Podcasts about China

Venezuela's collapse is about way more than socialism and oil. Ryan McBeth breaks down how a resource-rich nation became a cautionary tale on our doorstep.Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them.Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1269On This Episode of Out of the Loop:Venezuela's collapse wasn't caused by a single villain or policy — it happened because oil money replaced accountability. Institutions were hollowed out, competence was swapped for loyalty, and when the cash dried up, the regime compensated with control instead of reform.Hugo Chavez's "Bolivarian Revolution" brought real benefits early on — redistributing oil wealth and challenging entrenched elites. But the gains depended entirely on high oil prices, and when those collapsed around 2010, hyperinflation, shortages, and mass migration followed.Venezuela matters strategically to the US because it sits near the Panama Canal and Gulf Coast refineries — making it a pressure point for energy markets, migration flows, and criminal networks. China and Russia have both moved in, treating the instability like an open house.Nicolás Maduro wasn't so much a supreme leader as a traffic cop managing competing mafias. The country's power structure fractured into factions — military, political, criminal — each with its own incentives, making any clean transition extremely difficult.Venezuela's story is a reminder that resource wealth without strong institutions becomes a trap — but it also shows that populations who've experienced democracy and prosperity tend to push back. That memory of better times can become the foundation for rebuilding.And much more!Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on an Out of the Loop episode, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!Connect with Ryan McBeth at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and on YouTube. If you'd like to stay on top of what's happening in the world, subscribe to Ryan's Substack!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: Tonal: $200 off: tonal.com, code JORDANQuince: Free shipping & 365-day returns: quince.com/jordanSimpliSafe: 50% off + 1st month free: simplisafe.com/jordanProgressive: Free online quote: progressive.comHomes.com: Find your home: homes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" talks to Scott Jennings about the arrest of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro and what it signals for U.S. foreign policy; how the speed and competence of Trump-era military and law-enforcement operations in Venezuela and Iran have shocked the world; the importance of defending and enforcing the Monroe Doctrine against China and Russia in the Western Hemisphere; why Trump's practices are smart, limited engagement—not endless wars; how antisemitism is driving criticism of Israel and Trump, what a post-Maduro Venezuela could look like; the Minnesota fraud scandal and the collapse of Tim Walz's reelection bid; how independent journalist Nick Shirley exposed billions in alleged immigration-linked fraud ignored by mainstream media; how the story shattered the left's immigration narrative; how the Democrats are self sabotaging their midterm election chances by nominating socialist candidates in purple districts; how New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's early actions look even worse than expected; the future of Western Europe, warning that countries like France and the UK face cultural and political decline without strong leadership; how mass immigration, crime, and feckless elites are destabilizing Europe and distorting foreign policy; how fringe radical progressive ideology has hijacked the Democratic Party, pushing it to lose on key 80/20 issues like immigration, climate, and gender politics; why Democrats will struggle electorally unless they shed radicalism ahead of 2028; and much more.

Newt talks with Herman Pirchner and Ilan Berman from the American Foreign Policy Council about their new book, “The New Imperialists” which explores the collaboration between Russia, China, and Iran, along with allies like North Korea and Venezuela, to challenge the United States' global leadership. Their conversation highlights the strategic actions taken by the Trump administration, including the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, as part of a broader strategy to counteract these alliances. They also discuss the geopolitical implications of Venezuela's alignment with anti-American forces and the potential impact on U.S. national security. Pirchner and Berman discuss the strategic importance of Greenland in the context of American defense and its relevance to the imperial ambitions of Russia. Additionally, they discuss the new AFPC publication, "Statecraft and Strategy," aimed at providing a comprehensive view of global trends and foreign policy issues, bridging the gap between partisan perspectives. They underscore the interconnectedness of global geopolitical dynamics and the strategic responses required to address emerging threats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE ANACONDA STRATEGY AND THE NEO-ENGAGEMENT TRAP Colleagues James Fanell and Bradley Thayer. Fanell and Thayer discuss the "Joint Sword 2024 Alpha" exercises, describing them as an "Anaconda strategy" where the PRC practices suffocating Taiwan through blockades and missile strikes. Thayer argues that despite these overt threats, Washington remains captured by the "neo-engagement school," mistakenly believing that economic engagement can democratize China. They critique "elite capture" within US institutions, noting that the Bidenadministration has largely continued Obama-era policies rather than confronting the reality that the CCP is transforming international norms rather than being transformed by them. FANELL NUMBER 11905 SHANGHAI MIXED COURT

HISTORICAL ECHOES: THE 10-YEAR RULE AND TIANANMEN BLINDNESS Colleagues James Fanell and Bradley Thayer. The authors draw parallels between current US policy and the British Empire's 1919 "10-year rule," which slashed defense spending based on the assumption of peace, leading to unpreparedness for WWII. Fanell recalls his intelligence experience post-Tiananmen Square, noting the US Navy dismissed the PLA Navy threat while myopically focusing on Russia. Thayer criticizes the US response to the 1989 massacre, where the Bush administration rushed to repair relations rather than recognizing the CCP as a "sadistic monster." They argue this failure to perceive the true nature of the regime allowed China to rise without political reform. FANELL NUMBER 21905 SHANGHAI RIOTS, BRITISH EMPIRE SIKH PATROL

ADMITTING STRATEGIC FAILURE AND THE NEED FOR TEAM B Colleagues James Fanell and Bradley Thayer. Fanell argues the intelligence community must admit its "strategic failure" regarding China, likening the current denial to a patient ignoring a cancer diagnosis. He asserts that institutional bias protects the status quo. To counter this, they propose creating a "Team B"—independent analysts outside the CIA's "educated elite"—to provide objective threat assessments, similar to the Cold War approach against the Soviets. Thayer advocates moving CFIUS to the Department of Defense to better protect intellectual property and calls for a "whole of society" response that cuts off trade and explicitly recognizes the CCP as the enemy. FANELL NUMBER 31925 SHANGHAI RIOTS

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SILENCE Colleague Tanya Branigan. Branigan discusses the psychological aftermath of the Cultural Revolution with professionals in Shanghai, describing the era as a "collective hysteria." She explores the concept of "eating bitterness," or enduring suffering without complaint. While the Cultural Revolution is not strictly banned like the 1989 Tiananmen protests, it remains a sensitive topic met with silence due to both state pressure and personal trauma. Branigan shares an anecdote about a man who hallucinated Red Guards until his death, concluding that memory in China is often fractured by trauma and the struggle to create meaning. TANYA BRANIGAN NUMBER 81965 SHANGHAIN SHIPYARD

As we've seen in the past, Tesla China rolled out a couple of design updates to the Shanghai-built Model Y's. I'll tell you all about them and why we'll probably see them in North America and Europe as well, sooner rather than later. Plus: Tesla's CEO says the Model Y topped global sales charts again in 2025, a Model 3 on FSD successfully completes full coast-to-coast drive with zero interventions, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at every Patreon tier! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code Lightning to get $100 off their "One-time Payment" option! Go to www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). 

