EXTRAS

[Gio]

Much to absorb in this riveting/engrossing hour conversation ...
I recommend listening in halves/segments.

Conflict: Niall Ferguson on Ukraine, Taiwan,
and His War of Words with V. P. Vance

Hoover Institution

Mar 18, 2025

Niall Ferguson, preeminent historian and Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins this episode of Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson to discuss the war and ongoing stalemate in Ukraine; the Trump administration’s foreign policy and negotiations with Russia; and the broader geopolitical landscape, including the shift in Europe’s defense posture as the US signals a reduced commitment to NATO.

Throughout the conversation, Ferguson explores historical analogies to better understand Ukraine’s position, using comparisons to South Korea and South Vietnam. He discusses China’s backing of Russia and its role in what he calls Cold War II, highlighting the long-term implications of this growing alliance. The discussion also covers the shock strategy deployed by Trump and Vice President JD Vance to pressure Europe into taking more responsibility for its own defense, a move that Ferguson believes has finally awakened European leaders to their countries’ security needs.

Beyond Ukraine, the conversation shifts to the larger economic and military vulnerabilities of the United States, particularly in relation to China. Ferguson argues that America is no longer in a position of overwhelming strength and draws parallels between the US today and Britain in the 1930s: both as declining empires facing an emboldened adversary. He warns that while Trump’s realpolitik approach may be a necessary adaptation to America’s strategic limitations, its success remains uncertain. The discussion ultimately raises the question of whether this strategy will prevent a major conflict or, conversely, accelerate the decline of American global primacy.

Recorded on March 14, 2025.

1:04:33 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDBZeHhx3YE

I think this guy is giving the current rightwing U.S. government wayyy too much credit for rational strategic thinking and underplaying the former liberal administration's stifling strategic limitations given that no one knew the parameters of 'where this could go'. The Hoover bunch...pfffttt.

I have to say, i don't agree with you, and considering the in depth conversation - I don't see how you covered and came to your conclusions so quickly - But i will note you can be (and have been) quite bias when it comes to U.S. liberal/conservative party politics.

Just saying ...

[Gio]

Mice are considered smart due to their highly adaptable brain structure, which allows them to learn quickly and solve problems effectively. Their social behavior also contributes to their intelligence, as they can learn from each other.

Sitting in the front is best for learning ...

[Gio]

Lewis Black Asks Airlines to Fix Their Shit Amid Recent Catastrophes

Mar 19, 2025 #DailyShow
The recent string of plane crash catastrophes has air traffic controllers overworked and travelers worried. In an all-new “Back In Black,” Lewis Black breaks down America’s airline problem, the insufferable ways fliers ease their anxiety, and how Elon Musk is making it all worse.

5:16 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoF906gSGDQ

[Gio]

#VeryInformative ...

Chinese Mulberry | Is China Building Ships To Invade Taiwan?
| Logistics Over the Shore (LOTS)

What's Going on With Shipping?

Mar 19, 2025

Chinese Mulberry
March 18, 2025

In this episode, Sal Mercogliano — a maritime historian at Campbell University (@campbelledu) and former merchant mariner — discusses the development of Chinese jack-up ships and their potential use in an assault against Taiwan.

00:00 Introduction
03:25 World War Two Mulberry Ports
05:32 How the U.S. Invades Countries - Marines and JLOTS
09:08 The Gaza Pier Experience
10:10 Chinese Amphibious & Commercial Ship Developments
11:56 Analysis of Chinese Invasion Ship Concept and Execution
23:34 Conclusion

25:51 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKwWajqAPFE

[Gio]

How the New York Federal Reserve Got Robbed for Millions

Tom Delgado takes you around the New York Federal Reserve Bank and tells you the story of the successful 2016 heist where hackers got away with $81 million from the bank. Shot by Phil Rizdon.

About

Tomas “Tom” Delgado is a former lawyer who became a comedian in New York City and tour guide (licensed, thank you very much). Let him show you around!

Mar 20, 2025

13:16 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f4I4IL2PsQ

[Gio]

Via GB News ...

Were you aware of the trading advantage that businesses in Commonwealth countries enjoy? Very simply, if you trade within the Commonwealth, exporting from one member to another, it is approximately 19% cheaper to do so than it would be outside.

King Charles set for bold move to 'bring USA into Commonwealth'
during Trump’s state visit

By Dorothy Reddin
Published: 20/03/2025

King Charles is preparing to offer the United States associate membership in the Commonwealth during Donald Trump's upcoming state visit to Britain, sources have claimed.

The proposal, initially considered during Trump's first term as president, has now been revived.

Sir Keir Starmer personally delivered an invitation from the King to Trump at the White House last month, inviting him for an unprecedented second state visit.

The American President described the monarch as a "beautiful man, a wonderful man" and said it would be an "honour" to visit.

Plans for the USA to become the next "associate member" of the Commonwealth are "being discussed at the highest levels," according to a Royal Commonwealth Society member.

"It would be a wonderful move that would symbolise Britain's close relationship with the US," the source told the Mail.

They added: "Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the Royal Family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this."

The Commonwealth, one of the world's oldest political associations of states, has its roots in the British Empire and comprises nations with a total population exceeding 2.7 billion.

America's declaration of independence from Britain in 1776 would not prevent it from becoming the 57th member of the organisation.

The last four countries to join - Mozambique, Rwanda, Togo and Gabon - have no historical links with the British Empire.

This underscores the Commonwealth's evolution into a voluntary organisation of independent and equal states.

The move could help ease tensions between the White House and Canada, of which King Charles is head of state.

Trump's regular talk of turning Canada into America's 51st state has created significant friction and placed the monarch in an awkward position.

Canada is one of 15 countries where Charles serves as head of state.

