To the Lighthouse

Tuesday, February, 25th, 2025

World Events — Flipping the Playbook on Ukraine

Bloomberg

In a significant shift in US foreign policy, the Trump administration has broken ranks with its traditional allies on the issue of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On the third anniversary of the war, the US voted against a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia's actions, aligning itself with Moscow instead. This move was followed by the US and Russia agreeing for the first time in a UN Security Council vote on a resolution calling for a swift end to the conflict without assigning blame. The G-7 also struggled to issue a joint statement, with the US opposing language condemning Moscow. These actions highlight a growing rift between the US and its European allies, as Trump pursues direct negotiations with Russia to end the war. The President has signaled support for policies favored by Putin, including barring Ukraine from NATO membership and potentially allowing Russia to retain captured territory. This dramatic policy shift has alarmed European leaders, who fear being sidelined in peace negotiations and worry about the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and regional security. 

Tech — Spotify’s Music Pro

Bloomberg

Spotify is planning to introduce a new premium tier called Music Pro, potentially launching later in 2025. This new offering is expected to cost an additional $5.99 per month on top of existing subscriptions in the US, with prices varying in other regions. Music Pro aims to provide subscribers with several enhanced features, including higher-quality lossless audio, AI-powered remixing tools for blending tracks from different artists, and exclusive access to concert tickets such as presales or better seating options. While the exact details and timeline are still being finalized, Spotify hopes to roll out this tier in phases, adding new tools and features over time. The company sees this as an opportunity to cater to its most dedicated users and potentially attract millions of new subscribers, despite the higher price point. This move comes after Spotify achieved its best year of user growth in 2024, reaching 675 million monthly active users, including 263 million paying subscribers, and posting its first annual profit.

Business — Stable Coin, the Real Crypto Craze

The Economists

The stablecoin market has experienced significant growth, with its total market capitalization reaching over $200 billion in early 2025. This expansion represents a substantial increase from previous years, with the market growing by 48% in 2024 alone. Stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies (primarily the US dollar), have gained traction not only in crypto trading but also in real-world applications such as remittances, payments, and as a store of value in countries with high inflation. Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) continue to dominate the market, with Tether accounting for 70% of activity. However, this dominance also brings potential risks to the broader crypto ecosystem and even traditional financial markets. As stablecoins become more mainstream, policymakers and regulators are working to catch up, implementing new rules and oversight to address concerns about transparency, reserves, and potential illicit use. Despite these challenges, the stablecoin market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with some analysts predicting it could reach $500 billion by the end of 2025.

Health — Understanding Personality Disorder

Verywell Mind

Personality disorders (PDs) are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, and interacting that deviate from cultural norms, causing significant distress and functional impairment. The DSM-5 identifies ten specific PDs, grouped into three clusters: Cluster A (odd or eccentric behaviors) includes Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal PDs; Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors) includes Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic PDs; and Cluster C (anxious or fearful behaviors) includes Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive PDs. Diagnosis requires meeting specific criteria for each disorder, and while some individuals fit neatly into one category, many exhibit traits spanning multiple PDs. In addition to these ten, the DSM-5 also includes categories for personality change due to another medical condition, other specified personality disorder, and unspecified personality disorder, accommodating individuals with mixed symptoms or insufficient information for a specific diagnosis.

To learn more: https://www.verywellhealth.com/personality-disorders-5100910

Smoothie Bar — Orange Smoothie 

I realize I’ve never posted a recipe for orange smoothie. Seems like so many of you caught flu, so please get lots of rest and get some vitamin C in! 

Wholefully

Song Rec — No Tears Left to Cry (Arinna Grande) 

Quote of the Day 

"What is the meaning of life? That was all a simple question; one that tended to close in on one with years, the great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead, there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark; here was one." — Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse