Podcasts about Belarus

Your TV dive starts here! Peju & Naomi celebrate the A Different World revival, recap the shocking Reasonable Doubt finale, unpack The Morning Show's Belarus twist, and dig into new hits like Pluribus, The Beast in Me, and Death by Lightning. Plus Michelle Obama's headline moment, Klay/Meg controversy, Pat Bev's arrest, and MAFS updates.

Av av av. Det danske landshold fik en kæmpe gave af grækerne lørdag aften, men formåede ikke at tage i mod den. For med et rystende 2-2 resultat på hjemmebane er spændingen stadig i takt om, hvorvidt der er Danmark eller Skotland, der skal snuppe VM-billetten i gruppe C. I dagens program vender vi lørdagens kamp mod Belarus. En kamp, som Danmark skulle have vundet, og hvor landstræner Brian Riemer var alt for passiv. Er det en af de ringeste danske præstationer i nyere hukommelse, og hvad skal ændres frem mod gruppefinalen mod Skotland tirsdag aften? Danmark har stadig muligheden for at afgøre det hele selv. For med skotternes nederlag i Grækenland, så har landsholdet den fordel, at de kan nøjes med uafgjort. Skal Riemer så parkere bussen og krige det hjem, eller har holdet stadig kapaciteterne til at sætte sig på kampen? Alt det og meget mere vender vi i dagens program. Vært: Emil Schiønning Gæst: Fodboldkommentator Andreas Kraul

If Scotland beat Denmark on Tuesday, we are in the World Cup. Creator and host Andy Bargh welcomes Alan Risk from the Air Force Wan Twitter page and Danish commentator Peter Piil to chat about Scotland's 3-2 defeat in Greece and Denmark's almighty slip-up at home to Belarus. It appeared to be all over, but Belarus' draw in Copenhagen, coupled with our strong final 30 minutes in Athens, mean there is wind in Scotland's sails for the winner take's all clash. We haven't been as close as this since '98. Adams, the centre-backs, Gilmour, Ferguson, our mindset and insecurities, the role of the fans, the Danish perspective and much more discussed. Thanks for tuning in and subscribing if you can! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite defeat in Greece, Scotland's World Cup qualification quest continues after Denmark drew with Belarus. We have all the reaction from the Scotland camp and Sportsound team.

Nearly four years after Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian officials and analysts look at the prospects for a ceasefire, and at the military, economic and human cost that President Vladimir Putin's campaign has inflicted on the country.  They discuss the Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, intended to demoralise the civilian population, and what European allies should do to bolster its defence efforts, and to rebuild the country if there is a ceasefire.  Host Bronwen Maddox is joined by Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former Minister of Defence of Ukraine; Daryna Marchak, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture; Olha Aivazovska, Chair of the Board of the Opora Civic Network; Simon Smith, Chair of Chatham House's Ukraine Forum and Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor of The Telegraph.  The discussion came as Chatham House hosted a conference - 'War in Ukraine: The battleground for the future of Europe'.  Read our latest: Comment | Ukraine's best defence against Putin's energy war is more attacks on Russia's oil refining sector Comment | As the US eases sanctions on Belarus, is it time for the EU to rethink its approach? Comment | Russia and the US put nuclear testing back on the table. Is time running out for arms control? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Stephen Farrell. Read the Autumn issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 

In this conversation, Dr. Iman Farajallah shares her profound experiences and insights as a psychologist working with trauma, particularly in war zones like Gaza. She discusses her personal background, the impact of war trauma on children, and her efforts to give a voice to those affected. The conversation also touches on the challenges of mental health support in Gaza and the concept of complex continuous trauma, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian population. This conversation delves into the profound and complex trauma experienced by the population of Gaza, particularly focusing on the impact on children. The discussion highlights the continuous nature of trauma, the intergenerational effects, and the parallels with other marginalized communities. Dr. Farajallah shares insights from her work training first responders and supporting refugees, as well as her personal journey of healing through spirituality. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-ZcfFTPEuro Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.5 Ethics IBAO:  1.5  Cultural QABA: 1.5  General CBA:    1.5  Cultural Diversity  Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/ Contact: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-iman-farajallah-psyd-6aa190149/ Links: My Life Is a War: Voices of Traumatized Palestinian Children under Israeli Occupation https://a.co/d/cUFdLEA Articles Mentioned: Farajallah, I. (2022). Continuous traumatic stress in Palestine: The psychological effects of the occupation and chronic warfare on Palestinian children. World Social Psychiatry, 4(2), 112-120. Farajallah, I., & Farajallah, H. (2024). Challenges in access to safe drinking water and its impact on maternal and child health in Gaza. Anatolian Clinic the Journal of Medical Sciences, 29(Special Issue on Gaza), 52-65. Farajallah, I. (2024). Behind the Rubble: Psychological trauma of wars and human rights abuses on women and children in Gaza. Anatolian Clinic the Journal of Medical Sciences, 29(Special Issue on Gaza), 119-136. Farajallah, I. (2018). Children of War: Psychological Impacts of War and Postwar Trauma on the Palestinian Children in the Gaza Strip (Doctoral dissertation, Sofia University). Related Behaviour Speak Episodes Episode 239: Supporting Refugee and Migrant Students Amid Climate and War-Induced Displacement with Dr. Diana Diaków https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-239-supporting-refugee-and-migrant-students-amid-climate-and-war-induced-displacement-with-dr-diana-diakow/ Episode 232: Behaviour Analysis in Sudan with Salma Abdelrahmanabdalla https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-232-behaviour-analysis-in-sudan-with-salma-abdelrahmanabdalla-med-iba-qba/ Episode 197: Understanding Moral Injury with Dr. C. Richard Spates https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-197-understanding-moral-injury-with-dr-c-richard-spates/ Episode 191: Behaviour Analysis in Belarus with Анна Калиновская ((Hanna Kalinouskaya), M.A., BCBA, IBA  https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/behaviouranalysis-in-belaruswith-hannakalinouskaya-bcba-iba/ Episode 184 Behavior Analysis in Ukraine with Alla Moskalets https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-184-behavior-analysis-in-ukraine-with-alla-moskalets/ Episode 176: Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health with Dr. Janice Parker https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-176-religion-spirituality-and-mental-health/ Episode 139: Threads of Hope: Addressing Trauma Amid War and Civil Discord with Sawsan Razzouk, M.A., BCBA https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-139threads-of-hope-addressing-trauma-amid-war-and-civil-discord-with-sawsan-razzouk-ma-bcba/

| Betit er kommerciel partner på programmet |Vi taler om Danmarks kamp mod Belarus, som meget vel kan komme i problemer tidligt mod det danske landshold, der – hvis resultaterne flasker sig – kan spille sig til VM med en sejr.Der er desuden fokus på Grækenlands kamp mod Skotland. Den har afgørende betydning for Danmarks VM-skæbne.Vært/ekspert: Mads Kindberg Nielsen.Ekspert: Tonni Munk Jensen.18+ | stopspillet.dk | udeluk dig selv: ROFUS.nu | Spil ansvarligt

Millennial Potash Chairman Farhad Abasov joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company's support for the U.S. Geological Survey's decision to add potash to the 2025 List of Critical Minerals, recognizing its strategic importance to global food security and supply chain resilience. Abasov said the inclusion underscores growing international efforts to diversify supply and reduce reliance on dominant producers such as Canada, Russia, and Belarus. Potash is a vital agricultural input used in fertilizer production, essential for maintaining crop yields and global food supply stability. Millennial also highlighted a recent Financial Times report referencing the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's (DFC) commitment of US$3 million in project development funding for Millennial's Banio Potash Project in Gabon. The funding is aimed at supporting feasibility studies and de-risking the project, with the potential to unlock additional U.S. financing in the future. The DFC, a U.S. government agency that supports private-sector initiatives in developing regions, has invested approximately US$13 billion across 300 projects in 26 Sub-Saharan African countries. Located on Gabon's Atlantic coast, the Banio Project offers direct shipping access to key markets in the United States, Brazil, and Africa. A Preliminary Economic Assessment released in April 2024 outlined an after-tax NPV (10%) of US$1.07 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 32.6%, based on operating costs of US$61 per ton of granular potash. Abasov added that a revised mineral resource estimate is currently in progress, following recent drilling that revealed potash-rich horizons up to 100 meters thick, further underscoring the project's large-scale potential. #proactiveinvestors #millennialpotahscorp #tsxv #mlp #otcqb #mlpnf #potash #CriticalMinerals #Potash #USGeologicalSurvey #FertilizerIndustry #USDFC #FoodSecurity #ResourceEstimates #MiningNews #GabonProjects #ProactiveInvestors

Det danske fodboldlandshold er to kampe fra at sikre sig plads ved næste sommers VM. Den komprimerede kvalifikation er gået ind i sidste og afgørende fase, og nu mangler kun en hjemmekamp mod Belarus inden den potentielle gruppefinale i Skotland. Men måske når vi slet ikke så langt. For Grækenland kan med en sejr over Skotland lørdag aften så godt som sende Danmark til VM - og selv hvis det glipper, har danskerne selv mulighed for at ordne sagerne i den sidste kamp. Så hvad skal kampen mod Belarus i Parken over hovedet bruges til? Og hvordan ser danskernes VM-muligheder ud inden de sidste to kampe? Vært: Emil Schiønning. Gæst: Fodboldkommentator Andreas Kraul.

Reporting live from Web Summit Lisbon 2025, where AI dominates every stage, one story stands out amid the tech frenzy: Belarus 2.0. In an exclusive interview with Belarus President-in-exile, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, we learn how thousands of Belarusian tech founders, forced to flee persecution and imprisonment, are now launching startups across Europe, keeping innovation alive despite being in exile. Separately, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is working on rebuilding Belarus itself — creating a vision for a free, digital-first, democratic nation, ready to emerge without the influence of Putin or Lukashenko. For the first time ever, Belarus has a stand at Web Summit, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the power of echnology as a tool for both innovation and national renewal. The show is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify   Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co   Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484   Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. CWA Forecasts Heavy Rainfall with Land and Sea Warnings for TyphoonFung-Wong The Central Weather Administration is warning of significant rainfall, after both land and sea warnings were issued for Typhoon Fung-Wong. The CWA warns that the interaction between the typhoon's outer bands and a northeast monsoon will significantly intensify rainfall. Officials say rainfall will be persistent (持續的) and heavy in the mountainous areas of greater Taipei, eastern Taiwan, and the Hengchun Peninsula. Residents are urged to avoid mountain areas due to the risk of landslides, falling rocks, and surging rivers. And strong winds and high waves are expected along coastal areas, with waves possibly reach three to five meters, or more in southern and southeastern areas. The public is advised to avoid coastal activities as much as possible. The land warning currently covers Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung, and the Hengchun Peninsula. The storm is currently located some 360-kilometers southwest of Eluanbi at the island's southern most tip and is moving in a north-northeasterly direction at 12-kilometers-an-hour. The storm has a radius of 230-kilometers and is packing sustained wind speeds of 108-kilometers-an-hour, with gust of up to 113-kilometers-an-hour. The typhoon is expected to come closest to Taiwan between tomorrow afternoon and evening, before moving out to sea east of Taiwan early Thursday morning. Belarus Threatens to Seize Trucks After Lithuania Border Closing Belarus' authoritarian leader is threatening to seize over 1,000 Lithuanian trucks stranded (被困住) in the country following the closure of its border with Lithuania after repeated incursions (侵入) by air balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes. Lithuania, a NATO and European Union member, closed the two border crossings with Belarus on Oct. 29 after weather balloons flying from Belarus caused repeated disruption ( 干擾、中斷) of air traffic at the Lithuanian capital's airport. The border will remain closed until at least the end of this month. Lithuanian officials cast the balloon disruption as part of anti-Western activities by Russia-allied Belarus intended to undermine stability. Lithuania borders Belarus as well as Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. India Police Investigating Delhi Blast The death toll from a blast in New Delhi has reached eight, with 20 people injured. Police are investigating what caused the blast, which took place late on Monday, in a crowded market very close to the iconic (非常出名的，標誌性的) Red Fort. Neha Poonia has more. IMO Pushes for Less Fossil Fuels in Shipping The head of the International Maritime Organization says he's continuing to “advocate and campaign” for global regulations to move the shipping industry away from fossil fuels, after the United States and Saudi Arabia blocked new rules last month. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez spoke at one of the first side events at the U.N. climate negotiations that began Monday on the edge of the Brazilian Amazon. The event was held to discuss the shipping industry's efforts to slash carbon pollution by transitioning (轉變) away from fossil fuels. Maritime nations were set to adopt the first global carbon fee on shipping last month at the IMO. Delegates decided to postpone the decision by a year and adjourn. Dominguez says the work continues. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. AI 不只是科技，更是投資的新藍海 ?? 您還沒上車嗎? 11/22下午二點，由ICRT與元大投信共同舉辦的免費講座 會中邀請理財專家阮幕驊和元大投顧分析師及專業團隊 帶你掌握「AI 投資機會」 加碼好康！ 只要「報名並親臨現場參加活動」 就有機會抽中 全家禮券200元，共計5名幸運得主！ 活動地點：台北文化大學APA藝文中心--數位演講廳（台北市中正區延平南路127號4樓） 免費入場，名額倒數中!! 立即報名：https://www.icrt.com.tw/app/2025yuanta/ 「投資一定有風險，基金投資有賺有賠，申購前應詳閱公開說明書」 #AI投資 #元大投信 #理財講座 #免費講座 #投資趨勢 #ETF -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Nu skal det afgøres. Neglene bider nærmest sig selv. Skal Danmark direkte til VM 2026 eller ej? Forude venter de to afgørende kvalifikationskampe mod Belarus i Parken og ikke mindst mødet med de syngende skotter på Hampden Park i Glasgow i det, der ligner en regulær nerveflænser af en direkte finale. For at klæde dig - og landstræner Brian Riemer bedst muligt på, går Fodboldlisten de ekstra meter i denne uge og har samlet et helt lille landsholdspanel. Ud over Andreas Kraul tæller det tidligere landsholdsspiller og VM-deltager Mikkel Beckmann samt Anders Hagen, der ud over at være vært på Kampdag og Mandsholdet også er tidligere fankoordinator for landsholdet. Ugens liste er en top 5 over, hvad vi må og skal se fra landsholdet, og der optræder både en lille opsang til de danske fans, et bud på startopstillingen mod skotterne samt en ophedet snak om kortglade, dubiøse dommere og deraf følgende karantænefare. Ja, og vigtigheden af ild i øjnene. Derudover en tur på galopbanen med 'Röde Baronen' og historien om et historisk jinx, der lige akkurat blev afværget i sidste øjeblik på en tilsvarende afgørende kvalifikationsaften i Dublin. Vært: Thomas Loft

