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The BBC says it will respond in due course to a threat of legal action over a documentary which misrepresented a speech made by President Trump. The BBC chairman apologised for an "error of judgement" over an edit of comments Mr Trump made to his supporters who stormed the Capitol building in January 2021. Also: the Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is in the US to hold talks with President Trump. The BBC has been speaking to minority groups in Syria who say he's failing to protect them. A court in Paris has granted the former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, early release from jail, just weeks after he started a five-year sentence. The Cop30 summit opens in Brazil, as the host insists the summit must lead to implementation of critical climate change measures. The former South Korean president, Yoon Suk Yeol,is facing new charges, related to his decision to declare emergency martial law in December, 2024. And: A cyber-criminal who spent almost 10 years on the FBI's most wanted list has been speaking to the BBC, in an exclusive interview from prison.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
This week, Granger sits down with Mike Cheon, a South Korean missionary whose life and faith have taken him from Seoul to the mountains of Afghanistan, and now to church planting in Canada. Together, they talk about what’s being called an “Islamic invasion” and why fear often drives the way Christians view immigration and Islam. But Mike offers a radically different perspective — one that sees these moments not as threats, but as opportunities for the gospel. Through powerful stories of his years living among Afghan families, the loss and near loss of his own children, and the cries of a mother mourning her baby in the rubble of war, Mike reminds us of what it means to see every person as made in the image of God. He shares how lament and worship have opened doors in places where sermons never could, and how the church’s response to suffering can be its greatest witness. It’s a moving conversation about faith without fear, compassion over politics, and what it truly means to love our neighbors — even those we’ve been taught to fear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ending the government shutdown revives an expired cybersecurity law. The DoD finalizes a new model for building U.S. military cyber forces. A North Korean APT exploits Google accounts for full device control. The EU dials back AI protections in response to pressure from Big Tech companies and the U.S. government. Researchers discover a critical vulnerability in the Monsta FTP web-based file management tool. The Landfall espionage campaign targets Samsung Galaxy devices in the Middle East. Five Eyes partners fret eroding cooperation on counterintelligence and counterterrorism. Israeli spyware maker NSO Group names the former U.S. ambassador to Israel as its new executive chairman. Monday Biz Roundup. Tim Starks from CyberScoop discusses uncertainty in the federal Cyber Corp program, The friendly face of digital villainy. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today we are joined by Tim Starks from CyberScoop discussing uncertainty in the federal Cyber Corp program. Selected Reading Cyber information sharing law would get extension under shutdown deal bill (CyberScoop) Don't call it Cyber Command 2.0: Master plan for digital forces will take years to implement (The Record) North Korean hackers hijack Google, KakaoTalk accounts to control South Korean phones: Report (The Straits Times) EU set to water down landmark AI act after Big Tech pressure (The Financial Times) Monsta FTP Vulnerability Exposed Thousands of Servers to Full Takeover (Hackread) Newly identified Android spyware appears to be from a commercial vendor (The Record) F.B.I. Director Is Said to Have Made a Pledge to Head of MI5, Then Broken It (The New York Times) Seeking to get off US blacklist, spyware firm NSO taps ex-envoy Friedman as chairman (The Times of Israel) Google's Wiz acquisition clears DOJ's antitrust review. (The Cyberwire) Tank interview: A hacking kingpin reveals all to the BBC (BBC News) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Friday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan covers the U.S. government shutdown's impact on national security, Democrats' energy messaging strategy, Ford's massive electric truck losses, China's latest espionage scandal, and new medical research linking heart and brain health. U.S. Troops Told to Visit German Food Banks: A U.S. Army base in Bavaria posted a list of local soup kitchens for service members and families struggling during the shutdown — a move that shocked German media and sparked Pentagon embarrassment. Bryan warns foreign spy agencies could exploit unpaid American personnel for recruitment, saying, "That's how the CIA would target desperate officers abroad — and it's happening to us now." Democrats' Winning Playbook: Democrats' recent election victories were fueled by economic messaging, especially on rising energy costs. Bryan explains how candidates tied AI data centers and electric vehicles to higher utility bills — a strategy Republicans must counter before 2026. Ford's Electric F-150 Collapse: The automaker faces $13 billion in losses after poor demand for its Lightning pickup. Bryan notes Toyota's hybrid-first strategy is proving right, calling the EV rush "a cultish demand that ignored market reality." China's Espionage and Agricultural Games: Three Chinese nationals in Michigan were arrested for smuggling genetically modified worms, while Beijing signed $5 billion in new U.S. grain deals. Bryan warns that "China is both robbing our labs and buying our fields." Trump Weighs Action in Nigeria and Venezuela: The President is considering U.S. military intervention in Nigeria to protect Christians from Islamist attacks while reviewing regime-change options in Venezuela. Bryan asks listeners to consider: "How many American lives would we trade to save others abroad?" Dementia and Heart Disease Discoveries: British scientists found that small increases in heart enzyme levels may predict dementia risk years before symptoms. Meanwhile, South Korean researchers discovered gut bacteria linked to coronary artery disease, reinforcing the connection between diet, heart health, and brain function. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32 Keywords: U.S. Army Bavaria food banks shutdown, Pentagon security risk spy recruitment, Democrats energy utility bill messaging, Ford F-150 Lightning EV losses, Toyota hybrid success, Chinese bioresearch smuggling Michigan, Trump Nigeria Christians military intervention, Venezuela Maduro regime change debate, dementia heart enzyme biomarker, gut bacteria coronary artery disease
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and Joon Ha unpack the political and market fallout from Donald Trump's remarks on restricting Nvidia's most-advanced chips for U.S. use, and what it means for Seoul's 260,000-GPU Blackwell deal with Hyundai, Samsung, SK and Naver — including implications for autonomous driving and the KOSPI's sharp response. The hosts then turn to South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine ambitions, after Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back publicly pushed for domestic construction over a U.S. shipyard, highlighting technical, industrial and political friction points. Later, the team breaks down Seoul's successful launch of its fourth and fifth military reconnaissance satellite, completing Project 425 and advancing independent reconnaissance for kill-chain readiness, while unpacking remaining gaps for the goal of transferring wartime operational control discussed from this week's top U.S.-ROK military meetings. Looking ahead, Jeongmin and Joon Ha preview budget season turbulence, presidential office audits, ongoing trials against the previous administration stakeholders regarding the Dec. 2024 martial law and the Bank of Korea's expected rate-cut decision. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson.
Payment service provider executives arrested over a credit card fraud ring, Meta makes a fortune showing scam ads, South Korean telco KT tried to hide a second breach and five more scammers are sentenced to death in China. Show notes Risky Bulletin: Europol arrests payment service executives for role in credit card fraud ring
South Korean cars and culture; will hydrogen work; the South Carolina Hilton Head Concours; 2026 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid review; driving a new Lexus TX500h F Sport; and a LOT of Q&A!Recorded November 2, 2025Patreon questions include:2026 Porsche Turbo S vs McLaren 750SIs the new Hyundai Santa Fe boxy enough?Did supercharging a V8 M3 ruin it or enhance it?Best cars for lake roadsHow does Korean car culture compare to Japan?Cars with great weight transferNew Subaru STI conceptIs serviceability important when buying a used car?Thoughts on the RAM hybrid with a V6 generator?Funny rally wrap ideasWhat car feature would we erase from the world?Gator straps: yay or nay?The new Vespa 300 is confusingReplacing a 2013 Audi Q7 TDIBMW X3M vs Porsche Macan GTS vs Ioniq 5NCollector cars you can repair foreverAnd more! Show Notes:SmallsFor a limited time get 60% off your first order when you head to smalls.com/tire RulaThousands of guys have already used Rula to finally get the care they needed. Don't keep putting it off - go to Rula.com/tire and get started today. Take the first step, get connected, and take control of your mental health. FactorEat smart at FactorMeals.com/tire50off and use code tire50off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Get delicious, ready-to-eat meals delivered—with Factor. New merch! Grab a shirt or hoodie and support us! https://thesmokingtireshop.com/ Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! For a 10% discount on your first case go to https://www.offtherecord.com/TST Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast Instagram:https://www.Instagram.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Instagram.com/therealzackklapman Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to http://www.offtherecord.com/TST. Watch our car reviews: https://www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire Tweet at us!https://www.Twitter.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Twitter.com/zackklapman Instagram:https://www.Instagram.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Instagram.com/therealzackklapman
