UK Column News

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/In this thought-provoking discussion, Jerm, Mike, and Charles turned their attention to the World Economic Forum and its place in the global power structure. The three shared a healthy dose of scepticism about the WEF's actual influence, suggesting that its high-profile, public-facing approach might actually be something of a smokescreen, drawing attention away from other organisations that wield real power behind the scenes. They pondered whether the WEF's visibility might be inversely related to its true impact, with less conspicuous entities potentially pulling the strings that really matter.The conversation naturally evolved into broader territory, examining how artificial intelligence and technology are reshaping society in ways that aren't always obvious. Mike and Charles emphasised the critical importance of preserving human agency in an increasingly automated world, whilst questioning whether our growing appetite for convenience might be leading us down a path we haven't fully considered.They seemed particularly concerned about how easily we're willing to trade autonomy for ease, and whether the culture of convenience that technology promotes might ultimately undermine our ability to think and act independently.

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/What is daily life in China really like? In this special episode, Carl Zha is given a personal, ground-level tour of Shanghai by the "Godfather of Chinese Hip Hop," Dana "Showtyme" Burton. We go far beyond the tourist spots to explore Dana's own neighborhood, a transformed area that showcases China's poverty alleviation and ecological civilization programs.We debunk widespread Western myths about China, from Tucker Carlson's false claims about COVID lockdowns to the reality of Muslim life in Shanghai. See the stunning before-and-after of a former shantytown, explore a "15-minute city" community center, visit the breathtaking "Thousand Trees" complex, and end the day at a massive, bustling Halal restaurant.This is the China you never see in the media.🔔 Subscribe to Silk & Steel for more unfiltered conversations from across Asia.TIMESTAMPS: Key Sections of the Tour(00:00) - Introduction: Meet Dana Showtyme Burton, the Godfather of Chinese Hip Hop(01:45) - The Mission: Exploring a Model Community in Shanghai(03:20) - Before & After: The Stunning Transformation of Suzhou Creek(07:00) - The Role of State-Owned Enterprise (COSCO) in Urban Renewal(08:50) - Contrast: Detroit's Decline vs. Shanghai's Rise(11:30) - A Look Inside Dana's Affordable, Modern Apartment Complex(13:45) - Debunking Tucker Carlson: The Truth About COVID in This Community(16:10) - The "15-Minute City" in Practice: Walkability, Green Spaces & Safety(22:45) - Ubiquitous Halal Culture: Muslim-Friendly Life in Shanghai(29:00) - Inside the Communist Party Community Center (Spoiler: It's Not Scary)(38:20) - Exploring the "Thousand Trees" Art & Shopping Complex(42:30) - The "Hui Flavor" Halal Food Court: A Feast for the Senses(01:01:30) - Final Thoughts: Debunking Myths and Encouraging TravelKEY MYTHS DEBUNKED IN THIS EPISODE❌ Myth: China is a polluted wasteland.Reality: We show the dramatic cleanup of Suzhou Creek and the extensive green spaces integrated into modern urban design.❌ Myth: People were starving during COVID lockdowns.Reality: Dana shows footage of organized, free food delivery and explains how his community was well-supported.❌ Myth: China is hostile to Muslims.Reality: The tour highlights the abundance of Halal restaurants and the seamless integration of Islamic culture into daily life in Shanghai.❌ Myth: "15-Minute Cities" are dystopian prisons.Reality: We explore how this urban planning model creates convenience, community, and a higher quality of life.❌ Myth: Communist Party centers are sinister.Reality: We walk into one and find libraries, meeting spaces, cheap canteens for the elderly, and resources for all residents.RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONEDFollow Dana Showtime on X (Twitter): @xDetroitShowtyme Watch Germ's Debunk of Tucker Carlson: On the "Germ Warfare" channel (UK Column)Architect Mentioned: Thomas Heatherwick (Designer of the "Thousand Trees" complex)[More episodes from the Silk & Steel Podcast]💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat was the most surprising thing you saw in this virtual tour of Shanghai?Which myth about China do you think is the most pervasive in Western media?Let us know in the comments below!**#Shanghai #China #Travel #UrbanPlanning #DebunkingMyths #DanaShowtime #15MinuteCity #HipHop #ChinaTravel #Muslim #Halal #Propaganda #SilkAndSteel #WalkableCities #UrbanDevelopment

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/Jake invites Chris Waterson from the infamous Sheep Farm Podcast to his home to sit for his portrait.Chris and Jake dive into why our culture is addicted to conflict, how mainstream narratives shape our thinking, and what woke Chris up to questioning authority. From childhood conspiracies and UFOs to 9/11, Iraq, and the chaos of 2020, they break down propaganda, trauma, censorship, and the psychological tricks used to keep people compliant. They also explore deeper topics like shadow work, synchronicities, childhood wounds, and the spiritual growth that comes from breaking free of old patterns.Visit the Sheep Farm website. https://www.sheepfarm.co.uk/To keep abreast of all things A Thousand Words go to https://substack.com/@jakefern For more information on Jake Fern's art, go to https://www.jakefern.co.uk/