Max and Maria had a livestreamed conversation in the CSIS Brack Studio with Dara Massicot and Kateryna Bondar to discuss Russian and Ukrainian battlefield adaptations and technological innovations. This conversation took place on November 5, 2025. A video recording is available at CSIS.org. "How Russia Recovered: What the Kremlin Is Learning From the War in Ukraine" by Dara Massicot (Foreign Affairs, October 2025) "How and Why Ukraine's Military Is Going Digital" by Kateryna Bondar (CSIS.org, October 2025) "Russia's War in Ukraine: The Next Chapter" by Max Bergmann and Maria Snegovaya (CSIS.org, September 2025)  

In this episode of The Cybersecurity Defenders Podcast, we discuss some intel being shared in the LimaCharlie community.A newly observed threat campaign is exploiting Amazon Web Services' Simple Email Service using stolen credentials and open source tools to perform cloud reconnaissance and eventually launch Business Email Compromise scams. A critical vulnerability has been disclosed in the React Native Community CLI NPM package, a toolset widely used for building React Native applications.Microsoft's Detection and Response Team (DART) has discovered a novel backdoor, SesameOp, that uses the OpenAI Assistants API as a command-and-control (C2) channel, highlighting a new way attackers are misusing generative AI platforms.Researchers from Cyble and Seqrite Labs have disclosed a sophisticated malware campaign, dubbed Operation SkyCloak, targeting defense-related organizations in Russia and Belarus through weaponized attachments delivered via phishing emails.Support our show by sharing your favorite episodes with a friend, subscribe, give us a rating or leave a comment on your podcast platform.This podcast is brought to you by LimaCharlie, maker of the SecOps Cloud Platform, infrastructure for SecOps where everything is built API first. Scale with confidence as your business grows. Start today for free at limacharlie.io.

➡️ Watch the full interview ad-free, join a community of geopolitics enthusiasts and gain access to exclusive content on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingGeopolitics➡️ Sign up to my free geopolitics newsletter: https://stationzero.substack.com/This is a conversation with Nigel Gould Davies - a senior research fellow at the Institute for International and Strategic Studies and an expert on Russian politics and strategy. He's also a former British diplomat who worked in Russian and served as UK's ambassador to Belarus. And he's also a brilliant analyst and recently wrote a very interesting piece in which he basically argued for two main things. First, that because of several crucial factors that have quite dramatically changed over the recent months, the Russian strategic position and calculus has now changed as well - since Russia, according to him, no longer has time on its side and it's becoming aware of this. And second that as a result, Russia will inevitably become much more aggressive and confrontational and it will escalate its actions both in Ukraine and in Europe. It's a really and though-provoking analysis and this was a chance into a lot more detail about what is happening and what it might lead to. 

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Vor 75 Jahren wurde die Menschenrechtskonvention unterzeichnet. Doch die Menschenrechte stehen unter Druck. Verschiedene europäische Regierungen fordern mehr Spielraum in der Migrationspolitik. Was sagt der Generalsekretär des Europarates? Alain Berset ist Gast im Tagesgespräch bei Simone Hulliger. Der Europarat setzt sich ein für Menschenrechte, Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit – mit dem Europäischen Gerichtshofs für Menschenrechte. In einem offenen Brief kritisierten im Frühling 9 europäische Länder die Rechtsprechung des Gerichts. Es schränke sie in der Migrationspolitik ein. Etwa bei der Ausschaffung von straffälligen Ausländerinnen und Ausländer oder bei der Rückweisung von Asylsuchenden aus der EU-Aussengrenze, die von Russland oder Belarus gezielt in die EU geschickt werden. Der Menschenrechtsgerichthof dürfe nicht zum Sündenbock werden, erklärt Berset. Er sei aber bereit, mit den Regierungen zu diskutieren. Lösungen müssten allerdings auf der politischen Ebene gefunden werden.