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First—Syria's new president, once part of a jihadist insurgency, is set to meet President Trump at the White House on Monday. We'll break down what's at stake for U.S. policy, and why the administration is pushing both Congress and the UN to repeal heavy sanctions ahead of the meeting. Later in the show—South Korean intelligence has assessed that a summit between President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un will likely take place next year, saying the hermit kingdom is already preparing behind the scenes for a dialogue. Plus—Russian strongman Vladimir Putin orders top officials to prepare plans to resume nuclear testing, a response to President Trump's recent announcement that the U.S. will soon begin nuclear testing for the first time in more than 30 years. In our 'Back of the Brief'—Ukraine's drone pilots are reportedly engaged in video-game-style kill-tracking, earning rewards for each successful strike on Russian forces. We'll break down this incentive-based system, and how it has fueled Ukraine's intensifying drone campaign. American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org . APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Rugiet: Ready to give Rugiet a try? Get 15% off your first order by going tohttp://rugiet.com/PDB and using code PDB. Rugiet prescriptions are compounded medications, available only if prescribed following an online consultation with a licensed clinician. Compounded drugs can be prescribed by federal law, but are not FDA-approved and have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. Individual results may vary. Full safety information available at Rugiet.com. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cisco patches critical vulnerabilities in its Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX) software. CISA lays off 54 employees despite a federal court order halting workforce reductions. Gootloader malware returns. A South Korean telecom is accused of concealing a major malware breach. Russia's Sandworm launches multiple wiper attacks against Ukraine. China hands out death sentences to scam compound kingpins. My guest is Dr. Sasha O'Connell, Senior Director for Cybersecurity Programs at Aspen Digital. Meta's moral compass points to profit. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Dr. Sasha O'Connell, Senior Director for Cybersecurity Programs at Aspen Digital, joins us to preview her Caveat podcast interview about "10 Years of Cybersecurity Progress & What Comes Next." Listen to Sasha and Dave's full conversation on this week's Caveat episode. Selected Reading Critical Cisco UCCX flaw lets attackers run commands as root (Bleeping Computer) CISA plans to fire 54 employees despite court injunction (Metacurity) CISA reports active exploitation of critical vulnerability in CentOS Web Panel (Beyond Machines) Gootloader malware is back with new tricks after 7-month break (Bleeping Computer) KT accused of concealing major malware infection, faces probe over customer data breach (The Korea Times) Sandworm hackers use data wipers to disrupt Ukraine's grain sector (Bleeping Computer) China sentences 5 Myanmar scam kingpins to death (The Record) “Hackers” rig elections to IAN executive committee (Mumbai News) Meta is earning a fortune on a deluge of fraudulent ads, documents show (Reuters) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Click the post for details on this episode! Welcome back to Open House! Randy Seidman here, with another two hours of the grooviest beats. Coming to you from Australia in the midst of a six show tour, playing Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. Always amazing times down under! Later this month I'll be on the Mojjo Rooftop in Bangkok for a special three-hour set. Today's episode is a special one with some of my favorite recent tunes in the first hour, followed by an exclusive session with the prolific South Korean powerhouse duo, Pierre Blanche. For now, turn it up. Randy Seidman's Website Randy Seidman's SoundCloud Randy Seidman's Beatport Randy Seidman's Spotify Randy Seidman's Facebook Randy Seidman's Twitter Randy Seidman's Track List: 01. Greater Than Us - This Woman (Extended Mix) [Valiant Records] 02. Cosmicat & SS.HH.A.N.A 'Lover's Game' (Dub Mix) [Mahool] 03. Tryger - Warrior (Extended Mix) [SkyTop] 04. VOYA -_Echoes_of_Us_Extended_Mix_[Sirup_Music] 05. Alexey Sonar - Tourist (ORNICAN Extended Remix) [Intricate Records] 06. Khainz, Like Mike, Elodie Gervaise, HEREON - Under Your Spine (Extended Mix) [Tomorrowland Music] 07. Belladonna - Dust (Original Mix) [7Rituals] 08. Q.U.A.K.E, Manu Cerasa - Critical (Extended Mix) [Siona Records] 09. Q.U.A.K.E, Martin Magal - Desire for Life (Original Mix) [Astral] 10. Beki M - I Need You (Extended Mix) [HouseU] 11. Different Stage, Thomas Klipan - Red Light (Original Mix) [Braslive Records] 12. Rafa Silva - Desires (Nihil Young Extended Remix) [Perspectives Digital] 13. Flamma - Wish You Were Here (Original) [Escape Gravity] I hope you enjoyed the first hour with some of my top recent tunes. Up next is a special exclusive session with a talented techno duo out of Seoul, Pierre Blanche. With stage time at World DJ Festival, and support from heavy hitters such as Deadmau5, Carl Cox, and Markus Shultz, these boys' music has been played at parties around the world, and they were nominated for the best dance / electronic act at the 2023 Korean Popular Music Awards. With an arsenal of hits on top labels, and an imprint of their own (called Condense), Pierre Blanche is making their mark on underground dance music scene... but today they are here just for you. For the next hour, Pierre Blanche is in the mix. Pierre Blanche's Instagram Pierre Blanche's RA Pierre Blanche's Facebook Pierre Blanche's SoundCloud Pierre Blanche's Beatport Pierre Blanche's Track List: 01. Steve Angello - Hooligans (Extended Version Breaks Edit) [SIZE Records] 02. Alterboy - Let's Jack (Extended Mix) [AETERNA Records] 03. Argy, Adriatique - RACER (Extended Mix) [Afterlife Records] 04. Zerky, Adam Sellouk - Touch It (Extended Mix) [SPINNIN' DEEP] 05. Tiesto - RVN (Raven) [Misical Freedom] 06. Sarah De Warren, Charles D (USA), KASIA (ofc) - PSYCHO (Original Mix) [Drumcode] 07. Pierre Blanche - ID 08. Green Velvet, Layton Giordani - When It Kicks (Extended Mix) [MADMINDS] 09. Kos:mo - Obey to the Dancefloor (Original Mix) [1605] 10. Da Hool, Cassian, YOTTO - Love Parade (Extended Mix) [Afterlife Records] 11. Pierre Blanche - ID 12. Rafael Cerato, Wave Wave - Sound Vibrate (Original Mix) [1001 Recordings] 13. Layton Giordani, Be No Rain, GENESI (ITA) - Call You Back (Extended Mix) [MADMINDS] 14. Khainz, Mariz, KASIA (ofc) - Stop Go (Original Mix) [Tomorrowland Music] 15. Tone Depth, Wasiu, Massano - Nina (Extended Mix) [Afterlife Records] 16. Pierre Blanche- Phenomena (Extended Mix) [Condense] 17. Losless, KAS:ST - In & Out (Extended Mix) [UPPERGROUND] Randy Seidman · Open House 249 w/Randy Seidman + Pierre Blanche [Nov. 2025]
South Koreans overthrew their president after martial law. Can Americans defend democracy as fiercely if Trump takes the same authoritarian path?Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE
This week, the Lads are taking the sword to Trump's big deal with China. The South Korean talks were heralded by both sides as a breakthrough. They reached agreements on US soybean exports, the supply of rare earth minerals, and the materials used in production of the drug fentanyl. They managed to resolve the Nexperia crisis by means of a simple volte face. But in an era where trade deals tend to come and go, Andrew and Philip are picking this one out as significant. A moment where the Trumpists have had to bend the knee to the rising power, and thereby, set out the trajectory of the next decade. Is this The Sorpaso? To listen in full to this hour long special, you'll need to go to Patreon, and pay Andrew and Philip 5 £ $ €. Just google Patreon + Multipolarity.
We've all heard the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," but I'm not sure if that applies to South Korea and Japan forming an alliance against China.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4hAUAYP
All Horror October is behind us, but we're diving right back into the weird and the wonderful. This week, we tackle Bugonia — the latest mind-bender from Yorgos Lanthimos — and the South Korean cult classic that inspired it, Save the Green Planet! Two films that share a premise but couldn't be more different in tone, heart, or execution. Our guest Adam Beam returns as we pair the discussion with brews from Celestial Brewing and Japas Cervejaria. It's a rare spoiler alert episode — and with these two films, trust us, you'll want to heed it.
Clever strategy or cultural misstep? Crown gift to Trump has people talking진행자: 홍유, Tannith Kriel기사요약: 이재명 대통령이 고대 신라 금관 복제품을 도널드 트럼프 전 미국 대통령에게 선물하자, 미국 내 ‘노 킹스' 시위와 시기 문제로 논란이 일었지만 일부는 이를 실리 외교로 옹호하며 찬반이 엇갈렸다.[1] President Lee Jae Myung presenting a gold crown to US President Donald Trump immediately sparked heated debate in both the United States and South Korea, with many expressing bewilderment at the timing and cultural implications of the gift.spark a debate: 논쟁을 촉발하다, 뜨거운 논의를 불러일으키다bewilderment: 당혹감, 혼란스러움implication: 함의, 의미[2] In online South Korean communities, opinions were divided. Some criticized the gesture as “tone-deaf” in the wake of massive “No Kings” demonstrations in the US, while others viewed it as a strategic act of pragmatic diplomacy, particularly given the high-stakes tariff negotiations then underway between the two nations.tone-deaf: 분위기·정서를 파악하지 못하는, 상황을 잘못 읽는pragmatic: 실용적인, 현실적인 접근을 하는[3] At the center of the controversy is a specially crafted replica of a gold crown excavated from the Cheonmachong Tomb in Gyeongju, believed to date to the fifth or sixth century during the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935). Lee conferred the crown, along with the Order of Mugunghwa, Korea's highest honor, to Trump during their summit on Wednesday in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The original crown, unearthed in the late 1970s in Silla capital Gyeongju, has been designated as National Treasure No. 188.excavated: 발굴된, 파내어진 (고고학적 발견에서 사용)confer: (상·칭호 등을) 수여하다, 부여하다[4] The replica was crafted from approximately 1 kilogram of gold, which alone currently commands a market price of around 187 million won ($131,000).command: (특정 가격을) 얻다, 형성하다기사원문: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10605150
Thank you ITS Never Happening…, Marg KJ, Lynette, Pam Wade, B. Warren, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.* Trump's Martial Law Blueprint: Can Americans Stop It Like South Korea Did?: South Koreans overthrew their president after martial law. Can Americans defend democracy as fiercely if Trump takes the same authoritarian path? [ To hear more, visit egberto.substack.com
The US indicts two cybersecurity employees over ransomware attacks, hackers extort customers of South Korean massage parlors, another crypto firm gets hacked for $128 million dollars, and cargo thieves collab with hackers to target freight companies. Show notes Risky Bulletin: US indicts two rogue cybersecurity employees for ransomware attacks
In Season 6, Episode 5 of Global Taiwan Insights, Ben Sando interviews Dr. Eun A Jo, an Assistant Professor at William and Mary and expert on South Korean politics. In June this year, the Democratic Party of Korea's Lee Jae Myung was elected president, triggering speculation that South Korea would discontinue its policy of clear alignment with the United States. Before Lee took office, Seoul had been working with Tokyo and Washington on military and economic collaboration intended to deter both China and North Korea. As a non-traditional politician, Lee's policies towards Taiwan are not easy to predict, and Jo explains how we can interpret his early political decisions.
Is this the end of J-Horror, or has the legacy, inspired a new batch of directors gained new legs? Marc Canale and myself dig in to find out through the American remake boom, South Korean cinema and a wealth of fresh Japanese talent.
Folks, on this week's episode we hear about how a newspaper spoke to a different Bill de Blasio for an interview, the South Korean lawmaker caught drawing a gorilla during a parliamentary meeting, why the Bruce Springsteen movie got his hatred for mustard wrong, how a man's smart vacuum was mapping a secret map of his house, and high school students who were taught about the wrong roman emperor BUY ELI'S NEW STAND UP ALBUM HERE: https://eliyudin.bandcamp.com/album/humble-offeringOR WATCH IT HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2wwdrpjcBecome a patron for weekly bonus eps and more stuff! :www.patreon.com/whatatimepodCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/whatatimetobealiveGet one of our t-shirts, or other merch, using this link! https://whatatimepod.bigcartel.com/whatatimepod.comJoin our Discord chat here:discord.gg/jx7rB7JTheme music by Naughty Professor: https://www.naughtyprofessormusic.com/@pattymo // @kathbarbadoro // @eliyudin// @whatatimepod©2025 What A Time LLC
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has visited the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas.
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports health officials in Gaza say Israel has handed over the bodies of 45 Palestinians; US Defense Secretary Hegseth visits the inter-Korean border ahead of security talks with South Korean officials; Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country has received more American-made Patriot air defense systems to help it counter Russia's daily barrages; and British police charge a man in Saturday's knife attack.
