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Is 2026 China's window to “reunite” Taiwan? With Trump's muted position on Taiwan and focus on the Western Hemisphere, China experts see a "perfect storm" of opportunity. Yun Sun, Ph.D., Director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, explains why Beijing believes this may be a now-or-never moment.  Dr. Sun unpacks her arguments and warnings from her recent Foreign Affairs essay. In this episode: The People's Liberation Army's military readiness  If the United States won't intervene, would Japan or South Korea?  Decoding the signals from the purge of PLA generals Xi Jinping's legacy ambitions Warning signs to watch in 2026 Show Notes:  A Perfect Storm for Taiwan in 2026? | Foreign Affairs   Yun Sun | Stimson Center Yun Sun | Brookings  Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Rosanna Lockwood iInternational journalist). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is the third in a series of three that examine the potential consequences for China if a military operation against Taiwan were to fail. In each of these episodes, we're speaking with authors of a recently published German Marshall Fund study of the possible costs that China would incur across four different, but interrelated areas: the Chinese economy, the military, Chinese social stability, and international costs. The report is titled, “If China Attacks Taiwan” and it is posted on GMFUS.org.  Our podcast today focuses on the potential costs for the Chinese economy.To recap, the study considered two scenarios that could take place in the next five years. In the first scenario, a minor skirmish escalates into a multi-week maritime blockade of Taiwan by China. Although several dozen members of the Chinese and Taiwanese military are killed, U.S. intervention eventually forces China to de-escalate.  In the second scenario, a conflict escalates into a full-fledged invasion, with Chinese strikes on not only Taiwan but also U.S. forces in Japan and Guam. After several months of heavy fighting, Chinese forces are degraded and eventually withdraw after suffering many tens of thousands of casualties.Our guests today are Charlie Vest and Logan Wright, who co-authored the chapter on the implications for the Chinese economy of a failed operation against Taiwan. Logan is a partner at Rhodium Group and leads the firm's work on China's economy and its global impact. Charlie is an associate director at Rhodium Group, where he manages corporate research and advisory work on China.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:34] Key Takeaways: China's Ambitions vs. Economic Realities [05:41] The Escalation Dilemma in China's Decisionmaking[09:56] Immediate Disruptions to Trade and FDI[13:52] Gray-Zone Military Engagement and Political Pressures[16:48] Could Beijing Underestimate the Costs of US Intervention? [24:12] Policy Tools and Limitations for Economic Stabilization and Recovery[27:19] Long-Term Economic Effects[29:24] Impact of Social Instability

Avui dimarts avancem que la meitat de les inversions de l'Ajuntament per aquest 2026 són millores a la via pública. La setmana passada es va aprovar el pressupost de l'Ajuntament de Lloret. És el més elevat de la història del municipi. Puja a més de 101 milions d'euros. Les inversions són 8,6 milions, el 12% més que l'any passat. Del total d'inversions, quasi la meitat (uns 4,2 milions) es destinaran a la via pública i urbanisme. Els projectes més destacats són la remodelació de l'avinguda Vidreres, Puig de Castellet, el Pla de Barris i una important inversió en millores dels carrers de Lloret de Mar. En parlem amb el regidor Joan Escalona a qui preguntem per les obres del carril bici. Altres temes d'interès: Salut:  L'Hospital de Blanes realitza la primera operació de retina i amplia la cartera de serveis d'Oftalmologia. Teatre: L'institut Coll i Rodès estrena aquesta setmana l'obra UN EMBOLIC AL COLL, que es representa en diferents espais del centre i explica qui va ser, entre d'altres, Ramon Coll i Rodès. En parlem amb Davd Barba, d'Amargura Cultura, que ha escrit l'obra. Cinema: Destaquem la presència de la crítica de cinema Imma Merino, aquest dijous, a la projecció del cineclub Adler SIN TECHO NI LEY d'Agnès Varda. Agenda: Diumenge, la companyia el Mirall de Blanes representa a Lloret ‘Hellas. Gregues, Grecs i Gemecs'. L'obra parla de Medea, Antígona i Lisístrata, tres mirades gregues i antigues sobre la dona, que tenen una gran vigència.

La meitat de les inversions del pressupost de l'Ajuntament de Lloret de Mar per aquest 2026 es destina a la via pública i a urbanisme. La partida és de 4,2 milions d'euros. Els projectes més destacats són la remodelació de l'avinguda Vidreres (600.000 euros), Puig de Castellet (150.000 euros), el Pla de Barris (400.000 euros) i una important inversió en millores dels carrers de Lloret de Mar (1.120.000 euros). El regidor de Mobilitat i Via Pública, Joan Escalona, reconeix que “són molt diners amb què volem posar Lloret al dia”. Un dels projectes més esperats és la remodelació de l'avinguda de Vidreres. Les obres es concentraran al tram que va del camp del Molí fins a l'institut Rocagrossa. “Aquesta part divideix el barri, volem fer una avinguda més amable, integrada i còmoda, eliminar barreres arquitectòniques”, explica el regidor. Segons fonts municipals, s'està a punt d'adjudicar la contractació d'aquest projecte. Pel que fa a l'avinguda Puig de Castellet, es tracta d'una obra molt demanada pels veïns. Una via malmesa pel pas del temps i molt transitada al llarg de l’any, especialment en temporada alta, ja que connecta el centre de Lloret amb la Roca Grossa. Les pluges de la tardor passada hi van obrir un forat i la via va estar tancada unes setmanes. Davant de les queixes dels veïns, l’Ajuntament es va comprometre a impulsar-ne la remodelació. El que s’ha previst ara és calcular el que ha de costar tota el projecte i les possibles expropiacions. Tant aquestes inversions com el conjunt del pressupost del 2026 es van aprovar la setmana passada a l'Ajuntament de Lloret. És el més elevat de la història del municipi i puja a més de 101 milions d'euros. Les inversions són 8,6 milions, el 12% més que l'any passat.

Després d'un cap de setmana de molta gresca, Lloret de Mar es prepara per acomiadar el Carnaval aquest Dimecres de Cendra, amb l'enterrament de la sardina. La festa de comiat comptarà també amb l'entrega de premis dels diferents concursos de disfresses, excepte de la rua de dissabte, que ja s'han lliurat. La convocatòria és a les set de la tarda a la plaça dels Germans Maristes (coneguda com a Plaça de la Magnòlia)  i el seguici anirà fins a la Plaça de la Vila. Allà, el Xino-Xano oferirà sopar per a tothom. La tradició és repartir sardines a la brasa acompanyades de cigrons, però aquest any el menú s'ha hagut de canviar, tal com ha explicat un representant del Xino-Xano, Miquel Joancomartí. “Aquest any serà una situació diferent i a l'enterrament de la sardina donarem botifarra i fesols que és el que teníem preparat per divendres, que es va haver de cancel·lar pel mal temps”Miquel Joancomartí El Xino-Xano té previst repartir entre 500 i 600 racions. Com sempre, tindran prioritat les persones que vagin vestides de dol. “Sempre té prioritat la gent que va disfressada, en aquest cas de dol, però després pot passar tothom i animo a la gent a venir”Miquel Joancomartí Les persones vestides de dol tindran prioritat (Fitel Televisión) Com diem, a banda de cremar el taüt amb la sardina i acomiadar el Carnaval, la festa comptarà amb l'entrega de premis dels concursos de disfresses al carrer, al lloc de treball i en categoria escolar, a banda del Sarau. La regidora de Cultura i Festes, Vereda López, assegura que el nivell ha estat molt alt. “Hi ha molta gent que es treballa la disfressa, cada cop hi ha més nivell”Vereda López Concurs de disfresses al carrer (Ajuntament de Lloret de Mar) Un grup del Sarau (Ajuntament de Lloret de Mar) Concurs de disfresses al carrer (Ajuntament de Lloret de Mar) A Tot Color, colla Carnestoltes, al concurs de disfresses al carrer (Ajuntament de Lloret de Mar) Així doncs, l'enterrament de la sardina començarà a les set de la tarda des de la plaça dels Germans Maristes i acabarà a la Plaça de la Vila, on a banda del crematori es farà la lectura del testament i un ball popular.

La colla Canya i Conya de Tossa de Mar ha guanyat la rua de Carnaval de Lloret de Mar. Els tossencs s'han endut el primer premi en la categoria de comparses, sota el títol Ens kamuflem. El segon lloc ha estat per Tribala, de Pineda de Mar, amb Sedna, mentre que els tercera classificats han estat els també tossencs Els Guapus, amb Ses deïtats Ewe. Pel que fa a les carrosses, la millor ha estat la dels lloretencs Encantats, que duien per títol Deus Lauretum-Deus i deesses del llorer. La segona posició ha estat pels blanencs Que vingui qui vulgui, amb Kaelum. I el tercer premi se l'ha endut també Tribala. La carrossa dels Encantats, guanyadora de la categoria de Carrossa En la categoria de Lloret, el primer lloc ha estat per Carnivalia amb la proposta Dionea Festum, el segon lloc per als Encantats i el tercer, per ForçAME, amb Alea iacta est. Carnivalia, guanyadors de la categoria de Lloret (Ajuntament de Lloret de Mar) La regidora de Cultura i Festes, Vereda López, posa de relleu l'elevat nivell que hi ha hagut aquest any a la rua. “El nivell del dissabte va ser espectacular, totes les colles eren d'un nivell molt alt, dels anys que més nivell hi ha hagut”Vereda López L’arribada de la Reina Carnestoltes divendres es va haver de posposar pel mal temps i se la va rebre dissabte abans de la rua. Pel que fa al Sarau, diumenge al matí, les valoracions també són positives i la regidora celebra que cada cop s'hi animin més colles d'amics i que aportin tan bon ambient a la celebració. “Molt contents, cada cop hi ha més colles d'amics que s'hi apunten i el que volem és que gent a qui li agrada disfressar-se que surti sense vergonya a desfilar pels nostres carrers”Vereda López La novetat d'aquest any va ser el karaoke dissabte a la nit a la Plaça de la Vila, on es va fer també l'entrega de premis. Una iniciativa que va tenir molta participació. “Va anar molt bé, hi va haver molta participació, va tenir molt bona rebuda, la gent estava molt animada i es va crear un ambient molt maco”Vereda López Una de les actuacions del karaoke (Ajuntament de Lloret de Mar) L'entrega de premis de la rua es va fer dissabte a la nit, després del primer dia de desfilada, mentre que la resta de guardons es lliuraran aquest dimecres, en el marc de l'enterrament de la sardina.