Christian College Sex Comedy: Part 28 Sandwiches? In 30 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the podcast at Explicit Novels.             Some masks hide who we are. Others show who we want to be                I could bowl Mercy over with a feather. Rio and I are doing the same social mechanics and come to the same conclusion. There are three reasons to marry a gay guy; 1.      money, 2.      social pressure and 3.      camouflage. Felicity doesn't need the money, so we simply assumed it to be number two. We totally missed the other reason; Felicity is a lesbian. Rio takes it in her slow and easy style. She walks up and puts Felicity in a gentle Mercy, Felicity, Rio sandwich. "I am going to have so much fun breaking you in," Rio whispers affectionately to Felicity. "When you get good at it, I'll let you play with Mercy, she likes to be played with but you have to be firm. Do you like it firm and hard, my most favorite and annoying little Ass-Tramp?" Subtle like a freaking tsunami. Mercy recovers from her shock to nod her head vigorously. "What about Barbie Lynn?" Felicity inquires with velvet hunger. "She's Zane's," Rio informs her. Felicity looks a bit disappointed. "Zane shares her though, so don't expect her to fall in love with you," then leans in and up, "but you'll find out her lips, titties and ass are to die for. Now let's go back to my room and let me show you some things," Rio grins, looks over her shoulder and gives me a wink. Who's room? Barbie Lynn pats my ass then skips after the trio. "We are going to lube up Mercy and try out some of the basics," Rio instructs Felicity. "We'll see what intrigues you then I'll send you home with some toys to practice with and, well, loosen you up a bit. Mercy didn't become fantastic overnight. I had to work on her a lot. See, and the conversation is drowned out by the rest of the students on the floor. No one has batted an eye about Mercy, Rio, and/or Felicity either. Maybe I really am the downfall of the Judeo-Christian tradition after all. Rio is taking responsibility for Mercy. Mercy just stepped out to the World as her true self, a tiny, tiny step anyway. Barbie Lynn is playing Dorm Mother in spades and in a manner way beyond the Handbook's job description. Valarie, Vivian and Iona have gathered together then when Vivian finger-beckons me over. I saunter over to see what's going to go wrong with my life next, and if they have any Tribbles hiding there I'm going to burn the little bastards in the sink. That's not what brings me over. "All the Advocate-candidates have been approached and agreed to serve," Vivian seems amused to inform me. "They want what little ceremony exists to be performed and the Advocates sworn in at 9pm." "Has someone worked on an Oath of Office," I groan. 'To one's self be true', what else can I say? "It seems some of the prelaw students actually had a little contest and they've put something together," Vivian smiles warmly. "It has been downloaded to your phone, it is under Advocate Oath of Office." "Why are you being such a smart ass?" I look her over. "Hasn't my day been bad enough?" "Zane, have you seen your phone log for the past twelve hours?" Vivian asks me. I have been ignoring my phone, in fact. I check it now and I bless those hard working Taiwanese and the huge memory capacity they've put in my global lifeline; otherwise my phone would have melted down hours ago. Fuck, I have phone calls from people I don't even know, who live in, France, Germany, Brazil and Belarus? I rack my mind to remember where Belarus is, blonde-haired, blue eyed Slavic ladies, now I know! The viewing of Star Trek humiliations seem to be universal but at least they don't know my name or face. There is some serious Time Lord Mafia paddling over this one. They've used my damn private phone number. "When do you think you'll talk to Rio," Iona asks cautiously. "I'll take care of that right now, while she's feeling happy and playful," I comfort Iona. "Besides, it could be worse; everyone is looking for a pudgy Sasquatch, not me." The three ladies all stare at me. "Oh fuck," I groan. "Well," Vivian looks away (oh hell), "the footage sort of shows you taking a shower plus your name and phone number." "But your transformation into is a fur-ball is truly precious," Valarie comforts/mocks me. "All my gal-pals out West think you are so cute; Phoenix, one of my Mom's jailbird friends, even used the 'too cute' emoticon and I didn't even think she knew what emoticons were. She sent it to all her buds still in lock-up too." "Great, I'm popular in a women's correctional facility, at least it is in another state," I sigh upward. I pray to God that never becomes relevant. "Hell, I have a housewife in Belarus she wants me as a house pet." "What does she look like?" Valarie seems curious. "How would I know?" I am somewhat offended. Valarie takes my phone but I don't resist too much. She scrolls a bit then hits the number. "Don't call her," I bark. Valarie laughs then hands me my phone back. She shows me the 'entirety' of the girl's message. Nice bikini, or what there is of it and I can't imagine it being too practical that far north. She is divorced, with a one year old son, 22 years old and fresh out of college with a job as a PR specialist for a real estate development firm. She also speaks seven freaking languages, I feel like such an underachiever right now, or male underwear model. Maybe I'll make her a pen pal ~ she's a half a world away. I should be safe. Right now I can't play it safe though; I have to go play with Rio and I know that violates my health insurance under the 'feeding dangerous animals' clause. "Zane," Iona offers to take my phone so I give it to her (why should I distrust her right?). Her delicate little fingers fly across it then she hands it back. "You now have a fifteen minute warning," she is trying to be helpful. "Paige seems to have vanished," I request, "so when you see her, tell her to give us some peace please." The three of the saner women I know give me a nod. I round the final screen and there is my sleeping platform. Barbie Lynn and Felicity are examining a stunning large collection of sexual aids (that my credit card must have paid for), which Rio is sedately explaining to them, sort of what you would expect from a Mary Kay or Avon saleswomen. Mercy is bent over the bed, pushing up her ass by standing on her toes, skirt and panties gone and surreptitiously undoing her blouse buttons when she thinks Rio isn't looking. Mercy even flashes a precious grin my way when she sees me. It is the 'Weeee! I'm about to get fucked' look. While amiably chatting away, Rio puts her hand over one of Felicity's hands and leads it over to Mercy's flank. Felicity puts up a token resistance. "Do that again and it will cost you," Rio purrs. Felicity stares at Rio's feral nature, seeing her truly for the first time then obeys. "Good girl," Rio coos in Felicity's ear. That reminds me what I've forgotten to do today, the air filters. I look around the various wardrobes for some sort of precision tool like a baseball bat, crowbar, sledgehammer, fire axe or chainsaw, I have a cricket bat? What the hell am I doing with a cricket bat? Isn't that the National sport of India; is it even played on this continent? It may be one of a kind; I'll spare it. "Zane!" Rio snaps. Apparently she's been calling my name for a second or two. "Yeah Bro, what do you need?" I answer. I'm not being attacked by someone so she must need something from me. "Felicity is self-conscious about being naked in front of us girls," Rio grins. "Could you pick out a swimsuit for her that is conservative and demur?" In Rio-speak that means three small circle Band-Aids and some dental floss. "What color would you like Felicity?" I ask. She says white; I groan because when you sweat/drip on white it becomes translucent. Maybe she's teasing me. I pick out a Rio-approved set (she has a whole drawer labeled 'Slut Wear' after all), hides it from her until I walk around and hand the 'suit' to Rio. Top lesson: 1.      Rio is in charge. Rio approved approves the look suit then hands it to Felicity. "You expect me to wear this?" Felicity gasps. "That's going to cost you Sweet-cheeks," Rio grins wickedly. "I can't wear this," Felicity stammers. Rio puts a finger to her lips to stop Felicity from saying anything else. "I apologize, Ms. Tolliver," Rio nods, "I think you are in the wrong place. Thank you for the books; good-bye now." Felicity is looking back and forth between Rio, Barbie Lynn, Mercy and me. Barbie Lynn gives Felicity a friendly shrug; I mirror that gesture while Rio takes up a medium lavender dildo, a bottle of lube and pours an expertly delivered thin stream on the tool and Mercy's asshole as if they are one. She's pointedly ignoring Felicity. Felicity is a 'Prom Queen' type and now some jumped-up freshman has dismissed her like she is nothing; I doubt that has ever happened before. On the other hand, Rio is brazenly open with her sexuality and sexual desires; a freedom Felicity has always felt denied her. Felicity almost makes a crucial mistake but I catch her starting to form the words 'I'm sorry' to me but I redirect her with a tilt of my head. "I apologize," Felicity whispers. "Zane, could you take over for me please," Rio says. I step around to her far side and start working my dildo slowly into Mercy's rectum. She wiggles her ass playfully to the intrusion. Rio steps up to Felicity, rises up on her tiptoes and grips Felicity's head firmly but gently. Rio tries to kiss Felicity but I can tell the taller blonde's jaws clench and her body stiffens. "One last chance," Rio insists. She lets the implications sink in then kisses her again. It is a close thing but Felicity finally breaks down and let's Rio's tongue master her tongue, mouth and lips. Felicity moan eradicates a decade of repression and denial and it is with some reluctance that the taller blonde lets the short, darker Rio settle down. Rio presses a finger to Felicity's lips again. "This is going to be the last time I'm nice to you for some time," Rio begins. She stops Felicity from speaking once more. "Zane and I are closer than family, he's number 1 in my book; there is no other. I will call you whatever I want to call you and you will not talk back. My safe words are 'That fucking hurts' or clapping your ankles together if you can't speak." "Mercy is mine; hurt her and I will bury you, my hand to God. Outside of that, I will use you like I want to. I will show you things you've only read about, make you dress in clothes that terrify you, and press you as hard as I can because I care about you Felicity. Are you a virgin?" Rio inquires. "Yes," Felicity moans somewhat frightened. "Your vaginal virginity is yours, your oral and anal virginity are mine," she explains. "When I say come over, don't make excuses, bring your ass to wherever I am. I am going to be hard on you and give you to my friends to play with because it amuses me, clear? Are you okay with this; if you aren't, this is your last chance to back out because I will hunt your ass down after tonight." "I can, I'm okay with this," Felicity says with less trepidation. "Okay Bitch," Rio growls, "Take off your shoes, panties and skirt; pick out the paddle you think you deserve to be spanked with and bed over the bed. That shirt better not be in the way. Oh, you are leaving your bra with me tonight, go home without it. You only wear panties if you have my permission as well." "Yes, Felicity falters. "Call me Rio," she clarifies. "I'm not afraid of who the fuck I am. You've looked down at people like me all your life and now you are going to be as degraded as what you wanted me to go through. Payback is a bitch." "Yes Rio," Felicity confirms softly. "Well, get to it," Rio snaps and swats Felicity's ass. "I want to waste some time on my beautiful, wonderful, annoying slut here," she moved to Mercy, "and her tricky little self has been taking off her clothes without my permission." The slap Rio plants leaves a red handprint on Mercy who exhales contentedly at Rio's attention. "Oh, you've been a naughty little fuck-slut, and you are wetter than the damn river," Rio whispers in Mercy's ear as one hand pumps the vibrator in her ass and the other strokes her wet cunt. Yeah Rio, that's putting the fear of God in Mercy, right. Felicity takes the most-wicked looking paddle available and I've never even seen Rio consider using. "Bro, we have a meeting at 9pm so we need to break it up in about an hour," I give the bad news. "Zane, damn, take over Mercy once more; I trust you with her but I want tears and if you could get her to bite up a ball gag, I'd appreciate it," Rio asks. Mercy has been placated and her position with Rio affirmed. She's a happy little Bottom once more because Rio finds her annoying, which means 'love' when translated into sane people-speak. "Barbie Lynn, warm her up for me," Rio requests of the blonde bombshell as she falls on Felicity's behind's like a Bedouin dying of thirst. I can see Felicity about to turn and plead for Barbie Lynn's attention because she mistakenly believes BLT will be hesitant. Boy, she's in for a surprise. Barbie Lynn's thumbs push the base of Felicity's softly resistant ass up and apart. Barbie Lynn is lapping like a dog at Felicity's cunny alternating flicks of the tongue along the labia and short, rapid intrusions. "What kind of sick masochist are you?" Rio snarls, waving Felicity's chosen paddle before her eyes. "I use this to crush the skulls of rogue water buffaloes; where was I supposed to hit you; on the asses of your ancestors cause that was where you were headed? What the hell was this even doing in my collection anyway?" "Also, what are you doing with your bra still on? I'm going to want those bad boys milked before you escape tonight," Rio grumbled. "You didn't, Felicity starts to protest even as Barbie Lynn twirls her toward orgasm. "Shut up!" Rio hisses. "Barbie Lynn, teach her a lesson." Barbie Lynn frees up one hand long enough to give her one 'moderate' spank. "Where is Paige; I need her nimble, spider-like finger of Evil." I can't seem to spot her so Paige is forced to clear her throat, she has carefully hidden herself behind my, pillow; she's hiding by the simple expedients of being in semi-darkness and being very still. It is so eerie I almost love her, love her. "Jesus H. Christ," Rio jumps. "I'd put bells on you but I'd probably end up with them in my cunt, now that actually, focus Rio!" she chastises herself. "Paige, help me strip my latest toy down and give her nipples a stress test," Rio requests. "Deal, but you need to do me one favor," Paige starts crawling over toward Felicity. "Sure, now get snappy," Rio urges her on as starts to pull Felicity's shirt over the girl's head. "Forgive me for forcing Iona to help me and the Time Lord Mafia," Paige cashes in her favor immediately. It is all the more self-sacrificial in that I suspect Cordelia kept Paige out of the whole plot. "Bitch," Rio seethes at Paige, "if you messed up Iona I'll still find a way to make you pay, I promise you." "You granted me a favor," Paige reminds Rio cautiously. "Zane, do something," Rio pleads. "I've already sworn not to make the responsible parties pay, beyond what Cordelia has already granted me," I grin. "I get Paige's ass whenever I want, how often I want, until the end of October," I add. Paige lowers her head and trembles with fear and anticipation; the 'threat' of anal sex is something Paige and I are working through plus, since Paige fears it, Rio will love the fantasy vision of Paige squirming on my 'meaty pole', see Barbie Lynn's thesaurus. Rio can't get away from Paige fast enough, falling into the narcotic pleasures of Mercy's treasures. Rio is often misunderstood; pain is a daily part of her life brought about by her blatantly aggressive lifestyle and the wraiths of her past. Mercy isn't in any danger; she could hardly be safer at the moment, figuratively speaking. Mercy's ass and cunt are getting a workout to the point I'm afraid that Rio is going to shove that dildo all the way into Mercy's colon and Rio's tongue might end Mercy's 'pesky' virginity by tongue-muscle action alone. Paige shoots me a sad smile before she gets on her back and starts sliding under Felicity. When they are face to face, but running in different directions, Paige and Felicity exchange some wistful kisses. "You are beautiful," Felicity moans down at the pale pink lips and snowy skin of someone who is working both overtime at being my lover and more importantly, a friend to my group of friends. "I know," Paige responds confidently before wiggling her way further under Felicity. Soon she has the first taste most likely anyone has had over of her breasts and nipples. I can tell when Paige draws in the first full gulp of tit because Felicity goes off like a bronco mare with a cougar cub on her back. She is making deep, guttural moans but at least she's not screaming her head off. "Rio, do you want Felicity to taste my tits?" Paige asks. Rio is being petulant. "Rio, if you want I'll never talk to Paige or Iona again because they are both Time Lord Mafia and they all had a part to play in this," I declare. "I know of only one who didn't, and if she's my sole friend with them after this, so be it, but you have to let me fight my own fights alone from time to time and let me decide what counts as a victory." "Fuck the bitches," Rio pops up, much to Mercy's astonishment, "One is more than enough." "Fine, Iona is out Rio. The only one who didn't have a part in this morning was Paige," I tell Rio. "I'll go tell her that you two are done, but I'll have you know she was operating under my orders, sort of. I told her not to go against Cordelia and she did as I asked." Rio seems truly conflicted for the longest time then she drapes herself over Mercy's body. "Honey-hole reach back, take over and keep yourself going or I'll make you feel up each Karate Club member during practice Monday," Rio purrs to her lover. Mercy hastily obeys because I think something about the way the situation playing out intrigues her. Rio shuffles down to Barbie Lynn, Felicity's posterior and Paige's head. "You fucking lied to me you freaky douche," Rio declares venomously at the albino Paige. Paige wisely keeps silent, there is nothing positive she can say. SheRio plants four resounding smacks on Felicity's exposed bottom. Felicity squeals, distracting Rio momentarily. "You'll pay for that, you skank," Rio hisses at Felicity. "Paige, how fucking dare you disappoint me," she growls. "How dare you act above my expectations; you are almost a human being," Rio finishes - as if the term 'human being' is as horrid a term as ATF agent or fashionista. Rio stands up and views her domain. Mercy is going all out though she clearly misses her Top and Felicity is panting herself toward another, more prolonged climax. "Barbie-licious, would you take care of my prize for me; you know what she likes," Rio requests with a hint of her normal madness. "Paige, give her some nipple-age and I'm going to break in Felici-hump's whore-hole." For the English-speaking public that means (I think) that Paige is to open her own shirt, unfasten her front-access bra and lead Felicity's lips to those translucent, succulent breasts I find so tasty. Felicity is clearly in a sexual buzz; otherwise she might spend precious minutes trying to figure out that Rio just declared her intention to introduce Felicity to anal sex of the strap-on variety. "Hey, pansy-boy," Rio mocks me and my reclining majesty, "get over here and give me some of that magic tongue and finger work that will turn her back into a straight." That's just mean. "Please don't make me like men," Felicity stammers. Her eyes are glassy and feverish. Rio smacks both buttocks this time and Felicity squeals louder. "You don't get to talk, you listen," Rio commands. "You are a perfect lover, a lesbian," Rio explains from some teasing twisted core. "We simply sleep with men to control them, but I don't want you sleep with Lance without my permission, is that understood?" Felicity keeps her words within her lips as well as going back to use another one of Paige's nipples for further succor. This is just bizarre, the bi-sexual is demanding/empowering the lesbian to not sleep with her gay fianc , I couldn't write stuff this weird and then avoid rehab. "In fact, Zane has an in with your future Mother-in-law and she'll tell him if she even suspects her baby boy is having sex with a woman," Rio double-pumps her eyebrows at me. Rio doesn't 'know' that I'm having sex with Rochelle Wellington; Felicity's soon to be MIL. We do both know Lance, the fianc , likes playing with other men's cocks. We have the video file to prove it too. "You step out on me and I'll sell you to that sorority next door to Zane's house for a weekend," Rio threatens. Felicity isn't Mercy, she's repressed while Mercy is perverse (by outside standards). Full exposure to the town at large frightens Felicity because she doesn't want deal with the social consequences of being labeled homosexual. Mercy is actually afraid of her sexual proclivities themselves as well as the real physical danger of exposure. Once Felicity finds her own identity her relationship will change, in essence she'll never replace Mercy in Rio's heart. There is never going to be that vulnerability and utter acceptance that those two have. Felicity is going to be fun and in time I think Hudson Lane may be a better match as a companion. Hudson and Felicity are adults where Rio fights adulthood with every breath. Rio's choice in strap-ons is odd to say the least; the only time Rio had shown it to Mercy, Mercy had been afraid, afraid that Rio would waste their time on something so, unimpressive. Until I noticed Mercy's distress that morning I didn't think Rio had something so, (training wheels?) in her arsenal; this was what Rio picked to break Felicity in. No one knows my buddy like I do. Rio is still working Felicity's bunghole over with a sole finger when she leans over the tall slender blonde's back. Rio uses one hand to cord that long hair until it is one thick mass, and then she pulls it back like a corded rein. It isn't until the tip of the dildo nestles into the cusp of Felicity's sphincter that Felicity figures out what's about to happen. "No Rio, please, I don't want this," Felicity panics. "Sssh," Rio coos, "it is going in and I'm going to teach you how." "Rio, I don't," Felicity trembles. "Why?" Rio whispers her question. 