Iván Penya, un productor de cine español nos introduce en una desconocida historia que une España con China.Luis Miguel Domínguez nos habla de un animal de desagradable fama: las ratas.Escuchar audio

In this wide-ranging episode the host opens with his regular “Word on Word” segment, comparing Matthew 6:19–21 and John 15:4 and inviting listeners to choose which scripture resonates most. That spiritual framing threads through a conversation that mixes biblical reflection with current events, prophetic perspective, and listener interaction. The bulk of the show digs into domestic unrest—especially the contested coverage of a shooting and subsequent protests in Minnesota. The host argues many demonstrations are staged psychological operations (PSYOPs), references the military PSYOP manual Mind Wars, and connects modern influence campaigns to intelligence and covert actors. He calls out political figures (including Governor Tim Walz and local mayors), alleges China ties and corruption, and warns that these scenes are being used to influence public opinion and justify stronger federal responses. International themes include discussion of Venezuela, Mexico and cartel activity, and tensions with Russia and China. The host suggests a geopolitical realignment with three spheres of influence—Americas, a Russia-led Northern Europe bloc, and a China-led coalition including Africa and Australia—and interprets recent military and diplomatic moves through that lens. He also addresses the possibility of U.S. military action against Mexican cartels and the legal/political maneuvers that could lead to high-profile indictments. Several media and political threads are assessed: the role of mainstream press and social media clips in shaping narratives, a featured clip from a commentator known as “Shipwrecked,” and a report (via a clip) from former NYPD inspector Paul Morrow about a Department of Justice grand jury venue in South Florida and possible indictments of prominent figures. The host criticizes both left and right media players, and warns of “final play” tactics and the weaponization of law and institutions. The show includes live caller interaction (notably Reginald in New York), audience Q&A and community voice, reflecting a mix of concerns—economic pressure, healthcare and media distrust—while contrasting secular analysis with spiritual guidance. Throughout, the host emphasizes the primacy of spiritual perspective: know Jesus, don't get lost in the noise, and seek what truly matters. Practical items announced: a Saturday night prayer meeting on Telegram and an upcoming fundraiser to help Cisco Wheeler, an elderly listener with medical needs; the host promises full transparency for donations. The episode closes with encouragement to prioritize spiritual discernment and community prayer amid rapidly shifting political events. Want to Understand and Explain Everything Biblically?  Click Here: Decoding the Power of Three: Understand and Explain Everything or go to www.rightonu.com and click learn more.  Thank you for Listening to Right on Radio. Prayerfully consider supporting Right on Radio. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more... https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes We are Your News Now. Keep the Faith

In this episode, we dive into the escalating protests in Minneapolis over the tragic shooting of a woman who confronted ICE agents, juxtaposed with the courageous resistance of Iranians against the oppressive regime of the mullahs. John Solomon discusses the significant geopolitical shifts, including Venezuela's collaboration with the Trump administration to combat illegal oil trafficking, underscoring the evolving global landscape.The episode features a groundbreaking revelation from newly released FBI documents regarding the investigation known as Arctic Frost, which targets President Trump and his associates. Solomon reveals the approval of a $20,000 payment to a confidential informant aimed at gathering incriminating information against Trump, highlighting the implications for separation of powers and constitutional protections.Joining the conversation is Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, who shares insights on the Arctic Frost investigation and its broader implications. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney also weighs in on the fraud schemes emerging from Minneapolis. Lastly, national security expert Brent Sadler from the Heritage Foundation provides clarity on the rapidly changing global dynamics involving China, Cuba, and Iran.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

TRUMAN INHERITS A WORLD WAR AND THE BURDEN OF JUDGMENT Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Following the sudden death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in April 1945, Harry Truman assumed the presidency with little preparation regarding foreign policy or the situation in Asia. While Truman possessed combat experience from World War I, his understanding of China and Japan relied heavily on stereotypes and idealism rather than briefing. Confronted immediately with the bloody Battle of Okinawa and the devastation of the firebombing of Tokyo, Truman upheld the Allies' demand for unconditional surrender. This policy necessitated stripping Japan of its empire and trying its leadership, despite growing private concerns among some US officials that American strategic bombing might equate to war crimes. NUMBER 11930 TOKYO

IMPERSONATORS AND THE DEATH OF IDEALISM Colleague Tanya Branigan. The conversation highlights the strange phenomenon of historical impersonators, including one of Lin Biao, the general who was Mao's successor before being branded a traitor. Branigan explains that Lin's sudden vilification shattered the idealism of many Red Guards, causing them to question Mao's infallibility. The segment also discusses reunions of "educated youth" sent to the countryside. While many suffered, groups now meet to reminisce, filtering traumatic memories through a "memory bump" of their adolescence, contrasting their past struggles and camaraderie with the perceived moral emptiness of modern China. TANYA BRANIGAN NUMBER 61945 SHANGHAI CELEBRATE SJAPAN SURRENDER

THE COLD WAR SHIFT: GEORGE KENNAN'S STRATEGIC PIVOT Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. By 1948, the trial's context shifted dramatically with the onset of the Cold War and the Chinese Civil War. George Kennan, the architect of containment, visited Tokyo to convince MacArthur that democratization was less important than establishing Japan as a strong anti-communist bulwark against the Soviets. Kennan argued that the US must secure Japan as a strategic prize rather than focus on China, which was falling to Mao. This "reverse course" prioritized stability and industrial strength over the initial progressive reforms, viewing Japan as the essential anchor for Americanforeign policy in the Pacific. NUMBER 51929 TOKYO

THE CHINESE JUDGE AND THE MODERN LEGACY OF THE TRIAL Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Judge Mei Ju-ao represented China, striving to center the suffering of Asian peoples in the judgment before returning to a China engulfed by revolution. The trial's legacy remains volatile in modern Asia, exemplified by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose grandfather, Kishi Nobusuke, was a suspected Class A war criminal released without trial. Abe and other conservatives scrutinized the tribunal as "victor's justice," symbolized by visits to the Yasukuni Shrine where war criminals are enshrined. This historical grievance continues to strain Japan's relations with China and Korea, keeping the war's memory alive in 21st-century politics. NUMBER 81934 TOKYO

PRINCELINGS AND POLITICAL NOSTALGIA Colleague Tanya Branigan. Branigan examines "princelings" Bo Xilai and Xi Jinping, children of elite leaders who were victimized during the Cultural Revolution. Xi was exiled to the countryside, while Bo's mother likely died from beatings. Despite this family trauma, Bo later utilized "red culture" nostalgia in Chongqing before his political downfall following a murder scandal. Xi Jinping also draws upon this era's ideology to demand party purity. Branigan suggests this resurgence reflects a public search for meaning amid modern China's materialism, with leaders tapping into nostalgia for a time of perceived clearer beliefs. TANYA BRANIGAN NUMBER 51925 SHANGHAI

THE FORBIDDEN MUSEUM OF SHANTOU Colleague Tanya Branigan. Tanya Branigan discusses her book, Red Memory, and her visit to the Cultural Revolution Museum in Shantou. Founded by former official Peng Qi'an, this was the only museum in China dedicated to recording the era's violence and chaos. Built in a remote location on a site of mass graves to avoid scrutiny, the museum was eventually suppressed by authorities. Branigan recounts visiting during the Hu Jintao era while being monitored by undercover police. Today, the site is closed, unlike the National Museum, which relegates the decade-long catastrophe to a single "dingy corner." TANYA BRANIGAN NUMBER 11905 SHANGHAI MIXED COURT

This episode exposes a mind-blowing web of interconnected fraud that ties bank fraud, ID theft, and voter fraud into one massive scheme with China, Dominion Voting Systems, and Roaming Networks at the center. Host Joe Oltmann and guest David Clements break down explosive undercover video, with whistleblower Raul revealing how servers used to code Dominion systems were mishandled by the FBI, wrong servers seized, and critical evidence ignored since April 2018 setting the stage for the stolen 2020 Presidential ElectionThe deep state tried to silence Raul with a $1 million cash bribe plus a D.C. seat, complete with U.S. Embassy meetings and text messages urging him to "forget the past." Raul's letter to the U.S. Ambassador accuses crimes against Americans and global citizens, including the sale of 25 million American IDs in two drops to China for fake identities benefiting the deep state while enabling widespread fraud.It all connects back to President Trump's recent Truth Social call to "FREE TINA PETERS" the imprisoned election integrity advocate. From Soros-Biden money funnels to massive-scale corruption, and widespread blackmailing this show uncovers the levers of power holding America hostage. Don't miss the raw documents, emails, and revelations tune in for the truth they don't want you to hear!