Otrais olimpiskais raidījums Piespēle Milānas-Kortīnas ziemas olimpisko spēļu laikā. Aizvadītajā nedēļā Latvijas sportisti izcīnījuši divas olimpiskās medaļas: Elīna Ieva Bota kamaniņu braukšanā sudraba godalgu, bet šorttrekists Roberts Krūzbergs 1500 metru distancē - bronzu.  Līdzīgi kā iepriekšējā nedēļa - viens ieraksts tapis Kortīnā, otrs - Milānā. Milānā saruna ar Ludmilu Alampasu, kura Latvijas hokeja fanu grupas koordinatore. Viņa allaž zina visu par to, kurās viesnīcās dzīvo Latvijas hokeja fani, kā dodas uz pasaules čempionāta norises vietu, bet šoreiz arī olimpisko spēļu sacensībām. Viņa atklāj interesantas detaļas par Latvijas fanu ceļu uz spēlēm, piedalīšanos un atbalstu izlasei. Savukārt otra saruna Kortīnā ar bobsleja pilotu Renāru Grantiņu. Viņam diemžēl jau 4. februārī beidzās olimpiskās spēles vēl nesākušās, jo vienā no treniņbraucieniem viņš krita. Sākotnēji kritiens šķita ne pārāk smags, bet nu sekas ir pietiekami smagas un varēja būt arī krietni smagākas. Šobrīd viņš var turpināt dzīvot pilnvērtīgi un arī visticamāk, turpināt savu karjeru bobslejā. Interesējamies, kas notika liktenīgajā 4. februārī un kādēļ viņš to tagad dēvē par savu otro dzimšanas dienu. Nedēļas notikumu izlase:  Latvijas olimpiešiem divas medaļas ziemas spēlēs Itālijā: Elīna Ieva Bota izcīna sudraba godalgu kamaniņu braukšanā, bet Roberts Krūzbergs bronzu šorttrekā; Latvijas hokeja izlase izcīna pirmo uzvaru olimpisko spēļu turnīrā kopš 2014.gada - pārspēj Vāciju ar 4:3, bet grupas noslēdzošajā duelī zaudē dāņiem; Plašs skandāls Kortīnā: Starptautiskā Olimpiskā komiteja un Starptautiskā Bobsleja un skeletona federācija aizliedz skeletona sacensībās startēt ukrainim Vladislavam Heraskevičam.

Check out host Bidemi Ologunde's new show: The Work Ethic Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.comIn this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde takes listeners inside a rare moment when Beijing's usually sealed-off security apparatus is leaking signals to the outside world: a run of espionage-linked detentions and purges touching the PLA command pipeline, and even the state-finance sphere, including the reported downfall of Bank of China executive Lin Jingzhen. What does it mean when China's leadership allows public visibility into cases that would normally be buried? Are these arrests a sign of genuine counterintelligence panic, a political loyalty sweep, or both at once? And if some of the targets include high-ranking officers with real warfighting experience, how does that reshape risk calculations around Taiwan: deterrence, timing, and the chance of miscalculation? Bidemi also maps the second-order ripple effects: crisis communications with the U.S., signals to allies and rivals, procurement and readiness shocks, and the way "anti-espionage" politics can tighten across finance, tech, and society.On the Bid Picture Podcast, I talk about big ideas, and Lembrih is one of them. Born from Ghanaian roots, Lembrih is building an ethical marketplace for Black and African artisans: makers of heritage-rich products often overlooked online. The vision is simple: shop consciously, empower communities, and share the stories behind the craft. Lembrih is live on Kickstarter now, and your pledge helps build the platform. Visit lembrih.com, or search “Lembrih” on Kickstarter.Support the show

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: A Valentine's Night: When Love Meets Unforeseen Magic Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-02-14-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: És un dia d'hivern a Barcelona i el fred és viu a La Rambla, plena de vida.En: It's a winter day in Barcelona and the cold is lively on La Rambla, bustling with life.Ca: Marcel passeja nerviosament.En: Marcel walks nervously.Ca: Avui és Sant Valentí, i vol sorprendre la seva parella, la Clàudia.En: Today is Valentine's Day, and he wants to surprise his partner, Clàudia.Ca: Ella és una dona pràctica, una mica escèptica, però Marcel vol demostrar-li que l'amor pot ser màgic i inesperat.En: She is a practical woman, a bit skeptical, but Marcel wants to show her that love can be magical and unexpected.Ca: Ha preparat tota una sèrie de sorpreses: un sopar en un petit restaurant amagat, una caminada pels indrets preferits de l'Eixample, i una visita inesperada a un grup de música a la Plaça Reial.En: He has prepared a series of surprises: a dinner at a small hidden restaurant, a walk through the favorite spots of l'Eixample, and an unexpected visit to a band at Plaça Reial.Ca: Ell somia amb una nit perfecta, plena de rialles i moments inoblidables.En: He dreams of a perfect night, full of laughter and unforgettable moments.Ca: Mentre caminen, les rambles bullen d'activitat.En: As they walk, les Rambles are teeming with activity.Ca: Els artistes de carrer fan acrobàcies, la música sona a tot arreu i les parades de flors estan plenes de roses vermelles.En: Street performers are doing acrobatics, music plays everywhere, and the flower stalls are filled with red roses.Ca: L'aire és fred, però ple de la dolça olor de xurros acabats de fer.En: The air is cold, but it is filled with the sweet smell of freshly made xurros.Ca: Clàudia es frega les mans per entrar en calor, però un somriure es dibuixa al seu rostre.En: Clàudia rubs her hands together to warm up, but a smile spreads across her face.Ca: De sobte, sense avisar, Clàudia s'atura.En: Suddenly, without warning, Clàudia stops.Ca: Els seus ulls s'han ampliat, intenta respirar però no pot.En: Her eyes have widened, she tries to breathe but can't.Ca: Marcel s'assusta; sap que ella té asma, però mai ha estat tan greu.En: Marcel panics; he knows she has asthma, but it's never been this severe.Ca: Sense pensar dues vegades, l'agafa amb suavitat, buscant un lloc tranquil per apartar-se del bullici.En: Without thinking twice, he gently takes her, looking for a quiet place away from the commotion.Ca: Troben un banc, a costat d'una petita font, lluny del soroll.En: They find a bench by a small fountain, away from the noise.Ca: Marcel treu el seu telèfon i truca als serveis d'emergència, mentre parla amb Clàudia, calmant-la, agafant-li la mà.En: Marcel takes out his phone and calls emergency services, while he talks to Clàudia, calming her, holding her hand.Ca: La veu d'ell és tranquil·la, però el cor li batega amb força dins del pit.En: His voice is calm, but his heart is pounding hard in his chest.Ca: Mentre esperen l'ajuda, Marcel li diu: "No importa el que havia planejat. La teva salut és més important."En: While they wait for help, Marcel tells her, "It doesn't matter what I had planned. Your health is more important."Ca: La Clàudia li somriu, encara una mica feble, però amb brillantor als ulls.En: Clàudia smiles at him, still a bit weak, but with a brightness in her eyes.Ca: "Gràcies, Marcel. Mai no havia valorat tant la teva presència com ara," diu ella, mentre recupera l'alè i la serenor.En: "Thank you, Marcel. I have never valued your presence as much as I do now," she says, as she regains her breath and composure.Ca: Quan arriben els socorristes, Clàudia ja està més calmada, gràcies a la preocupació i l'amor de Marcel.En: When the paramedics arrive, Clàudia is already calmer, thanks to Marcel's concern and love.Ca: Amb els primers auxilis, Clàudia es recupera i tots dos es queden una estona mirant-se, sense necessitat de més paraules.En: With first aid, Clàudia recovers and the two of them stay for a while looking at each other, with no need for more words.Ca: La nit no va ser com Marcel havia planejat, però va ser més significativa.En: The night did not go as Marcel had planned, but it was more meaningful.Ca: Després de l'incident, s'asseuen junts, mirant les llums de la ciutat.En: After the incident, they sit together, looking at the city lights.Ca: Saben que l'amor no necessita grans gestes, sinó petites accions diàries, moments de cura i comprensió.En: They know that love doesn't need grand gestures, but rather small daily actions, moments of care and understanding.Ca: La Rambla continua vivint, amb el seu bullici i els seus encants, però per a Marcel i Clàudia, aquest Sant Valentí és d'un silenci ple i un amor sincer que els unirà més que qualsevol pla perfecte.En: La Rambla continues its liveliness, with its bustle and charms, but for Marcel and Clàudia, this Valentine's Day is one of filled silence and a sincere love that will unite them more than any perfect plan.Ca: Junts, aprenen que l'amor veritable es troba en el compromís de cuidar-se mútuament, sempre.En: Together, they learn that true love is found in the commitment to care for each other, always. Vocabulary Words:the winter: l'hivernthe rambla: la ramblathe partner: la parellathe skepticism: l'escepticismethe surprise: la sorpresathe dinner: el soparthe restaurant: el restaurantthe laughter: les riallesthe acrobatics: les acrobàciesthe flower stall: la parada de florsthe roses: les rosesthe bench: el bancthe fountain: la fontthe noise: el sorollthe emergency services: els serveis d'emergènciathe heart: el corthe breath: l'alèthe incident: l'incidentthe gifts: els regalsthe commitment: el compromísthe asthma: l'asmathe crowd: la gentthe excitement: l'emocióthe paramedics: els socorristesthe presence: la presènciathe aid: els auxiliisthe sweetness: la dolçorthe warmth: la calorthe brightness: la brillantorthe happiness: la felicitat

Putin coup fears grow as he activates 'kill switch' on security forces Iran's attempt to intimidate Trump backfired Something bizarre is unfolding on Jupiter and it's no longer acting like a planet Homeland Security filmed a UFO over Puerto Rico - then it hit the ocean SpaceX and NASA launch astronauts to relieve bare-bones crew at ISS Chinese rocket falls on their own city! Navy fires commanding officer of destroyer USS Mason Gleisa 710: The Passing Star That Will Stir the Solar System Morning brief: Trump signals Iran deal, CIA targets PLA, Ukraine disrupts Russian Starlink US troops blasted through steel doors 'like it was like papier-mache' to snatch Maduro, Trump says Japan angers China by seizing fishing boat Doomsday fish washes ashore in California, is a massive earthquake coming? Why this asteroid feels wrong and scientists say something is off Russia warns of military response if Greenland becomes US base This rocket could reach Mars in 10 days Venezuela oil sales top $1 billion, funds won't go to Qatar account anymore, Energy Secretary says Ilia Malinin Olympics catastrophe: 'Quad God' falls twice, doesn't medal Russian SA-17 missile makes mid-air U-turn and destroys its own launcher Trump prepares imminent military strike in second country within a month Russia just laid out its Ukraine war endgame — here's what Moscow actually wants

„Neseniai JAV Teisingumo departamento paviešintos bylos rodo, kad nuteistas seksualinis nusikaltėlis ir finansininkas Jeffrey'is Epsteinas bei buvęs Donaldo Trumpo padėjėjas Steve'as Bannonas aptarinėjo strategijas, kaip pakenkti popiežiui Pranciškui. Iš bylų medžiagos matyti, kaip Epsteino politinių ir finansinių lyderių tinklas Vatikaną laikė geopolitiniu spaudimo tašku." Plačiau - vedamojo skiltyje.Apie laisvę, kultūrą ir krikščionis: naują "Artumos" numerį pristato žurnalo vyr. redaktorius Darius Chmieliauskas.Spaudos apžvalga: kokių vaisių davė šešerius metus trukęs Vokietijos sinodinis procesas? (parengė Giedrius Tamaševičius)„Krikščioniškos minties puslapis": Mark Nesti „Religija ir pasiaukojimas sporte".Kun. Mozė Mitkevičius apie apaštalo Pauliaus draugus ir bendražygius. Filemonas (2 dalis).Gabrielės Gailiūtės-Bernotienės radijo apybraiža „Apie laimę netaisyti demografinės padėties".Redaktoriai Rūta Tumėnaitė ir Julius Sasnauskas.