'Why is Felicity afraid of this violation' is what Rio is aiming for. They stay there locked and silent. After a minute, Rio picks up her actions. "When I begin to thrust forward, I want you to use your inner muscles to push back," Rio says tenderly. Rio goes forward and Felicity tenses so she stops. "Relax, it won't hurt, only feel funny," Rio assures her. Not always true but, This time things culminate with Felicity gives a sharp gasp followed by a whispered sigh. "Okay," Rio murmurs to her prey, "I am tired of doing all the work. You need to push back now," she continues. "Come back against me you cunt-loving whore." Felicity bucks slightly and shakes her head. "No, no," she pleads at barely above a whisper herself. "It's okay," Rio runs a hand along Felicity's spine. "You can come back later if you like. Your ass is mine but I'll wait for you to give it to me but, no cunt for you to taste or lips upon your cunt until then Felicity. I'll be taking care of Barbie Lynn for you". Rio winks at me, "Or more likely you are leaving her for Zane, man that he is; you know she'll get addicted to that cock eventually." Bang! Felicity looks heart-shot. Felicity starts working Rio's artificial cock down her asshole. Rio looks at me and gives the best 'Home Alone!' face I've ever seen. She's floored that Felicity has been sucked into our mad circus. She then puts both hands on Felicity's hips. "Slow down Felicity, and welcome to the club," Rio grins down at her. Felicity rests for about thirty seconds then Rio spanks each flank. "Giddy-up now; you still have four inches to go." "I thought I could stop," Felicity whined. "You said, "You stopped; I let you stop," Rio sneered, "Now I'm telling you to back your sweet ass up." I'm going to give Rio a Janus mask for Christmas. I'd get her medication for her insanity but I know she'd eventually slip it into my food no matter what. "Come on now Felicity-Sugah," Barbie Lynn joins it. "You always had such a gentle hand training me in Karate. It'd be a crying shame if no other girls got to feel the way you made me feel. You have always been so strong, be strong now." Felicity rotates her head somewhat foal-like and stretches the hair Rio is using as a rein before she pushes back again. This time when Felicity stops Rio slaps her ass lightly. My buddy also grins madly at me and mouths 'I am so going to Hell over this' then giggles. I mouth back 'Right beside you'. Felicity is finally all the way back and resting when Mercy begins to shudder violently. "Holygoddamnfuckingpieceofshit!!!!" Mercy howls into the sheets. Barbie Lynn hammers her bunghole and mangles her clit so much that she repeats the phrase three times in rapid succession and all the time she looks as compassionate as a mother changing a newborn. Felicity takes that inspiration and runs with it. Rio is pulling back with the strap-on when Felicity pushes back hard. Rio pushes her forward and rotates her hips for more of a sensation before snatching up a slender blue paddle that seems more flexible than rigid. She quickly makes good use of it, stinging Felicity's rump and making the ride home for her interesting. Paige starts flicking Felicity's clit but that is more than Felicity can take. Thankfully she releases Paige's right tit before she clamps her teeth and bows her back up and down multiple times as orgasm hits her. Rio has to grip Felicity's hips tightly to not be bucked off and she's loving it. Felicity collapses on Paige but I quickly roll Felicity on her back, Rio's strap-on slides out painlessly, so I can pull Paige to me. Paige and I exchange a heated kiss while Rio unfastens the dildo, lets it fall to the floor. Rio crawls on the bed, hooks a finger into Mercy's collar and forces the exhausted beauty to follow her farther up the bed. Rio reclines against the headboard with Mercy resting her head on her Mistresses stomach, hair cascading over Rio's stomach, crotch, and thigh as well as her own face. Rio is running her hands through her lover's hair with an affection few at the school would believe. Barbie Lynn decides to take her own approach with Felicity. She mentioned experimenting with girls before meeting me on the day I first moved into this dorm, downstairs and a long, long time ago it seems. With the fear that permeated this place, it was probably furtive touches at night in bed with your roommate or a quick grope in the showers. Felicity barely has the time to register Barbie's presence before Barbie Lynn has Felicity's legs up, bent at the knees and cunt full exposed. Barbie doesn't dive in, instead crawling onto Felicity's body until they are face to face. Felicity gets this surprised, I can't believe this is finally coming true' face, the Barbie Lynn's lips are pressing hers. "Hey Honey-Trap," Rio snaps playfully, "what do you think you are doing with my Thing Two?" (Note: Never combine Rio and Doctor Seuss on You Tube; legions of little minds will be forever corrupted) "Give it a rest Rio," Barbie Lynn looks up and grins at my Bud, "Felicity gets a time-out and she gets to have it with me, are we clear?" This is not a fight I'm stepping into and Rio, Mercy and Barbie Lynn know it. Barbie Lynn doesn't ask for much from Rio and is pretty tolerant of her so now that Barbie Lynn is making a stand and, "This is really hard on her," Rio says affectionately. "Take your time." I leave Barbie Lynn and Felicity to play and carry Paige around to the far side of Rio. Paige is coiled around my body so I doubt she could be happier outside of 'bouncy, bouncy'. "What's going on Babe," I whisper to Rio. "What's your game?" "Don't tell anyone because they won't believe you but I've been reading," she tilts her forehead against mine. "I've been reading the diary of an actual dominatrix by the firelight of me burning 'Fifty Shades of Someone Stupid'." "You are right," I snicker, "no one would ever believe you actually read a book." She punches me then Mercy shoots me a weak blow to the ribs. "Hey you," Rio tapped Mercy's nose, "who said you could get in a fight? I think someone is getting hog-tied and ice cubes rubbed up and down their spine." Mercy shivers happily. "Do you want to do anything like that with me," Paige purrs. "I want to sneak into your parent's room and fuck you hard on their bed in every position we can think of," I state calmly, as if I've given it great thought. Paige's dampness streams down onto my left hip and thigh as she shivers in delight. It is all about knowing your partner. This forbidden act knocks her right out of the ballpark. "Are we, you and I, any closer?" Paige murmurs. "You know who has my heart, Paige, but we are closer, if that matters," I tell her. "When did that happen?" Paige smiles up at me. "About fifteen minutes ago," I kiss the tip of her nose. "So I had to lie to a total nut-job to save another friend of yours and risk a beating to take us a step forward, and it wasn't the black leather micro-mini," Paige moans as finds the perfect spots on my chest and lap to settle into. It is a precious few minutes we share, with Rio alternating tender caresses with pinches to the nipples and slaps to the breasts, buttocks and thighs. Mercy makes mewling little sighs in response to both sets of gestures. Felicity has finally rolled Barbie Lynn over and engaging in every less-than-vanilla sexual act she thinks she's missed over the three years she's known, showered with, and competed with my Georgia Honey-box. By the play of Barbie's right hand, the thick, sloppy sound that's emanating from between Felicity's thighs and Felicity's shortness of breath, Barbie Lynn is driving her former classmate made with lust. "Bro, can I turn Mercy into an ice cream dispenser? Sort of 'squeeze these wonderful titties' then scoop out some Neapolitan from her cunt," Rio snickers my way. She loves yanking my chain, and Mercy's, from time to time. "No! That has to be cold as hell and you may not make Mercy poop or pee dairy products," I command, "Rio-saurus Rex!" "Oh, that's gross," Rio dares to look offended. "I would never put ice cream up my favorite Lust-receptacle's butthole. That is for the ice cream cones." "Fine, you may not stuff Mercy like an clair," I clarify. "I'm putting my foot down and if Paige and I have to do full body cavity searches to make sure you behave, so be it." Felicity erupts through her final orgasm of the night, her body twisting and stretching as sweat drips off her body. Barbie Lynn keeps subtle control of Felicity's body which is both touching and frightening, she's getting sexually wound up and she's going to corral my cock and drive it up her ass, my approval being optional. The dirty, sexy look she shoots me is as good a piece of proof as I need. "I can't have you two touching my bitch without supervision," Rio states angrily, yeah right. "I'll have to check out all her opening once you two get done, a triple check." Mercy looks over toward Paige and me. Her eyes are open wide with lust and anticipation. "I suppose we could simply trust Mercy and take her word for it," I tease. "No," Rio goes off, "I can tell you right now; she's one sneaky little slut." "I don't trust her," Paige nods. "The pretty ones always need to be kept in line, harshly." Mercy merely shakes her head vigorously in affirmation of her devious and untrustworthy nature. "Where are you people from?" Felicity pants through her fatigued smile. "The People's Republic of None of Your Damn Business," Rio slaps Mercy's thigh. "We keep Rio in a steel box," Barbie Lynn pets Felicity's left nipple. "The rest of us are regular students. Okay, Zane's a tad irregular, but he means well." My phone buzzes from the far side of the bed. "Time to wrap it up team," I give out the bad news. "Felicity, you can sweep step out with Barbie Lynn to the shower, different showers because giving the freshman student body an alternative lifestyle exhibition is not an option for tonight. The rest of us will give it a few minutes and go out and pretend the world is a normal place." "Felicity, I want your bra and panties up here on my pillow," Rio demands. "I'm going to use them to bind up Mercy tonight. She's been, umm, mediocre so I'm gagging her with that boring underwear and hooking her hands over her head with that sad, old bra of yours." "I thought you only wanted my bra," Felicity questions? "Spank her for me BLT," Rio growls. Barbie Lynn gave gives three sharp, alternating smacks on each ass cheek. Felicity bites her lower lip and whimpers. "No back talking now F; I said no bra tonight, but also no panties ever without my approval." Felicity nods. Barbie Lynn takes Felicity by the hand, over to the towel closet then leads her somewhat reluctantly out into the main floor. "Rio, did I do you a good turn," Paige asks. Rio thinks that over for a minute, making small circles in Mercy's hair. "Yes, yes you did, you albino deviant," Rio allows. "Can I have Mercy for my use for one night sometime soon?" Paige requests. "That's not how it works," Rio scolds Paige after a few seconds. "She's mine to use, no one else's. I can have someone use her for my pleasure but she's a damn human being, not a bean-bag chair. I will give you this though, because you can be so incredibly stupid about people, I'll let Mercy know that it would make me happy to see her with you; how is that?" Mercy is resting on her head on Rio's lap, so she clearly hears what's going on. Rio is really the best friend in the world, and one of the best people I've ever known. I can live with the crazy. Homecoming. So, it was Friday, Homecoming Day at FFU, and several dozen of us were not doing what we were supposed to do but I wanted this headache taken care of before the rest of the day's festivities. All the Advocates were gathered as was Ms. Goodswell, as a Student Advisor. Other people were gathered to observe the spectacle and guessing which way I would jump. This first major crisis of my role as Mediator since the creation of the Janissaries wouldn't have been complete without Iona, my trusty sidekick, and Rio, my chronic pain in the ass & truest friend. In fact, Rio was the reason for this meeting. She had been given the writing assignment of 'place the writings of a juvenile story into an adult setting'. The train wreck wasn't hard to foretell. Rio had chosen four works of the late, lamented Doctor Seuss (if he wasn't dead he would be after reading halfway through Rio's creation). Rio had attacked the project with a gusto that made Ms. Tucker, her English instructor, hopeful that Rio was finally fitting in (read: conforming). Rio turned in the pornographic Tales of a Cat with a Really Big Hat on Tuesday. Ms. Tucker had flunked the effort and dragged Rio down to Doctor Victoria Scarlett's office but that senior educator had volleyed this time bomb into my lap. I promptly told them to pick an Advocate and get back to me after dinner. Rio Talon/Christina Buchanan's argument had been that the vagueness of the instructions allowed for a liberal interpretations of the assignment. Athena Varna (representing the rest of Ms. Tucker's class)/Joy Jefferson had argued that the standard was what 'any reasonable individual going to a Christian school would find acceptable' as their defense, which meant that it wasn't acceptable in their opinion. Two days of mediation went nowhere and I wasn't going to let this matter fester through the weekend. I had called all the concerned parties to join me after breakfast and received Doctor Scarlett's blessing for missing Assembly where many of the students and their families were gathered in our daily religious/social function. "Okay, I've given the matter serious thought and I saw merit to both arguments but I found Ms. Jefferson's argument to be the more compelling," I led off. "We live in a society; each person should be free and act with freedom but that cuts both ways, we have to give our society some support to retain our harmony. This is my judgment." "I would hope that since Rio did make an exceptional effort in her creative writing work that Ms. Tucker would consider allowing Rio one additional week to make up the assignment since this is one-quarter of her grade and her effort, while misdirected, was acknowledged as a vigorous attempt. That is my suggestion anyway," I said hopefully since I wasn't sure if I could instruct a teacher in any manner, much less order a do-over for Rio. It took a few seconds for my words to sink in. This was hardly re-writing the Charter of the Commonwealth of Virginia but it did mean I'd ruled against my best friend and the woman I wanted to marry and several girls looked at me in some disbelief that I hadn't gone that way. "Thank you Mediator," Joy was the first to offer me her hand, and she was still technically the enemy, being in the Traditionalist faction here at school. "Your argument carried the day, Joy. I'm pretty sure there was no favoritism involved," I smiled. "I will get you next time," Christina came up and shook Joy's hand. She turned and clasped my hand after that. "You were wiser than I thought you'd be," Christina winked to me. A few people came by and went through the same routine until Rio approached last of all. She hit me in the shoulder causing multiple heads to swivel our way. "You threw me under the bus Bitch," she laughed. "Don't look so surprised," I rubbed my shoulder, "you built the bus I rolled over you with, ya Deviant." Iona gave me a shy wave right before she slipped out to go meet her parents and most of the girls did likewise. Finally it was Ms. Goodswell, Christina, Faith, Rio and myself. "Faith and I will polish off the minutes of your final decision Zane," Christina said before turning her imperious head away and leading Faith out to do what seniors do. "So, are you two going to be hiding out all day?" Virginia Goodswell looked Rio and my way. "I would but two dozen over-eager and overly-endowed students have asked Zane to be available to meet their ancestors or some other such cheesy crap," Rio ranted. "Besides, I'm sure there is some law or ordinance that causes the rest of you to never leave me alone." "Yes Ms. Talon," Ms. Goodswell said with some gravity, "That is the Self-preservation Act of 1908. You are listed under 'Elements with Corrosive properties." "Woot!" Rio hollered, "I'm a corrosive influence!" "Thanks Virginia," I addressed my teacher and Spiritual Advisor, "like she needed more ammo." Goodswell laughed and headed out toward the main campus while Rio and I headed for our dorm. "I think I'm going to become a superhero," Rio teased me. "My X-ray vision will vaporize the panties off of unsuspecting stuck-up babes." "Wasn't there a time when heroes were heroes and villains were villains; none of this gray crap?" I half-grinned. "Zane," Rio sounded exasperated and but motherly aka Ma Barker, "you keep saving girls and they keep kicking you in the teeth." "I look at it as opportunity to get back up again," I smiled. "That's called masochism, look it up," Rio sneered. "Let's go to my room," I said, rather redundantly, as we'd reached the elevator door and I'd hit the button. Rio became oddly close to me as we got on board and even let me wrap an arm around her. For me, being parentless today required I convince Aunt Jill that parking would be a bitch and I'd see her Saturday night, we had our first Marksmanship outing tomorrow morning in Kentucky, so I'd would be back to have dinner with my sole family member. Rio's parents hadn't asked Rio if she wanted them to come. They hadn't made any contact at all, denying Rio the ability to scream at her parents and tell them to 'fuck off'. Adding to the misery, Mercy's parents were here and everyone in our close circle had convinced Rio that being close to Mercy would be disastrous, in the belief that Rio had poor impulse control, imagine that. When the end of Assembly sounded and the parents began exiting the building to join up with their kids, we proceeded to my Solarium level of the dorm. The parents would meet their girl's friends, teachers, & the key members of their various clubs. We opened my 'vault' door and Rio led me upstairs then gave a start. I slipped around her to see what the problem was, Cordelia Dresden. To her credit, Cordelia and her Time Lord Mafia had either been behaving or doing things in such a sneaky manner as to avoid my notice. Besides the three of us, only three freshmen girls occupied the rest of the floor, leaving us effectively alone. "Hi Rio!" Cordelia led off, "Zane, I only want you to know you have our full support," was her cryptic statement that I was still digesting when Rio hurled herself at the slender brunette. Cordelia cried out as Rio toppled them both to the floor. Rio rose up on her knees and slapped Cordelia across the face. "Get her off me," Cordelia screamed as she raised her hands to defend herself. "What's the fucking secret you're hiding?" Rio growled. "Yank Rio off me right now. Zane," Cordelia snapped as she took a second slap to the cheek. "You know what I can do." "Cordy, Rio wants to live free or die trying; so you might want to consider your next words carefully," I shrugged. "She prefers to exist free of fear. Rio, I'm going to the shake dispenser; do you want something?" "A strawberry shake sounds good," Rio smiled as she began pinning Cordelia's wrists down. Once she finished that maneuver, Rio glared triumphantly down at Cordelia. "Great," Cordelia met that glare with one of her own, "what's your next brilliant plan; a little sexual assault to go with your brazen attack?" "Nope, I'm going to drool spit on your face and ears Cordelia-baby," Rio answered then began swirling her tongue in her mouth to gather up her first glob of spit. "Zane," Cordelia pleaded. "Rio, let her up," I requested (Rio knew my vocal tones). "She's agreed to help you with your Mercy problem." Cordelia had done no such thing but Rio would need help dealing with her lover's parents and Cordelia could be a powerful ally. Cordelia could lie her way out of things, except she would be lying to me and our trust was a fragile thing. If it was just Rio, Cordy would lie in a heartbeat but I believed I was somewhat special to her. Cordy said nothing and Rio got off of her. It wasn't Rio's style to offer Cordelia a hand up even though she knocked her down. Rio joined me making shakes and grinned evilly. "Cordelia, do you want a shake," I called over to her. "Peach," she replied. Somewhat reluctantly she walked over to us. Cordelia, like Rio and me, had no parents coming. "So, are you going to tell Zane what your secret is or do we go for the best two out of three falls?" Rio sneered. "Let it be Rio," I nudged her. "It isn't something bad. If it was bad, she would have coughed it up already." "I don't know what you see in this wacky Whore," Rio asked me, with Cordelia standing beside us. "She's Ra's al Ghul to my Bruce Wayne," I explained. "How can I step beyond the streets of my own personal Gotham without her?" "Wait, does that mean I'm Harlequin?" Rio mused. "No, you are the Joker, Rio," Cordelia huffed, "and yes, that makes Mercy Harlequin." "Cordy, there are times I wish you weren't so evil and manipulative," Rio observed. "Titles such as Evil, like genius, are the hobgoblin of small minds," Cordelia countered. "Zane sees that, which is why I tolerate the rest of you." "You just want to play jockey to his thoroughbred," Rio snorted. "Never said I didn't," Cordelia bantered. Rio stole a look toward the door so I leaned into Cordelia. "Thank you," I whispered. Cordy nodded. "Pist," Rio hissed. "Iona is here with a slightly larger version of herself and two guys who look vaguely related to her as well." I looked over and there was Iona pointing what had to be her mother my way. She didn't look furious but she wasn't beaming sunshine and happiness at me either. "Scatter," Rio whispered. "Pissed off Momma on the way," before dashing off behind the showers. "I'm gone," Cordelia gasped playfully, took her peach shake and slunk away. Iona "Mr. Braxton?" this conservatively dressed woman with a slight build and shoulder length black hair addressed me. I'd seen a few pictures of her on Iona's Facebook page. "Mrs. Beckett, I am Glenn Zane Braxton, but please call me Zane. Your daughter is one of my closest friends." She seemed to mull that over, whether to be stiff or to give me a chance. "Zane, is there a place we can talk in private?" she inquired. "Absolutely," I nodded; then led her to the far corner and sat down on a sofa with her so that we could both look out over the changing leaves on campus. "Mr. Brax, Zane, what are your intentions with my daughter?" she came right out with it. "She was my second friend here and constantly supportive of my often precarious situation and she's never asked for anything in return," I stated. "I'd paint her house if she asked me," I continued, "or drive across country to help her move. She's that great a friend." I didn't brag about killing or even hurting someone for her, though I would, because that wasn't the kind of extreme friendship her Mom was looking for. "Very well, Zane; but I am worried about you and Iona in another way," she sidestepped. "You are an attractive young man and there are rumors that you have several girlfriends on campus." "I think I can answer the real question with three statements of my own; the only person I have ever called girlfriend is Heaven Vickers, a senior here. "I love Heaven's best friend, Christina Buchanan, and they are both aware of our relationship. Second, your daughter is the second-smartest, most level-headed, and most forward thinking young woman I have ever met; you have done a wonderful job raising her," I related. "Lastly, I have offered to have sex with your daughter twice and she's said 'no'." "You did?" she studied me intently. "And she was naked in bed with me both times. She's seen me have sex, too, but she's decided that when she's ready, she'll ask me and I'll say 'yes' because I'm positive that she will pick the moment when it is right for her and no one else." "Wha, what?" Mrs. Beckett's eyes grew wide. "Naked in bed with you? And nothing happened?" "Yes; but I felt safe because I trust her," I said calmly. "You have to admit she is diligent and organized and she's not going to simply jump feet first into anything." "I have to admit I was afraid you were taking advantage of my daughter's kind nature; but you seem oddly frank about everything you two have done. I admit I expected you to be, more deceptive and evasive," she mused. "Do you have sex with any of the girls on campus?" "Tons; though thankfully, things eased off with midterms approaching," I smiled. "Is that so," she said in a clearly questioning tone. "I want you to understand that Iona thinks the world of you. She writes home every day, and you often figure in her experiences, though I knew she was editing some things, like why she appears to be friends with Ms. Talon." "When we started out, Rio and I were doomed to be expelled but Iona joined with us and together we survived some really rough times." "I recall getting several letters from the Chancellor from that time. Was Iona in any danger?" she asked. "Yes, she got a pair of bloody knees but please believe a whole lot of us were looking out for her," I responded. "Trust me, Ion has a fair number of friends who appreciate her numerous qualities." "Mom," Ion called out as she came over. "I hope Zane hasn't been scaring you." "Iona, it is only that you didn't have many friends in High School," her mother smiled at her daughter. "Mom, I had no friends in high school, but Zane gave me the courage and opportunity to come out of my shell," Iona interrupted. "Zane says you two have been sleeping in his bed, naked," Iona's mother met her daughter with an even gaze. "Yes," Iona blushed furiously, "but I bet he's also informed you that we haven't had sex," she leaned into her mother, "and there he lied." Mrs. Beckett stared at me, a bit peeved. "Mom, that is only because what Zane considers sex and what you would consider sex are two slightly different things. Suffice it to say, I am still a virgin as far as the marriage bed is concerned," Iona assured her parent. "And I have Zane well in hand, because I have control of his phone." "I keep telling you that smarts count for more to in life than a model's good looks," Iona's mother reminded her daughter. "I'm glad Iona has both," I chimed in. Both women looked my way then grinned. "He is such a good friend, Mother; that I forgive his exaggerations," Iona reached over and kindly touched my cheek. As that gesture ended, Iona's face grew shocked. "Mom, I think we need to go see Mrs. Worsham's class now, if we are going to get everything taken care of before lunch," Iona hurried her mother. "It was nice to meet you Zane," we shook hands as we both stood as well. Hope I followed Iona's gaze and my heart stopped. It was Hope, looking so do-able in her school-wear. With her were a petite woman, smaller and maybe a bit heavier than Hope, three more little Hope's in descending age and lastly, a male version of Hope, but this one was made out of Lego bricks, really big Lego bricks, it was Yeong Song. Yeong Song had charisma in spades; he wasn't the Angel of Death, he had grabbed that punk by the short and curlies and taken over his job. That was how he appeared to me at that moment. Oh yeah and he was looking right through me. As if on cue, Hope smiled and whispered something to her father and they both came my way. Imagine a choreographed interpretive dance troupe; you had Hope's three younger sisters spread out over the middle half of the room, having fun with some of the few freshmen girls that were hanging around. Yeong was like his eldest daughter in the way they moved, you could tell they were walking toward you but I couldn't recall their feet moving or even hearing footfalls. That was probably just my fear speaking. From personal experience I knew Hope was human with all our frailties and imperfections, she was simply more perfect than most. "Father, this is my good friend Glenn Zane Braxton, who is known by the name Zane to both his friends and enemies," demurred Hope. "Zane, this is my Father, Major of the Republic of Korea, retired, Yeong Song," she introduced her father to me. I extended my hand, he took it in a granite grip and gave it two sharp shakes. I stood there like an idiot but at least my heart was beating and I was breathing again. "Your pulse is racing young man, your palms are sweaty and you are staring at me with dilated pupils," Yeong noted dispassionately. "Well, since I've lain down with your naked daughter for a variety of bedroom antics on several occasions; I naturally assumed you had come here to kill me," I blathered. "You have been naked with my eldest daughter," he said in a way that could be contrived as a statement or a question. "You didn't know?" I groaned. I wondered if this counted as suicide. "You have honorable intentions toward my daughter," he informed me. Huh? "No," I gulped. "I was thinking we could fool around, mainly." "I understand you are the last of your line," he glared at me. Uh oh, wait. "You know who I am, so you must have already been told by Hope what's really been going on," I breathed a sigh of relief. "See Father, Zane's not dense," Hope hugged her father's arm, "he's simply terrified of you." "I noticed," Yeong almost smiled. "Mr. Braxton, I don't mind you seeing my daughter socially, but please learn at least to fight as well as my youngest daughter, she's nine." "You learn from people who are better than you, not from people you are