The King recently met new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in London, which many interpreted as a show of support.

"The Commonwealth is also a great forum for resolving differences between nations, and the King has shown that he is a natural peacemaker," the source added.

When the Royal Commonwealth Society wrote to Trump in 2017, the letter was delivered by Nigel Farage, who was the first British politician to meet Trump after his 2016 election victory.

The society's then director, Michael Lake, said opening a Commonwealth branch in the US would help the two nations "find imaginative ways" to work together.

GB News has contacted a spokesman for the Royal Commonwealth Society for comment.

If successful, associate membership could potentially be followed by full membership, further enhancing the Commonwealth's global significance.

Update:
BREAKING NEWS Trump stunningly agrees U.S. will become 'associate member' of the Commonwealth: 'I love King Charles'

[Gio]

Counter-terrorism police leading Heathrow fire investigation

BBC News

Mar 21, 2025
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the cause of a fire that led to London’s Heathrow Airport closure, the Met Police has said.

There is no indication the fire was caused by foul play, the Met Police said in a statement, but added it is keeping an open mind at this time.

Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, will be closed all day Friday after the fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power.

The fire is still burning, London Fire Brigade has said.

12:58 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuGVp_kIjq4




Updated: Heathrow Airport says it is fully operational after yesterday's closure


Mar 22, 2025

14:57 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4cPWFg0mkk

[Gio]

Just another day at the circus ...

Note this photographer covers the day to day action/happening (s) in D.C.

Hegseth, Trump and Elon on a Marine One Friday.

PenguinSix

Trump and Hegseth announced a new fighter jet, the F-47, and then it was off to New Jersey for a weekend at his golf course.

About

I'm a freelance photographer for the Washington D.C. media who makes up for the time when I'm not taking pictures by making videos of my life and life in the Nation's Capitol. An American who lived in Hong Kong for the past decade (and misses the food) I've now returned to Washington DC, with a giant dose of reverse culture shock smashing me in the face every-single-day. I go for walks regularly (to lose weight) and let you see what I see, which is sometimes pretty crazy. I'm not political though I used to work in politics. I'm really just a guy who likes to go for walks and talks about history and whatnot. Of course, when you walk around a city like Washington DC and work as a freelancer in the halls of government, especially in these times, you see some pretty crazy things...

11:37 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqKb6tidJ3s

[Gio]

For me it is all truly becoming too surreal ...


Second lady Usha Vance to visit Greenland amid Trump takeover talk

| LiveNOW from FOX

Mar 23, 2025

Second Lady Usha Vance is slated to travel to Greenland this week. In a statement Sunday, the White House said:

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Second Lady Usha Vance will travel to Greenland with her son and a United States delegation to visit historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage, and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race. The race brings together approximately 37 mushers and 444 dogs in a remarkable display of speed, skill, and teamwork. Ms. Vance and the delegation are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity. They will return to the United States on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The trip comes as President Trump has recently suggested that the U.S. should take control over the territory of American ally Denmark. According to the Associated Press, media outlets in Greenland and Denmark reported that Vance would be accompanied by Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz.

3:15 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYkjr6zDHbk

[Gio]

From surreal to real ...

Cartel smugglers at U.S.-Canada border advertise to migrants on TikTok

| 60 Minutes

Mar 23, 2025
Migrants, some with help from smugglers found on TikTok, are crossing the U.S.-Canada border. A Sinaloa cartel member says President Trump's illegal immigration crackdown will not stop the smuggling.

13:13 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlEgObiTFaM

[Gio]

How the world’s largest underwater tunnel is being built

| BBC News

Mar 24, 2025
In the south of Denmark, a mega project is under construction in the form of a giant tunnel under the Baltic Sea, linking the country to Germany.

The Fehmarnbelt link is currently Europe's largest construction site and the world's longest prefabricated road and rail tunnel.

Costing more than €7 billion ($7.5 billion), mostly financed by Denmark, it’s part of a wider EU plan to improve travel links in northern and southern Europe.

3:49 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm2ekl2agyM

[Gio]

#PUPPET REGIME

Trump renames
EVERYTHING !

1:39 seconds

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTHmD-MVM9E

[Gio]

#Welcome to the Shit Show ...








FT: THE WHITE HOUSE AMATEURISM...
EMOJIS THAT SIGNALED ROCKETS LAUNCHING...
'STUFF OF NIGHTMARES'...
NEXT: Speaker Johnson floats eliminating federal courts...
Trump signs plan to overhaul elections...

SOPHOMORE SPIRAL
CHIEF SUSIE AT CENTER OF SCANDAL
WAR PLANS NOT CLASSIFIED?
REPORTER THREATENS TO RELEASE MORE!
WSJ: SIGNAL FOR TRUMP TO CALM DOWN




***

'Nothing seems to matter anymore' ...


Republicans Desperately Spin Yemen Group Chat Fumble

| The Daily Show

Mar 25, 2025
Ronny Chieng tackles Republicans' desperate attempts to defend Trump administration officials accidentally adding a journalist to their Signal group chat for planning missile strikes on Yemen.

11:01 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isNlC0RYOyE

[Gio]

Meanwhile ...


Finland's president says 'time to be hard' with Russia amid threats to Europe

Mar 25, 2025
After three days of separate talks with the U.S., Ukraine and Russia say they have reached a deal to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and take steps toward a limited ceasefire by halting strikes on energy facilities. Geoff Bennett spoke with Finnish President Alexander Stubb about the agreement, the ongoing threat from Russia and broader U.S.-Europe relations.

10:17 min.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFlUcRc4htc

[Emil El Zapato]

There is something truly twisted in Aianawa's unosphere. We must be bouncing timelines. What is guiding and protecting the MAGA world...something sinister.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnMQUGd-XYk