12 chapters across the catalog
Greek Debt Relief and Anniversary Riots in Athens
Eurozone finance ministers agree to minor debt relief for Greece, but require the country to maintain a 3.5% primary budget surplus through 2021. Meanwhile, violent clashes erupt in Athens and Thessaloniki on the anniversary of the 2008 police shooting of a teenager. The hosts note that these significant riots receive little coverage in American mainstream media.
Hillary Clinton and the European Union Nobel Peace Prize
Hillary Clinton is shown praising the European Union's Nobel Peace Prize as a validation of a "unified and peaceful Europe." This statement is contrasted with footage of violent general strikes and firebombings in Athens, Greece. The hosts argue that Clinton's rhetoric is designed for an American audience that is shielded from the reality of European civil unrest.
Hillary Clinton, European Union Nobel Peace Prize
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulated the European Union on winning the Nobel Peace Prize, praising the continent's unity and peace. This statement is contrasted with footage of violent general strikes and firebombings in Athens, Greece. The disconnect between diplomatic rhetoric and the reality of European austerity protests is highlighted.
Egypt Soccer Riot, Greek Economic Crisis
A soccer riot in Egypt results in 73 deaths, while in Greece, professional soccer leagues face collapse due to the economic crisis. Greek players have reportedly gone on strike over seven months of unpaid wages and a lack of health insurance.
Greek Budget Cuts, Anti-Austerity Activists, 1973 Uprising
The new Greek unity government under Prime Minister Lucas Papademos presented a 2012 budget aiming to cut the national deficit to 5.4% of GDP. Protests by "anti-austerity activists" in Athens coincided with the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising against the military dictatorship. Clashes between youths and police occurred shortly after the government won a parliamentary vote of confidence.
Massive anti-austerity protests and riots break out across Europe, including Spain, France, and Greece, as citizens protest unemployment and public sector cuts. European finance ministers meet for seven hours to negotiate a second bailout for Greece, which the hosts describe as a transfer of wealth from taxpayers to commercial banks.
Russia Today Reporter, Greek Riot Coverage, Tear Gas Incident
A British reporter for Russia Today (RT) was filmed attempting to report from the front lines of anti-austerity riots in Greece. The footage shows the reporter struggling with poor audio, being pushed by protesters who did not want to be filmed, and eventually running directly into a cloud of tear gas. The segment concludes with the reporter physically incapacitated by the gas while bystanders offer assistance.
Greece Riots, Lithium in Drinking Water, GPS for Students
Under-reported riots in Greece are highlighted, alongside a scientific study suggesting that adding lithium to drinking water increases life expectancy and provides a sedative effect. In Anaheim, California, a school district is reportedly issuing GPS devices to chronically late students to track their movements.
The episode concludes with a mention of ongoing riots in Greece and a reminder of the show's holiday broadcast schedule. The hosts play a final clip from the 1992 film "Godzilla vs. Mothra," featuring a dialogue about a meteorite and Mothra's sacrifice for the planet.
A stray dog named Kanellos has become a viral sensation for appearing in the front lines of numerous anti-austerity riots in Athens, Greece. The Guardian published a series of photos showing the same yellow dog barking at riot police across different protests. The hosts joke that the dog might be a spy or the actual leader of the Greek resistance movement.
Tea Party Hijacking, Glenn Beck, Civil Unrest
The Tea Party movement is described as having been hijacked by media figures like Glenn Beck and Andrew Breitbart for corporate or intelligence interests. While Americans participate in expensive "Tea Party Nation" conventions, citizens in Greece are engaging in actual street riots and demonstrations against government austerity.
Global Civil Unrest, Greece Riots, Belgian Bank Scandal
Civil unrest in Greece is attributed to pent-up hostility triggered by the police shooting of a 15-year-old boy. Simultaneously, Belgium faces political turmoil and street protests following the nationalization and attempted sale of Fortis Bank. The Belgian Prime Minister and Minister of Justice are accused of obstructing justice by bypassing shareholders during a merger with BNP Paribas.
