6 chapters across the catalog
International Donations, Saipan and Belgrade Serbia
The show's global reach is highlighted by donations from Becky Skeel in Saipan and Milan Janovic in Belgrade, Serbia. Janovic, a long-time listener since episode 50, contributed to become an Executive Producer and Commodore, requesting a "de-douching" for himself and his wife.
Protests erupted in Belgrade, Serbia, following allegations of widespread voter fraud in the recent elections won by President Aleksandar Vucic's party. International observers reported media dominance and voter intimidation. The discussion notes that Dominion Voting Systems has an office in Belgrade. Analysts debate whether the Biden administration's policy toward Vucic has been too soft, potentially benefiting Russian interests in the region.
Belgrade Anti-Government Protests, Serbia Against Violence
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade for the "Serbia Against Violence" march following two mass shootings in May 2023. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of the Minister of Interior Affairs and the Chief of Intelligence Agency, citing a culture of violence promoted by the government and specific media outlets.
Belgrade School Shooting and Parental Responsibility
A 13-year-old boy in Belgrade, Serbia, opened fire at his school, killing eight children and a security guard. Because the suspect is below the legal age for criminal responsibility, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is seeking to lower the age of responsibility and has ordered the arrest of the boy's father. The incident occurred despite Serbia's strict gun control laws.
Mars Rover, Chinese Embassy Bombing, and Build Back Better
The landing of the Mars rover Perseverance was compared by NPR to "throwing a dart from D.C. and hitting a bullseye in Dallas." This analogy prompted a look back at the 1999 CIA bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, which was officially called an accident despite three precision missiles hitting the target. Additionally, the "Build Back Better" slogan used by Joe Biden is noted as being identical to phrases used by leaders in the UK, Netherlands, and the UN.
Pineapple Express Weather, European Cold Snap, Judith Curry Resignation
The discussion begins with the Pineapple Express weather system bringing heavy rain and mudslides to Northern California while Austin, Texas experiences freezing temperatures. Severe winter conditions in Europe, specifically in Belgrade and the Greek islands, have led to migrant deaths and desperate conditions for refugees in unheated camps. Climatologist Judith Curry resigned from Georgia Tech, citing a "scam" in the field where researchers are pressured to follow human-caused climate change narratives.