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:  First—President Trump is sending the largest warship in the world toward Iran. The USS Gerald R. Ford will join another carrier already operating in the region as nuclear negotiations remain unresolved. We'll break down what the deployment signals, and what it could mean if talks collapse. Later in the show—The CIA is making a rare public move, releasing a recruitment video designed to turn disaffected officers inside China's military into potential informants. The campaign comes as Xi Jinping's sweeping purge exposes instability within the PLA's leadership. I'll have the details. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code PDB at https://Bubsnaturals.com Nobl Travel: NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to https://NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/PDB and use promo code PDB at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China is rapidly expanding its military engagement with African countries through a combination of joint exercises, growing arms sales, officer training programs, and deeper security cooperation under its Global Security Initiative. This widening footprint is generating unease in the United States, where policymakers and analysts are particularly worried about unsubstantiated claims that the PLA is seeking to build a base somewhere along Africa's Atlantic coast. Paul Nantulya, a research associate at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, and Paa Kwesi Wolseley Prah, a post-doctoral fellow at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, join Eric & Géraud to explain why Chinese security outreach is getting so much traction across Africa.

In the latest episode of the Hackaday Podcast, editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi start things off by discussing the game of lunar hide-and-seek that has researchers searching for the lost Luna 9 probe, and drop a few hints about the upcoming Hackaday Europe conference. From there they'll marvel over a miniature operating system for the ESP32, examine the re-use of iPad displays, and find out about homebrew software development for an obscure Nintendo handheld. You'll also hear about a gorgeous RGB 14-segment display, a robot that plays chess, and a custom 3D printed turntable for all your rotational needs. The episode wraps up with a sobering look at the dangers of industrial robotics, and some fascinating experiments to determine if a decade-old roll of PLA filament is worth keeping or not. Check out the links over on Hackaday if you want to follow along, and as always, tell us what you think about this episode in the comments!

14. februārī Ventspils Livonijas ordeņa pilī notiks viduslaiku lasījumi par tēmu “Svētie un grēcīgie”, kuros piedalīsies vēsturnieks Armands Vijups, dabas zinātnieks un liturģijas vēstures pētnieks Andris Amoliņš, teologs Andris Priede un filozofs Ilmārs Šlāpins. Pils ātrijā notiks arī  viduslaiku sadzīves būšanas - varēs mērīt bruņas, iepazīties ar vairoga darināšanas gaitu un uzspēlēt īstas viduslaiku galda spēles.  Andra Amoliņa tēma ir "Ventspils misāles fragments – senākais mūzikas pieraksts Latvijas teritorijā", par kuru vairāk uzzinām sarunā ar Orestu Silabriedi. Kas ir Ventspils misāle, par kuras muzikālo daļu runāsiet? Tās īstenībā ir tikai divas pergamenta lapas. Tajās bija iesiets Ventspils rātes dokumentu krājums, tāda kā zemesgrāmata. Piešūti klāt bija, kā mēs tagad teiktu, pašvaldības saistošie noteikumi - 16. gadsimts, 17. gadsimta sākums. Tajā laikā jau bija iespiestās grāmatas, tāpēc bija izveidojusies pergamenta makulatūra - lapas no grāmatām, kuras vairs netika lietotas, izmantoja kā iesienamo materiālu. Izrādās, tā ir bijusi diezgan plaši sastopama parādība Eiropā. Tagad ir pat vesela zinātnes nozare, kas pēta šādi saglābtus pergamentus. Tātad tas ir nevis barbariski, bet ekonomiski? Tas bija ekonomiski, jā. Tāds aprakstīts pergaments, sevišķi, ja tur vēl bija notis virsū, arī dekoratīvi izskatās, ja tas ir ārējais vāks. Divas šādas lapas bija, un Pēteris Vaickovskis man to attēlus atsūtīja. Uzreiz varēja pateikt - jā, tās ir divas secīgas lapas no viduslaiku misāles. Tad arī tapa projekts. Paldies Valsts kultūrkapitāla fondam, kas pētniecībai atvēlēja zināmus līdzekļus. Kaut kas par to tika izpētīts, un radās secinājums, sēžot ar lupu un ultravioletās gaismas lampu pie tām lapām, jo tās bija daudz cietušas, nosmērētas, ar pelējumu un bojātas, ka tās, visticamāk, ir no misāles, kas bijusi vācu ordeņa liturģiskā grāmata. Ventspils ir vācu ordeņa pils uz visu Kurzemi, Kurzemes bīskapija bija inkorporēta vācu ordenī, tā kā viņi šo liturģiju tur lietoja. Ar lielu intrigu varētu jautāt, vai šī misāle būtu vecāka par Rīgas misāli, ko Guntars Prānis ar kolēģiem plaši prezentēja? Profesors, vēsturnieks Andris Levāns ir mēģinājis datēt. Viņam iznāk, ka šīs lapas pēc, es pieņemu, rakstības stila, varētu drīzāk būt 14. gadsimts. Salīdzinot ar vēl virkni dokumentu, kas ir kaut kādā veidā datēti, tas tā varētu būt. Par Rīgas misāli tad laikam ir vecāka. Plašāk - audioierakstā.

Pērn cilvēku zaudējumi no krāpniekiem Latvijā jau tuvojas 22 miljoniem, neskatoties uz sabiedrībā pastiprinātajiem drošības pasākumiem. Pie Digitālo brokastu galda policija, banka un tehnoloģiju uzņēmums, lai skaidrotu, kā strādā aktuālākās krāpniecības shēmas digitālajā vidē, kāpēc cilvēki tajās iekrīt un ko darīt, ja uzķēries. Viesos Valsts policijas Kibernoziegumu apkarošanas pārvaldes 2. nodaļas priekšnieka vietniece Solvita Sļadze, SEB Bankas Drošības pārvaldes vadītājs Mārcis Pelcis un Tet IT drošības pārvaldnieks Uldis Lībietis. Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

Decennialang verslag doen vanaf het circuit, de harde realiteit van de media-industrie en de persoonlijke klappen die hij moest incasseren. Olav deelt hoe zijn klinische passie voor de sport hem door de moeilijkste periodes van zijn leven heeft geloodst. Maar ook wat de prijs is van constante focus in een wereld waar elke seconde telt. Met de code ‘Doorzetters' krijg je 10% korting op McGregor kleding

Bon dia! Desperteu-vos que les campanes de Sant Joan fa estona que toquen i aquest és l'Infopòdcast de Valls d'aquest divendres 13 de febrer, el Dia Mundial de la Ràdio. Comencem el nostre capítol informatiu explicant-vos que Ràdio Ciutat de Valls commemora aquest divendres 13 de febrer el seu 8è aniversari, coincidint amb el Dia Mundial de la Ràdio. L'emissora municipal, fundada el 13 de febrer de 2018, ha consolidat un projecte pioner concebut des dels seus inicis com un canal comunicatiu que emet exclusivament per internet. Amb el compromís de continuar creixent com a mitjà de comunicació, Ràdio Ciutat de Valls té previst estrenar en els pròxims dies una nova pàgina web, més ordenada i accessible, amb l'objectiu d'oferir un millor servei. La programació compta amb l'Infopòdcast Valls, la tertúlia esportiva #VallsEsports i el programa d'entrevistes polítiques 21. També ofereix, amb periodicitat quinzenal, els programes Tot comença, conduït per Marta Farré, i Els dimecres, Mercat, conduït per Montse Plana. D'altra banda, la nova temporada, iniciada a finals de setembre de 2025, ha incorporat dues tertúlies: Demà tot això serà nostre!, adreçada al públic jove i presentada per Pol Angelats, i La taula del Pati, adreçada a la ciutadania i conduïda per Èric Rosique, que entrarà a formar part de la graella a partir de finals de febrer. Els castells són un dels pilars de la programació. A partir del juny, coincidint amb l'inici de la temporada castellera, l'emissora tornarà a apostar pel programa setmanal Des de la Plaça del Blat, presentat per Francesc Domènech, així com per les retransmissions de les actuacions en què coincideixin les dues colles dels Xiquets de Valls. També es preveu donar continuïtat a l'espai d'entrevistes mensual a personatges castellers Apretant la faixa, conduït per Aina Mallol. En l'àmbit esportiu, Ràdio Ciutat de Valls, a banda de #VallsEsports, ofereix les retransmissions en directe dels partits de la UE Valls i del CB Valls. Finalment, els espais dels col·laboradors — amb més d'una vintena— completen la programació amb continguts sobre temàtiques diverses. Anem al temps. El fort temporal de vent associat a la borrasca “Storm Nils” ha afectat Catalunya i altres regions d'Espanya aquest passat dijous 12 de febrer amb ratxes que van superar els 100 km/h, especialment al voltant de Barcelona i al Montseny. Les autoritats van activar alertes de risc extrem (vermella o taronja) i van suspendre escoles, universitats, activitats esportives i cites sanitàries no urgents per precaució. I acabem amb esports. Fem un cop d'ull a l'agenda de partits del cap de setmana. A la Lliga Elit i al grup 16 de Tercera Catalana, UE Valls, UE Valls B i Atlètic de Valls aturen l'activitat pel Carnaval. Quant al bàsquet, al grup C-A de la Tercera FEB CB Valls Tallers Pablo Martínez – Mataró Parc Boet (dissabte, 18h) i a Copa Catalunya femenina CB Valls DIC – Fontajau-Kabler (diumenge, 18h) I això és tot per avui. L'Infopòdcast Valls és una coproducció de Ràdio Ciutat de Valls i La Xarxa de Comunicació Local. Moltes gràcies per la seva atenció i fins dilluns. Que passin un molt bon cap de setmana.

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with the reports that the PRC is threatening to scuttle Trump's visit to Beijing over a second arms package from the U.S. to Taiwan, including thoughts on next moves from the U.S., how this arms shipment happened, and the PLA's dangerous aerial maneuvers around Taiwan. From there: Reactions to the news that Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong prison, a State Council white paper on “One Country, Two Systems,” and Sanae Takaichi's party secures a supermajority in Japan three months after the PRC's pressure campaign over her Taiwan comments. At the end: The propaganda value of AI models, and a word about hockey and the Winter Olympics.

