Do you really know?

What is Cobra Kai? If you’ve got Netflix, you’ve no doubt seen this series pop up in your recommendations more than once. All the more so given the fourth season just hit the platform on New Year’s Eve, adding to the 30 episodes which were already available.  It sounds like a cool name! So what’s it about? What’s the series about then? And what audience is it aimed at? In under 3 minutes, we answe...

"Do you really know?" is Bababam's daily podcast, which helps you understand the words, acronyms, and concepts that are making the news every day. From January 3th to 17th, discover the 15 words that will mark 2022. From the new phenomenon of "space tourism" to the virtual world of "Metaverse" and, of course, the expression "wokeism", (re)discover these words that will be in the news in 2022. What...

"Do you really know?" is Bababam's daily podcast, which helps you understand the words, acronyms, and concepts that are making the news every day. From January 3th to 17th, discover the 15 words that will mark 2022. From the new phenomenon of "space tourism" to the virtual world of "Metaverse" and, of course, the expression "wokeism", (re)discover these words that will be in the news in 2022. What...

What is Doughnut Economics? The health crisis has revealed two of the most critical items on the modern agenda: social justice and ecological transition. The first refers to the well-being of all people, while the second implies care for the environment. But these pressing issues don’t always fit in with the existing economic theories that focus exclusively on growth. What does a doughnut have to...

What is the interspecies internet? Those piano notes might sound like they’re the result of human mastery, but they are in fact being played by a bonobo called Panbanisha. She was taking part in a jamming session and responding to a series of synthesizer chords played by former Genesis lead singer Peter Gabriel.  If that’s piqued your curiosity, go and check out the full video on the musician’s Yo...

"Do you really know?" is Bababam's daily podcast, which helps you understand the words, acronyms, and concepts that are making the news every day. From January 3th to 17th, discover the 15 words that will mark 2022. From the new phenomenon of "space tourism" to the virtual world of "Metaverse" and, of course, the expression "wokeism", (re)discover these words that will be in the news in 2022. What...

What is serendipity? Today’s subject is a word as old as time, yet it has only really come to the forefront in the last decade. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, serendipity is luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for. In other words, it is an accidental discovery. Or a happy coincidence. Do you have any examples? So you’re saying it’s not...

"Do you really know?" is Bababam's daily podcast, which helps you understand the words, acronyms, and concepts that are making the news every day. From January 3th to 17th, discover the 15 words that will mark 2022. From the new phenomenon of "space tourism" to the virtual world of "Metaverse" and, of course, the expression "wokeism", (re)discover these words that will be in the news in 2022. What...

What is the philosopher’s stone? The Harry Potter “Return To Hogwarts” cast reunion was first broadcast on New Year’s Day at 8pm. It’s available to view on Sky and Now in the UK. The documentary marks 20 years since the first novel in the series, The Philosopher’s Stone, was adapted into a film by Warner Brothers. But the philosopher’s stone itself is actually a real-world myth which fascinated al...

What is Veganuary? Here we are just a few days into 2022! Have you made, or perhaps already broken, any New Year’s resolutions? Well, it’s not too late to get involved. There are plenty of good initiatives out there and here’s one which is designed to help you stick to a resolution for a full month, or at least try something new. The Veganuary challenge is pretty easy to understand. It’s a contrac...

"Do you really know?" is Bababam's daily podcast, which helps you understand the words, acronyms, and concepts that are making the news every day. From January 3th to 17th, discover the 15 words that will mark 2022. From the new phenomenon of "space tourism" to the virtual world of "Metaverse" and, of course, the expression "wokeism", (re)discover these words that will be in the news in 2022. What...

What is The Matrix?   Matrix Resurrections, the fourth feature film of the Matrix saga, was released on December 22nd, 18 years after the previous film. What better time to reflect on how the franchise left its mark on an entire generation. Can you sum up the story of the Matrix? Sounds like a pretty complicated story to get your head around! Tell me more about the lead character Neo! In under 3 m...

"Do you really know?" is Bababam's daily podcast, which helps you understand the words, acronyms, and concepts that are making the news every day. From January 3th to 17th, discover the 15 words that will mark 2022. From the new phenomenon of "space tourism" to the virtual world of "Metaverse" and, of course, the expression "wokeism", (re)discover these words that will be in the news in 2022. What...

What are New Year’s Resolutions? Well here we are in 2022. Many are glad to see the back of 2021, now looking forward optimistically to the future thanks to global developments like the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines and Joe Biden entering the White House. The turn of the year also means it’s time to come up with New Year’s resolutions. Setting ourselves objectives for the whole year is always a big...

What is Christougenniatikophobia? For a lot of people, Christmas is synonymous with family gatherings, presents and lots of yummy food. Combined with New Year’s Eve, late December is a season of celebration.  But for others, the period is a bit of a nightmare. End of year holidays can be a source of genuine trauma and the fear of Christmas itself as known as christougenniatikophobia. It’s a branch...

What is hogging? As 2021 draws to close, let’s discuss a word which has become more and more widespread in the United States at the end of the year. This contemptible practice was called out by young woman Megan Mapes on TikTok in October 2021. She had herself been a victim of hogging in an American college. Are these students fat fetishists then? And why are we hearing about hogging now? Have the...

What is anasyrma? Anasyrma literally means “exposing of the genitals.” But rather than a display of arousal, it’s a form of exhibitionism which is found in religion or artwork. In ancient times, people believed it could turn away harm or evil spirits.  Today, similar practices are used as political statements and even works of art. For example, in the midst of a Black Lives Matter protest in July...

What is a family rave? New Year’s Eve often throws up dilemmas, especially for those with young children. To go out or not? Who’s going to look after the kids?   Luckily, being a parent doesn’t necessarily mean saying goodbye to your social life and occasional fun! Not if you see it as an opportunity to share your passion for music and clubbing with your children! But what is the concept, really?...

What is EU law primacy? There has been a lot of tension between Hungary and the EU in 2021, and it doesn’t seem to be calming down as the year comes to an end. The latest debate is closely linked to the principle of EU law primacy. All EU member states are subject to it. It stipulates that EU law is considered superior to domestic law within a member country. So in the case of a conflict, EU law s...

What is the gig economy? You’ve no doubt caught a lift from a ride-sharing service before, had a meal delivered by a guy on a bike or rented out someone else’s apartment for a weekend away. Well such services are all part of a system known as the gig economy or collaborative economy. Just like performers who are paid on a per gig basis, workers are increasingly being paid task by task. It’s a dire...

What are the Christmas Blues? Ho, ho, ho, Christmas time is here! For many people, the holiday season brings to mind decorations, gifts, and happy moments spent in good company.  But that’s not the case for everybody, and we would all do well to remember that. Some people find Christmas a difficult moment to live through, which causes sadness known as the Christmas blues. Who are these people who...

 What is a Christmas tree? “O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, How faithfully you blossom!” is the English translation of lyrics to a traditional folk song written by German composer Ernst Anschütz in 1824. A Tannenbaum is actually a fir tree, and Anschutz likely had no idea his song would be associated with Christmas trees and go on to become one of the most popular carols out there.  Fast forward to 20...

What is Wikileaks? On December 10th, a UK court ruled that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange could be extradited to the United States. The Australian is currently being held on remand in Belmarsh Prison for breaching the terms of his bail, but he also faces long-standing espionnage charges from the US. Those relate to the publication of secret documents on US army activity in Afghanistan, over a de...

Who is Spiderman?   The eagerly-awaited Spider Man: No Way Home hit cinemas last week, becoming the second-biggest box office opening ever. The film brought in $260m on its first weekend alone, according to CNN. Let’s take the opportunity to look back at the story of Peter Parker in the cinema world. The latest instalment continues Hollywood’s third Spiderman series since the turn of the century....

What is the Santa shortage?   The latest wave of Covid-19 is impacting 2021 Christmas celebrations in a big way. And that includes one of its most important traditions: that of Santa Claus. Santa is synonymous with the joy of Christmas, and we’re used to seeing him more or less everywhere around this time of year, from Christmas markets to supermarkets to TV adverts. But this time around, the labo...