This week we focus on the Trump Administration's seizure of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro as Ralph welcomes legendary former ambassador, Chas Freeman, who calls it nothing more than a “gas station stick-up.” Then our resident Constitutional scholar, Bruce Fein, lays out some of the legal ramifications of the whole affair.Ambassador Chas Freeman is a retired career diplomat who has negotiated on behalf of the United States with over 100 foreign governments in East and South Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and both Western and Eastern Europe. Ambassador Freeman was previously a Senior Fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, and served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires in the American embassies at both Bangkok and Beijing. He was Director for Chinese Affairs at the U.S. Department of State from 1979-1981. He was the principal American interpreter during the late President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972. In addition to Chinese, Ambassador Freeman speaks French and Spanish at the professional level and can converse in Arabic and several other languages.We have been engaged in murder on the high seas, people who are suspected on flimsy grounds of carrying narcotics. If they are carrying narcotics, it is not to the United States [but] between Venezuela and Trinidad, from which the drugs go to Western Europe and West Africa. We have been guilty of acts of piracy, seizing vessels on the high seas, on the basis of no authority. And (very dangerously) we have seized a Russian-flagged tanker…And we are risking a war with a nuclear-armed superpower over an issue that is peripheral to Venezuela.Ambassador Chas FreemanDomestically, we have a constitutional crisis. We are the most powerful country on the planet, and our domestic constitutional crisis has turned out to be contagious to the international system. And so we're seeing the disappearance of well-established norms of human behavior, interactions between states. It will not be easy to resurrect those. The precedents we've just set could come home to trouble us.Ambassador Chas FreemanI think we have scared everybody around the world. If there is no protection from international law, people will arm themselves as heavily as they can to defend themselves. So diplomacy is not prospering in this environment. And I would just conclude by saying that the Trump administration has more than decimated our diplomatic service. About one third of the diplomatic service has left or is in the process of leaving public service of the government. So they join scientists and engineers in trying to bail out from what they consider to be an increasingly intolerable situation. Not a happy picture.Ambassador Chas FreemanBruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.The fact is, if you read the NATO Charter Article 5—I think right now we've got 32 members of NATO, and 31 countries would be obliged to take up war and arms against the United States. [The United States' intervention in Venezuela] is an invasion. It's every bit as much of an invasion as Hitler going into the Sudetenland after Munich. Everybody knows this isn't going to be a voluntary secession. If it isn't by military conquest, it'll be by coercion, by threats. So we may be at war with all the other NATO members. That's why I liken this to the Napoleonic Era when France and Napoleon were against all of Europe. He had no allies anymore, and I think we will have no allies either. Bruce FeinNews 1/9/25* Our top story this week is, of course, the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, who has served as president of the Bolivarian Republic since 2013, was abducted from his home, along with his wife, by the Fort Bragg-based Delta Force squadron. Maduro was then transported to New York and is now being held in detention pending trial. Before getting into the fallout of this operation, it is critical to note the complicity of the mainstream press. Semafor reports, “The New York Times and Washington Post learned of a secret US raid on Venezuela soon before it was scheduled to begin Friday night — but held off publishing what they knew.” The preeminent American newspapers justified their decision to withhold this critical information from the public by claiming that publishing what they knew could have endangered American soldiers. This decision however raises longstanding questions about what the role of the media should be in national security matters. Is it their responsibility to protect American forces as they carry out legally dubious missions? Or is it their responsibility to inform the public of their own government's shadowy operations if they might endanger all Americans?* Meanwhile, the future of Venezuela appears deeply uncertain. Despite pressure from the Venezuelan exile community to install one of their own to lead the country, such as Maria Corina Machado, Trump has shown little interest in this path, saying Machado “doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country,” per Reuters. Instead, he has so far supported the elevation of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez, who has been “likened…to a sort of Venezuelan Deng Xiaoping,” according to NBC, has sought to court Trump in the past and it seems that for the time being at least, he is content to keep her in place so long as she is willing to accede to the demands of the American oil companies.* Whatever the long-term outlook for Venezuela in general, this incident is sure to have certain short-term consequences. At the administration level, this operation was seen as a rousing success and is likely to embolden them to attempt similar operations in other countries deemed adversarial. The Hill reports Trump said “Colombia…[is] Run by a sick man,” referring to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, but won't be for “very long.” Similarly, he remarked that “We're going to have to do something [about Mexico].” Cuba, he said, is “ready to fall.” South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, traveling with Trump, added that Cuba's days are “numbered.” It remains to be seen how far Trump will go with regime change operations in these sovereign nations, but the success of the Maduro abduction makes each one – and the inevitable blowback from these actions – that much more likely.* Beyond Latin America, Trump is again pressing for an American annexation of Greenland. According to the BBC, the administration is discussing “a range of options” including military force. Ironically, the White House is claiming that the acquisition of Greenland – a semi-autonomous region of Denmark – is a “national security priority,” despite Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's warning that any attack would mean the end of NATO, rattling the foundations of U.S. international security architecture. Nevertheless, Trump has continuously returned to the idea of annexing Greenland, so do not count on this quietly fading away, consequences be damned.* Moving to domestic politics, the AP reports the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the private entity created in 1967 to shepherd public funding to PBS, NPR and hundreds of public television and radio stations across the country, has voted to dissolve itself. The CPB has been under heavy assault by the Trump administration, which pushed Congress to defund the entity last year. Patricia Harrison, the organization's president and CEO, is quoted saying “CPB's final act would be to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic values by dissolving, rather than allowing the organization to remain defunded and vulnerable to additional attacks.” With the shuttering of CPB, the future of public media hangs in the balance. It will be up to the next Congress to restore funding, or allow these cherished institutions to fall into the dustbin of history.* Alongside the federal assault on public media, the federal government continues its assaults on public health. The New York Times reports Jim O'Neill, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has “announced dramatic revisions to the slate of vaccines recommended for American children,” drawing down the number from 17 to just 11. The six vaccines on the chopping block, those for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus – which, the Times notes, is the “leading cause of hospitalization in American infants,” – will only be recommended for some high-risk groups. Meanwhile, the New York Post reports Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has unveiled new federal guidelines recommending alcohol use. Dr. Oz is quoted saying “Alcohol is a social lubricant that brings people together…it does allow people an excuse to bond and socialize, and there's probably nothing healthier than having a good time with friends in a safe way.” He added that the takeaway should be, “Don't have it for breakfast.” Given the well documented health risks of alcohol consumption, it is difficult to see this as anything besides a sop to the alcohol industry.* In more local news, the primary race between incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman and former Comptroller Brad Lander in New York's 10th congressional district is turning into nothing short of a proxy war between different factions within the Democratic Party. Goldman, who officially announced his reelection bid this week, was immediately endorsed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, per the New York Daily News. Lander on the other hand, can boast the endorsement of Mayor Zohran Mamdani along with support from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, among other local progressives, per ABC7. With so much political muscle on both sides, this primary is sure to have important ramifications for the future direction of the Democratic Party.* For his part, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has hit the ground running. On January 5th, Mamdani signed Executive Orders No. 9, on combatting hidden junk fees, and No. 10 on fighting subscription tricks and traps. Among other things, these executive orders will Establish a Citywide Junk Fee Task Force, to be cochaired by Deputy Mayor of Economic Justice and former Biden Administration Secretary of Labor Julie Su. This announcement ends with a message stating that Mayor Mamdani “takes the protection of New York consumers and tenants seriously,” citing his recent “executive order to hold ‘Rental Ripoff' hearings in every borough,” which will “provide an opportunity for working New Yorkers to speak about the challenges they face – from poor building conditions to hidden fees on rent payments,” to be followed by a report and policy recommendations. This all from NYC.gov.* A fascinating new poll has been released by “Speaking with American Men,” also known as the SAM Project, which seeks to understand young American men of various backgrounds. One startling number from this study is that 31% report having been homeless or near-homeless in the past five years. In more direct political findings though, only 27% say Trump is delivering for them, and slightly less, 25%, say Republicans are delivering. However, despite these abysmal numbers, just 18% say Democrats are delivering for them. Clearly, while young men are not joined at the hip to the Republican Party, the Democrats have a long way to go to win them back and won't get there without profoundly changing their approach to courting this key voting bloc.* Finally, the battle between Netflix and Paramount over corporate control of Warner Bros. Discovery continues to drag on. This week, WB announced they would formally reject Paramount's latest bid, their eighth so far, arguing that it is inferior to Netflix's proposal, citing the “extraordinary amount of incremental debt,” Paramount would have to incur in order to take over the larger company. This is estimated to be over $50 million. Although Paramount's hostile bid is higher per share than Netflix's offer, Paramount's bid includes WB's cable assets, such as CNN, which the company believes will be worth more if spun off from the rest of the company. This from CNN itself. Meanwhile, Paramount – led by the Ellison family – is calling in political favors on their behalf. In a letter to the House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee, Paramount Chief Legal Officer Makan Delrahim, who led the Antitrust Division of the DOJ under Trump 2017-2021, accused the proposed Netflix WB merger of being “presumptively unlawful,” because it would “further cement [Netflix's] dominance in streaming video on demand,” per Deadline. Congress cannot directly block a merger or acquisition, that power rests with the DOJ, but it does possess oversight power in that realm and can exert pressure to this end. Given the high stakes of this fight, expect all parties to call in their chits on Capitol Hill and in the administration in order to win the big prize.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

