5 chapters across the catalog
During a visit to a war memorial in Pennsylvania, President Joe Biden claimed his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, was eaten by cannibals after his plane was shot down over Papua New Guinea during World War II. Military records indicate the plane actually ditched in the ocean due to engine failure, and no remains were recovered. The hosts mock the absurdity of the claim and Biden's delivery.
Papua New Guinea, Huawei Debt Trap, Spyware Allegations
Papua New Guinea has refused to repay a $53 million loan to China for a Huawei-built data center, alleging the facility was designed for espionage. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison supported a study revealing the data center's vulnerabilities and its potential use by the People's Liberation Army. This incident is seen as a significant setback for China's "debt trap diplomacy" in the Pacific region.
Listener Donations and the Noodle Dictatorship Clip
A series of donations are acknowledged, including a significant contribution from a listener in Papua New Guinea. The hosts replay a viral clip of a disgruntled employee at a "Noodles" restaurant who describes the workplace as a "dictatorship" because he has to arrive on time and follow recipes. Sir Chris, a Dutch listener, provides a proverb about being "hoisted over the horse" into knighthood.
Hillary Clinton admits that the U.S. is in a direct competition for influence with China, citing energy finds in Papua New Guinea and ExxonMobil's interests. The conflict in Libya is framed through the lens of "Realpolitik," suggesting that the intervention is less about humanitarian concerns and more about countering Chinese economic expansion and oil interests in the region.
Hillary Clinton, Earthquake Coincidences, New Zealand Visit
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to New Zealand coincided with a series of earthquakes, leading to media commentary about her "seismic" travel history. While in Christchurch, she was greeted by an aftershock, following similar events during her visits to Japan, Pakistan, and Haiti. During the trip, Clinton officially announced she would not run for president in 2012, while the New Zealand Prime Minister mistakenly referred to her as "President Clinton."