Honkongas tiesa piespriedusi 20 gadus cietumā demokrātijas aizstāvim Džimijam Lai. Japānas parlamenta apakšpalātas vēlēšanās pārliecinoši uzvar premjeres Takaiči vadītā partija. Irānas un Savienoto Valstu pretstāve un dialogs. Aktualitātes analizē Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūta pētnieks un LATO valdes loceklis Sandis Šrāders, Latvijas Radio Ziņu dienesta ārzemju ziņu žurnālists Rihards Millers un Latvijas institūta valdes locekle, Tuvo Austrumu pētniecības programmas vadītāja Sintija Broka-Kovalevska. Sana-čan – Japānas politikas uzlēkusī saule Japānas politika nav domājama bez Liberāldemokrātiskās partijas. Kopš šī politiskā spēka nodibināšanas 1955. gadā ir bijuši vien divusi trīs gadus ilgi periodi, kad tas nav bijis pie varas. Tā tiek raksturota kā t.s. „jumta” jeb „lietussarga” partija – tāda, kas apvieno dažādu nokrāsu novirzienus, taču kopumā ir ar labēji centrisku, konservatīvu un nacionālistisku ievirzi. Tomēr pēdējie gadi japāņu liberāldemokrātiem nav bijuši viegli. Partijas reitingus deldējušas sociālekonomiskās problēmas – dzīves dārdzība un neiepriecinošā demogrāfiskā situācija, tāpat vairāki skandāli. Jaunākās paaudzes vēlētāju acīs tā ieguvusi „onkuļu partijas” reputāciju – pārāk tradicionāla, pārāk remdena, uz pagātnes lauriem dusoša. Kopš 2024. gada parlamenta vēlēšanām liberāldemokrāti un viņu tradicionālie koalīcijas partneri – centriskā partija „Kōmeitō” – veidoja mazākuma valdību, līdz pagājušā gada oktobrī koalīcija pajuka, premjers Išiba atkāpās un Liberāldemokrātiskās partijas stūri pārņēma tās jaunā līdere Sanaje Takaiči, kļūstot par pirmo premjerministri sievieti Japānas vēsturē. Viņas personā liberāldemokrāti ieguva jaunu seju un elpu. No vienas puses, premjerministre ir uzskatos konservatīva – viendzimuma laulību pretiniece un patriotiskas audzināšanas piekritēja; no otras – savā uzvedībā un manierēs vienkārša, atvērta un demokrātiska. Sevišķi pamanāma ir viņas prasme komunicēt sociālajos tīklos un uzrunāt jauniešu auditoriju, kuras vidū viņa tiek dēvēta par Sana-čan – pievārds ‘čan' japāņu valodā apzīmē tuvas draudzības attiecības ar nosaukto personu. Par koalīcijas partneriem Takaiči izvēlējās nevis līdzšinējos centristus, bet gan krietni labējāko un populistiskāko Japānas Inovāciju partiju. Vēl viens zīmīgs moments ir premjeres prasme atrast kopīgu valodu ar Savienoto Valstu līderi Donaldu Trampu. 13. janvārī Takaiči izsludināja ārkārtas parlamenta vēlēšanas. Šis solis ar mērķi konvertēt personīgos reitingus konkrētā partijas politiskajā ietekmē tika vērtēts kā riskants, taču attaisnojās ar uzviju. Svētdien, 8. februārī, notikušajās vēlēšanās liberāldemokrāti svinēja grandiozu uzvaru, iegūstot vēsturiski lielāko pārstāvniecību parlamentā ar 316 vietām no 465. Koalīcijas partneri Inovāciju partija gan pāris vietas zaudējusi, taču tas nozīmīgi nemaina viņu frakcijas lielumu. Savukārt partijas „Kōmeitō” un lielākā opozīcijas spēka Konstitucionāli demokrātiskās partijas izveidotais bloks Centriski reformistiskā alianse piedzīvojis smagu sagrāvi un vairāk nekā divu trešdaļu mandātu zaudējumu. Jaunā situācija Japānas parlamenta apakšpalātā dod premjerministrei Takaiči lielākas iespējas mainīt Japānas konstitūciju, ko viņa iezīmējusi kā politisku mērķi. Tai skaitā, iespējams, varētu tikt mazināts pamatlikuma izteiktais akcents uz militāras darbības ierobežošanu ārpus valsts robežām. Pēc nākšanas pie varas Japānas līdere paziņoja, ka gadījumā, ja Ķīnas tautas republika mēģinātu ar militāru spēku sagrābt Taivānu, ir iespējama Japānas militāra iejaukšanās. Tas izraisījis krasu attiecību pasliktināšanos starp Pekinu un Tokio ar ekonomiskām sankcijām no Ķīnas puses. „Drednautu diplomātija” un piemirstās cilvēktiesības 6. februārī Omānas galvaspilsēta Maskata kļuva par sarunu vietu starp Savienoto Valstu un Irānas pārstāvjiem, izmēģinot diplomātiju, pirms tiek liktas lietā raķetes un bumbas. Tas ir pirmais šāds abu valstu dialoga precedents kopš pagājušā gada jūnija, kad Izraēla un Savienotās Valstis vērsa gaisa triecienus pret Irānu, tai skaitā tās kodolobjektiem. Arī tagad no Savienoto Valstu puses tā ir „drednautu diplomātija” – janvāra nogalē Arābijas jūrā ieradās amerikāņu jūras spēku kaujas grupa ar aviācijas bāzes kuģi „Ābrahams Linkolns” priekšgalā. Uz „Linkolna” klāja ir modernākās daudzfunkcionālās kaujas lidmašīnas, iznīcinātāji un elektroniskās karadarbības un izlūkošanas lidaparāti. Kaujas grupas kuģi aprīkoti arī ar spārnotajām raķetēm „Tomahawk” un pretraķešu aizsardzības sistēmām. Kā svētdien savā publikācijā izteicās kanāla „Al Jazeera” Dohas institūta politoloģijas asistējošais profesors Muhanads Selūns, svarīgākais rādītājs neesot tas, kas tiek teikts par sarunām, bet gan tie, kas sēdušies pie sarunu galda. No Savienoto Valstu puses tas ir vispārzināmais sarunvedēju pāris Stīvens Vitkofs un Džareds Kušners, kā arī ASV Centrālās pavēlniecības komandieris admirālis Breds Kūpers. Šis vīrs ar uzplečiem esot dzīvs atgādinājums Irānas pusei, ka nepiekāpībai var būt smagas un ātras sekas. Tomēr draudīgais tonis pagaidām nav darījis Teherānu piekāpīgāku, ciktāl runa ir par sarunu priekšmetu kā tādu. Irāna uzstāj, ka ir gatava runāt par savu kodolprogrammu, piekrītot pārtraukt urāna bagātināšanu apmaiņā pret sankciju atcelšanu, bet nekādā ziņā ne par ko citu – ne raķešu ieroču attīstības programmu, ne atbalstu teroristiskajām organizācijām „Hamas” un „Hezbollah” un hutiešu nemierniekiem Jemenā, ne, protams, par cilvēktiesību situāciju Irānas iekšienē. Plašākajā sarunu tvērumā ir īpaši ieinteresēta Izraēla, un tiek spriests, ka premjerministra Netanjahu šodienas visai pēkšņā vizīte Vašingtonā varētu būt saistīta ar vēlmi ietekmēt amerikāņu pozīciju. Katrā ziņā Irānas ārlietu ministrs Abāss Arāgči jau brīdinājis Vašingtonu nepaļauties Izraēlas premjera destruktīvajiem centieniem. Pie tam Irānas iekšpolitiskā situācija šajā diplomātiskajā izspēlē acīmredzami atstumta otrajā plānā, un pasaule turpina noskatīties, kā režīms, noslīcinājis asinīs nesenos protestus, turpina piegriezt skrūves. No Teherānas pienāk ziņas, ka arestēti vairāki prominenti reformistiskas ievirzes politiķi, tāpat ārsti, kas snieguši palīdzību ievainotiem janvāra protestu dalībniekiem. Cilvēktiesību aktīvisti pauž bažas, ka cietumos notiek arestēto protestu dalībnieku slepkavošana. Pekina demonstrē totalitārisma tvērienu Honkongā Pirmdien, 9. februārī, tiesa Honkongā pasludināja spriedumu mediju magnāta Laja Čī-jina, plašāk pazīstama kā Džimija Lai, lietā. Septiņdesmit astoņus gadus vecajam apsūdzētajam piespriesti divdesmit gadi cietumā. Tagad slēgtā laikraksta „Apple Daily” dibinātājs tika apcietināts 2020. gada augustā un pēc apmēram piecus gadus ilgušā procesa atzīts par vainīgu sazvērestībā ar ārzemju spēkiem un musinošu tekstu publicēšanā. Kā paziņoja tiesa, apsūdzētā vainu pastiprina tas, ka viņš esot bijis ārvalstu inspirētas sazvērestības galvenais plānotājs un virzītājspēks. Ar publikācijām savā izdevumā viņš esot aģitējis par ārvalstu sankciju ieviešanu pret Ķīnu. Savu biznesa karjeru sācis apģērbu ražošanas un mazumtirdzniecības jomā, Lai vēlāk pievērsās mediju jomai, izveidojot lielāko Honkongas mediju kompāniju „Next Digital” un jau pieminēto laikrakstu „Apple Daily”. Konfrontācijā ar Ķīnas totalitāro režīmu viņu noveda 2019. – 2020. gada Honkongas protesti, kad Džimijs Lai nostājās demokrātisko spēku pusē, gan personiski kritizēdams Pekinas režīma rīcību, gan uzturēdams attiecīgu ievirzi savos preses izdevumos, gan sniegdams demokrātiskajiem spēkiem finansiālu atbalstu. Ar šo cietumsodu Ķīnas vara nepārprotami demonstrē, ka ikvienam, kas stāsies ceļā tās plāniem pēc iespējas drīz iedabūt Honkongu totalitārās valsts tiesiskajā un politiskajā rāmī, nav ko cerēt uz žēlastību. Kā norādījis Lielbritānijā dzīvojošais notiesātā dēls Sebastjens Lai, ievērojot viņa tēva sirds stāvokli un to, ka pērngad vien viņš zaudējis desmit kilogramus svara, faktiski šis uzlūkojams kā nāves spriedums. Džimijs Lai kopš 1994. gada ir arī Lielbritānijas pavalstnieks, un britu ārlietu ministre Iveta Kūpere paziņojusi, ka valdība darīs visu iespējamo, lai panāktu viņa atbrīvošanu. Tikām skarbu opozīcijas kritiku izpelnījies britu premjerministrs Kīrs Stārmers, kurš pirms pāris nedēļām viesojās Pekinā, vienojās par vīzu režīma atvieglojumiem britu tūristiem un mazāku ievedmuitu viskijam, taču, kā šķiet, nepratās neko darīt tiesājamā demokrātijas aizstāvja labā. Šīs ir vēl viens pārmetums leiboristu valdības galvam, kura kabineta prestižs pēdējā laikā krietni pabojāts arī t.s. „Epstīna failu” sakarā. Sagatavoja Eduards Liniņš.