In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, Jeongmin and Joon Ha return to Seoul after covering APEC in Gyeongju, where President Lee Jae-myung and Donald Trump finalized a U.S.-ROK tariff deal following months-long negotiations. The team explains new details on the $350 billion investment package, tariff reductions and how the agreement was received at home. They then unpack Lee's request for U.S. approval of nuclear-powered submarines — Seoul's proposal to Trump during the summit. The hosts also examine expert views on related challenges and defense implications, as well as reactions from China's foreign ministry and the South Korean public. Next, they discuss Lee's summits with Xi Jinping and Japan's Sanae Takaichi, and detail Nvidia's pledge to supply over 260,000 of its advanced AI chips to the ROK government and conglomerates after CEO Jensen Huang's meetings with Samsung and Hyundai leaders. The episode closes with an explanation of Pete Hegseth's visit to Seoul and Lee's upcoming budget address at the National Assembly. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson
Bugonia is a 2025 absurdist black comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. It is an English-language remake of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet! by Jang Joon-hwan. It follows two young men who kidnap a powerful CEO, suspecting that she is secretly an alien who wants to destroy Earth. A co-production of Ireland, South Korea, and the United States, the film stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone.Development on the film began as early as 2020, with Jang attached to direct and Will Tracy adapting the screenplay. Ari Aster came on board as producer soon after, and by February 2024, Lanthimos was hired to direct, replacing Jang, while Stone joined the project both as an actress and producer. Plemons joined the cast that May, and it was soon acquired by Focus Features for distribution at the Cannes Film Festival. Principal photography began in July in High Wycombe, England, and Atlanta, Georgia, and during which time, the rest of the cast was announced. Additional filming took place in May 2025 in Milos, Greece. With an estimated budget of $45-$55 million, Bugonia is Lanthimos' most expensive film.Bugonia had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025, and was theatrically released in the United States by Focus Features on October 24. It received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of Plemons and Stone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
British police say a 32-year-old man is now being treated as the only suspect in a mass stabbings on a train in England on Saturday. A second man detained at the scene has been released. Also in the programme: New York is about to grab the headlines all over again - we look forward to a mayoral election for the ages on Tuesday; the Maldives brings in the world's only generational smoking ban; we speak to acclaimed South Korean author Bora Chung about her latest book, 'The Midnight Timetable'; and the wartime message in a bottle found ashore after more than 100 years.(Photo: Police met the Doncaster to London King's Cross train as it made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon. Credit: PA MEDIA)
To be continued in part 23, By FinalStand for Literotica. Christian College Sex Comedy: Part 23 Zane Spars with the minds of the Faculty In 30 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the podcast at Explicit Novels. "You are quite the James T. Kirk in this Undiscovered Country of Freedom Fellowship University," Doctor Scarlett eventually spoke up. I didn't know who that was but I had a feeling it wasn't a modern Christian author. "Who?" I asked. Doctor Scarlett blinked. "James T. Kirk, Captain of the Starship Enterprise, from Star Trek," she seemed confused that I didn't know who this guy was. "Wait, you mean that bald guy? I thought he was named something else," I wondered. "That's Jean Luc Picard, who was the captain in the second series called Star Trek: The Next Generation," she corrected me. It was somewhat amazing to me that the Vice Chancellor was a science fiction buff. Who knew? "Oh, wait, you mean that guy that Chris Pine plays?" I thought I figured it out. "Thank you; he is kind of hot." "No," she corrected, "that is the new series of movies, but it is the same character." I nodded as the pieces slowly came together. "Ah, the Green Orion Slave Girl," I finally clued in, "and that black babe who later showed up on Heroes." Sensing Doctor Scarlett's exasperation I added, "I remember ladies better than I do men." "Obviously," she noted. "I did not call you to my office to discuss trivia, Mr. Braxton, " "Please, call me Zane," I interrupted then, "and I apologize for interrupting. May I call you Victoria?" "Doctor Scarlett will do," she shook her head. "As I was saying, I asked you here to discuss your integration into this school so that we can avoid some of the problems experienced in the past." I looked at her; she looked back, expecting me to say something, but I didn't. "As the sole eligible male on campus, what do you see as your role here?" she pressed on. "Uhmm, Doctor Scarlett, I am a student here, that is my role. Are you implying that I'm looking for something special because I am a guy?" I questioned. "Mr. Braxton, Zane, you are a guy, you have remodeled your personal quarters into a bordello, and there is evidence of you having sexual relations with multiple female students," she responded. "How is that not 'something special'?" "The administration stuck me in the attic, then told me I could set up my room any way I saw fit," I clarified. "The vast majority of my room is set aside for my fellow freshmen to have a place to unwind and relax." "I've never violated any girl's Purity Pledge, though a few have reconsidered it after meeting me," I admitted. "I've been in a few fights, I'm not proud of that. I did as much as I could do to resist Chancellor Bazz, I am proud of that. What she was doing was ten shades of wrong and I don't run away from a righteous fight." "Zane, I am not condemning you for defending the women in your life, nor for having a healthy libido," Doctor Scarlett stunned me with a lack of blame being tossed my way. I worked that over in my mind until I figured out what was going on. "So, do you have any recommendations on what I could do differently to fit in?" I inquired. The problem was, this wasn't about me fitting in. She wasn't lauding my sexuality and she was trying to throw me off-center by the little annoying phone call game, followed by this sympathetic interpretation of my school life to date. I knew she wanted to manipulate me but I didn't know why. I had to get her to tip me her hand so I could figure out what the game was. "Are you familiar with the concept of Christian Female Tribalism?" Scarlett opened. "I get the feeling it has something to do with the six framed articles from non-Christian magazines hanging on your wall," I noted. "Also, you are clearly the darling of the Christian media," I added, as I tallied up the dozen other articles attesting to her fame. "I haven't dedicated my life's work for the sake of popularity," Doctor Scarlett smiled (sure, right). "I am looking into the relationship between Jesus Christ's teachings, men and women. My research has led me to believe that women exist in a more spiritually pure form when solely in the company of other women." "Where do men fit into this picture?" I questioned. "Men provide the ultimate guidance, of course, as well as their roles in procreation and raising male children past the age of eleven," Doctor Scarlett related. "Women are happiest and most effective when they form their own networks and hierarchies." "You don't date much, do you?" I had to ask. "Mr. Braxton, I have lived a chaste life in pursuit of my studies," she answered. "Outside of your father, Victoria, have you ever lived under a man's guidance?" I wondered. It was a calculated move to use her Christian name. "It is Ms. Scarlett, Zane, and I have relied on a variety of pastors for spiritual guidance over the years," she stated. "Okay," I stood up, "we have nothing to discuss then." She didn't yell at me as I headed for the door. "You've never been in love and I can tell you have a poor estimation of romance." "You would be incorrect, Zane; I have been in love but I chose purity over sinfulness," she countered. "My faith is based on God being love, without reservation, restriction, or guilt. I know exactly where you are coming from," I said with my hand on the doorknob as I looked over my shoulder. "You are seeking validation for the mistakes you've made over your lifespan and you are willing to sacrifice the young ladies at the school." I was getting angry. "I was hoping for something better but it seems like a different conductor but the same old music, Doc." "That is not so," Doctor Scarlett stayed calm. "I am not attempting to drive you or any other student off campus. I am not your enemy." "That is simple enough to resolve," I nodded. "What is your perfect women's society view and response to promiscuity?" "Lust is a sin; women should resist sin as vigorously as men," she countered. "The seven deadly sins are Catholic, not the words of Jesus," I grinned. "In fact, the first list wasn't even created until the 4th century after Christ." "That does not make them any less valid," Doctor Scarlett offered. "What is the cut-off date for Bible legitimacy?" I turned and faced her. "1000 Ace? Today, here, and now? Who is to say I can't create new scripture, then?" "I apologize, Zane," she mused, "but you hardly seem to be someone touched by the hand of God with a gift of prophecy." "Do I have to lay on hands to prove it?" I beamed. I had finally been able to interject sexual innuendo into the conversation. She didn't respond like a damn normal person, no. Doctor Scarlett stood up, walked around her desk and came to a stop barely a foot from me. I am not so easily deterred. I leaned into the doctor until my nose was at the crux of her neck and shoulder. I used my cheek to push her hair aside and sniff my way up to her ear. She was really ironclad in her control of her passions. I trailed my nose up to her eyebrow ridge, circled over the forehead, down past the other eye, and over to her lips. We didn't kiss but I did get what I wanted. "How about I call you Victoria when we are alone?" I tested her. "No; call me Ms./Dr./Vice-Chancellor Scarlett," she corrected. "You are my student." "Cool," I shrugged. "Is there anything more for us to discuss?" "I would like to discuss my plans for this school and the role I think you can take on," Scarlett persisted. "We've had that discussion, I chose a messy democracy over any sweet-smelling dictatorial existence," I declared. "Your belief system stands for the denial of self-determination." "It does not, Zane. If anything, it gives women more power over their lives," she explained. "But the basis for your system retains men in charge, with the added 'benefit' of women being more removed from the critical decision-making processes," I replied patiently. "Don't you enjoy being in charge of so many women here at FFU, Zane? You have certainly convinced dozens of women to do what you want, even to their own detriment," Doctor Scarlett drove her point home. I laughed; I couldn't help myself. "I might enjoy being in charge if any of the women would give me the opportunity, Victoria. Honestly, I allow the women here to safely experiment with their sexually," I explained. "Thing is, I really don't mind because I help these ladies become more comfortable in their skins, with their desires, and allow them to share things they have discovered about themselves. If I was with only one woman, what peer could she talk to? You've put your blinders on to the fact that women want to examine those urges they all have," I proposed. "They don't surrender to lust; they acknowledge it, explore those frontiers, and then decide how to use that knowledge," I continued. "Most of the women in my life here don't lose their virginity. I think by challenging their Purity Pledge, they become stronger in their convictions. I'm not taking any choice from them; they are exercising their own will concerning their bodies." "If you deny the male role in the Christian relationship, doesn't that emasculate you?" Victoria asked, and I noticed she didn't chastise me for using her first name this time. "I'm not going to fall into the trap of mistaking sexual