15 chapters across the catalog
Pierre Trudeau Admiration for China, Olympic Cooling Towers
The hosts discuss a resurfaced video of Justin Trudeau expressing admiration for China's "basic dictatorship" and its ability to pivot the economy quickly. They also comment on the visual of the Beijing Winter Olympics ski jump being situated next to industrial cooling towers, which they find symbolic of China's environmental image.
Beijing Winter Olympics and Corporate Sponsor Silence
The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing are marked by diplomatic boycotts and criticism of China's human rights record regarding the Uyghur population. NPR reports that major corporate sponsors like Coca-Cola and Visa are keeping a low profile to avoid alienating Western consumers while maintaining access to the Chinese market. The games are also notable for using 100% artificial snow for the first time in history.
A Dutch reporter, Sjoerd ten Daas, is physically pulled away by Chinese security guards while broadcasting live from the Beijing Olympics. The hosts translate the Dutch commentary and mock the blatant display of state control over the media.
Vipi Media, Chinese Influencers, Beijing Olympics
New Jersey-based Vipi Media has registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) for managing online influencers on behalf of the Chinese government. These influencers are reportedly being deployed to counter boycotts of the Beijing Olympics on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The move highlights the use of social media shills by foreign governments to influence American public opinion.
Diplomatic Boycotts of Beijing Winter Olympics
The US, UK, Canada, and Australia have announced diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing Winter Olympics to protest human rights abuses. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) maintains a stance of "political neutrality," which is criticized as a financial calculation. There is speculation that the withdrawal of Western elites is a precursor to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan following the conclusion of the games.
Deb Haaland, Geographic Name Changes and Olympic Boycott
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has issued an order to remove the word "squaw" from all federal land names, declaring it a derogatory slur. In international news, President Biden is considering a "diplomatic boycott" of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which would involve withholding government officials while still allowing American athletes to compete.
A sound designer for the Olympics reveals that the audio heard during rowing events is often faked using pre-recorded samples. Because actual rowing sounds are drowned out by helicopters and chase boats, designers use samplers to create the illusion of oars hitting the water. This practice raises questions about the authenticity of sports broadcasting.
Olympic Boxing Scandal, Chinese Underage Athletes, Michael Phelps
The Beijing 2008 Olympics are criticized for corruption, specifically regarding rigged matches and poor officiating in boxing. Allegations of underage Chinese gymnasts with falsified passports and biased judging in favor of Chinese athletes are discussed. The Michael Phelps seventh gold medal win is also mentioned as a potential minor scandal involving timing sponsor Omega.
President George W. Bush's appearance at the Beijing Olympics is discussed, including a visible scrape on his arm that sparked rumors of a fall. An anecdote from a Yale classmate claims that Bush previously refused to visit China while his father was the U.S. Ambassador there because he had no interest in leaving the United States.
Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony and Women's Field Hockey
The 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony featured elaborate fireworks displays, including pyrotechnic "giant footsteps" walking toward the stadium. The event's artistic direction is compared to the style of martial arts films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Discussion shifts to the aesthetics of women's field hockey and the physical appearance of athletes in international competition.
China Olympics, Air Pollution and Electrostatic Precipitators
As the Beijing Olympics approach, the hosts discuss the severe air pollution in China despite government efforts to clear the air. Dvorak explains the technology of electrostatic precipitators used in industrial smokestacks to remove particulates. They also mention the bankruptcy of The Sharper Image and the impact of the Olympics on China's political climate.
Public Passivity, Professional Sports and Olympics Smog
The hosts discuss the general passivity of the public and predict a decline in interest in professional sports among younger generations. They specifically target the upcoming Beijing Olympics, predicting low viewership due to the extreme smog in China. They describe the environmental conditions in Beijing as a "smoke storm" that will make broadcasting the events difficult.
Media coverage of the upcoming Beijing Olympics is criticized for failing to address the visible, heavy smog present in live reports. While some outlets like the BBC have made tongue-in-cheek references to the poor air quality during official visits, most mainstream anchors ignore the environmental conditions.
The upcoming Summer Olympics in Beijing face scrutiny due to severe air pollution and corruption. Dvorak compares Chinese and Vietnamese art, noting that Chinese paintings often feature white, cloudless skies reflecting the smog-filled reality of the region.
Tibet Unrest, Dalai Lama and Olympic Boycott
Recent unrest in Tibet and the subsequent crackdown on monks have led to calls for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics. The hosts attempt to research the historical and political context of Tibet's relationship with China using Wikipedia, comparing it to the Taiwan situation. They discuss the spiritual nature of the country and the global "Free Tibet" movement led by figures like Richard Gere.