Mike joins I-Chung Lai, President of The Prospect Foundation. Prior to current role, he held several prominent positions within Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, serving as Executive Director of the DPP Mission to the United States and as the Director General of the Department of International Affairs. They discuss the PLA's increasing operational abilities and Taiwan's potential response to counter a blockade, how Taipei is interpreting the evolution of Chinese foreign policy towards Taiwan and the purge of Chinese general Zhang Youxia, Taipei's assessment of U.S. foreign policy and posture in the Indo-Pacific, and much more.

Back in April 2021 we covered news about a record breaking 25 Chinese air force aircraft including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers that entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ). At the time 25 seemed like an alarming number. It was the largest incursion by Chinese military planes into Taiwan's ADIZ to date.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/chinas-alarming-gray-zone-tactics-around-taiwan-and-its-neighboring-nations-in-asia-ep-340/   To be clear these sorts of activities had been going on long before this and long before September of 2020 which about the time that Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense started to publicly report China's incursions.   The China's People's Liberation Army has shown no signs of letting up. The PLA's gray zone tactics, have also included the use of drones and balloons. Incursions by warplanes and naval ships into the airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan are now a daily occurrence.. And they have completely shattered the record 25 aircraft in Taiwan's ADIZ many times over.   Major military exercises have included the Joint Sword-2024A. Three days after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's inauguration in May 20 of 2024, China's PLA conducted two days of military exercises in the air and sea space around Taiwan.   More recently, at the end of 2025 on December 29 and 30, People's Republic of China (PRC) military forces carried out a large-scale exercise in the air and ocean areas around Taiwan called "Justice Mission-2025."  This two days of PLA military exercises involved at least 200 warplanes.   Unfortunately these types of gray zone tactics by China have become commonplace and while they have been more widely reported on, even more troubling are the other gray zone tactics that the PRC has been levying on Taiwan, which include the presence of Chinese owned and operated oil rigs in Taiwan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and on January 16th the New York Times reported that China quietly mobilized thousands of fishing boats twice already, most recently in the first few weeks of this new year.   Quoting from the New York Times, "By January 11, they had assembled into a rectangle stretching more than 200 miles. Maritime and military experts said the maneuvers suggested that China was strengthening its maritime militia, which is made up of civilian fishing boats trained to join in military operations."   This was not the first time, a month earlier on December 25th the Times reported that "about 2,000 Chinese fishing boats assembled in two long, parallel formations on Christmas Day in the East China Sea. Each stretched 290 miles long, about the distance from New York City to Buffalo, forming a reverse L shape"   According to the New York Times, "The unusual formations were spotted by Jason Wang, the chief operating officer of ingeniSPACE, a company that analyzes data, and were independently confirmed by The Times using ship location data provided by Starboard Maritime Intelligence."   In this episode of Talking Taiwan we will be speaking to Marvin Bernado, Maritime Domain Awareness Analyst at ingeniSPACE and Elva Wu, National Security Researcher / Imagery Analyst at ingeniSPACE.   About ingeniSPACE:   ingeniSPACE is a geospatial intelligence company integrating remote sensing data across multiple phenomenologies. We are an insight-as-a-service platform delivering all weather day-night multi-temporal understanding around the world. Our intelligence extends the "executive decision making time" that public sector and commercial leaders need to make well-informed decisions.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/chinas-alarming-gray-zone-tactics-around-taiwan-and-its-neighboring-nations-in-asia-ep-340/  

Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham discusses the PLA purge of leadership, analyzing the implications of Xi Jinping'sremoval of top military officials and what it signals about internal instability within China's armed forces. Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham critiques the weaknesses of national security studies that expect Chinese attack only at Taiwan, arguing this narrow focus leaves the U.S. vulnerable to broader PRC strategic threats. Guest: John Cochrane. Cochrane analyzes the inadequacy of tariffs as an economic tool, explaining why they fail to achieve their intended goals and often harm domestic consumers and businesses. Guest: John Cochrane. Cochrane discusses the demand for foreign investment, examining how capital flows impact the U.S. economy and the complexities of managing trade imbalances. Guest: Rebecca Grant. Grant compares U.S. carrier capabilities into the future against China's naval expansion plans, assessing the shifting balance of power in the Pacific. Guest: Rick Fisher. Fisher details China's century-long plan for space supremacy, warning that Beijing's strategic investments in space technology pose a significant threat to American dominance. Guest: Steve Yates. Yates examines how allies Australia, Canada, and the UK are seeking favorable trade deals with China, raising concerns about alliance cohesion amid PRC economic pressure. Guest: Steve Yates. Yates discusses strategies for dealing with the PRC as an adversary seeking supremacy, emphasizing the need for coordinated Western responses to Chinese ambitions. Guest: Sinan Ciddi. Ciddi analyzes Erdogan succession prospects in Turkey, examining potential successors and the implications for Turkish domestic and foreign policy. Guest: Sinan Ciddi. Ciddi assesses the possibility of democracy in Turkey, discussing the structural obstacles and political dynamics that shape the country's democratic trajectory. Guest: Sadanand Dhume. Dhume reports on the India-EU trade deal after 21 years of negotiation, analyzing the significance of this agreement for both economies and regional geopolitics. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Bernstam examines Russia's budget gap widening with the sinking price of oil, detailing the fiscal pressures facing Moscow as energy revenues decline. Guest: Simon Constable. Constable reports from France with a resident European pine marten, offering observations on rural life and wildlife in the French countryside. Guest: Simon Constable. Constable discusses the Labour scandal with the Epstein revelations, analyzing the political fallout affecting Britain's governing party. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman reports on Artemis plans for a launch in March, detailing NASA's progress toward returning American astronauts to the Moon. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman analyzes the failing Roscosmos, describing Russia's declining space program and its inability to compete with American and Chinese advancements.

Kremlinology has made its way east as analysts try to make sense of dramatic PLA purges under Xi Jinping. The CCP regime appears to be clearing house, but what does it all mean? Should there be a reconsideration of a Taiwan contingency for China? Is China even equipped to make threats against its neighbors? At […]

Kremlinology has made its way east as analysts try to make sense of dramatic PLA purges under Xi Jinping. The CCP regime appears to be clearing house, but what does it all mean? Should there be a reconsideration of a Taiwan contingency for China? Is China even equipped to make threats against its neighbors? At a moment of global turbulence, why reduce military expertise? What does it all mean for the United States? Is Xi going the way of Stalin? So many questions; join us for the answers.John Garnaut is the founder of Garnaut Global, where he provides strategic advice and risk management services to global finance and corporate clients as an authority on Chinese elite politics and Chinese Communist Party interference. John was previously Fairfax's China correspondent and Asia-Pacific Editor, Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and Principal Advisor at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, where he led the government's analysis and policy response to authoritarian interference. He regularly presents to departments and agencies in Australia and the United States and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with follow-up thoughts on the purges at the top of the PLA, including reactions to a New York Times piece on Xi's “paranoia,” answers that have yet to materialize, He Weidong suicide rumors, and various theories on what any of this might signal. From there: Keir Starmer's trip to Beijing, caution before drawing too many conclusions from the recent steps from Canada and the U.K., and a flurry of stories about Xi's ambitions for the RMB as a global reserve currency. At the end: Parsing the readouts from a surprise Trump-Xi call Wednesday, why Taiwan arms sales may have been at issue, the U.S. gets serious about critical minerals, Panama deals a blow to China, and Nvidia's H200 adventures head to the State Department.

Henko es una banda de Daimiel (Ciudad Real) que fusiona el rock con la electrónica, utilizando guitarras ambientales y sintetizadores analógicos. En constante búsqueda y experimentación, el grupo se caracteriza por crear paisajes sonoros llenos de matices y texturas. La formación está compuesta por Jesús Arroyo (voz y guitarra eléctrica), Raúl Arroyo (sintetizadores y teclados), Félix Fernández (batería) e Irene Calahorra (bajo). Con sus dos primeros álbumes, La Edad del Plástico (2020) y Mar de Terciopelo (2023), Henko ha llevado su música a destacados festivales como Erató Fest, Vid Festival, Oasis Sound, BIME y Proweekend Fest, entre otros. En 2025 publicaron su disco “Espacio Sináptico”, producido junto a Manuel Cabezalí y Víctor Cabezuelo. Escuchar audio

Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham discusses the PLA purge of leadership, analyzing the implications of Xi Jinping'sremoval of top military officials and what it signals about internal instability within China's armed forces.1903

El Prado acollirà dijous a les 20h la gran estrena d'aquest llargmetratge que es va rodar ara fa un any entre d'altres a espais com la Plaça de l'Ajuntament. La pel·lícula és un thriller distòpic que s'ubica al Sitges del 2050 amb problemes de superpoblació i de sequera i on la directora, la sitgetana Ángeles Hernández, juga amb els gèneres i barreja crisi climàtica i crisi emocional. El film produït pr Mr. Miyagi Films, productora que lidera David Matamoros, ha comptat amb un elenc català de luxe, Elisabet Casanovas, Andrés Herrera, Carles Francino, Miki Núñez i Carlos Cuevas. N'hem parlat amb la directora i el productor que gaudeixen d'un bon moment professional amb la nominació als Gaudí a Millor pel·lícula d'animació per la pel·lícula Hanna i els Nadals oblidats i alhora amb l'estrena a Netflix el proper 11 de febrer de la comèdia romàntica ¿Quién quiere casarse con un astronauta?. L'entrada El Rastre del Llop s’estrena a Sitges, un thriller rodat al municipi i dirigit i produït pels sitgetans Ángeles Hernández i David Matamoros ha aparegut primer a Radio Maricel.

In this week's episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the increase of PLA naval and air patrols around Scarborough Shoal in response to US-Philippine joint military exercises, and what this development indicates about China's evolving maritime strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Second, Miles unpacks the decision by the Chinese Football Association to issue 73 lifetime bans to coaches and players for match fixing and details the larger network of corruption across professional sports in China. Finally, Miles reviews the executions of eleven Ming mafia family members related to scam centers based in Myanmar, and what this judicial process reveals about the current state of bilateral relations between China and Myanmar.China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world's future. 