activity for true masculine activity," I headed her off. "I would like to think I mediate disputes, help with our studies, and protect them physically if needed. I don't like to fight, but I will fight to defend my ladies. So no, I don't feel less of a man because I listen to, occasionally obey, and always try to respect women." "I see your point, Zane, and I will give it some consideration," Doctor Scarlett lied to me. "Oh, wow, that condescension was unwarranted, Doc," I shook my head. "You would never accept that I could be the man who would alter your lifelong path. You have an unrealistic expectation of what that man would be like but it allows you to pursue your goal without male guidance and still be a good Christian woman." "So now you think I am a hypocrite?" She gave a patient smile. "Nope. I think you believe the theory you are selling, Vic. You are clever, attractive, but somewhat annoyed that your looks give your ideas less credence though you still use your looks when needed. You are manipulative because you are sincere and you want to keep the argument based on rational discourse, not passion." "That would make you my opposite," she observed. "You embrace your gut instincts and allow your emotions to override what you think is the safe course of action. It is a pity you perceive me to be your enemy; I thought we could do great things together." "You are the enemy, but you are not the bad guy; I respect those who have faith, even if it is faith in something I don't agree with," I pointed out. "You believe women are better off without male interference in their lives. I believe there is nothing better in Creation than a man and woman in harmony with one another," I stated. "Don't you believe in safeguarding these young ladies' souls?" Victoria pressed on. "If the ladies were children I could understand your interference," I countered, "but they are adults, capable of making adult decisions, and you do them a disservice by stealing their destinies from them." "You see yourself as a better alternative?" she remained serenely calm, that's so hot. "Lady, my life is a mess," I grinned. "I have a hard time figuring out what I'm going to do much less what I should tell someone else to do." "But you are making the decision that my solution is the wrong one. How do you justify that?" she countered my grin with a smile of her own. "Just because I don't have the right answer doesn't mean I don't recognize the wrong one when I see it," I reposted. "As I said earlier, we have nothing to discuss." "Very well," she allowed, "but please tell me what the whole sniffing thing was about." "It was more than sniffing, Doctor Scarlett. I was looking for your pulse reaction, sweat, what kind of perfume and body soap you use, as well as facial tics and eye dilation." "That is certainly odd," she pointed out. "Well, it tells me you are a mid-thirties virgin who likes feminine things. Your skirt is finely woven wool, your shirt is silk, and your cross is 24 K, as is the necklace, with a real ruby inset. Your bra is a black half-cup, which is very nice if you are wearing a white shirt. Lastly, you are wearing stockings, not pantyhose." "Since neither you nor Ms. Reveal is a lesbian, you are wearing these clothes for your own enjoyment because you are not interested in any man right now," I told her. "You are still holding out for your Mystery Man which is oddly romantic for someone who denies romance." "Ms. Buchanan was right," Scarlett laughed softly. "You would be interesting to deal with." Right as I made ready to ask her what exactly Christina said, my stomach began rumbling. "I'm off to lunch unless you need me for anything right now," I sighed. Victoria turned me around and directed me out the door. Rio, Mercy and Vivian were waiting for me. It rapidly became clear that Rio was Doctor Scarlett's next appointment. "Ms. Reveal," I inquired of Doctor Scarlett's assistant who glared in response. "I'm heading off to the dining hall, and since I doubt you've been able to grab a bite to eat, do you want me to pick up something for you and the doctor?" I doubted that was what she expected. She typed away at her keyboard for a few second, checking out today's menu. "Mr. Braxton, could you get me the Caesar Salad and Doctor Scarlett the trout?" she said. "Zane," Rio snickered softly, "how far did you get? I'd hate to have to sex her up all over again when I can go straight for the main dish." "Smooth, Bro," I groaned while Marisol looked like she was going to staple Rio's ear to the desk. "The Doctor and I talked and that is all," I cautioned Rio. "I suggest you do the same and keep it simple." Rio snorted and followed Doctor Scarlett into her office. Before she dropped out of sight, Rio half-turned, pointed at Victoria's ass, and mouthed 'Wow' and made out the hourglass curves. She was really subtle; only Mercy, Vivian, Marisol and I saw it, which meant all of us. "Mercy, are you going to be okay?" I inquired once the door shut and Mercy had sat down on the bench outside the office. "I need to stay for Rio," Mercy sighed. "Vivian, can you wait for Rio while Mercy and I take a walk?" I asked my guardian. "Absolutely, Zane," Vivian nodded. She took a seat while Mercy followed me wordlessly out the door. "You don't have to do this, Zane," Mercy spoke up after a while. "Own up to all you do, Mercy," I replied, "and by that, I mean I brought you and Rio into a collision course so I am as responsible for your happiness as I am for Rio's." "I, umm, thank you," Mercy worked out the words. "Rio can be too much to handle at times." "Yes," I wrapped a very inappropriate arm around her shoulder, "she can be, but I feel she's worth putting up with the bull crap. Don't be discouraged by her fooling around with other women, or men; Rio is far more loyal than people give her credit for. She may do things to piss you off, that's a given, but she wants to be with you. In fact, who do you believe she was thinking of when she bought that ass plug?" "You?" she meekly mocked me. "Ha, ha, ha," I chuckled. "That is the reason I don't sleep on my stomach these days, Mercy. She plays rough. She loves rough too, so I feel it is an adequate trade-off. If you want to snuggle with someone else from time to time, you are welcome on my pillow any night." "Zane, do you think I'm a lesbian? What I am trying to say is, I think I may be a lesbian but I'm not sure," Mercy confided in me. "It doesn't matter what I think but in my experience, you are bi-sexual, not a dedicated lesbian. That could mean that you like relationships with girls but the occasional fling with a guy," I said. "You have had sex with me and I know you enjoyed it. You are not in an environment that allows many men so now that you are coming into your sexuality, you are confronted by women. Sexual orientation is one thing; sexual preference is another," I went on to say, "At Spring Break we should put your ideas to the test. Until then, don't worry too much about it." "Not being a virgin would be horrible enough," Mercy related. "If my parents thought I was homosexual, they would die, or kill me." "Mercy, do you think what you are doing is sinful?" I questioned. Mercy had to think about that for a while. We gathered up three trays and made our way back to the Vice Chancellor's office. "Yes, yes, I do, Zane," Mercy muttered. "I am afraid I'm going to Hell." "Mercy, you are not going to hell, at least not for what you've been doing the past few weeks," I comforted her. "Think about the good you've done for Rio." "I am still steeped in perversions," she moped. "Trust me on this; the battle between Heaven and Hell will not be decided by the playful use of a dildo, ass plug, or vibrator," I whispered into her ear. Mercy rewarded me with a wicked little smile. "What matters is the happiness you bring, the trust you earn, and the powerless you protect. Don't knock yourself out because you too are feeling pleasure." Mercy stopped walking which brought me up short. She worried her lower lip as she worked some things out in her head. "Do you think I'm really Rio's best hope at salvation?" she asked softly. "You more than anyone else," I responded. I could see a weight lifting off her shoulders. "Thank you, Zane," she smiled at me. We entered the Administration building and headed for the Vice-Chancellor's office. "I'm going to have to tell Rio about his conversation," I told her. Mercy looked uncertain. "Someone deserves a spanking, don't you think?" That wonderful little lusty smile crept onto her lips once more. More Monday Mornings Doing the correct thing is good; doing right and confounding your enemies at the same time is golden. Blow & Arrow "You are getting better, Zane," Molly Travers told me after my rotation to the shooting line. "If you say so," I shrugged. "I've yet to hit the rings twice in a row." "But you are hitting the target every time," she pointed out. "Great," I chuckled, "if I ever get attacked by a rhino or a barn door, I'll do fine." "If it is a big barn door, a really big barn door," she snickered in sympathy. "So, uhmm, what do you think your chances against Hope are?" "Huh," I looked to her, "are you betting on me and Hope's sparring match?" "It's not really a bet, more like a wager," Molly grinned. "Betting and wagering is the same thing, Molly," I pointed out. "Okay, fine, we are betting on the outcome," Molly admitted. "So what do you think the odds of you winning are?" "Barring the intervention of large fighting robots, I'd bet on the cute Asian chick to win," I joked. "Arrows," Chastity called out. It was my job to retrieve all the expended arrows from the field, being the junior member of the team. After that we did one more round, then we cleaned up and made our way to either study period or our next club. Chastity held me back so that we could go to Karate class together. "Don't be too hard on Hope," Chastity abruptly told me. "I'm not all that sure I can beat her, Chastity," I confided. "Oh, there is no chance of that," Chastity assured me. "She's going to destroy you. I only want to make sure you are a good sport about it because she really likes you and she's worried you might take this beating the wrong way." I stopped and stared at her somewhat incredulously. "Oh, come on," I grumbled. "I have some sort of chance. She's not that good." "If thinking that makes you feel better," she patted me on the back. "Well, if you believe I can't win, you will be willing to make a wager on the outcome then," I challenged Chastity. "What would it be?" Chastity mused. "You in a little, itty-bitty French Maid's outfit for twelve hours of my choosing," I said. "What do I get if Hope wins?" Chastity countered. "What would you want?" I grinned. "Any one favor to be decided on later," was what she came back with. "Oh, please, my favor is relatively precise while you want the world," I pointed out. "Okay, I want one 'forgiveness' in advance," Chastity offered. I groaned. "You just have to keep busting my chops, don't you?" I sighed. "Fine, I'll make the bet." For a private sparring match, Hope and I drew a great deal of attention. Christina, Heaven, Chastity, and Faith were expected, as was Coach Gorman. I had kind of hoped Cappadocia would hang around so we could hook up when the fight was over. Everyone else was rather distracting. Both Hope and I went shirtless, me bare-chested and she with a black sports bra, as well as barefoot. We set up four meters apart with Hope doing something that mimicked warm-up exercises. It took a second of eye contact for the fight to begin. I kicked out viciously; she collapsed beneath the blow and swept my legs. My back slapped the mats and before I could move or mount much of a defense, Hope was all over me. It was arm bar and she had my head in a scissor lock and that was that. I tapped out before she could render me unconscious. No one said anything as I regained my feet. I was careful not to make eye contact until I'd backed up a bit. I had no clue to what kind of Monkey Kung-fu she had just worked on me but I knew that what little Thai Kickboxing I had wasn't cutting it, but I knew even less Karate and even less of what Gorman and Black had shown me. It boiled down to making use of what I did know to the best effect. This time I danced to the left using a little trick Gabrielle Black had taught me (with some pain added). At first Hope mirrored my movements so when I lashed out with my first kick it caught her off-guard since I'd also been slowly closing the distance between us. She tried to snake within my reach but I kept shifting and kicking to hold her at bay. When she finally did get inside, I hit her with every fist/arm/elbow strike I knew. I knocked her back, pursued her, and for a moment it looked like I had a chance. Hope kept maneuvering with the grace of a gymnast so I couldn't pin her to the mat. Once she got to her feet I sensed I was rapidly running out of options. I certainly didn't expect a chop to my temple and that was pretty much all she wrote. She jumped up, put her knee into my diaphragm and rode me to the ground. I managed to block twice against her strikes as she straddled my stomach. I almost knocked her aside, we wrestled, and that was the totally wrong thing to do. I knew crap about wrestling. My tapping out was a foregone conclusion once she got me on my stomach. For a second I lay there marveling how quickly I'd gone down, twice. I noticed that Hope was still standing astride my body so I rolled over in place and looked up. For a second she had this look that reminded me of staring into the pitiless depths of the ocean. "My head hurts," I emphasized with a deep breath. That set off a flash of light in her eyes. "The important one or the one on top of your neck?" she smiled from above. Hope crossed her arms and helped me stand. "Are we okay?" she suddenly seemed worried. "Oh, hell, no," I gasped. "I've got to learn me some of those moves. You were freaking awesome." That outburst gained me a snort of amusement on her part. "I am not a master so I would have to consult my master before taking on a student," Hope informed me. "Your Father?" I was curious. "No; my Father had to get permission to teach my sisters and me. My Master is back in Korea," she answered. Hope and I parted ways and various friends now felt free to join the party. "Damn, Bro, she kicked your ass. I'm ashamed to call you family," Rio mocked me. "Rio, now you know how he feels about you every day," Valarie shot back. "I think he did pretty good, all things considered," Coach Dana Gorman stated. "I don't believe Zane's ever fought against a 'soft' or passive style." "Fifteen or twenty more years and I would have had her," I chuckled. "You are right, Coach; I've never seen her precise style. I've tried some of the exercises monks use but those were primitive compared to what Hope showed me today. Now I think I'm going to take a shower." "Everyone will clear out now," Coach ordered as I made my way to the showers. ZETAS "Honestly, Zane," Sahara lectured me deliciously, "did you have to flush my phone down the toilet?" "Technically, I only dropped it in," I corrected. "I didn't hit the handle. Besides, you know your husband would only annoy us with his incessant phone calls." "I still feel a little guilty," Sahara sighed. "He knew when I would be over and where we would be going if he wasn't going to be kind enough to be there," I pointed out. "The only reason to call you would be to ruin the moment he could have pre-empted by showing a little consideration for your feelings." "That is not fair," Sahara countered. "My husband is a community leader with many responsibilities." "So would you be if people would wake up and see you as I do," I answered. "Zane, I don't want any misconceptions about me," Sahara stared at me intently. "I am loyal to my marital vows." "I don't doubt that for a second," I agreed. "Betrayal leaves its own scars and I don't see any on you." Sahara didn't immediately react to that, instead taking a long sip of her tea. "Certainly you have heard the rumors by now?" she said softly. "Yes, and I believe them," I responded gravely. I let that hang there for thirty seconds. "Aliens did land in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947, and they interred the bodies at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base before finally moving them to Area 51." Sahara didn't know what to make of that for a second but slowly began to smirk. "What? Was there another rumor that I should be giving a damn about?" I concluded. "Some people compromise for the easy way out, some people remain mostly steadfast and take the hard road, but you are the only man I know who gladly skips through a minefield because even the hard road is too much of a compromise for you," she commented. "I can only be me," I replied. "I couldn't be you; I doubt the clothes would fit." "Oh, you are such a strange individual," she tilted her head. Before she could explain our food arrived and she felt it prudent to wait until there were fewer prying ears. "Do you think it is appropriate for me to, ask about Ms. Vickers?" "No," I responded patiently. "If you ever feel like it is your business, she's in church every Sunday and she's nice, if a bit nervous considering the current circumstances." "It is only that I hear things about you when my husband talks to other people and, much of it doesn't make sense," she added. "For instance, I believe I'm the only one who sees it but I'm sure you are having an affair with Rochelle Wellington." "I'm neither confirming nor denying anything but how does that make you feel?" I countered. "Infidelity is a crime," she answered after a few seconds, "but Mayor Wellington is a horrible, horrible man." And this was coming from the woman married to that bastard, Pastor Bill. "I confess that I find the whole thing very amusing, to the point where I pray to Christ for forgiveness virtually every night. That includes using me as a distraction for Kendra's nosey little self." "That was not my intent if that's any consolation," I sighed. "I simply thought we had a lot in common." "Such as?" she smiled. "Well, before we moved here, we had no idea where Lancaster, Virginia was," I started. "We both know that waving a Bible around doesn't make someone holy; a custom may be fine for you but it isn't for everyone and we know what it is to be judged by people who have never gotten to know us," I completed. "I also wanted you to know that I know about Bill and we are not alone." "Know? What do 'we' know?" she asked confidently enough. "We know why he let them think you were the one who was unfaithful," I clarified somewhat. Sahara stared at me, her face torn by a plethora of warring emotions; loyalty, anger over being betrayed, and relief that she didn't bear this terrible burden alone anymore were all there. "Men handle such things differently than women," Sahara told me in a distant voice. "My father wanted boys." "I imagine your Father-in-Law wishes he had raised his boy to be a man too," I joked. "That's unfair," I corrected myself. "I have nothing against men of a different persuasion. It is bastards I have a problem with." "Please, Zane, he is still my husband," Sahara admonished me. "Well, he had better start treating you better or I may re-familiarize him with Deuteronomy 23:1 (ty-jw)," I responded. "Your loyalty to him should be met with respect. That is the deal we make when we get married." "What makes you think you know so much about marriage?" Sahara inquired after a bite, some savory chewing and a gulp. "I'm smarter than I look. Okay, that's not too difficult, but I'm usually smarter than people give me credit for." "Smart things like inviting Ms. Kennan to services yesterday?" she taunted me. "I actually didn't invite her but don't tell anyone; I revel in people's opinion that I'm irreverent," I grinned. Sahara tried and failed to fight down her own smile in response. "I've actually invited Belle, Ms. Kennan, to live with me and Jill as well as giving her a job." "I, I don't know what to make of that," Sahara worried. "She's very pretty, I imagine." "Sahara, you need to become a better judge of people," I said. "I wouldn't trust Belle with my car keys or my favorite cuff links, but I'd trust her with Jill's life or my own." "Sometimes it helps to remember we are still listening to the words of a poor carpenter's son who suffered through exile," I pointed out, "who wouldn't do what the authorities told him to do, died because he was betrayed by a close friend, and went to the grave abandoned by all those who said they understood him; not most people's first choice for founder of the world's largest religion." "When you put it that way, it sounds depressing," Sahara agreed. "It also sounds exactly as it played out. It often does not occur to most believers that the flame of Christianity almost fluttered out before it ever really came to life." She looked for me to say something but all I did was grin. A few seconds later I saw that flicker of understanding come alive in her eyes. "Here you are, the star of multiple on-line sexual misadventures, sitting with the preacher's disreputable wife in the most romantic restaurant in town and we are discussing morality and religion," she chuckled. "No one will believe us despite this being the truth. I find your perverse and bizarre sense of humor very enchanting, Zane." "The important thing is that you are having a good time, Sahara," I explained. She laughed out loud, drawing attention to our little candlelit alcove of the eatery. I doubted she cared and I certainly didn't. We finished our meal, I paid, and we headed straight back to her place. The game was, we left zero time for any possible hanky-panky to take place. We wanted the people who were going to accuse us of impropriety to make real asses of themselves when we revealed our timeline established by my filling up of gas right before picking her up, our valet ticket at the restaurant, and finally, our credit card receipt for the restaurant itself. I had outlined my plan to Sahara and she heartily approved. Unlike the time her husband had screwed her over, she could fight this scandal. I pulled into the Penny's driveway and I rushed around to get her door for her (thank you, Heaven, for that bit of etiquette). We walked through the front door only to see Pastor Bill a few steps away from the door. "Where have you been?" he growled. Sahara dutifully lowered her head. "We were at Zetas," I stated calmly, "right where I told you we would be." Bill ground his teeth and glared at Sahara. "What have you been doing?" he snapped. "Nothing," I now grinned. "I accidentally left the lube and the box of condoms on your kitchen counter." Pastor Bill was rendered speechless. "I was the one who dropped her phone into the toilet; don't blame Sahara," I told him. "Sahara, this was fun. I don't often get to have an adult conversation about the basis of Christianity. I do appreciate your insights. I gotta go now. You two have a good evening and I guess I'll see you on Wednesday night, Sahara. Bill, I'll see you on Sunday." "I doubt you will be seeing my wife again," Bill finally ground out. "Sahara, please give me and your husband a moment alone?" I asked her. "Of course, Zane, and thank you again for an intellectually stimulating night," was her own way at rebelling. I could tell ol' Bill didn't appreciate her pleasant tone to me one bit. When she had moved out of sight I leaned into my so-called religious leader. "Bill," I whispered to him, "between you, me and God, if something happens to Sahara, I'm giving you one year and a day, then they'll never find your body. You know the kind of low-lifes I hang out with. I'm not bluffing. The only other injustice will be that you won't suffer nearly enough. Am I absolutely fucking clear?" "I'm not afraid of you, you sleazy scumbag punk," he hissed. "Whatever, Bill, but you might want to know that the circuit board for your home security system is manufactured by a company I own," I lied. I had no idea if there was a circuit board for his system or who the hell manufactured it, but I was pretty sure he didn't know either. Bill and I were at an impasse. He was a bully and a liar who was used to manipulating people using both other people's faith and sins to get what he wanted. My advantage was that I was well known to be willing to inflict pain to get what I wanted (I just wanted to protect my ladies) and he was averse to actual physical confrontation. Belle brought a whole new definition to the conflict at First Anointed Free-willed Fellowship of Christ Church. There were a growing number of people willing to resist the order Bill had crafted for his own power. Now people defied him and the normal techniques of censor had little effect. His best hope was that Zane Braxton would get hung in another bizarre encounter and remove himself from the equation without Bill's interference. That was his hope, anyway. ON The CRUX OF CHANGE "Hey, Briana," I told my buddy from Colorado State. I was standing outside the