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/

Mike Robinson, Ben Rubin, Diane Rasmussen and Sandi Adams with today's UK Column News. 00:00 Welcome 00:41 Ukraine Peace Plan: Not going down too well09:48 UK Assisted Dying Bill: House of Lords asks for hundreds of changes16:45 Forward Institute: A new generation of 'leaders' reshaping the UK29:37 Check out UKC’s website and support our work31:53 Online Safety: It’s all about the money37:20 Gender ‘Incongruence’: The new term for confused kids49:09 Lucis Trust: Anthem for a Luciferian future53.56 COP30: What a Cop Out59:55 And finally: Your friendly robot bank

In this episode of the Silk and Steel Podcast, host Carl Zha is joined by guest Xiang Yu, a Taiwan-based commentator, to dissect the shifting political landscape and public sentiment on the island. We dive deep into whether high-profile political "flips" by influencers and reporters signal a broader, grassroots change in how Taiwanese people view cross-strait relations, reunification, and the future.Find Xiang Yu:🌐 All Links: https://stxy.show📺 YouTube: @StraitTalkXY💖 Support on Patreon⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & KEY TOPICS00:00 - IntroductionMeet our guest, Xiang Yu, who provides an on-the-ground perspective from Taiwan often missing from Western media.02:45 - The "Lone Voice" No More? Examining High-Profile ShiftsAnalyzing the political transformations of influencer "Gym Boss" and reporter Angelica Oung.From pro-Tsai Ing-wen and anti-communist rhetoric to a more pragmatic, pro-engagement stance.13:30 - The Sunflower Movement: Taiwan's "Soft Color Revolution"Drawing parallels between the 2014 Sunflower Movement in Taiwan and the Hong Kong protests.How foreign influence and a "pivot to Asia" strategy shaped the political landscape.25:50 - The Role of the U.S.: Protector or Exploiter?A critical look at the U.S.-Taiwan relationship: Is it a partnership or a form of tribute?Discussing the "protection money" paid through arms deals and the strategic strong-arming of TSMC.33:15 - The Power of "Vibes" vs. "Bread and Butter" IssuesHow DPP politics focused on identity and "feeling good" is clashing with economic realities like inflation and stagnant wages.Why pragmatic concerns are starting to override ideological conditioning.39:20 - The Legacy of Li Ao: The Prophet They Hated But NeededRe-examining the legacy of dissident Li Ao, whose unpopular, pro-reunification warnings are now being revisited by a new generation.How his stunts and speeches accurately predicted Taiwan's current geopolitical dilemma.48:00 - Grassroots Shifts: Language, Media, and Cultural AffinitySpotting subtle changes in how people refer to mainland China.The popularity of mainland Chinese TV shows and media outside of Taipei, indicating enduring cultural ties.55:30 - Travel, Vlogging, and a Teaser on North KoreaXiang Yu discusses his recent vlogging trip to China's Northeast and a teaser about his encounters with North Koreans.Carl plans a future trip to Taiwan.01:01:00 - Wrap-up & Where to Find More🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYSA Ground Shift is Happening: While not a massive, vocal movement, there is a subtle but significant shift in Taiwanese public opinion. This is driven by disillusionment with the DPP, economic pragmatism, and a reassessment of the U.S. 's reliability versus China's growing power.From Vibes to Reality: The DPP's strategy of building a separate Taiwanese identity based on "good vibes" and international portrayal is losing ground to "bread and butter" issues like the economy, affordable housing, and realistic security assessments.The U.S. is Not a Savior: The conversation critically reframes the U.S. role not as a selfless protector, but as a self-interested power that treats Taiwan as a strategic buffer and a customer for outdated weapons.Information is Filtered: Western media coverage of Taiwan is highly selective, often ignoring large anti-government protests and the complexities of internal politics to maintain a simple "democracy vs. authoritarianism" narrative.🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONEDXiang Yu's Hub: https://stxy.showGym Boss (館長): The influential Taiwanese streamer and gym owner who publicly shifted his stance from pro-DPP to pro-unification.Angelica Oung: The Taiwan-based energy reporter whose political views on cross-strait relations have become more pragmatic.Li Ao (李敖): The famous Taiwanese social commentator and former legislator known for his pro-unification views and theatrical protests.Follow Carl Zha on X (Twitter) https://x.com/CarlZha

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/In this conversation, Jerm and Tim West, a no-virus activist and creator of the Two Colour Protocol who's challenged scientific dogmas from his Cambridge days to debunking COVID narratives alongside figures like Dr Mike Yeadon, stress the need to question mainstream stories while sharing how personal experiences mould beliefs and spark awakenings to alternative takes.They rip into the flaws of modern science, virology, and the medical industry's dodgy health approaches, probing contagion myths and their fallout, with Tim unveiling his Two Colour Protocol—a straightforward method to split hard data from spun narratives for sharper critical thinking.The chat also weaves in religion and belief systems, pushing for deeper nuance among sceptics to navigate reality's twists without falling for manipulation.Tim’s Substack: https://substack.com/@timthagoras