Today's episode is the second in a three-part series that examines the potential consequences for China if a military operation against Taiwan were to fail. In each of these episodes, we're speaking with authors of a recently published German Marshall Fund study of the possible costs that China would incur across four different, but interrelated areas: the Chinese economy, the military, Chinese social stability, and international costs. Our podcast today focuses on the potential costs for domestic social stability. To recap, the study considered two scenarios occurring in the next five years. In the first scenario, a minor skirmish escalated into a multi-week maritime blockade of Taiwan by China. Although several dozen members of the Chinese and Taiwanese military were killed, US intervention eventually forced China to de-escalate.  In the second scenario, a conflict escalated into a full-fledged invasion, with Chinese strikes on not only Taiwan but also US forces in Japan and Guam. After several months of heavy fighting, Chinese forces were degraded and eventually withdrew after suffering many tens of thousands of casualties. Joining us today are Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Jake Rinaldi. Sheena is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin and visiting research faculty at the US Army War College. Jake is an associate political scientist at the RAND Corporation.Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction  [02:11] Why This Matters to US Policymakers [04:37] Managing Social Stability During Conflict with Taiwan  [08:01] How the CCP Identifies and Suppresses Sources of Instability[10:44] Social Stability Organizations and Institutions  [15:06] Domestic Pressures & Potential Party Responses [19:00] Estimating Public Support for Reunification [23:09] Scenario 3: Protracted Conventional Conflict [26:55] Lessons Learned from COVID Lockdowns [31:28] Long-Term Implications for Stability Post-Conflict 

Osnovne verzije Instagrama, Facebooka i WhatsAppa ostaju besplatne, ali sve što znači veću kontrolu, manje oglasa ili naprednije AI funkcije seli se iza pretplate. Instagram bi tako mogao uvid u to tko vas ne prati natrag i anonimno gledanje Storyj i  AI agenta Manusa.Riječ je o alatu koji bi korisnicima omogućio da delegiraju konkretne zadatke – od planiranja putovanja do izrade prezentacija – čime se Meta pozicionira u segment “AI koji radi”, a ne samo “AI koji savjetuje”.To je dio šire strategije: prelazak s isključivo oglasnog modela na kombinaciju oglasa, pretplata i AI premium usluga._______________0:00 Uvod0:44 Što znači uvođenje pretplata za korisnike?4:00 AI agenti dolaze na Facebook6:00 Plaćanje još jedne pretplate8:30 Koliko će dugo internet i AI biti besplatan?11:35 Stigao je novi i moćan AI agent - MoltbotTOP i FLOP15:30 Meta otpustila 10% zaposlenika koji rade VR18:00 Nestajat će struja zbog AI servera19:00 Dobra pretplata za kreativce21:00 Predlažemo domaće EU tehnološke alternative_______________

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: A Heartfelt Gift in the Heart of Barcelona Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-02-01-23-34-01-ca Story Transcript:Ca: La Rambla de Barcelona bullia d'activitat aquell matí de febrer.En: La Rambla of Barcelona was teeming with activity that February morning.Ca: Els carrers estaven plens de gent, turistes i barcelonins, que gaudien de l'ambient festiu.En: The streets were full of people, tourists and locals from Barcelona, who were enjoying the festive atmosphere.Ca: Els artistes de carrer oferien espectacles que captivaven l'atenció de tothom, mentre que la fragància de les castanyes torrades surava en l'aire fresc d'hivern.En: Street performers offered shows that captivated everyone's attention, while the fragrance of roasted chestnuts floated in the fresh winter air.Ca: Gemma i la seva millor amiga, Marina, caminaven entre la multitud.En: Gemma and her best friend, Marina, were walking among the crowd.Ca: Gemma buscava un regal de Sant Valentí per a Oriol, el seu estimat.En: Gemma was looking for a Valentine's gift for Oriol, her beloved.Ca: Volia trobar quelcom que combinés practicitat amb un toc romàntic, però La Rambla, tot i ser plena de vida, semblava un laberint desconcertant.En: She wanted to find something that combined practicality with a romantic touch, but La Rambla, full of life though it was, seemed like a bewildering maze.Ca: "Vinga, Gemma.En: "Come on, Gemma.Ca: No et posis nerviosa," va dir Marina, sempre animada.En: Don't get nervous," said Marina, always cheerful.Ca: "Oriol valorarà qualsevol cosa que vingui de tu.En: "Oriol will appreciate anything that comes from you."Ca: "Gemma va somriure, agraïda pel suport de la seva amiga.En: Gemma smiled, grateful for her friend's support.Ca: "Saps que vull que sigui especial," va respondre.En: "You know I want it to be special," she responded.Ca: Al llarg de la carretera, les botigues i els venedors ambulants oferien tota mena de productes.En: Along the road, the shops and street vendors offered all sorts of products.Ca: Marina, optimista com era, va suggerir de mirar algunes de les botigues de moda per buscar alguna cosa més extravagent.En: Marina, optimistic as she was, suggested checking out some of the fashion shops for something more extravagant.Ca: Tot i així, Gemma sentia que Oriol apreciaria més quelcom senzill però amb significat.En: Nevertheless, Gemma felt that Oriol would appreciate something simple but meaningful more.Ca: "A vegades, les coses petites són les més especials," va pensar Gemma en silenci mentre passejaven.En: "Sometimes, the small things are the most special," Gemma thought silently as they strolled.Ca: Després de molta recerca, Gemma es va aturar davant d'un venedor de llibres fets a mà.En: After much searching, Gemma stopped in front of a handmade book vendor.Ca: Les portades eren úniques, cadascuna amb un disseny diferent, i va recordar que Oriol adorava la poesia.En: The covers were unique, each with a different design, and it reminded her that Oriol adored poetry.Ca: Un somriure es va dibuixar a la cara de Gemma.En: A smile appeared on Gemma's face.Ca: "Això és perfecte," va murmurar amb decisió.En: "This is perfect," she murmured with determination.Ca: Va triar un llibre amb una coberta especialment bonica i el va comprar.En: She chose a book with an especially beautiful cover and bought it.Ca: Mentre Marina li feia un gest d'aprovació, Gemma es va sentir confiada en la seva elecció.En: While Marina gave her an approving gesture, Gemma felt confident in her choice.Ca: Es van acomiadar a la plaça de Catalunya, amb les bosses de les compres i la satisfacció d'haver trobat el regal ideal.En: They said goodbye at Plaça de Catalunya, with their shopping bags and the satisfaction of having found the ideal gift.Ca: A casa, Gemma va escriure un missatge sentit al llibre.En: At home, Gemma wrote a heartfelt message in the book.Ca: Un poema petit, però sincer, que expressava el seu amor i admiració per Oriol.En: A small, yet sincere poem that expressed her love and admiration for Oriol.Ca: Quan li va entregar el detall, Oriol va obrir el llibre, i al llegir les paraules de Gemma, els seus ulls es van omplir d'emoció.En: When she gave him the gift, Oriol opened the book, and upon reading Gemma's words, his eyes filled with emotion.Ca: "És perfecte, Gemma," va dir amb veu tendra.En: "It's perfect, Gemma," he said tenderly.Ca: "Gràcies per pensar en mi de manera tan especial.En: "Thank you for thinking of me in such a special way."Ca: "Gemma va somriure, alleujada i feliç.En: Gemma smiled, relieved and happy.Ca: Havia après que els regals més significatius no necessiten ser cars, sinó que han de venir del cor.En: She had learned that the most meaningful gifts do not need to be expensive but should come from the heart.Ca: Amb aquesta nova confiança, la Gemma va comprendre el valor dels seus instints i la profunditat del seu amor per Oriol.En: With this newfound confidence, Gemma understood the value of her instincts and the depth of her love for Oriol.Ca: Des de llavors, el so de les campanes de la Sagrada Família li recordaven aquella màgia tan especial que compartien.En: Since then, the sound of the bells from the Sagrada Família reminded her of that very special magic they shared. Vocabulary Words:teeming: bulliafragrance: la fragànciaroasted chestnuts: les castanyes torradescrowd: la multitudbeloved: el seu estimatbewildering: desconcertantnervous: nerviosagrateful: agraïdavendors: els venedors ambulantsextravagant: extravagentsimple: senzillstrolled: passejavenhandmade: fets a màcover: la cobertasmile: el somriuredetermination: la decisiógesture: el gestapproving: d'aprovaciósatisfaction: la satisfaccióheartfelt: sentitadmiration: l'admiraciótenderly: amb veu tendrarelieved: alleujadameaningful: significatiusconfidence: la confiançainstincts: els instintsdepth: la profunditateyes: els ullsmaze: el laberintcover: la portada

Subscribe now to skip the ads. While Danny looks after his gold assets, Always at War's Alex Jordan once again helps Derek bring you headlines from around the globe. This week: the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moves the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight (0:54); the Trump administration renews threats against Iran while demanding a new deal that would eliminate uranium enrichment, missile programs, and regional proxies (3:47); Syria's government and the SDF agree to a ceasefire extension following more violence in the northeast (12:58); in Gaza, Israel recovers the remains of the final Israeli captive tied to Phase One of the ceasefire, partially reopens the Rafah crossing, and advances plans for large camps in Rafah (16:28); Myanmar's military completes a staged election delivering the expected victory for the junta-backed party (27:24); China faces fresh turbulence in its military leadership as a senior PLA figure is investigated (30:07); Sudan sees reported new fighting in Blue Nile and claimed gains in Kordofan (34:28); the government of South Sudan launches a campaign against rebels (38:04); there are reports of clashes between government and Tigrayan forces in Ethiopia (40:53); talks involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine fail to produce progress (44:02); the EU and India announce a major free trade agreement (47:00); Trump threatens sweeping tariffs against Canada over trade and China policy, amid diplomatic friction and reports of contacts with Alberta separatists (49:32); the U.S. moves toward reopening its embassy in Venezuela as reporting points to CIA interest in establishing a permanent presence (54:07); and a new U.S. National Defense Strategy emphasizes dominance in the Western Hemisphere while maintaining preparations for potential conflict with China (58:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Danny looks after his gold assets, Always at War's Alex Jordan once again helps Derek bring you headlines from around the globe. This week: the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moves the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight (0:54); the Trump administration renews threats against Iran while demanding a new deal that would eliminate uranium enrichment, missile programs, and regional proxies (3:47); Syria's government and the SDF agree to a ceasefire extension following more violence in the northeast (12:58); in Gaza, Israel recovers the remains of the final Israeli captive tied to Phase One of the ceasefire, partially reopens the Rafah crossing, and advances plans for large camps in Rafah (16:28); Myanmar's military completes a staged election delivering the expected victory for the junta-backed party (27:24); China faces fresh turbulence in its military leadership as a senior PLA figure is investigated (30:07); Sudan sees reported new fighting in Blue Nile and claimed gains in Kordofan (34:28); the government of South Sudan launches a campaign against rebels (38:04); there are reports of clashes between government and Tigrayan forces in Ethiopia (40:53); talks involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine fail to produce progress (44:02); the EU and India announce a major free trade agreement (47:00); Trump threatens sweeping tariffs against Canada over trade and China policy, amid diplomatic friction and reports of contacts with Alberta separatists (49:32); the U.S. moves toward reopening its embassy in Venezuela as reporting points to CIA interest in establishing a permanent presence (54:07); and a new U.S. National Defense Strategy emphasizes dominance in the Western Hemisphere while maintaining preparations for potential conflict with China (58:20).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Diplomat's Asia Geopolitics podcast, Ankit Panda and Katie Putz discuss the recent downfall of General Zhang Youxia, a significant figure in China's military leadership. They explore the implications of his removal, the allegations of corruption and espionage, and how this reflects broader trends in Chinese politics under Xi Jinping. For more on the intrigues of China's military purges, check out Zi Yang's recent article for The Diplomat, “The Purge of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli: Why and What's Next for China's Military” and his October 2025 article, “What Does the Fall of He Weidong Mean for the PLA?”