DML morning brief on a hot topic trending in the United States.

Today we start with a bit of China/Venezuela news, followed by my conversation with Luke, the Podcast Ninja (see notes below), and lastly a few minutes on how to pray for China this week (esp. Yugan)! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city/county to pray for every day. Send any questions/comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also conveniently lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections. Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Venezuelan Oil & China: Four Things to Know https://asia.nikkei.com/business/energy/venezuelan-oil-and-china-4-things-to-know How to Pray for Venezuela (via Mr. Marquez) For churches and pastors to be used by God and bring words of encouragement to the lives of believers, as many are fearful and unsure of what to do during these times of tension. For peace, and a peaceful transition in Venezuela, without innocent victims. For believers to trust not in man, but in Jesus Christ, and remember that His kingdom is above any human kingdom. That God may protect His church, the evangelists, pastors, and those who visit the sick in Venezuela, as armed groups are intimidating citizens 24 hrs a day in many parts of the country. Conversation with the Podcast Ninja I met with the Podcast Ninja again the other day to catch up on our respective hunting seasons, basketball teams, and Indiana’s best-in-the-country college football team. We took some time to discuss the blessings (and possible pitfalls) of praying for the persecuted. After our conversation which was recorded in the middle of the week, I came back and updated everyone on a couple of things that were discussed… The hunt was fun, but no meat! The Podcast Ninja informed me that he did talk to his kids about Hebrews 13:3 at dinner Indiana University rolls over Oregon (gave me a chance to watch Thunder comeback) Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-jan-12-18-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Well, I've finally set up Patreon for those who are interested. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

In this empire business, you gotta make the opium first. Then when you get the opium, you get the silver. Then when you get the silver, then you get the tea.Time Period Covered:ca. 1760-1839 CEMajor Historical Figures:Qing Empire:The Daoguang Emperor (Minning) [r. 1820–1850]Governor-General of Liangguang, Ruan Yuan [1764–1849]"The Hoppo" (Imperial Superintendent of Maritime Customs), The emperor's personal revenue agent at CantonChinese Commercial Interests:"The Cohong" (Gonghang), the licensed guild of Cantonese merchants authorized to trade with foreigners"The Consoo Fund" (Gongsuo), the Cohong's collective insurance poolYaokou Dealers & River Smugglers, opium wholesale intermediaries and armed transporters inland via the Pearl River systemBritish & Foreign Interests:The British East India Company (EIC)The Select Committee at Canton, the EIC's on-site management teamDr. William Jardine (1784–1843), physician-turned-opium magnateThe True Protagonists:Silver, shinyTea, fragrantOpium, somniferousMajor Works Cited:Fairbank, John K. Trade and Diplomacy on the China Coast: The Opening of the Treaty Ports, 1842–1854.Platt, Stephen R. Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age.Wakeman, Frederic, Jr. “The Canton Trade and the Opium War” in The Cambridge History of China, Volume 10: Late Ch'ing, 1800–1911, Part I. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Week In Startups is made possible by:Hubspot - http://clickhubspot.com/twist1Circle.so - http://circle.so/twistSentry - http://sentry.io/twistToday's show: On the last TWiST episode before Jason goes to Japan and Alex begins on paternity leave, the hosts break down the blockbuster tech news that is kicking off 2026.Discord AND Strava both eyeing billion dollar IPOs, two massive social media apps with millions of daily active users. Jason unpacks Discord's the growth story, from a gaming-first product launch in 2015, to a community/work platform and social media for all. Jason explains why Strava proves that data is the MOAT for consumer apps.PLUS Jason and Alex are joined by Producer Oliver to rank the top CES products. Jason gave his thoughts on the different robots, self driving cars, and multi-fold phones on display.Would you buy a triple-fold phone?Timestamps:(00:00) Discord looks to go public at $7 Billion!(10:05) Hubspot: Check out the guide “How to Get Your First 100 Customers.” Download it for free at http://clickhubspot.com/twist1(13:37) Strava going public and why data IS the moat for consumer software(19:28) Circle.so: the easiest way to build a home for your community, events, and courses — all under your own brand.(22:25) Anthropic's $350B valuation and why it makes sense(31:59) Sentry: New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWIST(33:05) Why is China upset about META's Manus acquisition — and why Jason is hopeful for the US-China relationship(37:24) Jason's favorite part of CES: The rise of open source AI!(40:59) Why Jason LOVES his self driving Tesla — why public companies need to be safe and not push too quickly(44:24) Producer Oliver's Top CES Tech products(54:46) Jason's Major Takeway from CES(59:43) How many times can you fold a phone?(1:04:04) New interfaces for smartphones*Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com/Check out the TWIST500: https://twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp*Follow Lon:X: https://x.com/lons*Follow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm/*Follow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis/*Thank you to our partners:(10:05) Hubspot: Check out the guide “How to Get Your First 100 Customers.” Download it for free at http://clickhubspot.com/twist1(19:28) Circle.so: the easiest way to build a home for your community, events, and courses — all under your own brand.(31:59) Sentry: New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWISTGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidarahttps://youtu.be/pvJa2pzuXWQEoghan McCabehttps://youtu.be/9dHN4YFkgv4Steve Huffmanhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reddit-ceo-steve-huffman-on-mod-revolt-building-a/id315114957?i=1000617333424Brian Cheskyhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/airbnb-ceo-brian-chesky-on-early-rejection-customer/id315114957?i=1000611761112Bob Moestahttps://youtu.be/y2UMzSqX94QAaron Leviehttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/box-ceo-aaron-levie-breaks-down-box-ai-and-generative/id315114957?i=1000612384545Sophia Amorusohttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sophia-amoruso-on-branding-raising-a-fund-portfolio/id315114957?i=1000601352978Reid Hoffmanhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reid-hoffman-on-ais-crescendo-moment-regulation-and/id315114957?i=1000612548498Frank Slootmanhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/snowflake-ceo-frank-slootman-on-moving-the-needle-win/id315114957?i=1000602560622