In this gripping conversation, Belarusian legal expert and exiled journalist Natalia Belikova explains how disinformation in Belarus isn't just a tactic; it's the regime's operating system.She describes how the Lukashenko government has built an alternative reality, where familiar words like “democracy,” “elections,” and “human rights” are redefined to serve state power. In a sometimes emotional interview, Natalia shares what it's like to be exiled from your home, to lose colleagues to prison, and to raise children abroad while fighting to preserve your national identity. She also issues a warning to Western democracies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guvernul de la Chișinău caută soluții pentru criza generată de cota mare pe piața moldovenească a companiei rusești Lukoil, ajunsă sub sancțiunile americane. Vicepremierul pentru infrastructură, Vladimir Bolea, a dat asigurări să aeroportul internațional Chișinău nu va rămâne fără combustibil, chiar dacă Lukoil este singurul furnizor pentru aeroport. „Căutăm soluții pe trei paliere distincte: rețeaua de benzinării, infrastructura de depozitare en-gros și, cu prioritate, infrastructura vitală de pe teritoriul aeroportului pentru a asigura stabilitatea pieței și securitatea energetică a țării”, spune Vladimir Bolea. Temele ediției: - Închiderea Centrului cultural rus din R.Moldova, prima decizie a noului Guvern de la Chișinău. Un interviu realizat de Liliana Barbăroșie cu ministrul Culturii, Cristian Jardan. - Cum și dacă poate deveni România refugiu pentru cetățenii moldoveni. Cronica semnată de jurnalistul Euronews România, Vitalie Cojocari. - Cum funcționează programul de stagii în instituțiile publice, care oferă tinerilor poziții în Guvernul, Parlamentul și Președinția Republicii Moldova. După trei luni, cei mai buni au posibilitatea să se angajeze fără concurs. Un reportaj de Ecaterina Tanasiiciuc. - Tensiunile religioase din nordul Moldovei ajung din nou în instanță. Șase locuitori din Grinăuți, raionul Rîșcani, au fost trimiși în judecată, acuzați că l-au agresat pe preotul care a decis trecerea bisericii din sat la Mitropolia Basarabiei. Un reportaj de Denis Chirtoca și Cătălin Volconovici. - Președinta Parlamentului European, Roberta Metsola, începe astăzi o vizită oficială de două zile în Republica Moldova - Comisia Electorală Centrală de la Chișinău a inițiat verificarea finanțării Blocului Patriotic, bloc care a adus în Legislativ 26 de deputați socialiști și comuniști. Există suspiciuni că acesta ar fi primit finanțare ilegală din Rusia. - Comisia pentru politică externă din noul parlament suspendă activitatea grupurilor parlamentare de prietenie cu Rusia și Belarus, pe durata războiului de agresiune al Federației Ruse împotriva Ucrainei - Cetățenii Republicii Moldova vor putea solicita online toate actele de stare civilă, la prețuri mai mici decât la ghișeu. Știrile zilei: Cabinetul de miniștri condus de premierul Alexandru Munteanu a avut miercuri dimineața prima ședință după învestire, iar primul punct pe agendă a fost denunțarea Acordului cu Guvernul Federației Ruse privind funcționarea Centrului Cultural rus în R.Moldova. Înainte de ședință, noul premier a anunțat primele sale vizite externe – prima va fi la București, iar detaliile vizitei sunt acum în pregătire. A doua vizită va fi la Bruxelles, a anunțat Alexandru Munteanu, fără să dea datele concrete pentru care se pregătesc aceste vizite. *** Președinta Parlamentului European, Roberta Metsola, începe joi o vizită oficială de două zile în Republica Moldova. Aceasta va susține vineri un discurs în plenul legislativului moldovean, cu ocazia constituirii noii componențe, pro-europene, a Parlamentului. Roberta Metsola se va întâlni cu oficialii moldoveni și va participa la o întâlnire cu tinerii la Liceul „Spiru Haret” din Chișinău. *** Comisia Electorală Centrală de la Chișinău a inițiat verificarea finanțării Blocului Patriotic și a Partidului Inima Moldovei, bloc care s-a plasat pe locul doi la parlamentare și a adus în Legislativ 26 de deputați socialiști și comuniști. Potrivit Comisiei electorale, controlul se va desfășura până pe 31 martie 2026 și se va încheia cu întocmirea unor rapoarte pentru fiecare formațiune politică. Autoritățile moldovene au suspiciuni rezonabilă că formațiunile din Blocul Patriotic ar fi primit finanțări netransparente din Federația Rusă, ceea ce a influențat campania electorală și rezultatul alegerilor. *** Comisia pentru politică externă din noul parlament de la Chișinău suspendă activitatea grupurilor parlamentare de prietenie cu Rusia și Belarus, pe durata războiului de agresiune al Federației Ruse împotriva Ucrainei, transmite IPN. Anunțul a fost făcut de președinta comisiei, Doina Gherman, care a subliniat că decizia reflectă angajamentul Republicii Moldova față de valorile democrației și respectarea suveranității statelor. „Credem cu tărie în necesitatea menținerii grupurilor de prietenie cu statele care respectă suveranitatea, independența și integritatea teritorială a țării, precum și demnitatea umană și libertatea”, a declarat Doina Gherman. *** Poliția anunțat despre o captură record de arme și muniții, în timpul unei operațiuni ce viza un caz de șantaj. Potrivit anchetei, în timpul perchezițiilor au fost descoperite și ridicate 16 arme de foc, inclusiv mitraliere și puști, dar și arme cu lunetă, aproximativ zece mii de cartușe, 5 grenade și 2 aruncătoare, camuflate și ascunse în perete. De asemenea, au fost ridicate 3 pașapoarte cu aceeași fotografie, dar identități diferite, și alte obiecte interzise. Urmare a probelor acumulate patru persoane au fost reținute pentru a stabili circumstanțele și proveniența armamentului. Armele și munițiile capturate la Chișinău urmau să fie folosite pentru destabilizări în Republica Moldova, declară ministra Afacerilor Interne, Daniela Misail-Nichitin. Nu este clar în acest moment cum a ajuns arsenalul la Chișinău. „Mecanismele pot fi diferite. Ele pot intra în țară și din Ucraina, dar avem și situații când ele ajung din țări ale Uniunii Europene. Totodată, avem și situații când și regiunea din stânga Nistrului este folosită în acest sens”, a subliniat ministra Afacerilor Interne, Daniela Misail-Nichitin. *** Cetățenii Republicii Moldova vor putea solicita online toate serviciile de stare civilă, la prețuri mai mici decât la ghișeu. Noul sistem „Acte de stare civilă” al Agenției Servicii Publice (ASP) va permite înregistrarea nașterilor, căsătoriilor, divorțurilor sau schimbarea numelui direct de pe calculator sau telefon, cu semnătură electronică. Potrivit unui comunicat al ASP, actele eliberate în format digital vor avea aceeași valoare juridică precum documentele tipărite și vor putea fi recepționate în MCabinetul personal al cetățeanului sau livrate prin sistemul MDelivery. Modernizarea sistemului va aduce mai multă comoditate și transparență, reducând timpul de așteptare și eliminând necesitatea prezentării documentelor pe suport de hârtie, notează instituția.