Į LRT girdi kreipėsi klausytoja, kuri papasakojo savo sesers istoriją: „Atnaujinant Molėtų plentą ViaLietuva ant įvažiavimų į sodybas sumontavo kelio saugumo priemones - horizontalius barjerus apsaugoti nuo gyvūnų. Tokiuose spąstuose šį savaitgalį mūsų žirgas nusilaužė (ne susilaužė, o nusilaužė) tris kojas. Pasirodo, kad ten didžiulė duobė po tomis grotomis. Kaip suprantame iš ViaLietuva atsakymo, tokie spąstai sudėti visuose išvažiavimuose. Mūsų žirgas kankinosi pora valandų, kol atvyko veterinaras užmigdyti. Bet kokį pragarą išgyvena laukiniai kanopiniai, kokia kankinanti mirtis nulaužtomis kojomis? O jeigu ten koją įkištų vaikas, senjoras?“ Kaip suderinti ir gyvūnų saugumą, ir vairuotojų apsaugą nuo susidūrimo su gyvūnais?Mieli klausytojai laukiame ir jūsų prisijungiant prie pokalbio. Ką jūs manote apie kelio saugumo priemones, kurios turėtų apsaugoti nuo gyvūnų?Šiandien kalbėsime apie patirtį, kurią sunku įgyti bet kur kitur – darbą ligoninėje karo sąlygomis. Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto Kauno ligoninės gydytojų komanda neseniai grįžo iš stažuotės Ukrainoje, Lucko ligoninėje, kur vienu metu gydomi tiek sužeisti kariai, tiek civiliai gyventojai. Ką jie ten pamatė, ko išmoko ir kaip ši patirtis gali padėti Lietuvai pasirengti galimoms krizėms?Valstybės gynybos fondui senjoras skyrė trisdešimt tūkstančių eurų. Tai viena didžiausių iki šiol gautų gyventojų savanoriškų įmokų. Plačiau apie gynybos fondą, kam skiriami pinigai kalbamės su krašto apsaugos viceministru Karoliu Aleksa.

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Thomas Shugart and Michael Dahm join us to discuss key findings from their new report, Flooding the Zone: The Use of Civilian Landing Craft (LCTs) in PLA Amphibious Operations. They examine how civilian landing craft could provide the PLA with over-the-shore lift several times greater than its traditional landing ships in a Taiwan scenario, bridging the gap between beach assaults and port access. The conversation explores the operational constraints and vulnerabilities of LCTs and how these developments fit into Beijing's broader strategy and 2027 military modernization goals. Thomas Shugart is an Adjunct Senior Fellow with the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security. He served more than 25 years in the U.S. Navy as a submarine warfare officer, deploying multiple times to the Indo‑Pacific. Michael Dahm is a Senior Resident Fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and a lecturer at George Washington University. He served as a U.S. Navy intelligence officer for over 25 years.

Over four weeks, Kevin Freeman spotlights each “horseman,” starting with the CCP's global strategy to undermine the U.S. through economic, political, cultural, and biological warfare. Frank Gaffney details “hide and bide,” Wall Street funding pipelines, infiltration through open borders, overseas police centers, and the coercion of Chinese nationals under PRC security laws. The discussion covers Mao's legacy, using fentanyl and COVID as weapons, deindustrialization, TikTok cognitive ops, and the threat of embedded PLA operators. Solutions include defunding CCP-linked entities, rebuilding U.S. deterrence, and supporting a strong group of coalitions.

On today's show Andrew and Bill react to the news that the rumors were true, and CMC members Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are under investigation for corruption. Topics include: The timing of the announcement from the Defense Ministry, why this weekend's news inspired such a volume of reactions around the world, a history of Xi's crackdowns on the PLA, questions about rumors of a coup against Xi, reports that Zhang Youxia was working with the U.S., the PLA corruption heyday and its implications for what might come next, and various ways to think about the implications for Taiwan. At the end: The first batch of H-200s is approved for purchase, and the TikTok sale is approved as users lash out with censorship claims.

Jon Czin, former CIA analyst and NSC staffer, returns to talk purges. We have far too much fun. The disney take on PLA purges: https://suno.com/s/Wv1yQyxdUhWBzyA0 08:50 Deep read into the WSJ nuke traitor allegations 22:10 Xi getting paranoid? 26:13 Taiwan implications 32:38 Succession implications 45:55 It must really suck to work in Chinese politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Czin, former CIA analyst and NSC staffer, returns to talk purges. We have far too much fun. The disney take on PLA purges: https://suno.com/s/Wv1yQyxdUhWBzyA0 08:50 Deep read into the WSJ nuke traitor allegations 22:10 Xi getting paranoid? 26:13 Taiwan implications 32:38 Succession implications 45:55 It must really suck to work in Chinese politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of China Decode, Alice Han and James Kynge break down a seismic week in Beijing. China has effectively blown up the top of its military command, sidelining Xi Jinping's most trusted lieutenant and raising questions about loyalty, readiness, and how secure Xi really is at the apex of power. They explain what this unprecedented purge inside the PLA means—not just for China's military, but for regional stability and markets. They also unpack the post-China future of TikTok. After years of bans, lawsuits, and security concerns, a last-minute deal keeps the app alive in the U.S.—but does it truly sever Beijing's influence, or just repackage it? With 180 million American users and a generation getting its news from TikTok, we explain why this deal matters far beyond social media. And finally, Alice sits down with economist Houze Song to cut through the spin on China's economy—from headline growth numbers and export dependence to the long shadow of the property collapse and what Beijing may (or may not) do next.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode of China Insider, Miles Yu covers the recent CCP investigations into the vice chair of China's Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, and the chief of staff of the commission's Joint Staff Department, Liu Zhenli, and what these purges mean for PLA operations and effectiveness. Next, Miles reviews the authorization of President Trump's Board of Peace, the international actors that have joined so far, and the significance of the board to China. Finally, Miles unpacks China's demographic crisis and declining birthrate, and how the CCP plans to respond to the crisis.China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world's future. 

