Eastern Winds: Xi Gains Influence Over Global Politics & Trump’s Power Wanes as They Prepare to Meet in China

The United States faces challenges in the Strait of Hormuz as the Russo-Ukrainian War persists. Xi Jinping’s leadership continues to assert authoritative control over Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the South China Sea, while potentially leveraging U.S. political dynamics for Chinese expansionism. This climate highlights current global power shifts.

Beetle on soil near a nuclear missile with US Air Force markings in a bunker

Welcome to the Jungle: What do cuckoos, kings, cleaner fish, caterpillars, and beetles have to do with nuclear proliferation?

The Trump administration is receiving a lot of criticism over the war with Iran, but I’m hearing few suggestions from those critics on what to do now. I can understand criticizing the administration for initiating the conflict without a better-developed strategic plan. But where do we go from here? If you’re the POTUS, what’s your next move?

Cartoon character dancing energetically at a street dance battle surrounded by cheering crowd and colorful lights

Naive, Defensive, & Uncultured: Being Square in a Shapeshifting World

I briefly discuss the challenges of distinguishing between AI-generated content and genuine articles, societal pressures to integrate marketing and entertainment into content creation, and the balance between being yourself and changing yourself in a rapidly-evolving world.

“No Kings” 3 in Rural Missouri: Local Residents Rally in Warrenton to Express their Support for Constitutional Rights & Opposition to Trump’s Politics

On a brisk Saturday in Warrenton, Missouri, a crowd gathered for the No Kings rally, expressing discontent with the current political climate. Attendees voiced concerns about authoritarianism, government corruption, and the degradation of constitutional rights. The rally reflected a desire for democratic principles and connection among like-minded individuals in a predominantly conservative area.

“Sun’s Out, Buns Out”: Can knowing why women like squats and men prefer curls make you more productive at work?

A boy’s bi’s get the eyes and girl’s squats call the shots. It’s not lazy. It’s practical. It’s strength-based.

Understanding Vertigo: Medical, Cinematic, and Socio-Cultural Perspectives

Vertigo is (1) dizziness characterized by spinning sensations and (2) the title of a 1958 film by Alfred Hitchcock. But, is it also a fair way to describe (3) the 2025 cultural zeitgeist?