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/Mike Robinson and Patrick Henningsen with today's UK Column News. 00:00 Welcome 00:49 Filton Six: Defendants accused of attacking Israeli-linked firm. Special report from court. Guest comment from Basil Valentine25:45 IDF Conference: Did the UK military attend?28:53 Check out UKC’s website and support our work29:52 Organ Trafficking: All roads lead to Tel Aviv. Special report from Kit Klarenberg41:14 Ukraine Peace Deal: Not going so well49:57 9/11: Bombshell Filing with first-hand insight56:10 Russia Propaganda: Priming the UK ready for war

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/Farmers to Action was formed after the UK Government announced proposals directly affecting farmers and landowners. These include Inheritance Tax, Agriculture Property Relief, and Business Property Relief. Alan talks about the impact the changes would have if brought in and the worry and stress it's causing farmers.As the public continues to buy food produced outside the UK, often to very different standards, the pressure on UK farmers without a direct local market is immense. Alan argues that incoherent and hypocritical government policy has forced many farmers into one-sided relationships with supermarkets, which are driving the destructive chemical processes of industrialised farming and leaving consumers worse off.Alan encourages people in the UK to make links with local farmers and landowners, apply pressure to local politicians, and begin the process of forcing change and getting a better deal for all.Farmers to Action has now disbanded as a limited company, but the network of individuals remains intact. Many will be taking part in regional action in the UK on 24 November 2025, with a bigger London protest on 26 November 2025. Alan is on X where he shares content with prominent voices about the current state of, and future of, farming.

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/📖 Description:In this powerful episode, we continue our conversation with Dana "Detroit Showtyme" Burton, the man known as the Godfather of Chinese Hip-Hop. Dana takes us on a journey from the gritty beginnings of his Iron Mike rap battle—the longest-running in the world—to the heart of Shanghai's electrifying nightlife.We explore how a young man from Detroit became a cultural ambassador, fostering a hip-hop community in China against all odds. Dana shares incredible stories, from securing his first sponsorship to bringing legendary US rappers to China. But the conversation takes a deeper turn as he issues an urgent call to action, drawing from his family's history and firsthand experience to warn against a new Cold War and the devastating human cost of American militarism in Asia.⏰ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction: The "Godfather of Chinese Hip-Hop"02:23 - Dana's Humble Take on the "Godfather" Title05:16 - The Early Days: Arriving in Shanghai & Finding the Scene07:03 - Starting "The Iron Mike" & Building an Empire from Nothing11:54 - The Johnny Blaze Story: His First Sponsor & Hip-Hop Fashion15:38 - The Rise of Chinese Rap Stars from The Iron Mike21:25 - Being a Bridge: Bringing US Hip-Hop Legends to China27:28 - A Night Out in Shanghai: Futuristic Clubs & Opera Singers33:45 - The "Didi" Adventure: Living in the Future39:35 - Karl Meets Karl: Surreal Moments in Fuxing Park46:50 - INS Club: A 6-Story Nightlife Amusement Park51:10 - The Universal Feeling of Safety & Quality of Life in China55:38 - A SOBERING WARNING: The US War on China & A Personal Plea57:00 - A Grandfather's Legacy: The Hidden History of Black Soldiers in Asia59:35 - The Poverty Draft: Then and Now01:01:00 - The Final Message: "Join the Party, Don't Bomb It"🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:Dana "Detroit Showtyme" on Twitter: @DetroitShowtyme (He asks you to follow him to connect and hear more!)Misión Verdad: The outlet that first called him the "Godfather"The Iron Mike: The longest-running rap battle in the world, founded by Dana.Johnny Blaze: The hip-hop fashion brand and his first sponsor.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:Dana's story is one of culture, connection, and a powerful warning.Were you aware of the scale and vibrancy of the hip-hop scene in China?What is your reaction to Dana's personal connection to the history of US militarism in Asia and his urgent message for the future?How can cultural exchange be a stronger force for peace than geopolitical conflict?Share your thoughts in the comments below.👍 LIKED THIS CONVERSATION?If you found this blend of cultural history and geopolitical urgency important, please like the video and subscribe to the channel. We bring you conversations with people you won't find anywhere else in mainstream media.#HipHop #China #Shanghai #Detroit #Culture #ColdWar #NoWar #IronMike #RapBattle #DetroitShowtime

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/Jerm and “Scipio Eruditus” dissect how Freud's theories were weaponised to mould Western minds under elite psychological agendas, and unpack Freud's massive grip on modern psychology and its ripple effects on human bonds, family setups, and education systems, framing his work as a cornerstone for decoding the manipulated structures of contemporary society.They spotlight how his ideas on behaviour and sexuality have been twisted to shape relationships and schooling, positioning him as a key architect of 19th- and 20th-century thought that propelled psychology's evolution while embedding tools for control, with his enduring mark in mental health chats still fuelling insights into Western society's engineered growth and the field's shadowy history.Scipio’s Substack: https://dfreality.substack.com