Millions of voters are waiting today for the opportunity next November to reveal their vengeance on those deceivers. They await the opportunity to support a man who will return America to the fold of decency and ideals from which she has strayed and who will bring the Government back to the people.”
  
  - FDR’s nominating speech at the 1924 Democratic Convention in support of Alfred E. Smith, Governor of New York.
  Roosevelt didn’t want to give the speech, having written one himself. Al Smith insisted. Roosevelt relented and delivered the speech to thunderous applause. It was the first time Roosevelt delivered a public speech after contracting polio in 1921.