Die wêreld-nommer-een, Aryna Sabalenka van Belarus, is ná haar tweede oorwinning in die WTA-jaareindronde in Riaad gereed om haar plek in die halfeindronde te spreek. Sy het die Amerikaner, Jessica Pegula, verslaan maar moet in skoon stelle wen om vordering van die Stefanie Graf-groep te bevestig. Die verdedigende kampioen, Coco Gauff van Amerika, hoop om die uitklopronde te haal na haar sege oor die Italianer, Jasmine Paolini, wat uitgeskakel is. Sabalenka sê sy is vol vertroue dat sy die halfeindronde sal haal:

Mary welcomes Michael Johnson, president of Slavic Gospel Association to enlighten us about the tremendous needs in the former Soviet Union. SGA works with 13 nations to bring light and hope to those who have never heard the good news through various outreaches. Having begun nearly 100 years ago by a man who immigrated to the States from Belarus, SGA has been faithful to put deeds to the Word and bring truth to all ages. We talk about the orphan crisis, in particular the older teens who age out of the orphanages, only to find themselves the target of sex traffickers and the slave trade. These teens who have never known hope, often just wander aimlessly as young adults. Russia has the 3rd highest suicide rate in the world among adolescents. Who will give them a chance for a normal life, and what are the challenges to giving them the gospel? What is the state of their hearts after such a rough beginning? SGA has partnered with 6300 churches to visit these kids and develop relationships with the older teens. We talk about Siberia, Ukraine, even Israel and how to help these Russian kids. An eye-opener for us in the west.   Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

S6 Ep7 – Maryna Steger is the dynamic CEO and co-owner of Watch Advisor, a leading digital media house based in Switzerland and a major voice in the luxury watch industry. With a background in international relations, law, and digital marketing, Maryna brings a unique approach to entrepreneurship in the luxury sector. In this engaging episode, Maryna shares her journey from growing up in Belarus to building a highly-engaged, global community of watch collectors and enthusiasts. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities of building a niche digital brand, key strategies for social media growth, and the complex balance between maintaining independence and generating revenue in the luxury sector. Maryna also offers candid advice on leadership, resilience, and harnessing new technologies like AI to drive future growth for Watch Advisor.

Tre sejre i tre kampe og en plads øverst i Europa Leagues ligafase. Det går godt for FC Midtjylland, der torsdag møder Kasper Schmeichels Celtic i Europas næstbedste klubturnering. Midtjyderne plejer ellers ikke at overpræstere i Europa, men kan i år være året, hvor de laver det helt store nummer? Brian Riemer har sat navn på de 24 spillere, der skal vinde over Belarus og Skotland for at sikre VM-billetten. Landstræneren trak tirsdag en decideret kanin op fra hatten. Vært: Mikkel Nygard. Gæster: Arnela Muminovic og Jens Ole Sørensen.