door that led to my floor once more. "Hey, Future Slave to my Desires," she giggled back. She was a whole lot more playful than the last time we'd talked. "Gak!" I played with her. "I'm pleased to find you in higher spirits tonight. I hope that means you are doing better?" "Actually, I had a freaky weekend," she sighed. "I met my boyfriend's other girlfriend, it was a totally psycho-girlfriend moment too. She came at me when I was training with some sisters for a 5K run. She appeared in the parking lot and started screaming at me. It was scary. I had three sisters and she brought two wacked-out friends. A pair of off-duty firemen broke it up; sadly, one is married and the other is gay." "Briana, I have a confession: I'm a gay man in denial and I'm tired of hiding the real me," I stated sincerely. Briana's laughter rocketed through the connection, followed by some off-screen conversation, then the phone being handed around. "If you want that lie to be believable, tell us you are secretly a lesbian," Jarunee snickered at me in her native Thai tongue. "Give me a second and I'll come up with something more believable," I chuckled back in the same lingo. "How have you been?" "Pretty good; better than you since that little Korean girl wiped your ass all over the mats," she responded in English. "Okay, she's not so little, and I have it on good authority she was a champion on the Tijuana Midget Fighting Circuit while still in preschool," I covered my ass, then a fear began clawing its way inside me. "Is there any suggestion that she and I may have gone to bed together?" "Of course; this morning's upload," Jarunee informed me. "Oh, in that case, please tell the rest of the Kappa Sigmas that I won't be doing Spring Break after all," I groaned. "What, why?" Jarunee gulped, wondering what she'd done wrong. "Her dad is going to kill me," I related jokingly. "I won't make it to the end of this semester, much less to March. It was a nice dream, though." "Are you serious?" Jarunee worried. "Apparently Hope's, that's Hope Song who kicked my ass, father is some sort of a South Korean superman who eats two-bit punks like me for breakfast," I shrugged. "It can't be, and the phone was taken away. "Oh, my God! Was that one of Yeong Song's daughters you banged that can now be seen all over the internet?" a different girl babbled. "You really are a dead man." "Ooo-kayyy, who are you, by the way? I'm Zane," I started off. "Sorry. I'm Chrissy and my father is in the Navy and he does, stuff. I don't know how bad that man is but I've seen SEALs scramble to get out of that man's way faster than they would for any admiral." "What? That's absurd," I joked. "No one is that much of a bad-ass." Except for Gabrielle Black, I am so going to die at this man's hands, aren't I? "All I know is that the Navy decided it was safer to put him up at our house as opposed to a motel. Mom got upset because apparently the North Korean government put a huge bounty on his head since he killed so many of their Special Forces guys, no lie." I said nothing for the longest time. "Maybe he'll think I'm good son-in-law material," I tried to sound upbeat. "Yes," Chrissy tried to sound positive as well. I, of course, was desperately trying to remember how many times I had made Hope suck my cock, and our discussion of anal sex wasn't worth mentioning. Curling up into a fetal ball wouldn't do anyone any good either. "Very well, Chrissy. Can I talk to Briana one more time?" I asked. "Of course, Zane, and don't worry; the whole Kappa Sigma Sorority will start working on this problem. We will figure out something," she assured me. "Hey, guy," Briana sounded apprehensive, "are you going to be okay?" "Babe, it is just another day ending in 'y'. I've got this," I said confidently. "Good night, now." Briana said her good-byes and I took a moment to get my thoughts together before heading upstairs. It turned out I had over seventy ladies in my place, none more surprising than Coach Dana Gorman. She was paired with Valarie against Millicent and Raven in what looked like a close match up on the pool table. Another totally bizarre image was Vivian and Rio laying stomach first on the floor near one of the TV's, calves kicking in the air with Vivian helping Rio with something oddly akin to schoolwork. Mercy, Opal, Brandi, and Brigit were gathered around the closest table having formed some sort of study group as well. Magically enough, in the twilight of my life (no, I am not over-reacting!) it is good to see one of my plans actually work in almost the way I had intended. No one had noticed me arrive so I turned to go to the drink bar, and walked right into Paige. "Hi!" she squealed in excited delight. Her tight little albino body vibrated with orgasmic energy. "Hey, Babe," I kissed her on the lips lightly. She kept her hands tightly clasped behind her back. "You don't smell like sex," she grinned. "I went out to eat with the preacher's wife, Paige," I groaned. "Not every date is an inevitable sexual hook-up. We had a nice meal and talked about our church, morality, and religion, honest to God." "I believe you," Paige wouldn't stop grinning. "Cordelia is in your room, waiting for you, and thank you, thank you, thank you." Paige was undoubtedly ecstatic over the red marker on Cordelia's face that read 'Paige is smarter'. To see that was one of Paige's deepest desires. Cordelia was working away on her tablet as I slipped into my room. She was fully on my sleeping stage, lying on her back and tablet held up over her head as she worked on it. "Hello, Zane," Cordelia said. "I like your place; it is very you." "Cordelia," I managed to say back in a civil tongue. "Did you know who Yeong Song is?" "Of course I do," Cordelia answered without looking away from her work. I didn't say too much because I had little polite to say to the girl at the moment. After a minute she finished up working on her computer, put it down, propped herself up on her elbows, and smiled my way. Her pigtails swayed as she looked me over. "You are upset," she noted. "Why are you here?" I inquired curtly. "Oh, now we are in the 'you are angry with me but doing an admirable job controlling your violent impulses and going to reduce your interactions with me yet not going to let me alter your lifestyle in any way' phase," Cordelia sighed. "I am not fighting the fact that you are the smartest person on campus, maybe the smartest person I've ever met, but I think we are done playing around. When I drive out of these gates for the last time four years from now, I'm going to forget you and go on with my life," I told her. Cordelia smirked, then laughed. "Zane, I made you, you are my creation," she giggled. I was about to get pissed, then I got another boot to the head. "I was drawn to your family's tragic death years ago, saw your return to the United States as an excellent opportunity for us both, created several identities, talked to your aunt on-line about FFU, altered the admissions software so your application would be accepted, and made sure your medical records weren't examined until you were on campus." "You put me and Rio together," I pieced together; Cordelia nodded. "Iona?" "Ah, she's loyal to you, but it was easy enough to put her in your class. She is the type of girl who runs across traffic to save a turtle crossing the road," Cordelia smiled. "I knew she'd rally to your side, just like I knew that would be enough to keep you here until other events unfolded," she seemed terribly pleased. "Now the sorority and Christina are all you as well as the run-ins with the law, but you are my weapon to use on this campus, Zane. I could never beat Chancellor Bazz without creating a scandal that would break the school apart," she informed me. "Your rebellion was a possibility I explored but your ability to enlist Christina and the freshmen wasn't something I could facilitate; again, that was all your doing." "I have respected you and Heaven," Cordelia pointed out. "Because Christina and I would kill you," I countered. "No; I kept her secret because I am not needlessly cruel," she said. I almost believed it. "Wrong, Cordelia; you didn't betray Heaven because Christina and I would leave FFU," I stated. "Your game would fall apart; not because either one of us is special but because you don't like playing with dumb people, there is no challenge to it." Cordelia's smile only got wider. "You don't disappoint," she remarked, without a hint of shame or guilt. "Am I forgiven?" It occurred to me that no matter how absurd on the surface, Cordelia wanted someone to know and, in a way, understand her genius. "I think we may be past that," I murmured. "How about this; the Time Lord Mafia needs, I need your help," she confessed, but I was wary. "When Ms. Black came here I was suspicious that her record was too clean," Cordelia related, "so when you gave me that warning, I began digging very carefully. Well, this morning something happened." "Oh, crap," I muttered. "How bad and how likely is it that you will be tracked back to here?" "I set up a blind station in Lima, Peru," she said matter-of-factly, "all paid for in cash by people who don't know the real me. I had surveillance on the place as standard practice. Late last night, Lima time, three armed men broke into the small room and tore the place up." "Who were they?" I was now more intrigued. "They spoke perfect Spanish so I had no clue until one of them screwed up and a cheap shelf fell on him. He cursed in Hebrew." Cordelia exhibited real shock. "They were Mossad. I check up on some other stuff and I really think they are Israeli intelligence." What in the hell was Mossad doing hunting Gabrielle? What the hell was the only guy in an all-girls university doing getting involved with all this? Fuck it all, I'm a horny eighteen-year-old boy with more girlfriends than any two sane men would want. Wasn't talking to yourself one of the signs of mental instability? I was saved by the phone, sort of. "Zane, this is Doctor Scarlett," the Vice Chancellor said, "I am at your door and I need to come up and talk to you for a bit." "Of course, Doctor Scarlett," I responded as I caught Cordelia's eye. I hung up and the two of us headed into the main area. As soon as we exited the screens, Cordelia went toward the closest group of students to warn them and I travelled down the stairs. "Hey, Doctor," I greeted my latest guest. I screened the keypad from her view, asked the system for a new password, and read it off to her as it popped up. Doctor Scarlett reentered the code and had it scan her thumbprint without comment. "Thank you, Zane," Victoria greeted me politely. "I would like to see your domicile as well, if that is convenient." "Sure thing," I told her. "We have about forty-five minutes before curfew so it's pretty occupied." "It is your room," she nodded. "I have every reason to believe you are responsible with its use." I wouldn't say that, but then in the past five minutes my life had gone to hell anyway, and I had to put up a good face until bedtime. "Ah, the pictures I've seen do not do the view justice, Mr. Braxton," Doctor Scarlett exhaled. "Relax, take a walk around, and/or help yourself to some food, Doc," I offered. "After nine o'clock you may call me Victoria, Zane," she allowed in return. I was a little stunned. No one seemed overjoyed that Victoria was here but they weren't stampeding toward the door either. "You provide a great deal of stability," she told me softly. "Your presence provides your guests with a sense of peace and safety." "Perhaps you missed Coach Gorman giving two of your students pool lessons right over there?" I suggested. "Dana is your guest too, though I doubt her mood is swayed one way or another by your sense of calm," she grinned, then was brought up short. "Zane, there are two women in, bikinis in your, " "It is a hot tub," I provided the identification, "and I also provide the swim suits for those who need them." Victoria stared at me for a few seconds and I could sense her ready to finally explode on me with some righteous rage toward my overtly sexual ways. "Why would you have women's swimsuits?" she asked patiently. "I have one-pieces as well," I responded. "What would be the point of installing a hot tub, showers, and a sauna if I don't also supply the girls with swimsuits and towels?" Those words put her back on an even keel. Still -- "Doc, I have women coming in my second-story bedroom window back home in the middle of the night for the purposes of sexual intercourse," I sighed. "I hardly need