In 1908, a two-year-old boy named Puyi was installed as the 11th Emperor of the Qing Dynasty in China.His life would prove to be radically different from that of any other Chinese emperor who came before him. He would see the end of Imperial China, become a puppet ruler for those who wished legitimacy, wind up in prison, and finally live out his final days as a commoner.  His personal story can be seen as a microcosm of the history of China during the 20th century.  Learn more about Puyi, the last Emperor of China, on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.  Sponsors Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Mint Mobile Get your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Chubbies Get 20% off your purchase at Chubbies with the promo code DAILY at checkout! Aura Frames Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/DAILY. Promo Code DAILY DripDrop Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code EVERYTHING for 20% off your first order. Uncommon Goods Go to uncommongoods.com/DAILY for 15% off! Subscribe to the podcast!  https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer   Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/  Disce aliquid novi cotidie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Scott Becker breaks down why Nvidia continues to dominate with a $4 trillion plus market cap, key moves including its Intel investment and renewed China chip sales, and why Jim Cramer calls the stock cheap.

Watch the full podcast! https://chinauncensored.tv/programs/podcast-321  The new Trump Class Battleship sounds like a joke. But is it actually part of a sophisticated strategy to counter the CCP?

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart SAIC IS EXPORTING THE (EV) REVOLUTION https://evne.ws/4qE03RI 2025 ENDS WITH NEV MARKET DRIVEN BY HANDOUTS https://evne.ws/4jp7byZ SMART #6 SHOWS IT'S NO LONGER THE BIG SHORT https://evne.ws/4aH5dYD ZEEKR HOPES 8X WILL MARK THE SPOT https://evne.ws/4qNSpod XPENG LAUNCHES P7+ TRIAL PRODUCTION https://evne.ws/4puiIyC CHANGAN EXPANDS IN EUROPE WITH 8 MODELS, PHEVS https://evne.ws/4spXV1B XIAOMI PUTS THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER AGAIN https://evne.ws/3LmRwUf CATL EXPANDS SWAP NETWORK TO 1,325 STATIONS https://evne.ws/4sH4cq6

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart BYD OVERTAKES TESLA IN EUROPE'S TOP EV MARKETS https://evne.ws/4aPoE1A GEELY GALAXY V900 MPV PRE-SALES OPEN, TARGETING BYD DENZA D9 https://evne.ws/4jrdZfA NIO BUILDS ITS MILLIONTH ELECTRIC CAR https://evne.ws/45vUkFu MORGAN STANLEY EXPECTS CATL CELLS TO HAVE DEGRADE THE LEAST https://evne.ws/4q5mdfX LI AUTO REORGANSIES FOLLOWING TOUGH 2025 https://evne.ws/3YYDSKf WESTERN CARMAKERS DEFY CHINA'S REQUESTS TO COOL PRICE WAR https://evne.ws/3Yt73Fa ONE-PEDAL DRIVING IS PUT ON NOTICE https://evne.ws/3LpIK7Z DREAME'S FIRST CAR CHASES HYPERCAR NUMBERS https://evne.ws/3N7uNwa

This week Kevin & Patrick welcome, Mateen Chaudhry. They discuss the updates on his resource call, but then explains why he thinks China and Japan offer some of the best opportunities in 2026. And stick around for his outside the box market surprise that you don’t want to miss. Sign up for a FREE 14-day trial at Big Picture Trading:  https://secure.bigpicturetrading.com/membership/signup/jpX05srf Subscribe To Patrick's YouTube Chanell: https://www.youtube.com/@Patrick_Ceresna Visit our merch store!!! https://www.themarkethuddlemerch.com/ To receive our emails with the charts and links each week, please register at: https://markethuddle.com/

Even when a product is growing and customers are happy, AI can still undercut the core economics that made the business viable in the first place. This episode looks at how AI collapses defensibility by attacking pricing power, distribution, and differentiation simultaneously, why “great execution” is no longer a sufficient moat, and what kinds of businesses are most exposed as AI capabilities move up the value chain. In the headlines: Google pushes Gemini deeper into Gmail as the inbox becomes a battleground for personal assistants, Nvidia's China chip sales face new uncertainty as Beijing pumps the brakes, and AI-powered shopping surges as Amazon, Microsoft, and Salesforce race to own agentic commerce.Brought to you by:KPMG – Discover how AI is transforming possibility into reality. Tune into the new KPMG 'You Can with AI' podcast and unlock insights that will inform smarter decisions inside your enterprise. Listen now and start shaping your future with every episode. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kpmg.us/AIpodcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zencoder - From vibe coding to AI-first engineering - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://zencoder.ai/zenflow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Optimizely Opal - The agent orchestration platform build for marketers - ⁠https://www.optimizely.com/theaidailybrief⁠Robots & Pencils - Cloud-native AI solutions that power results ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://robotsandpencils.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Agent Readiness Audit from Superintelligent - Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://besuper.ai/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to request your company's agent readiness score.The AI Daily Brief helps you understand the most important news and discussions in AI. Subscribe to the podcast version of The AI Daily Brief wherever you listen: ⁠https://pod.link/1680633614⁠Interested in sponsoring the show? sponsors@aidailybrief.ai

Even we can't believe China's response. Support the show here and see the Monday Exclusive show Xiaban Hou! https://www.patreon.com/advpodcastsNEW POISON BEAUTY MERCH - https://thechinashow.threadless.comLaowhy86 video - Who Won in 2025 China or USA?https://youtu.be/2gjjbzMXqmo?si=ERiSI9KcApxJ9qG3Cartoon feat. Jüri Pootsmann - I Remember Uhttps://soundcloud.com/nocopyrightsoundsTrack : Cartoon feat. Jüri Pootsmann - I Remember USome Sources - https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/06/world/venezuela-china-taiwan-analysis-intl-hnkhttps://www.wsj.com/world/china/maduros-capture-threatens-chinas-ambitions-in-latin-america-09ada754https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-says-it-cannot-accept-countries-acting-world-judge-after-us-captures-2026-01-05/https://www.newsweek.com/chinese-fishing-boats-seized-coast-guard-video-11266519https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Lampstand_Churchhttps://www.churchinchains.ie/news-by-country/east-asia/china/china-huge-crackdown-on-zhejiangs-yayang-church-network/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob finally listened to Don't Die! And he liked it! And he can kinda see why you like it! Bob's connecting with Don't Die fans in Sweden, Thelonious Monster live on national TV in Holland, TSOL's final(?) show, Bob wants to talk to school shooters, the DSM is gonna split the Bordeline Personality Disorder, catchphrases and buzzwords to empower the lost soul, Chuk is still not a therapist, the new American Great depression and Trump baiting China for World War 3 Stay safe out there! 

