Good morning. Now that all of the Golden Mug Awards have been handed out, we’re going to give your eyes a break from reading (it’s the Friday before New Year’s, after all).
In today’s edition, we’re showcasing the images that defined 2022, from Queen Elizabeth’s last public photo to the James Webb Space Telescope’s snapshots of the universe as we had never seen it before.
You might even be inspired to pick up a DSLR after this…
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest serving monarch, died at 96 on September 8 after seven decades on the throne and just two days after this serene photo was taken. She left her 73-year-old son, Charles, to become king, and mourners to stand in a 10-mile queue to pay their respects. The death of the only sovereign most living British people have ever known raised a number of thorny questions, ranging from what would happen to currencies bearing her likeness (the UK minted new cash with the king’s profile, but some other countries like Canada opted not to), to the fate of her beloved corgis (they’re with Prince Andrew). But perhaps the most difficult one to answer is: What’s in store for the monarchy going forward?
If you ever need to put your life in perspective, we recommend scrolling through the stunning images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope, the most advanced telescope ever launched into orbit. Its crystal-clear images of the far reaches of space will give scientists valuable clues about the origins of our universe. This photo from the first batch of JWST pics shows a stellar nursery.
From relaxing getaways to exhilarating adventures, consider adding “explore more of the world” to your #2023goals. And with Capital One’s Venture X card, you can get rewarded for it, too.
Venture X can elevate your travel to the next level, with a generous sign-up bonus, 2x miles on every purchase, and access to 1,300+ airport lounges.
Now Venture X cardholders can unlock new benefits through a subscription to PRIOR, an award-winning travel company that Conde Nast Traveler says has “an unrivaled black book,” offering trusted editorial, destination guides, and experiences around the world—including cardholder-exclusive trips.
Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in late February with attacks on the capital city, Kyiv, and other locations across the country. In this image from the war’s earliest days, many Kyiv residents are seen leaving the capital in an epic traffic jam. The initial invasion sent millions fleeing, mostly women and children since men aged 18–60 were required to stay and fight. As of late September, ~6 million people had returned to their homes, per the UN. And more than 1.5 million people have returned to the Kyiv region.
Mass protests have rocked Iran since September. Originally sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the nation’s morality police (who had arrested her over alleged violations of Iran’s strict headscarf rules), the protests have been largely led by women demanding greater freedom. It’s too soon to say whether the demonstrations have the potential to wring any concessions from the Iranian government, which has responded with counterprotests, violence, and executions.
On May 24, 19 children and two adults were killed by a gunman at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. It was the 27th school shooting of 2022 and the deadliest school shooting since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. After the tragedy unfolded, investigators determined that police had bungled the response to the shooting, and in October the school district suspended its entire police department. Texas has had eight mass shootings in the past 13 years, while the state has steadily loosened its gun laws, according to the Texas Tribune.
Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida’s western coast as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 28 after raging through the Caribbean. With 150 mile-per-hour winds and a 12-foot storm surge, it ranked as the fifth-strongest hurricane ever to hit the US. The storm knocked out power for 4 million Floridians, led to at least 87 deaths in the state, and caused an estimated ~$47 billion worth of insured damage in Florida and the Carolinas.
Serena Williams announced her plans to retire (or as she put it, to “evolve” away from tennis) shortly before competing in the US Open one last time in August. The tournament capped off the GOAT’s historic 27-year career, during which she won a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles and became the highest-earning woman athlete ever. The next step in her evolution? Williams plans to spend more time with both her family and her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures.
TOGETHER WITH CAPITAL ONE
Fulfill your wanderlust. Looking for a credit card that can help you explore the world? Capital One’s Venture X card has you covered. It offers plenty of travel perks, including a complimentary PRIOR Subscription (a $149 value) that comes with access to extraordinary experiences, expertly curated destination guides, weekly newsletters, and more. Apply here.
Marli Miller/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The water level at Lake Mead, America’s largest reservoir, sank in July to its lowest level since it was first filled in 1937. The reason? A megadrought that gave the Southwest US its driest 22 years in the last 1,200 or so. The water dipped so low in Lake Mead that at least six corpses have been found, including one that’s probably from a 1980s mob hit. And it wasn’t just Lake Mead. Diminishing water levels across the globe this year threatened economies, stalled the transport of goods, and uncovered archeological surprises.
The Brew’s Max Knoblauch doesn’t just write the daily newsletter—he is an uber-talented illustrator who makes everyone’s weekends a little bit goofier with his weekly Saturday Sketch. This cartoon about Airbnb’s unreasonably demanding hosts seemed to hit a nerve.
Max Knoblauch
BREW’S BETS
This week, we’re resurfacing the most-clicked “Brew’s Bets” from the entire year.
Earth Clock: Just go to this website and wait for ~it~ to happen. You’ll see.
The beer-drinking method that divided the internet: Should this baseball fan be put in jail or elected president?
Where does your salary stack up? Find your percentile position in income distributions around the world.
Got financial goals you wanna achieve in 2023? Money with Katie is here to help. Her free newsletter is full of budgeting hacks, spending tips, and more to help you live the rich life you deserve. Check it out.
Don’t let your sales fall flat in the New Year. Amp up your revenue strategy with this guide from Retail Brew.
Listen to Business Casual to hear about the important business topics shaping your life.
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🩺 Your “learn something new” resolution just got easier with Healthcare Brew. It’s the industry newsletter built for today’s healthcare workers.
ANSWER
Needle in a haystack.
✳︎ A Note From Capital One
Venture X: Terms apply. See details at www.capitalone.com/venture-x. Access to lounges includes access to available Priority Pass lounges worldwide through Priority Pass enrollment, Plaza Premium Lounges and Capital One Lounges. Lounge access is subject to change.
PRIOR Subscription: Eligible Venture X cardholders who enroll at www.priorworld.com/capital-one will receive a complimentary PRIOR Subscription. The discount cannot be applied to subscriptions purchased before 11/15/2022. Additional terms apply. See PRIOR Subscription Terms of Service for details. Cardholder Events and Experiences: Eligible Venture X cardholders have early access to cardholder-exclusive PRIOR events and experiences. The number of tickets available for an event or experience may be limited, and are offered while supplies last. Additional costs may apply. Events and experiences are intended for guests over the age of 21. COVID-19 rules or restrictions may apply. Cardholder-exclusive PRIOR events and experiences are subject to PRIOR Terms of Service and Capital One Entertainment Terms of Use
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