to give students here revealing clothing to feed any vicarious thrill. Do you want a suit to take a dip?" "Let me think about that," she replied quickly. "How long does it take you to obtain a girl a suit?" "I have a suit for you already; you are virtually Vivian's size. And I even have one in red if that is your preference," I said. "Do you really want me to be in a red bikini?" she wondered. It was a trick question. "It is a one-piece, and all I want is for you to be as happy as you can be without trampling on the aspirations of others," I answered. "So you feel responsible for all the girls at this school," she stated. It took me a moment to realize this was a statement, not a question. "Good night, Zane," Victoria smiled. "Good night, ladies," she called out to the room. A chorus of 'good night's' were returned. She disappeared down the stairs and I felt a deep desire to be alone. Peace and quiet sounded good, yeah, I know. "Bro?" Rio snuck up on me. She gave me a quick once-over, then tenderly wove her arms around my waist and hugged me tightly. "I'm okay, Rio," I muttered. "Don't lie to me," she squeezed me tighter. "Trust me; I know that desperate, hopeless look well and I can see it creeping up behind your eyes. Zane, I don't know what's wrong and I'm not going to ask, but I want you to know that I'm here for you." I tilted my upper body back and met her gaze. "Who are you and what have you done to my Rio?" I grinned weakly. "Hey," she remained scarily compassionate, "you've soaked up my pain often enough. It is about time you let me carry some of yours." "What can I do?" Iona wiggled up to my side. A further miracle was delivered when Paige appeared within my field of vision at over five feet away. "Guys, do you think I can have the night to myself? I need to work out things in my head," I begged. "Consider it done," Rio and Iona stated together. Iona departed to spread the word. Rio departed as well, but doubled back to give me another hug. "Zane, don't leave me," she whispered into my chest. "Three seconds ago I was going to knock you out, roll you up in a blanket, and take you with me when I scaled the walls and ran home," I sighed. "To the bitter end," I gave Rio's and my own little motto. "To the bitter end," she mumbled back. After that, going to bed was surprisingly easy. "Zane," Gabrielle greeted me with a ghostly voice. I had called her and said we needed to talk. "Someone did some poking around on you," I told her, "and as a result, three Mossad agents broke into a false station they had in Peru. Is there anything we need to know about why Israeli Intelligence sent three armed men looking for you?" "Three," she mused. "The back-up squad was outside. Since you made no mention of a grenade, I assume they wanted me alive. What are the odds of them tracing the search back to Freedom Fellowship?" As she talked, she sat down on the bed next to me, next to my hip. "Since I have no clue as to what resources they can bring to bear, I would feel safe enough remaining here if they were after me," I answered. "What's your next move?" For a reason that went way beyond insane, I suddenly didn't want her to leave. "I wait. I do not have infinite exit plans or resources," she told me. "You are taking this awful well," I noted. "As opposed to wasting energy becoming pointlessly annoyed? You will keep me apprised of further developments," she commanded then rose to leave. "Gabrielle, do you know a guy named Yeong Song?" I blurted out. "I know of him but I've never met him," she stop
00:00:00 – Snap/EBT delays, pay cycles, and federal-aid angst 00:04:16 – Shout-outs: No Agenda + Mysterious Universe; why naming "competitors" is fine 00:08:31 – MU hosts retire; why Mike didn't apply and why OBDM's format fits him 00:13:15 – Costume guilt, Star Trek uniform, and the freedom of a variety-show format 00:18:03 – Kenwood parody songs ("I'm All Good") and two more Loggins send-ups teased 00:22:33 – Plutonium detected at SF's Hunters Point; cleanup, parcels, and risk chatter 00:27:20 – Area 51 crash story grows: lockdowns, airspace closure, graders and "cover-up" 00:35:41 – AI "loyal wingman" drone theory and porta-potty logistics at the site 00:39:34 – Moon-landing authenticity debate; Kardashian remarks and NASA pushback 00:47:37 – "Secret moon bases?" and alt-history show riffs (For All Mankind, etc.) 00:50:11 – Streaming fatigue: Stranger Things delays and 90s timeline jokes 00:55:13 – Reports of Trump officials living on bases; security vs optics 00:59:23 – Bill Gates' softer climate framing; liberty tradeoffs and Al Gore jabs 01:03:55 – Musk on aliens, benefit cards talk, and the "Musk ≈ Walken" bit 01:13:14 – "Derelict alien craft" (3 Atlas) chat; then candy-store nostalgia haul 01:18:16 – Caller: Sick New World fest—mosh pit chaos, porta-potty math 01:23:17 – Caller: moon skepticism and "projected map" theory exchange 01:28:18 – Reese's pumpkin class-action returns: shapes vs wrappers and "big chocolate" 01:37:21 – Kentucky woman expecting meds gets a box of human hands/fingers instead 01:42:22 – Mexico "governor's palace ghost" video sparks exorcism talk and debunking 01:52:25 – Vintage PSA "the honk" for kids' self-defense; safety riffs and jokes 01:55:52 – South Korean lawmaker apologizes after doodling a gorilla during session 01:55:52 – Show notes: next Wed/Sat schedule changes; shout-outs and Discord plug 01:59:33 – Musical/outro sign-off and credits to close the show Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: http://obdmpod.com ► Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/obdmpod ► Full Videos at Odysee: https://odysee.com/@obdm:0 ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/obdmpod ► Instagram: obdmpod ► Email: ourbigdumbmouth at gmail ► RSS: http://ourbigdumbmouth.libsyn.com/rss ► iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-big-dumb-mouth/id261189509?mt=2
For this week's main podcast review, Ema Sasic, Will Mavity, and guest Ben Langford join me to discuss the latest film from Yorgos Lanthimos, "Bugonia," starring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. With a screenplay by Will Tracy, the film is an English-language remake of the 2003 South Korean film "Save the Green Planet!" by Jang Joon-hwan that had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its compelling performances, pitch-black comedic writing, and otherworldly direction from Lanthimos. What did we think of it, though? Put on your conspiracy theory hats and tune in as we discuss these elements, its themes, tone, messaging, craftsmanship, awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Yaaaaaaaaay :) Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S&P Futures are pushing higher this morning as mega-cap tech earnings keep the momentum going. AI and datacenter strength remain front and center, with NVIDIA announcing major South Korean partnerships and Netflix making headlines with a 10-for-1 stock split. Disney's dispute with YouTube TV adds a twist to media headlines, while META's bond demand surges. Tune in for a full market breakdown — from AMZN and COIN gains to a busy lineup of after-the-bell reports.
Send us a textWoHos!This week Mac & I discuss two films that are about Trying to Defy Fate. We looked at the South Korean film A DAY/HARU and FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES from the US. A DAY involves trying to escape a tragic time loop, and FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES involves trying to escape death. One of these films is successful. On the next main show, Mac & I will discuss "Feel Good Fall Films" with THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS & KPOP DEMON HUNTERS.Coming up, we have a Bonus Show with Chrissy Champagne from RESIDUE: A TRUE CRIME PODCAST, more Feel Good Fall Films, and a show on IN MY SKIN from France & THE SUBSTANCE from the US.Thank you for all your support! It Means the World of Horror to us, truly!By the way, if you happen to listen to us on PocketCast or any other app besides Spotify, we'd love it if you left us 5 stars and a review.--Mom Gerry Entriken: WoHo Outro ThemeSupport the showOpening Theme "Bucket" by Gerry EntrikenClosing Theme "Mop" by Gerry Entriken Interstitial Musicalso by Gerry Entriken. We love you, Gerry!Subscribe to the Podcast for a Special shout-out!World of Horror's InstagramMom's InstagramMac's InstagramDonate to Translifeline
Nvidia announces a slew of deals with major South Korean firms involving more than 250,000 Blackwell A.I. chips with CEO Jensen Huang due to address the APEC summit in Gyeongju. Apple posts a Q3 beat thanks to strong iPhone sales while Amazon shares are up 13 per cent in after-hours trade following its fastest growth in cloud computing in years. In Frankfurt, the ECB holds rates steady at 2 per cent for the third consecutive meeting. President Christine Lagarde tells our Italian colleagues at Class CNBC she believes the continent is “in good place”.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It’s one of this year’s global stock market success stories: South Korean equities are emerging from decades in the shadows as reforms of corporate governance change the way foreign capital sees the Seoul market. With the help of fund managers Jochen Breuer and Lynda Zhou, this month’s podcast investigates whether that surge in confidence is really justified, what else needs to be done for it to continue, and where in the region is also making advances when it comes to shareholder returns. With additional contributions from Asia Economist Peiqian Liu, who gives us her take on China's 4th plenum, and Analyst JaeMin Shim. Hosted by Stuart Rumble and Toasha Wang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dana In The Morning Highlights 10/31Proposition 4 will allocate $20 billion to our aging water infrastructureA dentist in the Southern Trails neighborhood has built massive screen outside his houseA new Paris Baguette is opening over in Webster and their offerings look uh-mazing
It’s one of this year’s global stock market success stories: South Korean equities are emerging from decades in the shadows as reforms of corporate governance change the way foreign capital sees the Seoul market. With the help of fund managers Jochen Breuer and Lynda Zhou, this month’s podcast investigates whether that surge in confidence is really justified, what else needs to be done for it to continue, and where in the region is also making advances when it comes to shareholder returns. With additional contributions from Asia Economist Peiqian Liu, who gives us her take on China's 4th plenum, and Analyst JaeMin Shim. Hosted by Stuart Rumble and Toasha Wang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Bugonia" is an absurdist black comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos from a screenplay by Will Tracy that adapts the 2003 South Korean film "Save the Green Planet!" by Jang Joon-hwan. The film follows two young men who kidnap a powerful CEO, suspecting that she is secretly an alien who wants to destroy Earth. The film stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. It had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and also screened at the Telluride Film Festival to positive reviews. Stone, Plemons, Lanthimos, and Tracy were all kind enough to spend time speaking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Focus Features. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, veteran KBS journalist Bong-Seung Shin shares his experience reporting from North Korea and communicating with journalists on the ground in the country. Shin first traveled to Pyongyang in 2008, crossing the demilitarized zone by air as part of a trip organized by an NGO. He describes the excitement of entering North Korea for the first time, the strict media controls he faced and the challenge of filming under constant supervision. A decade later, in 2018, Shin led KBS coverage of inter-Korean events from Seoul, coordinating live broadcasts with his team stationed in Pyongyang. He explains how they managed to send footage, the professionalism of North Korean media workers and how journalists on both sides found common ground despite political barriers. Reflecting on both trips, Shin discusses what these experiences taught him about inter-Korean relations, the divided culture of the two Koreas and his hope to one day open a KBS bureau in Pyongyang. Bong-Seung Shin is a TV journalist with South Korea's state-owned broadcaster KBS. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.