Professor Dave Collum joins war correspondent Michael Yon to talk demographic warfare, importance of routes/resources, using migrants as windex, Venezuela, Somalia, Japan, China, Iraq, Afghanistan, and much more. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE THIS PODCAST!!!   Watch Show Rumble- https://rumble.com/v745m74-demographic-warfare-dave-collum-and-michael-yon.html YouTube- https://youtu.be/UUP5BqS4oUQ   Follow Me X- https://x.com/CoffeeandaMike IG- https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandamike/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeandaMike/ YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@Coffeeandamike Rumble- https://rumble.com/search/all?q=coffee%20and%20a%20mike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Apple Podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-and-a-mike/id1436799008 Gab- https://gab.com/CoffeeandaMike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Website- www.coffeeandamike.com Email- info@coffeeandamike.com   Support My Work Venmo- https://www.venmo.com/u/coffeeandamike Paypal- https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/Coffeeandamike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Patreon- http://patreon.com/coffeeandamike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Cash App- https://cash.app/$coffeeandamike Buy Me a Coffee- https://buymeacoffee.com/coffeeandamike Bitcoin- coffeeandamike@strike.me   Mail Check or Money Order- Coffee and a Mike LLC P.O. Box 25383 Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9998   Follow Dave X- https://x.com/DavidBCollum?s=20   Follow Michael X- https://x.com/Michael_Yon Substack- https://michaelyon.substack.com/   Sponsors Vaulted/Precious Metals- https://vaulted.blbvux.net/coffeeandamike McAlvany Precious Metals- https://mcalvany.com/coffeeandamike/ Independence Ark Natural Farming- https://www.independenceark.com/

Emergency Pod: Nick Kumleben of Greenmantle, the geopolitical risk consultancy headed by Niall Ferguson, joins us to discuss the events in Venezuela, the 'Donroe' Doctrine and what it means for commodities. Is Venezuela an oil story or something else? Is the Donroe Doctrine a structured, intelligible set of principles or just a catchy phrase coined by a New York tabloid ? Intelligible or not, what does it mean for adversaries, allies (Denmark and Greenland?) and the rest of Latin America. Commodities once again sit at the heart of global power politics and it's through that lens we investigate. And what in turn does it mean for commodity markets themselves... can they withstand such unpredictability and government interventions.

President Donald Trump's withdrawal from dozens of global organizations – many focused on climate issues and human rights – was swiftly condemned by U.S. allies. One power that increasingly has stepped into the leadership breach is China. Also: today's stories, including a look at two Supreme Court cases involving whether the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law extends to transgender people competing in single-sex sports; how more women are emerging into leadership roles in Latino Christian churches; and the rise of women's sports in England. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.

BONUS: Saving Democracy—How AI Is Transforming the Battlefield for Our Minds In this very special BONUS episode, we speak with Anthony Vinci, former CTO and Associate Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution. Anthony has been at the frontlines of modernizing the intelligence community for the age of AI, and in this episode, he lays out a stark warning: we are entering an era where machines don't just augment intelligence—they transform it. But the real battlefield isn't just digital; it's cognitive, economic, and societal. From Startup Founder to Intelligence Modernizer "When I started my career, it was kind of the last dot-com boom... then I went into intelligence and became a case officer who goes out and recruits sources. I went to Iraq and places like this."   Anthony's career has uniquely zigzagged between the tech industry and the intelligence community. Starting in a New York startup during the 2000 dot-com era, he later became a case officer before returning to the startup world. When NGA needed someone to bring AI and modern technology into the agency, Anthony's rare combination of intelligence experience and tech entrepreneurship made him the ideal candidate. At NGA, he led the effort to implement computer vision and machine learning into workflows that were historically manual—where analysts would literally print satellite imagery and examine it with magnifying glasses. Nine years later, NGA now produces intelligence reports with "no human hands" involved. The Automation Arms Race "I believe where we're entering now is where the machine, the AI, has to do the analysis itself. Period. And it never comes to a person."   The volume of data has surpassed what humans can process, regardless of how sophisticated our tools become. Anthony points to a recent Anthropic report showing Chinese actors used Claude to automate 80-90% of a cyber espionage campaign. He believes we're approaching a world where 100% of cyber operations—both offensive and defensive—will be automated. The parallel he draws is striking: just as quantitative hedge funds trade in microseconds without human intervention because competitors do the same, cyber warfare and eventually physical drone warfare will follow this pattern. The only way to defend against automated attacks is to automate your defense. How Social Media Already Threatens Democracy "The longer a user was on TikTok, the more they used it, the more benevolent view of human rights in China that user had. So it's actually working, and it's so subtle, you can't even see it unless you do these big statistical studies."   The threat isn't theoretical—it's measurable. Researchers at Rutgers demonstrated that TikTok doesn't just censor content about the Uyghurs or Tiananmen Square; prolonged use of the platform actually shifts users' views on Chinese human rights. And that's just one piece of evidence, there are more! Unlike the 2016 election interference where the Russian Internet Research Agency placed targeted ads, modern influence operations work through algorithmic content selection. The platform doesn't need to show you propaganda; it simply needs to decide what you don't see. AI Will Hack Our Minds "AI is a dialogue. AI becomes this arbiter of information... This is really, really different when it comes to information operations. It's more like what I used to do as a case officer, where I'm trying to convince you of something."   Recent studies in Science and Nature demonstrate that AI systems trained for political persuasion are dramatically more effective than traditional advertising—not through persuasive rhetoric, but by overwhelming users with an abundance of "facts" (which aren't always factual). Anthony warns that the 2026 and 2028 elections will see widespread use of these tools. More alarming: Anthropic research shows that just 250 documents can poison a large language model. Foreign adversaries don't need millions of data points to corrupt the AI systems we increasingly rely on for information. The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: What Must Change "The first thing that we need to do is to compete in intelligence in those fields as well... economics, science, technology. And doing that requires intelligence to work with private companies, with the public."   Anthony outlines a three-part solution:   Expand intelligence scope: Move beyond traditional political and military focus to include economic, scientific, and technological competition with China and other adversaries through a whole-of-society approach Automate everything: Embrace AI across all intelligence functions—it's the only way to compete against adversaries who are already automating Democratize resilience: Since everyone is now a target of foreign information operations, we can't rely solely on government protection. Citizens must learn to think like intelligence officers Think Like an Intelligence Officer "No matter how trusted the source, they're always going to look at another source. If you read the New York Times, go read Newsmax, or vice versa. And if they both say the same thing, that probably means it's true, or more true."   Anthony offers practical advice for personal information resilience. First, acknowledge you are personally being targeted—this isn't paranoia, it's the new reality. Second, triangulate information like an analyst: never trust a single source, and deliberately seek out opposing viewpoints. Third, think like a technology officer: before adopting any new app or platform, research who made it and assess the risks. This doesn't mean avoiding risky technologies entirely—it means using them with awareness and mitigation strategies like VPNs, limiting shared information, or using multiple accounts. Name the Threat "One thing is to think about the threat and to think that there may be someone who's targeting you... not just generally—me as an individual."   The core message is clear: the threat to democracy is the capability of adversaries to influence our views to go against our own interests. Whether it's voting behavior, economic decisions, or social cohesion, foreign actors now have the tools to target individuals at scale with personalized influence campaigns. The first step in defense is naming this threat openly. The book The Fourth Intelligence Revolution provides both the warning and a framework for response.   About Anthony Vinci   Anthony Vinci is the former CTO and Associate Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in the USA, and author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution. He has flip-flopped between the tech industry and intelligence throughout his career—starting in a New York startup during the dot-com boom, becoming a case officer who served in Iraq, founding and exiting a tech startup, and then returning to government to modernize NGA for the age of AI. He is now CEO of Vico, a startup building AI for intelligence analysis.   You can link with Anthony Vinci on his website and subscribe to his Substack, 3 Kinds of Intelligence.

