Becoming Il Duce: Mussolini's Fascist Revolution | Full Documentary | Episode 1

May 25, 2024 | In the fall of 1922, former teacher and journalist Benito Mussolini had only recently been elected to parliament when he seized power. His legal coup d’état, which began on 24 October in Naples, was a masterstroke. Standing before 40,000 Fascist party members, he issued an ultimatum to the fragile Italian parliamentary monarchy: “Either they hand us the power, or we will descend on Rome!” The militants, wearing black shirts and armed with clubs, headed for the capital. Following on from this legendary march on Rome, Mussolini headed up a totalitarian regime that lasted two decades.

The first episode of this portrait of Il Duce will explore how Mussolini took power and consolidated it until the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in the mid-1930s. He was a populist leader in terms of how he spoke to the Italian people, and a dictator in terms of how he exerted his power. He came from the extreme left but governed from the extreme right. Mussolini invented the new ideology of fascism and was helped in his mission by the business community who wanted an end to left-wing rule. Despite his brutality, he sought to please the Italian people, promising them a return to the grandeur of Rome. He enjoyed undeniable success for several years, both at home and abroad, until his inevitable downfall.

Documentary: Mussolini, The First Fascist – Episode 1: The Word and the Cosh (2021)
Direction: Serge de Sampigny
Production: Histodoc

Living under Pétain: The Divided Memory of Vichy - Gestapo - History Documentary - AT

Oct 30, 2024 | When the people of Vichy recount the memory of the ephemeral capital of the "French State" from 1940 to 1944, the unsuspected force of the Pétain myth is revealed.

The new "French State" was born on July 10, 1940, in Vichy, in the Grand Casino theater. In a few days, the Hôtel du Parc, the Majestic, the Portugal, luxury establishments typical of pre-war Vichy, became the headquarters of a regime to which the small spa town would give its name. The terms of collaboration with the Nazi regime had been established as early as June. The hotels became ministries and parliamentary residences, before the Gestapo and its auxiliary, the Milice, set up their dungeons in Portugal and the Petit Casino.

On site, the filmmakers met men and women who, in their youth, were able to watch this sticky little world of the "National Revolution" live. Two of these witnesses, because they were Jewish, lived there as outlaws; one joined the resistance, another was among Laval's lawyers at his trial, a fifth was the daughter of a parliamentarian of the regime. Through their words, it is the history of collaboration and resistance that is written, with its ambiguities and its commitments.

Walks, greetings, hugs from chubby children… Pétain remains in the memory of many Vichy residents as a father and this documentary reveals the unsuspected strength of his myth in French memories. Remembering Vichy is mixing dreams, nightmares and reality, in the same way that Last Year at Marienbad, by Alain Resnais, makes us lose our footing in the troubled waters of memory. With this past that seems to await us in the peaceful alleys of the city, Bertrand de Solliers brings out the palpable unease caused by the era.

Last year in Vichy
Directors: Bertrand de Solliers, Paule Muxel
Producers: JULIANTO, ARTE FRANCE
All rights reserved ARTE

France - Algeria: A Painful Past that Resurfaces - Colonization Algeria - Documentary - MP

Oct 21, 2024 | In February 2017, shortly before his election, Emmanuel Macron alienated the pied-noir community for comparing the colonization of Algeria to a crime against humanity.

More than half a century after independence, the Algerian question remains a taboo subject in France and arouses passions as soon as it is addressed.

Whatever the words, whatever the decisions, there will always be a side that feels wronged.

But how did it get to this point? Why can't time erase resentment and aftereffects passed down from generation to generation? "Une affaire de famille" is a historical fresco, told through the prism of personal stories.

This documentary was made for educational purposes and may contain images that may offend some people. If you are a sensitive person, watching this documentary is not recommended.

A film directed by Dominique Fargue and Isabelle Quintard
On an original idea by Laurent Delahousse
A Magnéto production

The Gilded Age: The Most Transformative Era in American History | FULL SPECIAL | PBS America

Dec 17, 2023 | The Gilded Age presents a compelling and complex story of one of the most convulsive and transformative eras in American history. In the closing decades of the nineteenth century, the U.S. population doubled in the span of a single generation, national wealth expanded, and two classes rose simultaneously, separated by a gulf of experience and circumstance that was unprecedented in American life.

Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet | The PBS Documentary

Jun 24, 2021

This channel can be supported on PayPal: jksnmd27@gmail.com

USA - La guerre des livres | ARTE

Oct 29, 2024 | Disponible jusqu'au 27/01/2025

Aux États-Unis, un mouvement politique réactionnaire s’attaque aux écoles et aux bibliothèques, accusées de corrompre la jeunesse. Enquête sur un affrontement idéologique acharné en marge de la présidentielle américaine.

Dans un pays qui n’a jamais paru autant divisé et menacé de chaos, une guerre culturelle est en cours. Dans le sillage de Donald Trump, l’aile la plus populiste et conservatrice du Parti républicain s’attaque aux écoles et aux bibliothèques publiques, où séviraient des "corrupteurs de la jeunesse", taxés de pédophilie et d’allégeance "communiste". Sous prétexte de défendre le "droit à l’innocence" des enfants, l’offre de livres, soumise aussi à la pression de groupes de parents hostiles à ce qu’ils regroupent pêle-mêle sous le nom de “wokisme”, fait ainsi l’objet d’interdictions. Au total, quelque six mille titres ont ainsi été proscrits ici ou là de 2021 à 2023. Derrière cette tentative de constituer une nouvelle majorité morale et conservatrice, "chrétienne, blanche et nationaliste", se dessine en fait une attaque contre les minorités LGBTQIA+ et afro-américaines, sans oublier les intellectuels libéraux. Parti d’initiatives locales, le mouvement s'est métamorphosé en phénomène national de grande ampleur.

Aux rayons de la censure
Quelle machine politique sous-tend cette attaque frontale contre le système éducatif américain et au-delà, contre la liberté de penser ? À travers plusieurs États, le documentaire enquête sur les coups de force de cette vague identitaire et réactionnaire, qui manipule des parents en manque de repères face à l’évolution de la société, et à travers eux leurs enfants. Grâce à de nombreux témoignages, Ilan Ziv radiographie en profondeur les mentalités et les courants historiques à l’œuvre derrière cette volonté d’infléchir les lois et de réinstaurer la censure. Bien que les ouvrages traitant de l'identité sexuelle et raciale aient souvent été contestés dans la sphère scolaire, les méthodes et les objectifs de cette vague néoconservatrice témoignent d’une offensive massive et inédite. C'est ainsi qu’en Floride des romans graphiques tels que Maus d’Art Spiegelman et l'adaptation du journal d'Anne Frank, mais aussi toute l'œuvre de Toni Morrison, sont déjà tenus à l'écart de nombreuses bibliothèques. La dernière étape avant les autodafés ?

Documentaire d'Ilan Ziv (France, 2024, 52mn)

Trump Supporters Plan Revolution with 'Jesus' Rifles?' w/ Greg Palast

Oct 31, 2024 | Greg Palast Investigative Team worked its way into a Trump rally where the MAGA cult was openly planning to overthrow the government if Kamala Harris wins the 2024 election. One theme is crystal clear: if Harris wins, the MAGA troops are ready for what LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, calls “Civil War Part 2.”

The red-capped salesman didn’t hesitate. “The Three Percenters, who are protectors of our nation, as far as militia, not necessarily military, We the People” — pointing to the sea of red MAGA hats — “are going to come together and there’s going to be a revolution.”

British Man among At Least 95 Dead in ‘Apocalyptic’ Spanish Flash Flooding

THE TELEGRAPH: At least 95 people are dead and dozens more missing after the deadliest flash floods for decades wreaked havoc across eastern and southern Spain.

Rescuers, some using dinghies, fought on Wednesday to save people trapped by the floods, which engulfed cars, closed roads, cancelled trains and killed dozens, including a 71-year-old British man.

The eastern region of Valencia was hardest hit in Spain’s worst “cold drop” – the torrential rain triggered when autumnal cold air from the north moves over the Mediterranean’s warm waters – for a century.

“All of Spain weeps with all of you... We won’t abandon you,” said Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister, while urging people to remain vigilant because the danger persisted.