US equity futures were steady Thursday, Asian equity markets ended mixed and European markets opened mostly lower. Markets continued to digest the Trump–Xi meeting outcome, where the US agreed to lower tariffs on China to 47% in exchange for resumed soybean purchases and a one-year pause on rare earth curbs, as well as cracking down on fentanyl precursors. In addition, the US and South Korea finalized a trade deal involving $350B in South Korean investment for tariff relief. Monetary policy was another focus as the Fed delivered a 25 bp rate cut but signaled caution about further easing, with Chair Powell stressing that a December cut is “far from” certain. Meanwhile, the ECB is expected to keep policy unchanged, while the BoJ held rates steady with two dissenters again voting for a hike.Companies Mentioned: Warner Bros., Liberty Global, Telefonica, OpenAI
President Trump slashes tariffs on China to 47 per cent following a “12 out of 10 meeting” with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the South Korean city of Busan. Trump said that all rare earth restrictions had been lifted as one of several concessions from Beijing. Federal reserve Chairman Jerome Powell casts off assumptions of a definite December rate cut following the FOMC's decision to cut rates by 25bps – their lowest level in three years – causing markets to waver. Airbus posts a Q3 net profit beat and confirms FY guidance despite scaling back production targets for the A220. CEO Guillaume Faury told CNBC that so far US-EU tariffs have not disrupted the plane maker's supply chains. However, U.S. tariffs and Porsche's abandonment of EVs for petrol engines push Volkswagen to a €1.3bn quarterly loss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Winds at 185 mph pounded Jamaica with Hurricane Melissa as she sets her sights on Cuba. Did the South Korean president disrespect President Trump? Big meetings coming up between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping. Day 29 of the shutdown, and Democrats are beginning to lose the PR battle. Food stamps running out Saturday ... then the stealing starts? Troops to get paid for now. Kelsey Grammer ... a new dad at age 70. Diseased monkeys involved in a big wreck on a Mississippi interstate. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) stops any changes to daylight saving time. Meet rabbis for Zohran Mamdani! Portland, Oregon is a lost city. Mamdani has a big supporter in his race for New York City mayor. "Bang bang, you're dead liberal." 3I/ATLAS may have slowed down ... now what? 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 00:15 Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica! 06:01 Trump Receives Highest Honors in South Korea 12:47 The Government Shutdown Continues...Ugh 13:30 Hakeem Jeffries on the Government Shutdown 14:38 Harry Enten on Government Shutdown Polls 19:29 Agriculture Department Doesn't Have $9.2 Billion for SNAP 22:02 SNAP Recipients are Ready to Loot 27:31 US Troops will be Paid 30:27 Bill Gates Walks Back on Climate Change Rhetoric 32:02 Chewing the Fat 52:15 Daylight Savings Time VS. Standard Time 53:59 Tom Cotton BLOCKS Daylight Savings Bill 1:05:48 Don Lemon Calls Megyn Kelly Trans 1:09:47 Trans Rabbis for Zohran Mamdani 1:12:05 Was Joe Biden Ever Competent? 1:13:19 Kamala Harris on Biden Quitting the Presidential Race 1:19:26 Inside Portland TODAY! 1:27:10 Jon Stewart Sits with Zohran Mamdani 1:31:08 ICE Barbie is Back in the Headlines? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
진행자: 최정윤, Chelsea ProctorPolice to respond strictly to anti-China protests during APEC summit기사 요약: 반중 정서가 지속되는 가운데, 경찰이 APEC을 앞두고 엄격히 대응할 방침을 밝히여, 혐중 발언과 시위가 가져올 수 있는 외교적, 사회적, 경제적 불이익을 강조했다.[1] South Korean police have drawn up a strict response plan to deal with anti-China protests ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, warning that such demonstrations could harm the country's diplomatic, social and economic interests as well as affect the nation's international standing during the high-profile eventdraw up: 적다, 정리하다/ 계획을 세우다standing: 지위, 평판[2] According to an internal police document obtained by Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Bu-nam, the police have established a special task force to monitor and respond to the spread of false or malicious information in real time. The task force will target cases of intentional misinformation, fact distortion and online incitement, which it says go beyond the limits of free speech.malicious: 악의적인incitement: 폭력적, 불법적인 일의 선동[3] The document also outlines a coordinated plan to counter far-right rallies that target China or Chinese nationals, particularly during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country for the APEC summit.counter: 대응하다 (=counteract)[4] It also cited recent demonstrations in downtown Seoul, where participants tore Chinese flags and defaced banners featuring Xi's image, describing them as potential diplomatic flashpoints but acknowledging “limitations in imposing penalties.”cite: 예시를 들다, 인용하다deface: 외관을 훼손하다기사 원문: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10603277
Grab your passport and prepare yourselves for a trip to the land with Seoul (that's what they call it, right?) as the Video Monsters head back for round two of South Korean cinema! Nathan and Dan will make ten picks each for themselves and for Eric in absentia to bring you our 30 recommendations in tonight's South Korean Movie Madness! Remember that these 30 films will comprise the selection for our next Popcorn Punchout, where we pit the films against each other to determine which three movies we cover in full over the next few weeks! If you enjoy this episode, come join the Video Monsters crew on Discord - be a part of the discussion and listen in live when we record our episodes!! Go to linktree.com/videomonsterpod for the link to Discord, our socials, and other highlights!!Video Monsters is brought to you by the Chattanooga Film Festival and Central Cinema in Knoxville, TN. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or online at chattfilmfest.org and centralcinema865.com. Links for each of these can also be found on our pages, so be sure to follow us at videomonsterpod on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well.music for Video Monsters by Evan Simmons
Our latest guests on Soundtracking are director Yorgos Lanthimos and screenwriter Will Tracy, who join me to discuss their collaboration on Bugonia. A remake of the 2003 South Korean film, Save The Green Planet, it follows the story of two men who kidnap the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, convinced she is an alien intent on destroying Earth.
The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Texas sues Tylenol maker, Johnson & Johnson, claiming it mislead consumers over safety and that it violated the Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act by fraudulently transferring liabilities arising from Tylenol to a separate company, Kenvue, in order to shield their assets against lawsuits.What you may not know if you mostly consume the legacy media is this: Tylenol Maker Privately Admitted Evidence Was Getting ‘Heavy' For Autism Risk In 2018.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Texas service sector activity, retail included, weakens further. Also, read: D-FW the ‘headquarters of vehicle finance' as auto, personal loans surge.Fermi America Announces Nuclear Reactor Deals for AI Campus; South Korean firms to design and build.Illegal immigration, border, and basket case Mexico news: Waco police arrest undocumented immigrant caught with fake resident alien, social security cards – stupid media, he's an illegal alien and your own story demonstrates that he was not “undocumented!” Honduran Girl, 12, Tortured After Entering U.S. as Unaccompanied Minor ICE Floods Houston Hotspots in Nighttime Operation, Arrests 25 Criminal Aliens DPS Captures MS-13 Gang Member in Hidalgo Co. Mexican Border State Cops Abducted Travelers on Behalf of Cartel Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com
October 8, 2025 - The United States and Korea are entering a pivotal phase of maritime cooperation. Since the start of the Trump 2.0 administration, South Korean shipbuilders have been courted as key partners in reviving the U.S. shipbuilding industry, with Seoul pledging $150 billion under the "Make America Shipbuilding Great Again" initiative to modernize naval capacity, expand commercial shipyards, and strengthen allied supply chains. Join us for a timely conversation with Colin Grabow (Cato Institute) as we explore how to steer this new bilateral framework toward mutual maritime and economic prosperity. At the heart of the discussion is the Jones Act, the 1920 law mandating domestically built and owned vessels for U.S. coastal trade. Together, we will consider whether reforms to the Act—or innovative partnership models—can unlock the full potential of U.S.–Korea maritime collaboration. This conversation will be moderated by Thomas Byrne, President and CEO of The Korea Society. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/corporate/2057-revisiting-the-jones-act-from-protectionism-to-partnership
The once-vibrant Louisiana film and television industry has dramatically slowed down. There are five independent feature films in pre- or full production in the state, a stark contrast from previous years.CEO of The Ranch Film Studios in Chalmette and president of Film Louisiana, Jason Wagespack, breaks down the situation and the efforts of lobbyists to revive the industry.A spooky, creepy, unique adventure, just in time for Halloween, awaits those who dare to step inside The Delaporte Manor is hosting a spooky adventure just in time for Halloween. The former funeral home will welcome guests to a horror-themed home full of escape rooms and other activities. Delaporte Manor director Andrew Preble tells us more about his creation and how he first fell in love with haunted houses, creating them in his childhood home in Abita Springs. The South Korean car company Hyundai is committing $26 billion to building out its U.S. manufacturing over the next four years. That includes a nearly $6 billion steel plant in Louisiana. And the company is sticking with the investment despite complications with the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdowns. Stephan Bisaha of the Gulf States Newsroom reports that some activists are also questioning whether that commitment will lead to American jobs.__Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!
North Korea has been extremely repressive for a very long time. But over the last several years, the crackdowns have gotten worse. New reporting from The Economist shows how the regime is clamping down on South Korean cultural influences, strengthening its border to prevent escape, and sharply curtailing what were already limited free markets. My guest today, Patrick Foulis, calls this the “North Koreafication of North Korea,” and it comes after a period of relative easing. Patrick Foulis is the foreign editor of The Economist. We kick off by discussing the various ways in which these crackdowns are happening before having a longer conversation about why Kim Jong Un's North Korea is tightening repression — much of which has to do with its changing relationships with Russia, China, and even the United States.
This week we dive into the absolutely brutal and unique fight scene we've ever seen with Kim Jee-woon's 2010's South Korean revenge chase, I Saw The Devil with Min-sik Choi. Truly never seen anything like this scene. Great conversation. Enjoy! Make sure to play along with each festival and leave comments so we can interact with you and remember to subscribe to the channel if you like what you see. Follow us for more interaction and content: INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/deepdivefilmschool YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/deepdivefilmschool TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@deepdivefilmschool LETTERBOXD: https://letterboxd.com/adampalcher Join our growing community for new videos every week!
***This programme contains references to imprisonment, child abandonment and references to suicide which some listeners may find upsetting*** Since the 1950s, North Korea has been an authoritarian, isolationist state, and in practice there is no freedom of religion. Timothy Cho and his schoolteacher parents had learned to distrust and even fear Christianity. But the faith was going to play a significant role in Timothy's life. At the age of nine, Timothy returned from school, to find that his parents had fled the country, leaving him behind. So, at the age of 17, he decided to follow them, but was captured by Chinese soldiers when he crossed the border and returned to prison in North Korea. Timothy made his second attempt at escape in the same year, and this time he was successful, arriving in the city of Shanghai with a group of other North Korean refugees. The group broke into the American school in Shanghai, thinking they would get asylum that way, but the school handed them over to the Chinese police. Back in prison, feeling hopeless and fearful, Timothy met a South Korean gangster, who taught him how to pray. Timothy made a deal with God, that if God gave him his freedom, he would dedicate his life to his faith.If you are If you are affected by anything you hear in this programme, it is important to talk to someone about it and get support. You can find help by visiting the Befrienders Worldwide website: befrienders.org
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says lots of countries are interested in contributing troops to the planned international stabilisation force for Gaza. He did not specify who but insisted that Israel had to be comfortable with those chosen. Speaking at the coordination centre set up to oversee the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Mr Rubio said talks were continuing on the future governance of Gaza. Also, how warming seas are endangering the lives and livelihoods of South Korean fishermen, and we speak to author Frank Cottrell-Boyce on a new prize for children's literature.(Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media after visiting the Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, 24 October, 2025. Credit: adel Senna/Reuters)
Episode 1821 - brought to you by our incredible sponsors: True Classic- TrueClassic.com/HARDFACTOR to try out the best men's tees on earth for yourself! RexMD- get up to 95% off ED treatment with Rex MD, visit rexmd.com/HardFactor Hydrow- Go to Hydrow.com and use code HARDFACTOR to save up to $450 off your Hydrow Pro Rower! DaftKings- Download the DraftKings Casino app, sign up with code HARDFACTOR, and spin your favorite slots! The Crown is Yours - Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred GAMBLER Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Story Teasers (00:02:40) - Honey almost ate a full live chicken (00:04:30) - South Korean woman burns down entire apartment complex trying to kill cockroach (00:16:30) - Sexy female Mexican assassin with 1.4 million instagram followers arrested for years old cartel hit (00:24:20) - Bareknuckle FC undefeated fighter taunts opponent by incorrectly playing chess in between rounds (00:27:30) - Ocean City Maryland PD event swarmed with people who took up their offer to smoke weed for officer impairment training Thank you for listening! Go to patreon.com/hardfactor to join our community, get access to bonus pods, discord chat and much more - bus Most Importantly: HAGFD!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices