The Mortgage Refinancing Boom of 2024: Causes & Impact

An upscale house with a boxy design and nice landscaping illustrates the US mortgage refinancing boom that started in 2024

What does the current refinancing boom mean for homeowners? Why are mortgage applications hitting their highest levels since 2022? The refinancing surge of late 2024 marks a significant shift in the mortgage landscape, driven by falling interest rates and the Federal Reserve’s recent policy changes. Homeowners across the country are seizing opportunities to lower monthly payments, reduce loan terms, or tap into home equity for various financial needs. Keep reading to explore the factors driving this refinancing boom and how it’s affecting the mortgage market.

The Fed’s Interest Rate Cut (September 2024): Is It Helping?

The Federal Reserve building in Washington, DC, illustrates the Fed's interest rate cut (September 2024)

Why did the Fed cut interest rates in September? When can borrowers expect to see meaningful relief in their monthly payments? The Fed’s interest rate cut (September 2024) marked a significant shift in Federal Reserve policy, coming after years of aggressive rate hikes to fight inflation. While this reduction signals progress in the battle against rising prices, many Americans still face financial challenges from lingering inflation effects. Keep reading to learn how interest rate cuts in September 2024 and beyond could affect your financial future, from mortgage payments to car loans.

The History of Burnout: Which Generation Had It Worse?

An artistic rendering of an exhausted man sitting at a computer desk looking burned out from work

How has society’s understanding of exhaustion evolved over centuries? What makes today’s digital workplace uniquely exhausting? While we’ve suffered from exhaustion throughout history, today’s version is different. Often seen as workplace burnout, it’s exacerbated by digital overload and the blurring of lines between work and home life. Continue reading to learn about the history of burnout and what can be done to lessen the severity.

A History of Gender Identity: The Norms & Challenges to Them

Activists with signs that say "#tradwife" and "PRIDE" illustrate the history of gender identity

What role has history played in shaping our understanding of gender? How have different societies approached gender identity throughout time? The history of gender identity reveals fascinating variations across cultures and eras, from strict binary systems to more fluid interpretations. Modern perspectives on gender expression emerged from centuries of evolution in social thought, scientific research, and cultural movements. Keep reading to explore how ancient civilizations, revolutionary thinkers, and contemporary society have contributed to our understanding of gender identity and expression.

Gender Fluidity in History: Nonconformity in Ancient & Modern Times

The deity Ishtar with masculine and feminine traits illustrates gender fluidity in history

What does it mean to be gender-fluid in today’s world? How have different cultures throughout history viewed and accepted diverse gender identities? Gender expression and identity have evolved significantly across time and cultures. From ancient Mesopotamian deities to modern social movements, the concept of gender fluidity has shaped societies in fascinating ways. Keep reading to explore gender fluidity in history and discover how past perspectives continue to influence our modern understanding of gender identity and expression.

The Presidential Power of the Pardon: A Dramatic Shift Over Time

The Presidential Power of the Pardon: A Dramatic Shift Over Time

Why did America’s founders give presidents such broad pardon powers? How has the presidential power of the pardon evolved from a tool of justice to an instrument of political favor? The story of presidential pardons in America reveals a dramatic shift from their original purpose of promoting national unity and showing mercy to their modern use as political weapons. From George Washington’s pardons after the Whiskey Rebellion to Joe Biden’s unprecedented pardon of his son, these executive decisions have shaped American history in profound ways. Keep reading to explore the fascinating transformation of America’s most sweeping executive power and its

Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup Campaign in 2023 (What It Takes)

A soccer ball in the grass with huge crowds in the stands at a World Cup soccer tournament

What does it take to lead a national team through the pressures of a World Cup tournament? How can a coach maintain composure while managing both tactical decisions and player well-being? Sarina Wiegman talks about her experience leading England’s national team to the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She shares lessons about leadership, preparation, and resilience under pressure. From innovative jet lag management to crucial tactical decisions, her approach demonstrates the complexities of modern coaching at the highest level. Keep reading to learn about Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup campaign from her book What It Takes.

Sarina Wiegman’s Career, Impact, & Legacy (What It Takes)

England manager Sarina Wiegman posing with the trophy after the Women’s Euro 2022 final football match illustrates her career

What does it take to transform from a young girl defying gender norms to become one of soccer’s most influential coaches? How can determination and resilience shape not just a career, but an entire sport? Sarina Wiegman’s career journey—from cutting her hair short to play soccer with boys to leading national teams to victory—is chronicled in her book What It Takes. Her story reveals the challenges and triumphs of breaking barriers in women’s soccer and offers insights into effective leadership and cultural change. Keep reading to discover how one woman’s passion changed the landscape of international soccer forever.

A Peace to End All Peace (David Fromkin): Book Overview

A young man with dark hair and glasses reading a book at a table in a library with bookshelves in the background

What led to the creation of today’s Middle East? How did European decisions after World War I shape the region’s ongoing conflicts? In A Peace to End All Peace, David Fromkin reveals how Britain and France carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I, creating new countries and drawing borders that still spark tension today. He explores the complex alliances, secret agreements, and cultural misunderstandings that transformed the region. Keep reading for an overview of this book that can help us understand the world.

The Ottoman Empire Before WWI: Caught in a Perilous Game

A person's hand picking up a pawn on a chess board illustrates the tricky situation of the Ottoman Empire before WWI

What led the Ottoman Empire to switch from being Britain’s ally to joining Germany before World War I? How did the complex web of European alliances contribute to one of history’s deadliest conflicts? The Ottoman Empire before WWI found itself caught in a dangerous game of shifting alliances and imperial ambitions. European powers competed for territory and influence, while nationalism rose across multiple regions. These dynamics ultimately reshaped both the Middle East and Europe. Keep reading to discover how the decisions of empires and the consequences of their choices changed the world forever.