A sharing from the 22nd China Fa Conference on Minghui.org. As a young woman in China, this practitioner was fierce and combative, always ready to argue and fight with others. After encountering the main text book of Falun Dafa, Zhuan Falun, she came to understand the principles that guide this universe, and she became a compassionate person dedicated to helping others. Despite many attempts by Chinese officials to convince her to stop practicing Dafa, she has never wavered in her determination to help others understand the truth of Dafa and the persecution. This and other experience-sharing from the Minghui website.Original Articles:1. China Fahui | Righteous Thoughts Originate From Master's Fa2. China Fahui | Letting Go of the Resentment I Carried Since Childhood To provide feedback on this podcast, please email us at feedback@minghuiradio.org

** We'll be discussing this episode on Tuesday, January 13th (8 pm ET/5 pm PT) in our online gathering, Macro ‘n Chill. We've invited Erald Kolasi to join us. So bring your questions. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aYopZXEIQ9SPN9gQL2ajXQSteve welcomes back Erald Kolasi, physicist-economist, author, and friend of the podcast. Erald is here to do a demolition job on “institutional” development fables like Acemoglu & Robinson's Why Nations Fail. He argues that by treating good institutions as the master key (inclusive vs. extractive) they smuggle in a liberal moral scoreboard while dodging the real motors of history: power, class struggle, imperial systems, and material constraints like energy, trade dependence, war, and ecological shocks.To “steelman” Acemoglu and Robinson's position, Erald uses their favorite showcase case – North vs. South Korea. He lays out their comparison of the “tyrannical dictatorship” vs the “open” society and presents their explanation for these differences.Erald then flips the script: the DPRK outperformed for decades, then crashed not because its “institutions got worse,” but because the USSR collapsed. Cheap, subsidized energy disappeared, wrecking agriculture and triggering famine.The pattern repeats across history. Using examples like China and Venezuela, the episode explores how wars, sanctions, resource access, and global power structures shape economic outcomes far more than abstract institutional rules. Development is a struggle rooted in material conditions and geopolitical realities, not a neutral competition between better or worse policy designs.Erald Kolasi is a writer and researcher focusing on the nexus between energy, technology, economics, complex systems, and ecological dynamics. His book, The Physics of Capitalism, came out from Monthly Review Press in February 2025. He received his PhD in Physics from George Mason University in 2016. You can find out more about Erald and his work at his website, www.eraldkolasi.com. Subscribe to his Substack: https://substack.com/@technodynamics

On the third full day of Rohatsu sesshin, Sensei Kaz Tanahashi illuminates the radical teaching at the heart of Zen practice: we begin with enlightenment itself. Tracing the tension between seventh-century China's scholarly Huayan school—requiring lifetimes of gradual study—and Huineng's “illiterate school” of sudden enlightenment, Kaz reveals how Dogen went even further… Source

Trump's Deposition of Maduro: A Strategic Pivot for the Western HemisphereOn January 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and the effective end of his regime. energypolicy.columbia.eduThis action, directed by President Donald Trump, marks a significant escalation in U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America. Beyond immediate regime change, the move addresses longstanding concerns about foreign influence in the region, while promising humanitarian, security, and economic benefits. By removing Maduro, the U.S. aims to neutralize Russian and Chinese footholds close to its borders, alleviate a massive refugee crisis, enhance national security, and foster a prosperous trading partner in Venezuela. This fits into a broader Trump administration strategy to reassert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, as evidenced by actions in Panama and alliances with leaders like El Salvador's Nayib Bukele.Countering Undeniable Russian and Chinese InfluenceRussia and China have maintained substantial presences in Venezuela for years, using economic and military ties to expand their influence in the Western Hemisphere. Russia provided Venezuela with loans exceeding $17 billion, often repaid in oil, and supplied advanced weaponry, including air defense systems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we dive into Meta's recent acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based AI agent startup, for $2 billion. We explore the implications of this move for the AI industry, the strategic shifts at Meta, and the broader geopolitical context. Join Conor and Jaeden as they discuss the potential impact on China's AI landscape and what this acquisition means for Meta's future.Get the top 40+ AI Models for $20 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor's AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesConor's AI Newsletter: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/Jaeden's AI Hustle Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Text Our Show HostsPlease Help Us - Support TOPS Bunker as Low as 3$ mo. Click Here...!!!Tonight we're talking with special guest, Dave from Pennsylvania. Dave is a master Prepper Survivalist with a wide range of useful skills to bring to the table and we're excited to bring him back as a recurring Subject Matter Specialist.Buddy has named this episode Trump Bingo, which is I guess, appropriate but I'd rather call it Trump Roulette.Either way you look at it, it does appear that President Trump has a lot of irons in the fire.From Deportations to the Economy, Venezuela to the Middle East, and Russia, China, and the Radical Left watching every move he makes… President Trump is running the United States of American exactly how he promised, putting America first over the rest of the world…it's why the majority of American voters elected him… and in doing so, in my opinion of coarse, is reshaping the entire world in the process.Now, some of you listening right now may disagree with me… and that's great. If you're an American, that's not only great, it's your right, privilege, and even your duty as Americans to do so. The right to have an opinion and voice that opinion, openly without fear, is powerful. There are many places in this world of ours that don't allow it. The power behind that opinion, that voice, can sway others to see things differently, and then all of a sudden, those voices turn into votes… precious votes that hold real power to make change.It may come as a surprise to many of you, but Jeremy, Buddy, Rhonda, myself, and our guests… we don't always see eye to eye on topics. Especially politics.But the one thing we all agree on is… America First. For far too long now, weak leaders have turned our country into a stomping ground for illegal immigration, drug and sex trafficking, woke ideology, and the radical far left agenda to get and hold the power and control us into submission like sheep. They've taken our immense wealth in the form of taxpayer dollars and squandered it by distributing it all around the world to gain political power and personal wealth for themselves and their friends.So when President Trump says America First… he's not saying that America is better than every other country… he's saying that America is more important, to Americans, than every other country.When America becomes weak… all the people of the world become weak by attrition.By making America great again… the world becomes great again through shared strength.Trump is using American might and power to go after the criminals, the oppressors, the evil dictators, the terrorists.You don't have to like him, and you certainly don't have to agree with him…But when Trump takes actions that other leaders won't or can't, and in some way shape or form helps make your life a little better…You dam-well better thank him for it. And while you're at it… thank those of us who voted him into office.But look… this episode is about Trump Roulette. That is, spinning that great big wheel of power every day, and going after whatever or whoever it lands on.Do you think he's gambling or a Master Tactician? Let's discuss it.TOPS Bunker WebsiteRefuge Medical Website - Use Code TOPSBUNKER10 at CheckoutVisit Our Affiliate Links:GERBER Gear Ultimate Survival Knife - Fixed BladeDRACHENADER - Survival Knife - Full Tang Fixed BladeKIZER Cabox - Self-Defense Survival Knife - Full Tang Fixed BladeSupport the show

(0:00) Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tells a hilarious Air Force One story (2:24) Chamath intros Secretary Lutnick (7:28) Full scope of the Commerce Department (12:59) How Trump's tariff agenda was planned and executed, how it's going (19:50) US-Japan trade deal, China's chaos-to-prowess strategy (36:54) Why the India deal has not yet happened (43:48) Pharma deals, lowering costs for Americans (53:28) Focus on fraud, immigration, gold cards (1:03:48) GDP: Could we see 5 or 6% growth in 2026? (1:11:49) How the Trump Admin revamped the CHIPS Act, Nvidia deal Follow Secretary Lutnick: https://x.com/howardlutnick Follow the besties: https://x.com/chamath https://x.com/Jason https://x.com/DavidSacks https://x.com/friedberg Follow on X: https://x.com/theallinpod Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theallinpod Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theallinpod Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allinpod Intro Music Credit: https://rb.gy/tppkzl https://x.com/yung_spielburg Intro Video Credit: https://x.com/TheZachEffect

U.S. intervention in other countries, whether overt or covert, is by no means new, and Daniel Immerwahr notes that the open embrace of expansionism by the President and associates such as Stephen Miller goes back to the nineteenth century. Immerwahr is a professor at Northwestern University and the author of the 2019 best-seller “How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States.” He discusses Trump's disdain for international law; tensions between the U.S. and Russia and China; and the historical link between imperialism and appeals to masculine pride.

