How To Live Underwater | March 19, 2025

Summary

In this CNN 10 episode, Koi Wire highlights key global stories, starting with the strategic importance of the Black Sea to Russia, linking its military actions in Ukraine, Georgia, and Crimea. The segment then shifts to an ambitious UK startup, Deep, planning underwater habitats for human research by 2027. It also features rare footage of four snow leopards in northern Pakistan, and wraps up with a fun slang competition, where 'y'all' wins against 'stoked.' Finally, the vocabulary word 'vality' is introduced, meaning a wish not strong enough to lead to action, along with a special shout-out to a middle school in Napa, California.

Takeaways

• 😀 The CNN 10 YouTube channel is nearing 1 million subscribers, showing significant viewer support.
• 😀 Today's show features a vocabulary word submitted by a viewer, highlighting audience involvement.
• 😀 The Black Sea is strategically crucial for Russia, as it links Europe, the Middle East, and Russia itself.
• 😀 Russia's military aggressions in the Black Sea include the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
• 😀 NATO has increased its presence in the Black Sea region to counter Russia's destabilizing actions.
• 😀 Russia sees control of the Black Sea as key to projecting power across multiple regions, including Europe and the Middle East.
• 😀 The Black Sea was historically dominated by the Soviet Union, but with its collapse, NATO has expanded influence in the region.
• 😀 The Black Sea's significance for Russia is amplified by the recent inclusion of Sweden and Finland in NATO.
• 😀 Underwater living is becoming a reality, with a UK-based startup, Deep, aiming to create underwater habitats by 2027.
• 😀 The company Deep aims to make underwater living environments accessible for scientific research and long-term habitation.
• 😀 Snow leopards, rarely seen in the wild, were spotted in northern Pakistan, showcasing the elusive nature of this mountain cat.
• 😀 Dictionary.com's competition celebrates iconic regional slang, with 'y'all' emerging as the most popular phrase in the March Madness-style showdown.

Q & A

What is the strategic importance of the Black Sea for Russia?

The Black Sea is strategically important for Russia because it links Europe, the Middle East, and Russia itself. It is key for Russia's ambitions to restore its power and influence post-Soviet Union, and it is crucial for military and economic activities, including controlling the Black Sea fleet and key waterways like the Kirch Strait.

How did the fall of the Soviet Union affect Russia's position in the Black Sea region?

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia lost control over several republics, weakening its position in the Black Sea region. This fragmentation allowed NATO and other countries like Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania to gain influence in the region, making it harder for Russia to project power.

Why did Russia annex Crimea in 2014, and how did it impact the Black Sea?

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 as part of its efforts to gain control over strategic areas in the Black Sea, particularly the Crimean Peninsula, which has vital military and naval significance. This move escalated tensions in the region and led to further conflict in Ukraine.

What role does Turkey play in the Black Sea's security dynamics?

Turkey plays a critical role in Black Sea security due to its control over the Bosporus Strait, which is the only access point for naval traffic between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. As a NATO member, Turkey's position is vital in countering Russian influence in the region.

How has NATO responded to Russia's actions in the Black Sea region?

NATO has responded by increasing its presence in the Black Sea region, cooperating with countries like Ukraine and Georgia to curb Russia's incursions. The alliance has also expanded its eastern flank with the inclusion of Sweden and Finland, which limits Russia's access to the Baltic region.

What are the potential implications of the war in Ukraine for Russia's control of the Black Sea?

The war in Ukraine is critical for Russia's control of the Black Sea. Losing control of the Black Sea could undermine Russia's ability to project power and influence in the region and diminish its standing as a global power. The outcome of the conflict will likely have long-term consequences for President Putin's future.

Who invented the first shark cage and what was its purpose?

The first shark cage was invented by Jacques Cousteau, a French ocean explorer and engineer. Its purpose was to allow humans to safely dive with sharks, enabling Cousteau to film them for his 1956 documentary 'The Silent World.'

What is the Deep startup's mission and what are its plans for underwater living?

Deep, a UK-based startup, aims to make underwater living a reality by 2027. The company plans to build underwater habitats at a depth of 200 meters, where people can live and work for up to 28 days at a time, primarily for scientific research. The habitats will include essential features like bedrooms, toilets, and showers.

What is the significance of the snow leopard sighting in northern Pakistan?

The snow leopard sighting in northern Pakistan is significant because these leopards are notoriously elusive and rarely seen in the wild. A photographer captured footage of a rare 'leap' of four snow leopards, showcasing the species in its natural habitat.

Which regional slang won Dictionary.com's 'Slang Showdown' and what does it represent?

The regional slang 'y'all' won Dictionary.com's 'Slang Showdown,' a competition where popular regional slang terms were pitted against each other. 'Y'all' emerged as the most iconic phrase, representing Southern colloquial speech commonly used to address a group of people.