THE BIGGER PICTURE with Timothy Spangler

"So its like 'Red Dawn' but with lots of pickled herring and reindeer meatballs..." The Norwegian thriller "Occupied" - which recounts a future Russian invasion of the country - premiered this week and is already being condemned by Moscow. With a Russian flag flying over the capital building in Oslo and the prime minister a prisoner of the Kremlin, Norwegians must decide whether to accept the occupation or take up arms and fight for their freedom. Russian spokesmen have condemned the TV series as an example of "the worst traditions of the cold war." Unfortunately, Russia's recent annexation of Crimea and the continuing civil war in Ukraine make it difficult for Moscow to dismiss "Occupied" as pure fantasy. Concern over Russian adventurism is growing in the region. Nordic governments have been ramping up their military spending over the past year. The Swedish defense minister has even announced an inquiry into reintroducing conscription, a move which is popular in the polls. Finland is even rumored to be considering whether to finally apply for membership in NATO. So a big-budget mini-series about a Russian invasion designed to prey upon general anxiety about future security is just what the ratings doctor ordered. Oh, how we miss Patrick Swayze... "Wolverines!!" Meanwhile, the world continued to lurch from one ridiculous story to another: * A Japanese climber who previously lost nine of his fingers decided to end his attempt to climb Mount Everest on Sunday, citing too much snow. * Former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford tweeted an invitation encouraging anyone with a spare $80 to join him and brother Doug Ford for a bachelor party. * A referee in a Brazilian soccer match is facing potential disciplinary action after he pulled a gun during a dispute about a call. * Police in Rome shared a snapshot of a man who was given a warning for cruising the Tiber River in an unusual boat -- a modified vintage Maserati car. * Officials with the New York Jets confirmed the team brought 350 rolls of toilet paper to London so they wouldn't have to use the thinner, British version. * The village of Minions, England, removed a sign featuring the yellow cartoon creatures of the same name amid safety concerns from people stopping to snap photos. Call us this Sunday night between 10pm and midnight during the live broadcast of THE BIGGER PICTURE on 866-870-5752 (or 866-870-KRLA). Let us know what you're thinking about the state of the world we live in today!