Demonstrations are growing once again—but this time the message is notably different, and the regime has little means available to calm tensions. Where will it end? Our World Ahead series lays out what to expect this year in China's dealings with Taiwan, Japan and beyond. And a tribute to Nino Loureiro, a pioneering fusion physicist slain by a former classmate.  Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, President Donald Trump approved the sale of one of Nvidia's most powerful AI chips to China. Why the president may have done that -- and what it could mean for national security. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

SHOW1-8-2026THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE SARCASTIC INVENTION, THE DON-ROE DICTRINE..SPHERES OF INFLUENCE AND THE RETURN OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE Colleague Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Anatol Lieven argues that "spheres of influence" have returned, with the US reasserting the Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere and threatening to seize Greenland. Unlike traditional alliances, this approach risks alienating fellow democracies. Lieven contrasts this with Russia's territorial ambitions in the former Soviet Union and China's historic regional goals. NUMBER 1COLD WAR TACTICS: THE SEIZURE OF A RUSSIAN TANKER Colleague Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Lieven discusses the US Navy's detention of a Russian-flagged ship in the North Atlantic, viewing it as a dangerous escalation akin to piracy. This move humiliates Moscow and aims to control oil supplies. Lieven warns that if European nations mimic these seizures, Russia may retaliate violently, risking a direct war. NUMBER 2THE SUPREME COURT AND THE MYTH OF THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE Colleague Richard Epstein, Civitas Institute. Richard Epstein challenges the view that the Roberts Court blindly supports a "unitary executive." He argues the Court is correctly questioning the constitutionality of independent administrative agencies, like the FTC, which insulate officials from presidential removal. Epstein contends that relying on case counts ignores the specific legal merits regarding separation of powers. NUMBER 3TRUMP V. ILLINOIS: LIMITING PRESIDENTIAL POWER OVER THE NATIONAL GUARD Colleague Richard Epstein, Civitas Institute. Discussing a recent unsigned Supreme Court order, Epstein notes the Court upheld a decision preventing the President from deploying the National Guard without a governor's consent. This ruling contradicts claims of judicial bias toward the executive, affirming that the President cannot simply declare an emergency to override state sovereignty. NUMBER 4ONE YEAR LATER: ANGER AND STAGNATION AFTER THE PALISADES FIRE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. A year after the Palisades fires, Jeff Bliss reports that residents remain angry over government inaction. Rebuilding is stalled by the Coastal Commission's strict regulations, and fuel loads in canyons remain high due to environmental restrictions on brush clearing. The fires, driven by Santa Ana winds, highlight systemic bureaucratic failures in Los Angeles. NUMBER 5#SCALAREPORT: AI AND ROBOTICS DOMINATE CES Colleague Chris Riegel, CEO of Scala.com. Reporting from CES, Chris Riegel highlights the dominance of AI and robotics, from household droids to military applications. While the tech sector booms with massive infrastructure spending, Riegel warns of a "K-shaped" economy where Main Street struggles with softening demand, masking the wealth concentrated in artificial intelligence and data centers. NUMBER 6LANCASTER COUNTY: AMISH SPENDING AND DATA CENTER GROWTH Colleague Jim McTague, Author and Former Barron's Editor. Jim McTague reports that the Lancaster County economy remains robust, evidenced by heavy Amish spending at Costco and thriving local businesses like Kegel's Produce. Despite some local protests, data centers are being built on old industrial sites. McTague sees no need for Fed rate cuts given the stable local economy. NUMBER 7THE NUCLEAR ESCROW: MANAGING PROLIFERATION AMONG ALLIES Colleague Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. Henry Sokolski warns that allies like Poland, Turkey, and South Africaare considering nuclear weapons due to eroding trust in US guarantees. He proposes a "nuclear escrow" account: storing refurbished warheads in the US for allies to deploy only during crises, providing leverage without permanently stationing targets on foreign soil. NUMBER 8THE SIEGE OF 717 AND THE VOLCANO OF THERA Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. In 717 AD, Arab forces besieged Constantinople but failed due to the city's massive walls and "Greek fire." Professor Watts explains that a subsequent volcanic eruption in Thera was interpreted as divine punishment for the empire's sins, leading to a spiritual crisis and the rise of iconoclasm to appease God. NUMBER 9THE STUPIDITY OF SUCCESSORS: MANUEL AND ANDRONICUS Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. Manuel Komnenos favored grand gestures over systemic stability, weakening the Roman state. His successor, Andronicus, was a nihilistic sadist whose tyranny and family infighting destabilized the empire. Watts details how the refusal to punish rebellious family members created a culture of impunity that eventually led to a violent overthrow. NUMBER 10THE CRUSADES: FROM COOPERATION TO CONFLICT Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. Relations between East and West collapsed during the Crusades. While the First Crusade cooperated with Rome, the Second and Third turned hostile, with Crusaders seizing territory rather than returning it. Watts notes that the theological schism of 1054 and cultural distrust entrenched this division, setting the stage for future betrayal. NUMBER 111204: THE SACK OF CONSTANTINOPLE AND THE END OF CONTINUITY Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. The Fourth Crusade, diverted by Venetian debt, sacked Constantinople in 1204, burning the city to quell resistance. Watts argues this marked the true end of the ancient Roman state. The meritocratic system collapsed, and elites like Nicetas Choniates lost everything, severing the 2,000-year political continuity of the empire. NUMBER 12VENEZUELA: THE REGIME SURVIVES MADURO'S EXIT Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady, Wall Street Journal. Despite Maduro's removal, the Venezuelan regime remains intact under hardliners Delcy Rodriguez and Diosdado Cabello. Mary Anastasia O'Grady notes that repression continues, and European oil companies are hesitant to invest. The regime feigns cooperation to avoid US intervention, but genuine recovery is impossible without restoring the rule of law. NUMBER 13RUSSIA'S OIL CRISIS AND REGIONAL DEFICITS Colleague Michael Bernstam, Hoover Institution. Russiafaces a financial crisis as oil prices drop below $60 per barrel. Michael Bernstam explains that increased global supply forces Russia to sell at deep discounts to China and India, often below cost. This revenue loss prevents the Kremlinfrom paying soldiers, sparking severe regional budget deficits. NUMBER 14EUROPEAN FREEZE AND THE MYTH OF BOOTS ON THE GROUND Colleague Simon Constable, Journalist and Author. A deep freeze hits Southern Europe while commodity prices like copper rise. Simon Constable reports on the UK's bleak economic mood and dismisses the feasibility of British or French "boots on the ground" in Ukraine. He notes that depleted military manpower makes such guarantees declarative rather than substantial. NUMBER 15ARTEMIS 2 RISKS AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE IN SPACE Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Bob Zimmerman urges NASA to fly Artemis 2 unmanned due to unresolved Orion heat shield damage, arguing safety should trump beating China. He also dismisses concerns about lunar methane contamination and highlights a new study suggesting ice caps could allow liquid water lakes to exist on Mars. NUMBER 16

 ARTEMIS 2 RISKS AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE IN SPACE Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Bob Zimmerman urges NASA to fly Artemis 2 unmanned due to unresolved Orion heat shield damage, arguing safety should trump beating China. He also dismisses concerns about lunar methane contamination and highlights a new study suggesting ice caps could allow liquid water lakes to exist on Mars. NUMBER 161953