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureChina & Canada are trying to bypass Trump trade tariffs. This has already failed, and Trump calls out Carney.EU economy is weak and it is getting weaker, there are two paths, one that follows the [CB] agenda the other is Trump economic agenda. Inflation declines again, Gold and Silver are up, Trump’s plan is working, its time to end the endless.The [DS] is now calling for the insurgency to accelerate. Clinton and Obama are now calling on their foot soldiers to push the insurrection against Trump. Trump has put a message to all D’s, lets work together, the optics are very good, the D’s will do this for a short period of time but in the end they will push the insurrection. Once they do this, they lost the people. Timing and optics are very important.   Economy  Carney Cracks: Canada Has ‘No Intention’ Of Pursuing Free Trade Deal With China After Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs To review: right before Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney returned from a trip to Beijing and announced a new 5-point ‘strategic partnership’ to ‘diversify our trade partnerships.’ The agreements included slashing tariffs on Chinese EV imports from 100 percent to 6.1 percent for the first 49,000 units, in exchange for China cutting tariffs on Canadian canola from 85 percent to 15 percent until at least the end of the year. Other exports, including Canadian canola meal, lobsters, crabs, and peas will also not be subject to Chinese anti-discrimination tariffs until at least the end of 2026. A week later, Carney told the global elite at Davos resort that the “rules-based order” established by the United States and its allies following WW2 was fraying amid the current rivalry between China and America, so the “middle powers must act together because if we’re not on the table, we’re on the menu.”  Carney said that for their survival, nations should no longer “go along to get along” with Trump.   Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada has “no intention” of pursuing a free trade deal with China, after Donald Trump threatened to slap a 100% tariff on Canadian exports if Ottawa “makes a deal” with Beijing.   Source: zerohedge.com Trump Is Right About Europe's Weak Economy: U.S. vs. EU Compared  President Trump argued that Europe's economic stagnation is the result of a self-inflicted “civilizational erasure” driven by reliance on what he calls the “Green New Scam,” which he says has replaced affordable energy with costly and unreliable wind power. He further asserted that unchecked mass migration has strained social infrastructure and altered the continent's cultural identity, while a stifling regulatory environment and excessive government spending have suppressed the innovation needed to compete with the United States. Finally, he accused European nations of freeloading on American security, arguing that their failure to meet NATO defense spending targets over the past 70 years has allowed them to avoid the true costs of national sovereignty at the expense of the American taxpayer. Based on current economic data as of January 2026, the comparison supports Trump's critique. While the United States is experiencing aggressive growth alongside widespread deregulation, Europe remains mired in what can best be described as stabilized stagnation. The United States enters 2026 with inflation at 2.7%, steadily returning toward the 2% target. As in President Trump's first term, strong GDP growth has been paired with relatively modest inflation. Fourth-quarter GDP growth is projected at 5.4%, dwarfing Europe's stagnant 0.2%. For the full year, U.S. growth is expected to reach between 4.3% and 5%, while Europe is projected to manage only about 1.3% to 1.6%. On the labor front, the United States maintains its historical advantage, with unemployment at 4.4% compared to 6.3% in the Eurozone. This low level of unemployment has been achieved despite deep government job cuts that reduced taxpayer costs. While the United States reduced federal spending by $100 billion, European fiscal policy has moved in the opposite direction. The U.S. has moved 1.2 million people off food stamps, while European social safety nets are coming under increased strain from rising living costs. In 2024, the most recent data available, EU social protection spending rose by 7%, far outpacing nominal GDP growth. This imbalance pushed the social expenditure-to-GDP ratio to 27.3% across the bloc, with countries such as France and Austria exceeding 31%, reinforcing the strain caused by rising demand for social welfare. Energy remains far cheaper in the United States, particularly electricity and natural gas, due to abundant domestic production, lower taxes and levies, and reduced reliance on imports, with overall prices about half of Europe's and industrial electricity often as little as one-third. Source: thegatewaypundit.com (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2015764155580756471?s=20 https://twitter.com/truflation/status/2015770236105138602?s=20 https://twitter.com/WallStreetMav/status/2015647917441183786?s=20 spending problems. Gold is at record highs against every currency, not just the dollar Political/Rights DOGE https://twitter.com/WallStreetMav/status/2015553600106164548?s=20 Geopolitical https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2015729194270154997?s=20   supply before then. More LNG, more U.S. gas, more renewables… Higher costs baked in. For Brussels this is an irreversible line. After 2027, there's no “going back to normal.” The EU has indeed been importing refined petroleum products from India that originate from Russian crude oil, creating an indirect pathway for Russian oil to enter the European market despite sanctions on direct imports from Russia since December 2022.  This circumvention became prominent after the EU and G7 imposed a price cap on Russian oil, prompting Russia to redirect exports to countries like India and China, where the crude is refined and then resold.    EU officials and analysts have long acknowledged the loophole, which is why recent sanctions packages have targeted it directly. For instance, the EU’s 18th sanctions package in July 2025 banned the import of petroleum products derived from Russian crude processed in third countries, and specifically sanctioned Nayara Energy, an Indian refinery partly owned by Russia’s Rosneft.  The 19th package in October 2025 further tightened measures by sanctioning additional third-country entities, including three in India, for supporting Russia’s circumvention efforts. As a result, major Indian refiners like Reliance Industries have stopped importing Russian crude for certain facilities to comply with these rules and maintain access to EU markets. Russia, meanwhile, continues to adapt by using new middlemen exporters to supply India, aiming to sustain the flow despite the crackdown.  India has not fully stopped importing Russian oil since then, but imports have significantly declined. In 2025, Russia’s share of India’s crude oil imports fell to 33.3% from 36% the previous year, while OPEC’s share rose slightly to 50%.  By December 2025, India dropped to the third-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels overall, importing €2.3 billion worth that month, with major refiners like Reliance Industries scaling back or halting purchases.    This reduction appears driven by a mix of U.S. tariff pressures, steeper discounts on Russian crude drawing buyers back selectively, and India’s strategic diversification to ensure energy security without fully alienating Russia—a key defense and trade partner. https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2015527595975033161?s=20   the CMC Joint Staff Dept: Under investigation for violations 5. Director of CMC Political Work Dept: Removed in 2025 over corruption The US-China rivalry has gone well beyond trade.   The purges depicted in the image of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) stem from an escalating anti-corruption campaign under Xi Jinping, which has targeted the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) extensively since 2023. This drive is officially framed as rooting out graft, bribery, and disciplinary violations, but analysts widely interpret it as a mechanism for Xi to consolidate power, enforce unwavering loyalty among military leaders, and address systemic issues like incompetence or factional rivalries that could undermine PLA readiness.  The campaign has intensified in 2025-2026, affecting nearly the entire top echelon of the CMC—China’s highest military decision-making body, chaired by Xi himself—leaving it in significant disarray  War/Peace Report: Iran's Khamenei Flees to ‘Fortified' Bunker, Fearing U.S. Strike Following rising concerns over a possible U.S. military strike, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has relocated to a heavily fortified underground compound in Tehran, according to reports, which cited sources close to the regime who revealed his son now oversees day-to-day operations. Source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2015828196273303756?s=20 calling it a dream disconnected from reality. The US covers about 68% of NATO defense spending while Europe still misses its 2% commitments. Medical/False Flags [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/2015559098847428717?s=20 https://twitter.com/JoeConchaTV/status/2015519543846703552?s=20 If you are preparing a city for an insurrection is this what you do to lower morale, have police quit and this way there is no one to stop the insurgency     In 2024 Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Argued No Right to Carry a Gun at ‘Political Rallies and Protests' In 2024, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) was among 17 AGs who contended there is no right to carry a gun at “political rallies and protests.” The AGs did this in a January 26, 2024, filing in support of upholding California's gun controls for “sensitive places” in a Ninth Circuit case. In the filing, Ellison and the other AGs expressed support for banning the possession of firearms “in crowded places.” The AGs wrote: “Without the power to institute such restrictions, California and other states would be left unable effectively to prevent gun violence in crowded places, around vulnerable populations, or where individuals are exercising other constitutionally protected rights, putting the public at risk.” They emphasized, “Even the perceived risk of gun violence could cause repercussions, as individuals may be discouraged from visiting crowded or confined locations where they know others may be armed.” Source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/BillClinton/status/2015562744993350135?s=20 Didn’t Bill and Hiliary Violate a Supeona to testify in front of congress, they broke the law, shouldn’t he be in jail. Barack Obama Urges More Street Protests, Blames Trump for Minneapolis Shooting https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/2015479691147149747?s=20 4700 Q !!Hs1Jq13jV6 ID: a54ff9 No.10644532 Sep 14 2020 11:34:31 (EST) Worth remembering [think what you see today]. https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/119629.pdf

2026-01-26 | UPDATES #113 | “Treason” in the PLA? Xi's unprecedented purge — corruption, loyalty, and coup rumours. Today's story is not “just another corruption scandal” in China. This is the Chinese Communist Party reaching up into the absolute top of the People's Liberation Army — right into the room where war plans live — and yanking out two senior figures in one move. Top figures in fact. Beijing's official language is clipped. The implications are not. China's defence ministry says it has opened investigations into General Zhang Youxia — a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, effectively the uniformed number two under Xi Jinping — and General Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and chief of the Joint Staff Department. The stated reason: “suspected serious violations of discipline and law.” (Reuters)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Xinhua: Defence ministry announcement (Jan 24, 2026). Xinhua / PLA Daily editorial summary (Jan 24, 2026). Reuters: Investigation details and context on PLA purges (Jan 24, 2026). Associated Press: Overview and recent purge timeline (Jan 24, 2026).Financial Times: Loyalty framing and “authority” angle (Jan 25, 2026). Washington Post: Scale of upheaval and command implications (Jan 25, 2026).Wall Street Journal: Reported additional allegations (unconfirmed by PRC statement) South China Morning Post: “Party purity” framing and political timing (Jan 25, 2026). Official explainer of the “CMC Chairperson Responsibility System” (SCIO, background).Reuters (background): Li Shangfu/Wei Fenghe expulsions (Jun 2024) and 2027 readiness reporting (Feb 2023). German Marshall Fund (background): Rocket Force shakeup (Aug 2023). Andrew Erickson (analysis aggregation; includes translated/linked primary text). Sinocism (analysis; discussion of messaging speed and implications). ----------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/extras----------

When you get a message saying Craig Tiley is coming into the studio, it usually means one of two things, you’ve either been absolutely flying or you’ve messed up badly. There is no middle ground. If he’s here to fire us, at least Lizzy (@lizzyhoo) won’t mind because yes, this is her final day on the pod. A devastating day for Pod Laver Arena. But with tragedy comes opportunity. A seat has opened up and after an extensive global search (and many rejections from our top choices) we officially welcome Sam Taunton (@samtaunton) to the team. We’re told he’s funny. We’ll let you decide. And before anyone panics, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) isn’t going anywhere, the show rolls on (somehow). Beyond all that, we get stuck into the biggest stories in the tennis world and do a deep dive into Carlos Alcaraz’s attention grabbing outfit that has the tennis world in an absolute spin. Strap in for another bumper episode of PLA. Watch it or we’re telling Craig Tiley. Listen to The AO Wrap to stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with reactions to a new “strategic partnership” between China and Canada, including thoughts on fissures in the West that are a win for China, Prime Minister Carney's “new world order” comments, U.S. rhetoric that created the conditions for a thaw, and why this direction could be a decision Canadians come to regret. From there: The UK and countries in the EU consider a thaw of their own, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer headed to Beijing, the “mega embassy” approved in London, and America pushing for concessions on Greenland. At the end: Thoughts on the latest rumors surrounding Zhang Youxia and the stunning scale of PLA purges to date, a congressman accuses Nvidia of astroturfing opposition to chip legislation, and the CBA becomes embroiled in the latest gambling indictment from the FBI.

Concern about the possibility of a Chinese attack against Taiwan has surged in recent years. Wargames and research studies have focused primarily on identifying gaps in US and allied capabilities with the goal of strengthening deterrence. A relatively understudied question, however, is the potential consequences for China if a military operation against Taiwan were to fail. To address this gap, the German Marshall Fund led a study of the possible costs that China would incur across four different, but interrelated areas: the Chinese economy, the military, Chinese social stability, and international costs.GMF commissioned four papers on these key areas. We considered two scenarios that could realistically take place in the next five years. In the first scenario, a minor skirmish escalated into a multi-week maritime blockade of Taiwan by China. Although several dozen members of the Chinese and Taiwanese military were killed, US intervention eventually forced China to de-escalate.  In the second scenario, a conflict escalated into a full-fledged invasion, with Chinese strikes on not only Taiwan but also U.S. forces in Japan and Guam. After several months of heavy fighting, Chinese forces were degraded and eventually withdrew after suffering many tens of thousands of casualties.The authors found that the costs to China of a failed military action against Taiwan would likely be considerable. We believe their findings are important and warrant wide dissemination. In this podcast, we'll discuss the report's major conclusions and implications. Then we'll talk about the potential impact of a failed Chinese attempt to take Taiwan on China's military capabilities and the possible international costs that Beijing could face.  Our next two China Global podcasts will examine the implications of a failed military operation against Taiwan for China's economy and social stability.Our guests today are Zack Cooper and Joel Wuthnow. Zack is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and lecturer at Princeton University.  Joel is a senior research fellow in the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs within the Institute for National Strategic Studies at NDU. Joel's paper and this interview reflect only his personal views and not those of the National Defense University, the Department of War, or the US government.Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction  [03:22] Implications for China, the United States, and Taiwan [06:31] Actions to Strengthen Deterrence  [08:50] Evaluating Costs and Risks for Chinese Decisionmakers[11:46] Lessons Learned for the PLA [14:05] Steps to Avoid Another Attack [17:14] Intensifying Frictions between Party and Military?  [19:53] Anticipating US Intervention as a Military Variable [22:49] Countries and Organizations Likely to Respond to China[25:55] Potential Diplomatic Actions and Costs[31:50] A Treaty Alliance with Taiwan [34:44] Why International Costs Matter to China

Vratili smo se sa odmora sa preporukama koje će vas ili oduševiti ili emotivno slomiti. U novoj epizodi Njuz POPkasta analiziramo seriju o kojoj svi pričaju, Heated Rivalry i njen prikaz gej hokejaša. Zaronili smo i u neverovatni svet kultova sa dokumentarcem Wild Wild Country, a pokušali smo da preživimo i emotivni rolerkoster knjige "Malo života". Ali to nije sve! Otkrili smo i novi muzički pravac koji preti da osvoji Srbiju: gotski folk, zahvaljujući pesmi "Plačipička" Mire Aleksić. Da, to je pravi naslov. Pored toga, tu su i preporuke za novi film Jorgosa Lantimosa (Bugonia), seriju sa Džonom Hemom (onaj viralni video), knjigu o životu u sibirskoj brvnari, kao i Viktorova epska potraga za solju koja razotkriva sve slabosti komunalnog sistema.