A “devastated” King Felipe VI thanked emergency services for their “titanic” response and offered the victims’ families his “heartfelt condolences”. » | James Crisp, Europe Editor. James Badcock in Spain. Lilia Sebouai. Tim Sigsworth | Wednesday, October 30, 2024

NYT:

Raging Waters, Abandoned Cars, Layers of Mud: A Grim Scene After Spanish Floods: At least 95 people have died, and others are still missing, though how many remains unclear. Rescuers feared finding more bodies, the defense minister said. »

NYT (Español):

Lo que sabemos sobre las devastadoras inundaciones de España: Al menos 95 personas han muerto tras el aguacero, luego de que en algunas zonas cayera el equivalente a más de un mes de lluvias en menos de 24 horas. »

Related DW video here.

Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21 - 2. Larghetto

Nov 10, 2018 | Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group

Price of Packet of Cigarettes to Rise to £16.78 from 6pm TONIGHT as Rachel Reeves Hikes Tobacco Tax in Budget

THE SUN: THE price of a pack of cigarettes will have risen by 90p after a hike was confirmed in the government's Autumn Statement.

On Wednesday in the House of Common, Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed a range of plans relating to tax rises, benefits and pension payments.

The Chancellor said that tobacco duty would increase by the standard Retail Price Index (RPI) - a measure of inflation - plus 2%.

The government used the RPI rate of 3.65%, which is the Office for Budget Responsibility's forecast for the inflation rate in quarter two of 2025.

It means the cost of a 20 pack will rise by 5.65% - or 90p - at 6pm this evening.

The average price of a 20-pack of cigarettes in September was £15.88, according to the ONS - and it will rise to £16.78 tonight. » | Olivier Marshall, Senior Consumer Reporter | Wednesday, October 30, 2024

The Lincoln Project: Constitution

Oct 30, 2024 | Oct 30, 2024 | The Constitution is our country's most sacred document, laying out the foundations of our democracy: Rule of law, fair elections, and a peaceful transfer of power.

It’s too important to set it aside for one man. Choose America over Trump..


Why are Americans wasting so much of their valuable time on this geriatric felon? Truly, it is an enigma. — © Mark Alexander

Flash Flooding in Spain Kills Dozens, Rescue Operations Underway | DW News

Oct 30, 2024 | Spanish emergency services say at least 62 people have been killed, after torrential rains sparked flash flooding in the country's south and east. Severe weather warnings are in place for ten of Spain's 17 regions.

The worst affected area is Valencia. Emergency sevices are working to reach areas where the flooding has hit hardest. The regional governor says many people are stranded in inaccessible locations.

Institute of Economic Affairs: Tax Expert Warns: The Budget's Hidden Attack on Your Wages

Oct 30, 2024 | In an analysis of the government's latest budget, Tom Clougherty, Executive Director and Tax Policy Specialist, breaks down the concerning implications of a massive £40 billion tax increase, with £25 billion coming from employer National Insurance contributions alone. With taxes already at historic highs, Clougherty explains how these changes will likely suppress wages and reduce job opportunities across the private sector.

Despite the change in government, Clougherty identifies a troubling continuity in economic policy, with an increasingly state-centric approach to growth. He critiques the administration's heavy reliance on public spending and capital projects, arguing this comes at the expense of private sector innovation and investment – the true engines of sustainable economic growth.

Drawing from years of economic evidence, Clougherty challenges the government's claim that workers won't be affected by these tax increases. He demonstrates how employer National Insurance hikes inevitably get passed through to employees in the form of lower wages and reduced benefits, adding to existing cost of living pressures. This comprehensive analysis offers vital insights for businesses and workers alike as they navigate the implications of the new budget.

Irene Weiss: The Soul Never Forgets

Oct 30, 2024 | How do you live with loss that is beyond comprehension? When Irene Weiss was 13 years old she and her family were deported to Auschwitz. She and her older sister were the only survivors. Now 93 years old, Irene talks with Anderson about how she survived and how she has lived with grief ever since.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls | Akis Petretzikis

Oct 30, 2024

Get the recipe here.

‘Frightening to Consider’: Fears Grow over Trump’s Threats to Political Foes

THE GUARDIAN: Critics alarmed by talk of revenge against Democrats and say second Trump term would pose unprecedented danger

Donald Trump’s extremist attacks on top Democrats as “the enemy from within” and talk of deploying the military against political foes if he wins the election are stark signs Trump will endanger the rule of law in America, say former US justice department officials and scholars.

Trump’s threats – singling out ex-speaker Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff and others as “the enemy from within” and “more dangerous than China [and] Russia” – jibe with his earlier incendiary talk of using a return to the White House to seek “revenge” against political foes led by Joe Biden. He also suggested the military could be used to quell violence at the polls from “radical left lunatics”.

Those comments, along with Trump’s adamant refusal to say clearly he will accept the election results if he is defeated, prompt critics to say Trump poses unprecedented dangers to the US constitution. » | Peter Stone in Washington | Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Alcohol Consumption Abundant in the Natural World, Study Finds

THE GUARDIAN: Range of species have ethanol in diet, normally arising through fermented fruits, sap and nectar

Humans may have turned drinking into something of an art form but when it comes to animals putting alcohol away, Homo sapiens are not such an outlier, researchers say.

A review of published evidence shows that alcohol occurs naturally in nearly every ecosystem on Earth, making it likely that most animals that feast on sugary fruits and nectar regularly imbibe the intoxicating substance.

Although many creatures have evolved to tolerate a tipple and gain little more than calories from their consumption, some species have learned to protect themselves with alcohol. Others, however, seem less able to handle its effects.

“We’re moving away from this anthropocentric view that alcohol is used by just humans and that actually ethanol is quite abundant in the natural world,” said Anna Bowland, a researcher in the team at the University of Exeter.

After trawling research papers on animals and alcohol, the scientists arrived at a “diverse coterie” of species that have embraced and adapted to ethanol in their diets, normally arising through fermented fruits, sap and nectar. » | Ian Sample, Science editor | Wednesday, October 20, 2024

Russian Court Fines Google More Than World’s GDP

THE TELEGRAPH: Moscow seeks compensation after tech giant blocked pro-Kremlin content

Russia has demanded Google pay a fine worth more than the world’s GDP for blocking pro-Kremlin media outlets.

Judges in Moscow are seeking around $20 decillion from the technology giant, many times the estimated $100-trillion size of the global economy. If written out in full, the fine would be 20 followed by 33 zeros.

The penalty, which far eclipses Google’s own $2-trillion market value, comes after the US technology business barred pro-Moscow propaganda channel Tsargrad TV, which is owned by oligarch Konstantin Malofeev, from YouTube four years ago. » | Matthew Field, Senior Technology Reporter | Wednesday, October 30, 2024

For numbers bigger than a trillion, click here.

A Night at The Garden - Field of Vision

Oct 11, 2017 | In 1939, 20,000 Americans rallied in New York's Madison Square Garden to celebrate the rise of Nazism -- an event largely forgotten from U.S. history.

A NIGHT AT THE GARDEN, made entirely from archival footage filmed that night, transports audiences to this chilling gathering and shines a light on the power of demagoguery and anti-Semitism in the United States.

Directed by Marshall Curry

This is age-restricted, so it cannot be embedded on external websites. Instead, it must be viewed on YouTube itself. To watch this disturbing footage, please click here.

Is Donald Trump a Fascist Threat to America? Mehdi and Steve Schmidt Discuss

Oct 29, 2024 | “In what world do you see a Donald Trump leaving office? Just going, ‘Yeah, I’m done. See you later, people.’ That he doesn't try and stay on, that he doesn't try and install a family member or a corrupt acolyte. This idea that there will be free and fair elections in 2028 — after four more years of Republican Trump rule — is delusional.”

Mehdi and Steve Schmidt, veteran Republican strategist and ardent ‘Never Trumper,’ talk Donald Trump and his 2024 campaign — and they agree that American democracy is at existential risk from a fascist movement led by the former president. Watch the full discussion on why even House Republicans fear a second Trump term, and why the media is turning a blind eye to fascism – again – when it comes to Trump.


WARNING! This video contains some very strong language. Discretion is advised. – Mark