The US government's been shut down for more than a month now, and if it carries on past this Wednesday it will become the longest shutdown in US history. A group of 500 leading travel-related businesses have signed a letter asking Congress to end the month-long impasse, citing worries about the holiday travel season.Meanwhile, Lithuania's truckers' association says some 2,000 vehicles are stranded in Belarus after the border was closed in response to last week's airspace disruption, when dozens of balloons loaded with illegal cigarettes in Belarus forced the temporary closure of Lithuania's two main airports. The EU denounced the incidents as a hybrid attack.And India is celebrating victory in the women's cricket World Cup. The team has made history not just on the pitch but financially too.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Het was een daverende verrassing vorige maand: de leden van het Internationaal Paralympisch Comité maakten een einde aan de schorsing van Rusland en Belarus. Daardoor mogen beide landen weer meedoen aan de Paralympische Spelen, inclusief vlag en volkslied. Hoe kon dit gebeuren? We bespreken het met buitenlandredacteur en Oekraïne-verslaggever Tom Vennink en nieuwsverslaggever Mark Misérus. Studenten opgelet! De Volkskrant biedt een gratis studentenabonnement aan, af te sluiten via volkskrant.nl/studenten Presentatie: Pieter KlokRedactie: Corinne van Duin, Lotte Grimbergen, Julia van Alem en Jasper VeenstraMontage: Rinkie BartelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khoảng 20 chuyến công du đến 20 nước trong vòng hơn một năm giữ chức tổng bí thư đảng Cộng Sản Việt Nam, ông Tô Lâm có lẽ là nhà lãnh đạo đảng công du nước ngoài nhiều nhất. Trong khuôn khổ những chuyến công du này, Việt Nam nâng cấp Đối tác Chiến lược Toàn diện với 6 nước, và Đối tác Chiến lược với 5 nước khác. Dưới thời ông Tô Lâm, Việt Nam đang “quốc tế hóa” vai trò của tổng bí thư. Khi đưa tin về chuyến công du Anh Quốc và Bắc Ireland của ông Tô Lâm, từ 28-30/10/2025, hãng tin Anh Reuters nhận định nhà lãnh đạo quyền lực nhất của Việt Nam, ông Tô Lâm, đã đóng vai trò trung tâm trong việc định hình chính sách đối ngoại kể từ khi trở thành tổng bí thư đảng Cộng Sản vào năm ngoái (2024), một nỗ lực trước đây do chủ tịch nước và thủ tướng dẫn đầu. Cho thế giới thấy nhà lãnh đạo thực sự ở Việt Nam Ngay sau khi chính thức được bầu làm tổng bí thư, tại buổi họp báo ngày 03/08/2024, ông Tô Lâm có bài phát biểu “khẳng định kế thừa và phát huy những thành quả cách mạng mà cố tổng bí thư Nguyễn Phú Trọng và các thế hệ lãnh đạo đi trước đã gây dựng”. Điểm này đang được ông Tô Lâm phát triển mạnh mẽ hơn, theo nhận định của giáo sư danh dự Carl Thayer, Đại học New South Wales : “Tổng bí thư Tô Lâm đang tận dụng sự lãnh đạo của mình để phát huy di sản của người tiền nhiệm Nguyễn Phú Trọng, người đã chính thức hóa vai trò của tổng bí thư trong quan hệ đối ngoại của Việt Nam. Tổng bí thư Trọng đã được lãnh đạo chính phủ Anh và Nhật Bản, hai nền dân chủ tự do, đón tiếp, và được tổng thống Barack Obama tiếp đón tại Nhà Trắng. Ông Trọng cũng đã tiếp đón tổng thống Joe Biden tại Hà Nội”. Theo thông lệ, chuyến công du nước ngoài đầu tiên của tân tổng bí thư đảng Cộng Sản Việt Nam là đến Lào, sau đó là Cam Bốt và Trung Quốc - nước láng giềng rộng lớn mà ngay vào thời kỳ đầu thành lập nước Việt Nam Dân chủ Cộng hòa, Việt Nam xác định rõ chính sách đối với Trung Quốc “là phải thân thiện”. Tiến sĩ Vũ Khang, học giả thỉnh giảng tại Đại học Boston, Mỹ, nhận định với RFI Tiếng Việt : “Việc Việt Nam quốc tế hóa vai trò của tổng bí thư thực ra không có gì là bất ngờ. Một trong những ưu tiên hàng đầu của Việt Nam là bảo vệ an ninh của thể chế, và một trong những cách đó là nâng cao vai trò của tổng bí thư trên trường quốc tế. Với các nước chung chí hướng như là Bắc Triều Tiên, Trung Quốc hay Lào thì đây cũng không phải là một sự thay đổi lớn do vai trò của quan hệ kênh Đảng từ lâu đã được khẳng định”. Đọc thêmViệt Nam : Tổng bí thư Tô Lâm thăm Bắc Triều Tiên, dự lễ 80 năm thành lập đảng Lao Động Tiếp theo là hàng loạt vòng công du cho đến cuối năm 2024. Ví dụ, tháng 09/2024, tổng bí thư Tô Lâm đến dự Hội nghị thượng đỉnh Tương Lai, Đại Hội Đồng Liên Hiệp Quốc và làm việc ở Hoa Kỳ. Sau đó, ông công du nước Cuba anh em. Đến đầu tháng 10, ông công du Mông Cổ, tiếp theo là Ireland và Pháp. Đến tháng 11 là Malaysia. Trong những chuyến công du này, Việt Nam nâng cấp quan hệ lên thành Đối tác Chiến lược Toàn Diện với ba nước Mông Cổ, Pháp, Malaysia. Các nước ASEAN mở đầu cho vòng công du năm 2025 của tổng bí thư Tô Lâm. Tháng 03, ông thăm Singapore, Indonesia, nâng cấp quan hệ lên mức cao nhất với hai nước. Với những hoạt động này, tổng bí thư “đang đảm nhiệm vai trò nhà ngoại giao cấp cao, thường là nhiệm vụ của chủ tịch nước hoặc thủ tướng”, theo ý kiến của giáo sư Zachary Abuza, Đại học Chiến tranh Quốc gia Hoa Kỳ ở Washington : “Bằng cách này, ông Lâm đã khẳng định rõ ràng rằng ông coi chức vụ quyền lực nhất của đảng Cộng sản Việt Nam là chức vụ có chức năng điều hành trong đảng-nhà nước, điều mà những người tiền nhiệm của ông, những người chỉ tập trung vào chính sách và hệ tư tưởng, chưa từng đảm nhiệm”. Trong tháng 05, ông thăm bốn nước thuộc Liên Xô cũ (Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Nga, Belarus), nhân chuyến công du theo lời mời dự Ngày Chiến thắng với lễ diễu binh trên Quảng trường Đỏ ở Matxcơva. Ba tháng sau ông thăm Hàn Quốc. Trong tháng 10/2025, ông Tô Lâm công du Bắc Triều Tiên dự lễ kỷ niệm 80 thành lập đảng Lao Động Triều Tiên, sau đó là vòng công du hai nước châu Âu Phần Lan và Bulgari, cuối cùng là Anh Quốc và Bắc Ireland, nâng cấp quan hệ đối tác chiến lược với Helsinki và đối tác chiến lược toàn diện với Luân Đôn. Có thể thấy ông Tô Lâm quảng bá mạnh hơn, cho quốc tế thấy rõ hơn hình ảnh và vai trò của tổng bí thư - nhà lãnh đạo trên thực tế của Việt Nam, theo nhận định của Giáo sư Carl Thayer ngày 28/09 : “Tổng bí thư Tô Lâm đã liên tiếp công du nước ngoài kể từ khi nắm quyền lãnh đạo đảng và đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc ký kết bảy quan hệ đối tác chiến lược toàn diện mới (Úc, Pháp, Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore và Thái Lan). Ông Tô Lâm đang chứng minh rằng vị thế tổng bí thư không chỉ quan trọng đối với các vấn đề đối nội mà còn cả đối ngoại”. Đọc thêmLãnh đạo Việt Nam Tô Lâm đi Mỹ dự Đại Hội Đồng Liên Hiệp Quốc Một yếu tố mới, được tiến sĩ Lê Hồng Hiệp nhận định trên trang Fulcrum ngày 02/07/2025, là vai trò của “Đệ nhất phu nhân” định nghĩa lại nền ngoại giao và chính trị Việt Nam. Bà Ngô Phương Ly, “đệ nhất phu nhân trên thực tế, đã mở đường cho việc tăng cường các nỗ lực ngoại giao của Việt Nam và làm dịu đi hình ảnh của chồng bà” : “Bà Phương Ly, phu nhân của tổng bí thư đảng Cộng Sản Việt Nam Tô Lâm, đang nhanh chóng nổi lên như một nhân vật mang lại sự thay đổi trong ngoại giao quốc tế của Việt Nam. Bà tháp tùng ông Tô Lâm trong hầu hết các chuyến thăm nước ngoài và tiếp đón các nhà lãnh đạo nước ngoài tại Việt Nam. Thông qua việc thường xuyên tham gia các hoạt động văn hóa và xã hội với các đối tác nước ngoài, bà đã nâng cao vị thế ngoại giao của Việt Nam và nâng cao hình ảnh của ông Tô Lâm trước công chúng, qua đó góp phần nâng cao vị thế chính trị của ông. Ví dụ, trong chuyến thăm Singapore của ông Tô Lâm vào tháng 03/2025, bà Phương Ly đã tham gia các cuộc thảo luận về các vấn đề văn hóa với bà Loo Tze Lui, phu nhân thủ tướng Singapore Lawrence Wong, và chứng kiến ​​lễ ký kết Biên bản ghi nhớ giữa Học viện Âm nhạc Quốc gia Việt Nam và Nhạc viện Yong Siew Toh của Singapore. Gần đây hơn, trong chuyến thăm Việt Nam của tổng thống Pháp Emmanuel Macron tháng 05/2025, bà Phương Ly đã tháp tùng bà Brigitte Macron tham quan Bảo tàng Mỹ thuật Việt Nam và Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám, chia sẻ những hiểu biết sâu sắc về di sản văn hóa phong phú của Việt Nam với Đệ nhất phu nhân Pháp”. Đọc thêmQuảng bá hình ảnh Việt Nam qua những chuyến công du của lãnh đạo thế giới Vai trò của tổng bí thư trong “định hình chính sách đối ngoại” Ngoài việc khẳng định quyền lực lãnh đạo thực sự ở Việt Nam, những chuyến công du nước ngoài của ông Tô Lâm, với tần suất dày đặc hơn so với người tiền nhiệm, còn nằm trong định hướng Hội nhập quốc tế trong tình hình mới, được quy định trong Nghị quyết số 59 (ngày 24/01/2025) và được cổng thông tin Chính phủ nhấn mạnh ngày 16/09 là “quyết sách quan trọng, đánh dấu bước ngoặt lịch sử trong tiến trình hội nhập quốc tế của đất nước”. Một mặt, Nghị quyết đưa ra hướng dẫn củng cố mối quan hệ “hữu nghị truyền thống” lâu đời của Việt Nam với Nga, Cuba, Bắc Triều Tiên. Mặt khác, Nghị quyết cũng cho thấy Việt Nam đang chủ động hơn trong các vấn đề quốc tế. Giáo sư Carl Thayer, Đại học New South Wales, phân tích : Nghị quyết số 59 lưu ý rằng hội nhập quốc tế đòi hỏi “chủ động, tích cực và dũng cảm” để thúc đẩy các mạng lưới đối tác đã được thiết lập, tranh thủ các nguồn lực bên ngoài, củng cố lòng tin chính trị và giải quyết các thách thức khu vực và toàn cầu thông qua hợp tác hòa bình, tất cả đều trên cơ sở tôn trọng luật pháp quốc tế. Nghị quyết số 59 cũng củng cố một trong những mục tiêu quan trọng của hội nhập quốc tế - duy trì môi trường hòa bình và ổn định để Việt Nam có thể phát triển kinh tế. Ví dụ chuyến công du Bình Nhưỡng của tổng bí thư Tô Lâm cũng được coi là nhằm trong chiến lược “bảo vệ đất nước từ sớm và từ xa, trước khi đất nước lâm nguy” phù hợp với chủ trương của Nghị quyết số 59, theo nhận định của giáo sư Carl Thayer : “Nếu ông Tô Lâm đến thăm Bình Nhưỡng, ông có thể sẽ tìm hiểu xem Việt Nam có thể đóng vai trò ngoại giao và chính trị nào trong bất kỳ tiến trình hòa bình nào trên bán đảo Triều Tiên. Việt Nam có lợi ích thiết yếu trong việc duy trì ổn định trên bán đảo Triều Tiên. Bất kỳ sự suy giảm nào trong hiện trạng, dẫn đến đối đầu giữa Hoa Kỳ và Hàn Quốc với Bắc Triều Tiên, Trung Quốc và Nga, sẽ đẩy Việt Nam ra ngoài lề và gây khó khăn cho quan hệ với các cường quốc”. Đọc thêmTổng bí thư đảng Cộng Sản, chủ tịch nước Việt Nam Tô Lâm công du Mông Cổ, Ireland và Pháp Trong số 5 quan điểm chỉ đạo về hội nhập quốc tế, hội nhập quốc tế về quốc phòng, an ninh được coi là một trong những trụ cột và là “một nội dung rất quan trọng”, theo phát biểu ngày 16/09 của ông Lê Hoài Trung, lúc đó là quyền ngoại trưởng. Ngoài ra, Việt Nam “chuyển từ xin nhận, gia nhập, tham gia sang chủ động đóng góp và xây dựng, định hình và sẵn sàng đóng góp có trách nhiệm vào công việc chung của cộng động quốc tế”. Sự kiện Hà Nội đăng cai tổ chức Lễ mở ký Công ước Liên Hiệp Quốc về chống tội phạm mạng ngày 25/10/2025, được Việt Nam coi là “dấu mốc lịch sử không chỉ với cộng đồng quốc tế mà còn khẳng định vai trò vị thế của Việt Nam trên trường quốc tế”. Trang VnExpress đưa tin “các nước đánh giá cao vai trò lãnh đạo, dẫn dắt của Việt Nam thông qua sáng kiến đăng cai Lễ mở ký”. Nhân dịp này, tổng bí thư Tô Lâm đã tiếp tổng thư ký Liên Hiệp Quốc Antonio Guterres. Cho dù “hội nhập quốc tế là sự nghiệp của toàn dân” nhưng được thực hiện “dưới sự lãnh đạo tuyệt đối, trực tiếp và toàn diện của Đảng, sự quản lý thống nhất của Nhà nước”. Trong tiến trình này, tổng bí thư không chỉ còn muốn đứng đầu đảng, giữ vai trò về tư tưởng, mà là một nhà lãnh đạo cao nhất đất nước. Hình ảnh mới này đang được ông Tô Lâm làm cho các đối tác phương Tây quen dần, theo nhận định của tiến sĩ Vũ Khang, Đại học Boston : Đối với các đối tác phương Tây, Việt Nam đã đặt các đối tác phương Tây vào vị trí phải công nhận tính chính danh và sự ngang hàng của vị trí tổng bí thư với các vị trí nguyên thủ quốc gia qua các cuộc gặp cấp cao. Đây cũng là một di sản của cố tổng bí thư Nguyễn Phú Trọng khi ông đã thành công bắt Mỹ phải công nhận tổng bí thư là ngang hàng với chức tổng thống Mỹ, từ đó mở ra các nước phương Tây khác cũng chấp nhận theo. Điều này chứng tỏ đây là một chính sách đường dài chứ không phải ngắn hạn cho kỳ Đại hội Đảng sắp tới, và dù ai ở vị trí tổng bí thư đi chăng nữa thì cũng sẽ được kế thừa di sản này.

John Brockman, a prominent literary agent and founder of the Edge Foundation (a prestigious salon for scientists and thinkers), had longstanding ties to Epstein's intellectual and social circle. Brockman's Edge dinners, salons and invite-only events created a powerful “third culture” network of elite scientists, technologists, and wealthy patrons — and Epstein was deeply embedded in this milieu. Brockman's agency and Edge network provided a bridge between Epstein's money and the science/tech world: one piece of evidence is an email, dated September 2013, in which Brockman writes to a writer that “Jeffrey Epstein … showed up at this weekend's event by helicopter (with his beautiful young assistant from Belarus). He'll be in Cambridge in a couple of weeks … I told him I would send some links.”to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

What happens when a builder and a coder decide to fix solar's biggest disconnect?In this episode, SunCast host Nico Johnson sits down with Maksim Markevich and Ben Callam, the co-founders of PV Farm—a platform born from frustration with designs that look perfect on screen but fall apart in the field.Maksim, a self-taught engineer from Belarus, learned to code his way out of rebar spreadsheets and into a global following on YouTube. Ben, an architect who traded drawings for job sites across Africa and the Middle East, discovered what buildability really means when you have to fabricate every part yourself.Their paths couldn't have been more different, yet both led to the same realization: most solar design tools fail the buildability test. PV Farm grew out of that shared conviction—bridging the gap between upstream creativity and downstream execution.You'll hear:

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe co-hosts Adam Reichardt and Aleksandra Karpi discuss the latest developments across the region, from Lithuania's border closure with Belarus to new US sanctions on Russian oil giants and Hungary's political shifts ahead of next year's elections. They also explore a recent sabotage plot uncovered in Romania and Poland.The main interview, which was recorded recently live at the Sarajevo Security Conference, features Charles Kupchan, a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University and senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Kupchan shares his insights on the state of US foreign policy under Trump's second term, the future of transatlantic relations and what the world can expect from America's evolving role on the global stage. We'd like to express our appreciation to the organizers of the Sarajevo Security Conference for assisting us in making this happen. Learn more about the event here: https://sarajevosecurityconference.com/Further reading:“NATO in times of crisis. Safeguarding the future of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance” by Wojciech Michnik, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/09/26/nato-in-times-of-crisis-safeguarding-the-future-of-the-euro-atlantic-alliance/Check out a recent issue of New Eastern Europe dedicated tothis topic: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/05/06/issue-3-2025-negotiating-peace/ //Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation". The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

It wouldn't be a Halloween episode without an extra spooky guest, so we've got the winner of Season 2 of the Boulet Brothers' Dragula, Biqtch Puddin', on the show to talk all things creepy (both meanings). We take a look at the many songs over the years that aim for the darker side of the contest's fans, and to what degree they succeed or fail. Jeremy's begging for some color, Dimitry makes it clear which nicknames he will and will not accept, Biqtch takes a moment to appreciate a doily, and Oscar puts Luke Black in the line of fire.Atlanta Eurovangelists! Get tickets for Biqtch's Halloween drag show on 11/1, BIQTCHIN' Atlanta's Monsters with Abhora at LORE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biqtchin-atlantas-monsters-with-abhora-tickets-1838496635929?aff=oddtdtcreatorWatch the YouTube playlist of this week's songs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAh9NRGNhUU&list=PLd2EbKTi9fyXuRkP_Te48-HT_ib31ZFHfThis week's companion playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1NUpaNH9ZPdJyio2JOJOrZ The Eurovangelists are Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya and Dimitry Pompée.The theme was arranged and recorded by Cody McCorry and Faye Fadem, and the logo was designed by Tom Deja.Production support for this show was provided by the Maximum Fun network.The show is edited by Jeremy Bent with audio mixing help was courtesy of Shane O'Connell.Find Eurovangelists on social media as @eurovangelists on Instagram and @eurovangelists.com on Bluesky, or send us an email at eurovangelists@gmail.com. Head to https://maxfunstore.com/collections/eurovangelists for Eurovangelists merch. Also follow the Eurovangelists account on Spotify and check out our playlists of Eurovision hits, competitors in upcoming national finals, and companion playlists to every single episode, including this one!

