The CrowdStrike Incident: the largest global IT outage in history

Google’s dominance in internet search and advertising is under intense legal scrutiny. With two major antitrust lawsuits in the United States, these cases could reshape how we navigate the web and interact with digital ads. The results of these legal battles could have wide-reaching consequences, not just for Google but for the entire tech industry. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss Google's antitrust struggles in the U.S. courts. They break down two key lawsuits — one regarding Google’s search engine dominance and another about its control of online advertising. Their conversation explores the legal implications, potential outcomes, and what these cases mean for the future of internet use. From exclusive contracts to consumer inertia, they uncover the mechanisms behind Google’s massive power and discuss whether that power is about to change. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights into Panda Diplomacy and business English. Key points include: Google has been found guilty of using exclusive contracts to stifle competition by becoming the default search engine on popular devices.  Though its market share has slightly decreased in recent years, Google still controls 90.48% of the global search engine market. Google's advertising business, the core of its empire, is now the target of another lawsuit, with allegations that it manipulates pricing and competition in digital ads. These legal battles may set a precedent for how large tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and Apple will be regulated in the future. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

Giant pandas are more than just cute animals—they're key players in China's global diplomacy. Known as "Panda Diplomacy," China has used its iconic bears to strengthen international relationships and influence global politics for centuries. Learn how these animals serve as soft power tools in China’s foreign policy, fostering diplomatic goodwill and smoothing tensions with other nations. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the unique role that pandas play in global diplomacy. They trace the history of Panda Diplomacy, explain why China leases rather than sells its pandas to foreign zoos, and dive into the economic and political impact of these adorable ambassadors. From the high cost of leasing pandas to recent developments in U.S.-China relations, this episode provides an in-depth look at how pandas are wielded as diplomatic envoys. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights into Panda Diplomacy and business English. Key points include: China’s panda leasing program comes with hefty fees, costing zoos around $1 million per year.  Breeding giant pandas in captivity is not only a rare event but also a lucrative one for China. The strategic withdrawal or placement of pandas often reflects China’s diplomatic relations with the host country. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, has played a central role in the global oil market for over six decades. From the 1973 Oil Embargo to the rise of U.S. shale production, OPEC’s influence has evolved as the energy landscape has changed. Despite challenges, the organization continues to be a key player in determining global oil prices today. In this second part of their two-part series on OPEC, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan examine key moments in the history of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. They revisit the 1973 Oil Embargo, which drastically increased oil prices and led to a global recession, and the 1986 oil price crash caused by Saudi Arabia’s decision to raise production. Skip and Dez also discuss the current state of OPEC’s influence, with competition from U.S. shale production and the impact of China’s economic slowdown putting pressure on the organization’s ability to control oil prices. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights into both OPEC and business English. Key points include: The 1973 Oil Embargo and its effect on the global economy. The 1986 oil price crash, which resulted from overproduction by OPEC members. How alternative energy sources have reduced global reliance on OPEC oil. OPEC’s current strategy of production limits to maintain higher oil prices. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was established in 1960 to give oil-producing nations more control over their resources and influence global oil prices. Initially formed by five countries—Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela — OPEC has grown to include 12 member countries, with 10 additional nations cooperating under the OPEC+ alliance. The organization has played a critical role in stabilizing oil prices and shaping the global energy market. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan kick off a two-part series on OPEC, starting with an in-depth discussion on the organization's founding in 1960. They examine the reasons behind OPEC's creation, its structure, and how it operates. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights into both OPEC and business English. Key points include: OPEC’s formation in 1960 marked a shift in control over oil resources from Western companies to oil-producing nations. The organization’s mandate is to coordinate petroleum policies among member countries and ensure stable prices globally. OPEC+ includes 22 countries, which together produce 59% of the world’s oil. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