Anunțul Washingtonului privind o retragere parțială a militarilor staționați pe flancul estic al NATO a produs multă emoție la București. Este România mai vulnerabilă acum în fața amenințării rusești? Anunțul a fost primit cu bucurie în extrema dreaptă din România. Aceasta vede în decizia de la Washington, care afectează direct România, o pedeapsă binemeritată pentru faptul că autoritățile de la București au anulat alegerile din noiembrie-decembrie 2024. De asemenea, retragerea parțială a americanilor este pentru ei urmarea alegerii președintelui Nicușor Dan, în scrutinul din mai, al cărui rezultat, extrema dreaptă nu-l recunoaște nici acum. Întocmai ca și propaganda Kremlinului. În cealaltă parte a societății, retragerea este privită cu îngrijorare. Este un semn al reducerii angajamentului american pentru Europa, într-un moment al creșterii intensității războiului hibrid al Rusiei. Polonia și România au fost recent survolate de drone rusești. Avioane ale Rusiei au încălcat spațiul aerian al Estoniei. Activitatea de pe aeroporturi din Germania și Danemarca a fost perturbată de drone bănuite a fi fost manevrate de Rusia. România a dejucat un act de sabotaj rusesc asupra unei firme ucrainene de distribuție de colete. Lituania a închis granița cu Belarus după ce sute de baloane cu heliu au afectat zborurile pe aeroportul din Vilnius. Iar miercuri, Polonia a interceptat un avion de recunoaștere rusesc deasupra spațiului său aerian. Cum să privim, așadar, decizia americană? Din punct de vedere tactic, decizia nu schimbă situația de pe teren. După cum a comunicat și Departamentul de Război de la Washington, ”aceasta nu reprezintă o retragere a Statelor Unite din Europa şi nici un semnal al unei diminuări a angajamentului faţă de NATO şi faţă de Articolul 5”. Dimpotrivă, este un semnal pozitiv al creşterii capacităţii şi responsabilităţii europene. Cu alte cuvinte, europenii pot acum să compenseze ajustarea posturii militare a Statelor Unite. Și să nu ne imaginăm că militarii staționați acum pe flancul estic ar fi singurii chemați să intervină în cazul unei crize adevărate generate de Rusia. În această situație, de nedorit și încă puțin probabilă, ar fi vorba despre un număr cu mult mai mare de militari și de cu totul alte cantități de echipamente militare. Totuși, așa cum a atras atenția și expertul în securitate George Scutaru, într-un interviu pentru AFP, semnalul politic ar putea fi unul prost pentru Rusia, care ar putea înțelege că acum, Marea Neagră este mai puțin importantă pentru America. Ne-am putea aștepta, așadar, la creșterea provocărilor, după dronele care au traversat spațiul aerian al României, în septembrie? Posibil. Dar, în acest stadiu al războiului hibrid, nu plecarea a 800 de militari americani vulnerabilizează România. România este vulnerabilă în interiorul ei, prin gradul înalt de penetrare a propagandei ruse. Prin lipsa de coeziune și prin contestarea tot mai fățișă a apartenenței la Occident. De asemenea, România este vulnerabilă din cauza unei coaliții de guvernare care trosnește din toate încheieturile.   Ascultați rubrica ”Eurocronica”, cu Ovidiu Nahoi, în fiecare zi, de luni până vineri, de la 8.45 și în reluare duminica, de la 15.00, numai la RFI România

Today in Jamaica, people are picking up the pieces after the strongest storm seen on Earth — and the strongest hurricane in Jamaica's history — thrashed the island. Also, an attack by Israeli forces inside Gaza leaves at least a hundred Palestinians dead. And, Lithuania closes its border with Belarus for a month. Also, the Netherlands uses “harm reduction” instead of jail time to address its drug crisis. Plus, a new exhibit looks at creatures deep beneath the ocean's surface.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

HackingTeam's successor is targeting Russia and Belarus, X users must re-enroll their security keys, Chrome will put HTTP behind a warning dialogue, and 15 people are expected to plead guilty in an Italian hacking scandal. Show notes Risky Bulletin: HackingTeam successor linked to recent Chrome zero-days

Das belarussische Informationsministerium hat ein umfangreiches Bücherverbot verhängt. Betroffen sind Werke nationaler und internationaler Autoren wie beispielsweise die von Alherd Bacharewitsch. Eine absurd wirkende Auswahl, sagt Autorin Inga Lizengevic. Lizengevic, Inga www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Lesart

Das belarussische Informationsministerium hat ein umfangreiches Bücherverbot verhängt. Betroffen sind Werke nationaler und internationaler Autoren wie beispielsweise die von Alherd Bacharewitsch. Eine absurd wirkende Auswahl, sagt Autorin Inga Lizengevic. Lizengevic, Inga www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Lesart

2025-10-27 | Silicon Wafers 042 | DAILY UPDATES | Drones over Moscow, in mass, seem to be doing nothing to ease Putin's natural paranoia as autocrat of Russia, quite the reverse. In this episode we look at the targets of Ukraine's sanction, Moscow, Ryazan and other nodes within Putin's military machine. We try to separate lies from truth, propaganda myths and rumours from reality in relation to Pokrovsk and the two-year effort by Russian rabble troops to occupy the Ukrainian fortress city. We decode the “Coalition of the Willing” decisions; and explain why Kremlin chatter about a peace deal being “near” is classic weaponised diplomacy. Plus: Lithuania says it will shoot down Belarus's smuggler balloons — the hybrid war goes airborne over Europe.----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE Watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJUcE1rxY0'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------SOURCES: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-destroyed-193-ukrainian-drones-2025-10-27/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-drone-attack-kyiv-kills-three-2025-10-26/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-drone-attack-kyiv-kills-three-2025-10-26/https://www.reuters.com/world/lithuania-shoot-down-smuggler-balloons-belarus-prime-minister-says-2025-10-27/https://www.reuters.com/world/sending-tomahawk-missiles-ukraine-remains-under-review-says-natos-rutte-2025-10-24/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-reiterated-previous-ukraine-peace-terms-us-private-communique-sources-say-2025-10-21/https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-fourth-largest-oil-refinery-halts-processing-unit-after-drone-attack-2025-10-24/----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Max and Maria spoke with Clayton Seigle about how new sanctions from the Trump administration could potentially impact Russian energy revenues. Additionally, they discussed the effects of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries. This conversation was recorded on October 23, 2025.

John Brockman, a prominent literary agent and founder of the Edge Foundation (a prestigious salon for scientists and thinkers), had longstanding ties to Epstein's intellectual and social circle. Brockman's Edge dinners, salons and invite-only events created a powerful “third culture” network of elite scientists, technologists, and wealthy patrons — and Epstein was deeply embedded in this milieu. Brockman's agency and Edge network provided a bridge between Epstein's money and the science/tech world: one piece of evidence is an email, dated September 2013, in which Brockman writes to a writer that “Jeffrey Epstein … showed up at this weekend's event by helicopter (with his beautiful young assistant from Belarus). He'll be in Cambridge in a couple of weeks … I told him I would send some links.”to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Das Europäische Parlament vergibt seinen Sacharow-Preis in diesem Jahr an zwei Journalisten, die in Belarus und Georgien in Haft sitzen. Weiteres Thema in den Kommentaren sind die Bemühungen von US-Präsident Trump, den russischen Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine zu beenden. www.deutschlandfunk.de, Internationale Presseschau

John Brockman, a prominent literary agent and founder of the Edge Foundation (a prestigious salon for scientists and thinkers), had longstanding ties to Epstein's intellectual and social circle. Brockman's Edge dinners, salons and invite-only events created a powerful “third culture” network of elite scientists, technologists, and wealthy patrons — and Epstein was deeply embedded in this milieu. Brockman's agency and Edge network provided a bridge between Epstein's money and the science/tech world: one piece of evidence is an email, dated September 2013, in which Brockman writes to a writer that “Jeffrey Epstein … showed up at this weekend's event by helicopter (with his beautiful young assistant from Belarus). He'll be in Cambridge in a couple of weeks … I told him I would send some links.”to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Buch, Jürgen www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Fazit

Max and Maria spoke with Leah Kieff and Vlad Lupan about the outcomes of the recent Moldovan parliamentary elections at the end of September, and why they're significant for both Moldova, and the broader region. This conversation was recorded on October 14, 2025.

665,218 views Streamed live on Oct 13, 2025 #tcc #army of ukraine #russiaukraineFundraiser for a pickup truck for the 22nd separate motorized infantry brigade

durée : 00:58:44 - Affaires étrangères - par : Christine Ockrent - Alors que Trump annonce un sommet surprise à Budapest avec Vladimir Poutine, sa rencontre avec Volodymyr Zelensky à la Maison Blanche ce vendredi se solde par un recul : Washington ne livrera pas les fameux missiles Tomahawk. Qu'en est-il, sur le front, pour l'armée ukrainienne ? - réalisation : Luc-Jean Reynaud - invités : Céline Marangé Chercheuse sur la Russie, l'Ukraine et le Belarus à l'Institut de recherche stratégique de l'École militaire (IRSEM); Vera Grantseva Politiste Enseignante à Sciences Po Paris; Camille Grand Chercheur au Conseil européen pour les relations internationales (ECFR) et ancien secrétaire général adjoint de l'OTAN ; Élie Tenenbaum Directeur du Centre des Études de Sécurité de l'IFRI; Hugo Dixon Journaliste, éditorialiste à Reuters

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan and George Elek to discuss the World Cup qualifiers as Scotland's 2-1 win against Belarus disguised a dismal performance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod

Before England head on their big stag do in Riga, there was the small matter of Scotland grinding out a glorious win over Belarus. So glorious that it left Steve Clarke incandescently angry.Marcus, Pete, Vish and Jim bring you the most international break Ramble possible, featuring a further update about Katy Perry's dating life for Pete, some questionable Donald Trump impressions from Marcus, and what must surely be the first ever impression of former land mass Pangea.Plus, back in Premier League land, Sean Dyche is getting linked to a club that's close to his heart, his house and Hooters. Crikey, mate.Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025Vote for us in the Football Content Awards! Support your favourite podcast by voting for the Football Ramble in the Best Content Creator category: https://footballcontentawards.com/voting/ Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble.Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pien Meulensteen is joined by former England defender Phil Jagielka and The Sunday Times chief football writer, Jonathan Northcroft, as Scotland take one step closer to the World Cup having beaten Belarus 2-1. On a night where Steve Clarke broke the record for managing Scotland in more games than anyone else, he says he's "possibly as disappointed as I have been over the whole 72" games.With six points in October, Scotland have got their job done in terms of World Cup qualifying- but why were supporters booing their team off at Hampden? The panel look ahead to England's World Cup qualifier against Latvia. Has Thomas Tuchel got squad selection right? How similar will the England squad look next summer?In domestic football news, what does Steven Gerrard turning down the Rangers job say about the club's current position?Time codes: 0'35 Scotland chat 9'28 Why was Ben Gannon-Doak so impressive?  16'26 Hear from Steve Clarke  18'09 England chat 29'00 Who makes Phil and Jonathan's England World Cup starting XI, at this moment?  31'50 Why would Gerrard not be drawn to the Rangers job?

John Murray talks football, travel & language with home nations commentators. Liam McLeod represents Scotland after their dramatic win over Greece, Mark Poyser shows up for Wales after Craig Bellamy's side lost to England, and Joel Taggart is on the pod on behalf of Northern Ireland. It's Scotland vs Northern Ireland in Clash of the Commentators and suggestions welcome for our Great Glossary of Football Commentary - WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk05:10 Favourite experiences commentating on your country 08:35 Perils of commentating off-tube 18:10 Craig Bellamy ‘puts on show' as Wales manager 23:10 Live commentaries & any countries they've not been to? 26:40 Best commentary positions in the home nations 31:25 Clash of the Commentators 36:40 Great Glossary of Football CommentaryBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries: Sun 12 Oct 1200 Chelsea v Tottenham in WSL, Sun 12 Oct 1430 Arsenal v Brighton & Hove in WSL, Sun 12 Oct 1700 Scotland v Belarus in WCQ, Mon 13 Oct 1945 Wales v Belgium in WCQ, Tue 14 Oct 1945 Latvia v England in WCQ, Wed 15 Oct 2000 Chelsea v Paris in UWCL.Glossary so far:DIVISION ONE Bosman, Cruyff Turn, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Hibs it, Onion bag, Panenka, Rabona, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep.DIVISION TWO Ball stays hit, Coat is on a shoogly peg, Daisycutter, Has that in his locker, Howler, One for the cameras, Played us off the park, Purple patch, Root and branch review, Row Z, Stramash, Taking one for the team, That's great… (football), Thunderous strike.UNSORTED 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Bread and butter, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator's curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Goalkeepers' Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Put their laces through it, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We've got a cup tie on our hands, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff & Lyle Taylor jump on the managerial merry-go-round. Watford sack Paolo Pezzolano and reappoint Javi Gracia, Luton say bye to Matt Bloomfield and Blackpool bid farewell to Steve Bruce. Also, what about Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner going in the away end at Wrexham? And will Richard Wood find his way into our Ultimate All-Time EFL XI? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369.01:45 Birmingham chairman goes in the away end 06:30 Naming teams on the day of a game 12:50 Watford sack Pezzolano & reappoint Gracia 20:25 Luton sack Matt Bloomfield 34:50 Blackpool sack Steve Bruce 36:20 Will Richard Wood make our All-Time EFL XI? 39:00 72PLUS 72MINUS5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Thu 9 Oct 1945 England v Wales in friendly, Sun 12 Oct 1200 Chelsea v Tottenham in WSL, Sun 12 Oct 1430 Arsenal v Brighton & Hove in WSL, Sun 12 Oct 1700 Scotland v Belarus in WCQ, Mon 13 Oct 1945 Wales v Belgium in WCQ, Tue 14 Oct 1945 Latvia v England in WCQ, Wed 15 Oct 2000 Chelsea v Paris in UWCL.