In July, a global IT outage, known as the CrowdStrike Incident, disrupted businesses worldwide. A faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected millions of devices, leading to significant financial losses across various sectors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the largest global IT outage in history, triggered by a faulty update from cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike. They explore its impact on businesses globally, including airlines, retail stores, and emergency services, and consider the broader implications for the cybersecurity industry.. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Samantha's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include: CrowdStrike released a faulty update that impacted 8.5 million devices. Major corporations like Delta Airlines and McDonald's were severely affected. Resolving the issue took several days, requiring manual intervention. The incident has led to lawsuits, with Delta Airlines seeking compensation. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts -- NEW!!!---PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

Over tourism is becoming a significant issue in popular destinations worldwide, with cities like Barcelona and countries like Japan struggling to balance economic benefits with the challenges of an increasing number of visitors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the impact of over tourism in Spain and Japan. They discuss how the surge in tourism is driving up living costs, displacing local residents, and prompting government interventions. The episode focuses on the measures being taken in Spanish cities like Barcelona and Valencia, as well as Japan’s efforts to manage overcrowding in famous tourist spots such as Mt. Fuji. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Samantha's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include: Spain anticipates over 90 million international visitors in 2024, causing significant increases in housing costs and local displacement. Barcelona is set to phase out all short-term rental accommodations by 2029 to address the housing crisis. Valencia is tightening regulations on short-term rentals and imposing heavy fines for illegal rentals. Japan's record tourism numbers, spurred by a weak yen, are leading to overcrowding in key tourist destinations. The Japanese government is encouraging regional tourism to ease the burden on popular attractions. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts -- NEW!!!---PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) remains a vital benchmark for U.S. economic performance, despite being established in 1896. Today, the DJIA and Dow Theory continue to provide investors with valuable insights into market trends. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the history and significance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, often referred to simply as the Dow. They discuss its origins, evolution, and current relevance in the financial world. The conversation also introduces Dow Theory, a set of principles developed by Charles Dow to analyze market trends, highlighting its continued importance in modern investing. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include: The historical background of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The evolution of the Dow, from the original 12 stocks to the current 30 components. An introduction to Dow Theory, including its six tenets and their application in market analysis. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts -- NEW!!!---PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

Elon Musk’s social media platform X faces legal challenges in Brazil over content moderation, highlighting the difficulties global companies encounter with varying legal and cultural standards. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the recent legal battle between Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) and the Brazilian Supreme Court. They discuss the complexities of content moderation, the specific issues in Brazil, and the wider regulatory challenges faced by global social media platforms. The conversation also touches on similar disputes in other countries, highlighting the difficulties of balancing free speech and government regulations. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Samantha's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include: The origins of the dispute between Elon Musk's X and Brazil’s Supreme Court. The potential consequences for X and Musk, including fines and operational restrictions. Comparisons to other legal disputes involving X in Australia and the US. The broader trend of increasing regulatory pressure on social media platforms worldwide. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts -- NEW!!!---, PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

Copper — a critical industrial metal — holds the intriguing title of "Dr. Copper" for its ability to diagnose the health of the global economy. In this episode, we delve into how copper prices act as an economic barometer and explore the factors influencing its market trends. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss the concept of "Dr. Copper," examining how the price of copper is used to predict global economic health and explain why copper is a unique economic indicator. Their conversation touches on historical and current market trends, the influence of supply and demand, and the implications for future economic conditions. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include: The role of copper in various industries and its widespread industrial uses. How the price of copper reflects global economic trends. Historical examples of copper price movements and their economic impacts. The influence of the green economy on copper demand and price. The limitations of using copper prices as a sole economic indicator. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts, PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

Turkey's hair transplant industry is booming, attracting international clients and reshaping the medical tourism landscape. This episode explores the factors driving this growth, including advancements in technology, social acceptance, and economic factors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega dive into the rapidly growing hair transplant industry in Turkey. They discuss how Turkey has become a global hub for hair loss treatments, offering high-quality services at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries. Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Samantha's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include: The prevalence of male pattern baldness. The technological advancements in hair transplantation. The cost benefits and quality of medical services in Turkey. The role of medical tourism in Turkey's economy and its future growth prospects. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts, PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at [email protected] Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed