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On this week's show, Peter and Sarah hand over the floor to our listeners and dedicate the entire episode to responding to emails, WhatsApp notes and Spotify comments that you've been kind enough to send. And what a mailbag it is with stories of duelling in the modern age, should utilities be in public ownership or private hands? Would Peter ever throw in his lot with the Social Democratic Party (unlikely, dear listener)? And cats or dogs? And why does Sarah's moggy gnaw on her laptop?On our reading, listening and watch list this week: · Bladerunner – Dir: Ridley Scott· The Divine Comedy – Dante· Royal Flash - George MacDonald Fraser· Why I Am Not A Christian – Bertrand Russell Please do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.co.uk you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas'. Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously PopularTo get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Phillip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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We continue to look at the life and times of Uno no Sarara, aka Jito Tenno, female sovereign ruling in her own right.  We look at some of the places she traveled to as sovereign and, ultimately, what she did to ensure that her grandson would succeed her. For more, check our podcast blog page:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-154 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua and this is episode 154: Queen Uno no Sarara, Part II   Light drifted in from outside the grand audience hall.  It filtered through barred windows and screens, and glinted off of bright gold and bronze accents, as well as the polished stone floor.  Upon a raised dais, surrounded by curtains, sat the tennou, arrayed in all of his youthful majesty.  Before him were princes and high ranking nobles, dressed in their finest court clothing.  Rich brocades of silk and black gauze hats only added to the pomp and circumstance of the moment. The nobles bowed and brought out a small tray.  Upon it were seventeen scrolls, freshly made, representing the latest updates to the laws and punishments of the land.  The nobles presented the work they had overseen, the culmination of a year's effort to further bring into line the organization of the state.  Off to the side, behind a screen of her own, Uno no Sarara watched the proceedings.  She thought back on all that had happened to bring them to this point.  This glittering hall was a far cry from the plain wooden structures of the old Kiyomihara palace.  And while she had never visited them, she could only imagine that this must rival the courts on the continent.  Everything that she and her husband had worked and fought for—all of the battles  they had fought, and all of the friends and children they had lost—she watched as it all came to fruition. The court was never going to be entirely peaceful—there would always be those striving for wealth and power, however they could attain it—but at this moment she no doubt felt as confident as she ever had that her efforts hadn't been for naught.  No matter what happened from here, the State, and her line, would continue.   So let's recap: We started with Part I of Uno no Sarara's reign back in episode 152, and then last episode we took a bit of a detour to go more in depth on the history of Ise and of the worship of Amaterasu more generally.  We talked about how there is good reason to believe that Ise shrine's prominence—and even many of the stories about Amaterasu and her importance in the story of the royal family—were either created or at least emphasized during the reigns of Ohoama and Uno no Sarara.  We ended with a discussion of the Jingikan, the newly created government organization developed to deal with so-called "Kami Matters", formally bringing the administration various shrines under the administration of the State.  Specifically it seems to have focused on State sponsored rituals.  I have no doubt that they took charge of the rituals at court itself, and they were likely involved in the worship at Ise Shrine, as well as the shrines of Tatsuta and Hirose.  On the other hand, as with the spread of Buddhist temples, direct State control was likely limited, at least at this stage, likely focused on the most influential institutions. This episode I want to continue with Uno no Sarara's reign.  She continued to make her mark on the court, tweaking how things worked, especially around the concept of rank.  And then there were her various travels.  These were mostly to her palace in Yoshino, but several other journeys, including a tour of the land of Kii—modern Wakayama prefecture—as well as a visit to her half-sister, Royal Princess Asuka. For all of that, however, the entry in the Nihon Shoki ends with what was perhaps one of the most direct and unique things she did:  Ensuring a smooth transition of power to her grandchild, Prince Karu. And while in this episode we'll (spoiler alert) cover both this power transition and Uno no Sarara's eventual death, we won't be done with her reign and its impact after this episode.  After all, there is still a lot going on around this time, and multiple different threads to pull on.  I expect several more episodes to cover things, such as the creation of hunting and fishing preserves, Buddhist merit-making, crime and punishment, and more.  There are also a few more people to talk about, such as Kakinomoto no Hitormaro, the court poet, and Fujiwara no Fubito and the establishment of the Fujiwara family as we know it.    So let's take a look at Uno no Sarara and what she was up to. She was still very much putting her stamp on things, tweaking the codes and making edicts.  One of the more impactful edicts would seem to be one where she had the government officials and people of the Home provinces all divided into nine classes.  This seems to be introducing yet another rank system, though this one is a bit more technical than the ones that came before. For one thing, it divided everyone up into nine ranks.  To do this, the court were going to take a look at a period of up to 6 years for those who already had rank and up to 7 years for those who did not.  The court—presumably court appointed judges—would use that period to evaluate individuals and slot them into a new system of nine classes.  Those in the first four classes would be given cap-rank based on their individual merits, the services that they had performed, and the importance of their house.  There isn't really a mention about the other five classes, but as they were theoretically the lower classes of society, it may not have been quite so pertinent.  BTW, of the three things that they were using to determine cap-rank, that last one, the importance of the individual's house, strikes me as the nod to the fact that the Japanese had not yet gotten away from the idea of "kabane" type hierarchy.  Granted, it isn't like family was unimportant in the Tang court, the Japanese were just being much more blatant and direct about it. Once everyone was properly sorted into the appropriate cap-rank, new edicts were issued on the official court clothing, which we discussed in Episode 150, and if you check out the blogpost you should be able to see what that looked like. I would note that the cap-rank system would eventually go away and be replaced by a rank system also based on 9 ranks, which then were broken up into upper and lower and junior and senior, so very similar to what we see with cap-rank, with some slight changes.  Uno no Sarara continued to make tweaks to the system, while working on the various large scale projects of the reign.  She wasn't exactly a homebody, however.  As she did all of this, she was regularly taking trips away from the capital. For example, between 689 and 697 she took at least 30 trips to visit Yoshino, sometimes taking as many as five trips in a year.  These were often short—a couple of days and then back to the grind of the court.  However, that's all that we get.  Based on the dates, we can at least make a few inferences.  For one, she was going down in all seasons, so she really must have enjoyed it, and it doesn't seem like it was attached to any particular official date or ritual.  Perhaps it just got her away from the pressure of official life. Some of her travel appear to have been work trips.  Her travel to Ise, which we talked about in the previous episodes, as well as things like traveling to visit the Castle of Takayasu and also to inspect horses at the embankment of Wani-no-kami.  Those appear to have been both trips where she was keeping an eye on things. Other trips, however, provide fewer details.  Mostly we know where she went.  This included trips to Hatsuse, Kii, Takamiya, and Yonabari, in Uda.  We are also told she ascended the Peak of Tou no Mine and later that she made another journey out to the Futatsuki Palace—presumably at the same place.  And we also have a trip out to the country-house of Royal Princess Asuka. Now Hatsuse, Kii, and Uda are all places we've previously talked about.  They are all on the Kii peninsula.  Hatsuse—or Hase—and Yonabari, in Uda, are both due east of modern Sakurai, following the Yamato upriver and then branching off to the aptly named Yonabari river.  These areas are well-referenced in the rest of the Nihon Shoki.  "Kii" is a bit more ambiguous.  Kii refers to the entire land of Kii, or Kii no Kuni—by the way, if you are familiar with the Japanese bookseller "Ki-no-kuni-ya", that name directly references the land of Kii as the family who started it were from Wakayama in Kii, where they served under the Kishu—or Kii—branch of the Tokugawa family during the Edo period.  That said, there were others who also used the name "Kinokuni" as a locative name as well, and you will occasionally see it here or there, even outside of the famous bookstore. The land of Kii is basically all of the southern Kii peninsula.  On the west side, it starts at roughly Wakayama, and includes the mountainous regions south of the Nara basin, wrapping around to the east side of the peninsula, to just south of Ise.  Today it is split between Wakayama prefecture and parts of Mie prefecture, including the towns of Kihoku—literally "Northern Kii"—and Taiki—"Big Kii".  Today, "Taiki" is part of the Watarai district, Watarai being the name of the location where Ise shrine was located.  So you can see that Kii basically included everything from one side of the peninsula to the other. Most of the time, though, I would generally assume that travel to Kii is a reference to the nearby area of Wakayama, especially as there are other references to that area in the form of hunting and fishing restrictions, which we'll discuss more fully in a later episode. This particular trip to Kii sounds like it was a bit of a longer trip, incorporating several locations.  We know that it took roughly eleven days—about a week and a half.  That's enough time to do quite a bit of sightseeing.  In fact, shortly before leaving, Uno no Sarara says that she is going on a "tour" of the land of Kii, and as such the land-tax and poll-tax for Kii would not be collected for a year, since, instead, they were expected to support her visit so that she could travel in appropriate style and so that temporary palaces could be made available for her use.  Kii is an interesting place for Uno no Sarara to visit.  It is mentioned occasionally throughout the chronicles, and its position puts it squarely in Yamato's sphere of influence.  At the same time, its mountainous nature means that it was never quite as populated as regions like the Nara basin or the Kawachi plains, where the large, flat areas were better suited to wet rice paddy agriculture.  In Kii, there are only a few areas really suitable for supporting large populations through agriculture alone, and even today the mountains make travel and construction in the area more difficult, so you don't have the highly concentrated population centers as in other regions.  The area around modern Wakayama city provides some of the best land for agriculture, with some other coastal regions as well. But it is mountains that Kii is known for, and the mountains often have spiritual significance.  Mt. Koya, or Koyasan, would be found in 805 as the center of Shingon Buddhism, but well before that you have the Kumano shrines, also known as the Kumano Sanzan—the three mountains of Kumano. There is a lot of evidence that worship at the three mountains of Kumano was heavily influenced by Buddhism and Buddhist traditions, but that this was a later influence on areas that were already important spiritual sites well before Buddhism arrived in the archipelago.  The exact nature of worship is debated, but the area was important, with "Kumano" once treated as its own land, overseen by the Kumano Kuni no Miyatsuko.  The deities of Kumano and the area more generally features in the Nihon Shoki in the legendary stories of Iware Biko, aka Jimmu Tenno. The Kumano shrines are, ultimately, a series of shrines in the Kumano region, roughly 20-40 kilometers from each other.  There are three main shrines—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha—known as the three mountains.  There are numerous other shrines as well.  There are three main deities worshipped, but then also another nine that are considered important as well, for at least twelve kami.  The three main kami – Kumano Musubi no Ohokami, Hayatama no Ohokami, and Ketsumi Mikoto Ohokami – are also considered to be manifestations of Izanami, Izanagi, and Susano'o.  Izanami and Izanagi are famously the progenitor kami of the archipelago, while Susano'o is the storm and ocean deity said to be the rambunctious and troublesome brother to Amaterasu Ohokami.   It is quite likely that the connection with these other kami—who feature prominently in the later stories, was actually a later addition.  Similarly, around the 9th century, the Kumano shrines were heavily influenced by Buddhism, which often co-opted indigenous kami worship by associating the native kami with incarnations of Buddhist figures.  In this case:  Thousand-armed Kannon, Yakushi—or the Medicine—Buddha, and Amithabha.  I must say that associating Amithaba—or Amida—with Susano'o seems like a bold move.  The deity who tossed a backwards flayed colt into Amaterasu's weaving hut is also the Buddha who made the promise that all who call on his name would find their way to the western pure land? I guess. Together, the kami of Kumano are known as the Kumano Gongen, and there is a pilgrimage trail, even today, that leads between the various shrines and peaks, as well as various temple complexes in the area. There is one other interesting connection with Kumano shrines, and that is the fact that there is a Kumano Taisha up in the Izumo region.  Today, they claim that despite the names being identical, there are no actual ties between Kumano Taisha and the Kumano Sanzan.  The Kumano Taisha of Izumo is actually considered the Ichinomiya, or most important shrine, of Izumo—even more important than the famous Izumo shrine, itself.  It lies 30 minutes south of modern Matsue, and enshrines a kami known as Kushi-mikenu-no-Mikoto, said to be another name for none other than the famous Susano'o. Kumano Taisha claims to have been first mentioned in the Nihon Shoki back in the time of Takara Hime, aka Saimei Tennou, in an entry from 659, though that entry simply states that the Izumo no Miyatsuko was to repair the shrine of the "Itsuki" kami, and doesn't specifically mention Kumano Taisha by name.  There is an entry attributed to the Izumo fudoki, which claims a shrine was located on Mt. Kumano, identified with modern day Tenguyama.  And then, Kumano Taisha appears in the Engi Shiki in the 10th century.  Suffice it to say, there are many different ways that this can be interpreted. Scholars have attempted to look into the potential connections between Kumano Taisha in Izumo and the Kumano Gongen of Wakayama, but it does not appear that there is a fully formed consensus.  I would note that we certainly see various important worship centers branching out throughout the archipelago, setting up branches elsewhere, and we also see the association of various local kami with other, more famous kami, making the claim that they are simply another name for the same entity.  This would appear to be one way to bring different groups into communion with each other, as it were, and helping to gloss over the potential difficulties found in diverse belief and worship practices. As a side note, there is at least one other Kumano Taisha of note, found up in the Tohoku region.  It claims to be the "Ise of Tohoku", with a focus on Izanami and Izanagi.  It seems to claim a founding around the early 9th century at the Tenno's request.  Given that, I think we can ignore it for our current discussion. To bring this all back around, it is unclear if Uno no Sarara's tour of Wakayama included the Kumano shrines at this time.  Certainly Kumano would play an important role in the legends and stories that the court was putting together, but what structures were in place at this point in the story are unclear.  Her tour may have focused much more on the area around modern Wakayama.  Her tour of the area took a total of eleven days, which is more than enough time to have seen a fair bit of the area, and certainly would have been enough time to get down to the Kumano region, but we don't have any clear details that I see to say exactly what happened. Still, I do find it interesting to look at the juxtaposition of the Kumano shrine story with that of Ise.  Both took on some aspects of the official stories of the founding of Japan and appear to have been important shrines for the court to some extent, and both the trip to Ise and the trip to Kumano were events such that local taxes were commuted for a time to help pay for the royal visit. But whereas Ise would go on to reject the merging of Buddhism with local kami worship, Kumano appears to have embraced it.  Kumano worship took on a highly syncretic character, with Buddhism and Kami worship becoming inextricably intertwined, maintaining that character even today, despite numerous historical attempts to extricate the two from each other. Ultimately, Ise shrine would take pride of place as the national shrine of the royal family, but I can't help but wonder what would have happened if Kumano had been more ascendant. Getting back to our discussion of Uno no Sarara's various peregrinations:  we also have what appear to be two trips up to Tou-no-mine—the modern pronunciation for the name which Aston transliterates as "Tamu no Mine".  This is the peak where, about forty years earlier, Takara Hime is said to have built a circular enclosure and called "Futa-tsuki" or two "Tsuki" trees palace.  It was also known as "Ama-tsu-miya", the Heavenly Palace.  The modern Tou-no-mine is a mountain to the southeast of Asuka, however, there is also a theory that the Tou-no-mine and Futa-tsuki palace were actually on a small hill just due east of the Kiyomihara palace site.  This is where we find walls, the Sakafune-ishi stone, and other examples of work from the time when the Futa-tsuki palace would have been built. That said, to get to Tou-no-mine, we are told it was a two day trip—one day out and one day back.  That said, it wouldn't have all been spent traveling.  In fact, Tou-no-mine, today, is under two hours walking distance.  The site by the palace is much closer, and the entry for going to the Futatsuski is only mentioned on a single day.  So none of that is particularly helpful, in my opinion.  Ultimately, we know that it was a location near Asuka and that it was associated with Takara Hime, the last female sovereign in her own right—even though her reign was arguably run largely by her son, Crown Prince Naka no Oe. Speaking of whom, Naka no Oe was not only the father of Uno no Sarara, but also of Royal Princess Asuka.  So when Uno no Sarara went to Asuka's country house, also known as the Denso or Tadokoro, she was actually going to pay a visit on her own half-sister.  By the way, "country-house" is the Aston translation.  A more direct translation might be something like "Field Place".  It was a private estate belonging to powerful families, such as the local elites—or in this case the royal family.  It is a rare glimpse into the living conditions of those royal princes and princesses who were not resident in the palace itself.  I do find it interesting that it specifically identifies the royal princess and not some male relative or husband—and Uno no Sarara isn't really noted as visiting a lot of family members all over the place.  I've seen a suggestion that Asuka may have been married to Prince Osakabe, one of Temmu's sons, but if so it is interesting that Uno no Sarara goes to visit *her* house and not *his* house. Princess Asuka is not mentioned much, but given this and a few other things—including being mentioned in the Man'yoshu in connection with a poem by the famous Kakinomoto no Hitomaro—she seemed to be someone important, even though we don't have a lot of information on what that looked like at the time. And with that, we've covered most of Uno no Sarara's travels.  We discussed her near-constant trips to Yoshino, then there were official visits to inspect the fortifications and horses.  Granted, that latter duty was also done just at the palace, in Asuka, so it wasn't necessarily terribly special.  There was her expedition to Ise, which we discussed in a previous episode, and then down to tour the land of Kii.  There were short jaunts out to Hatsuse and Yonabari.  And the largely unexplained visits to Tou-no-mine and the enigmatic Futa-tsuki palace.  Finally, there was a note about her calling on her half-sister, Princess Asuka. So that was what Uno no Sarara was doing when she wasn't at the court.  Otherwise, whether it was in the Asuka Kiyomihara palace or in the new Fujiwara Palace, she was dealing with the business of the state.  Much of what is recorded are fairly common things—banquets, archery competitions, and similar events that are interesting in aggregate, perhaps, but maybe not so helpful in figuring out the larger trends that were occurring at the time.  There were edicts and changes, but we can talk about those separately.  There were natural disasters, as well. Overall, she spent eleven years on the throne, from 686 to 697.  In that time, she finished much of the work started by her husband, put her own stamp on the new government, and, perhaps most importantly, she set up her grandson for success.  It is worth nothing that Uno no Sarara's posthumous regnal name is Jitou Tennou, and while that was probably not something she chose for herself, it may give us some insight into how the Chroniclers viewed her.  Remember that the brothers, Naka no Oe and Ohoama, were given the names "Tenji" and "Temmu", respectively.  Tenji is "Heavenly Wisdom", and he is counted as the brains behind the Great Change, the Taika reforms, and much of the shape that the state took from 645 onwards.  Temmu is something like "Heavenly Warrior".  The victor of the Jinshin no Ran was remembered for his military strategy, even though that was really only a small part of his overall reign.  The characters of Jitou's posthumous title are two characters.  The first, "Ji", means "to hold" or "to have".  The other character is "tou" and generally means "relationship" or "to control".  It can also refer to unification. This is often considered to mean that her role was seen as continuing to hold the throne and continue the work of her husband and his line, his progeny.  In this case, that means strengthening the state that Ohoama had built, following through on his national projects, and ultimately ensuring that the throne passed seamlessly to Ohoama's grandson, ensuring that his line would continue.  Of course, it probably should be noted that of course it was also her own bloodline that she was continuing as well, something that would become important in later years. And it is easy for us to look at this as simply editorializing by the Chroniclers, who were, after all, trying to craft a national narrative as well as record the history.  In many ways the use of these posthumous titles allowed them to do that—to summarize an entire reign into something that could be easily remembered.  And yet, based on the actions that she has taken, there certainly seems to be something to this description of Uno no Sarara and her motivations. We saw, early on, how she cleared the way for her own son, Crown Prince Kusakabe, getting rid of his potential rival for the throne, Prince Ohotsu, and thus potentially averting another conflict at the start of the reign.  But then Kusakabe died, leaving her with his young son, and while placing a young infant on the throne might have become a thing in later centuries, that precedent had not quite been set just yet.  Even as it was, Uno no Sarara likely had some concept that she could not know how many years she would get.  A decade on the throne was nothing to sneeze at, and many sovereigns had much less.  And so, beyond setting up the structure of government that her grandson would inherit, she also had a few more things to ensure.  She would want him to be old enough to be taken seriously, and she would need to make sure that there were no other claimants that could complicate matters.  There was only one other serious candidate that fit that description, and that was Prince Takechi. Remember, Prince Takechi was Ohoama's eldest son.  He was also a maternal descendant of the Munakata, meaning that he didn't have the double-royal imprimatur that was presumably required to take the throne as the sovereign.  And yet, Uno no Sarara was no doubt savvy enough to understand that those kinds of traditions changed quickly and easily in the past, as long as one had the right political backing. At the same time, Uno no Sarara appears to have leaned heavily on Prince Takechi's support.  It was a risk, but his support for her efforts would help her do what she needed to do.  Not only that, but if anything did happen to the young Prince Karu, Prince Takechi was the next in line.  He was also the Dajou Daijin—the most powerful court position short of Uno no Sarara herself.  For many reasons, it would have been difficult if the Queen felt she needed to take him out of the picture. Perhaps then it was fortuitous that in 696 the issue resolved itself, when Royal Prince Takechi passed away. This was no doubt a sad event, and yet it also may have set things in motion.  Prince Karu had been born in 683, so he was fourteen years old—still quite young, but old enough.  He was also surrounded by supporters, including his own mother, widow to the late Prince Kusakabe, Royal Princess Abe. While it isn't mentioned in the Nihon Shoki, we get a glimpse of how all this was planned in the Kaifuso, published in 751.  There, in an entry for Prince Kadono, a son of Prince Ohotomo, we are told that after Prince Takechi's death, Prince Kadono met with Uno no Sarara and others and suggested a course of action.  He encourage Uno no Sarara to pass on the kingdom to Prince Karu, despite his youth.  If true, this is quite the statement from someone whose own father was killed in the Jinshin no Ran, which brought Ohoama and Uno no Sarara to power in the first place.  It appears as though she heeded his advice, setting up what would come next over the following year. And so it is from the year after Prince Takechi's death that we start to really see entries focused on Prince Karu.  In the second month of 697, for instance, we see that Tahema no Mabito no Kunimi was appointed to be Prince Karu's tutor.  Likewise we see Michi no Mabito no Atomi and Kose no Ason no Ahamochi appointed as director and assistant director of the Spring Palace—the palace for the Crown Prince, the Heir Apparent.  Interestingly, Aston notes that the Nihon Shoki never actually gives an entry for when Prince Karu was named Heir Apparent—it just seems to be assumed. Ten days after the new directors were appointed, a public great-congregation was held at the Crown Prince's palace—here called the Eastern Palace, and I'll admit I'm not sure if "Eastern Palace" and "Spring Palace" were different names for the same place or what.  I assume these were all part of the newly built Fujiwara Palace, though the most important part is the implications for Prince Karu.  He was being introduced to the court, it seems, with a large congregation at his residence where the court would be expected to acknowledge his position as the crown prince and heir apparent. Three months later, we are told that Uno no Sarara grew ill.  The Ministers and various government officials made votive images of the Buddha in an attempt to make merit and help her to recover.  While she would recover from whatever illness she experienced, I suspect that this was something of a wake-up call.  Uno no Sarara was in her early 50s, and she wasn't getting any younger.  She also lived at a time where she had to realize that many others hadn't made it as far, and perhaps her illness made her realize that if she was going to do something, she had better do it sooner, rather than later.  And so, just a little more than a month later, on the first day of the 8th month, Uno no Sarara abdicated the throne in favor of her grandchild, Prince Karu, soon to become the next Tennou. This isn't the first time we've seen an abdication in the history of Yamato, but it is perhaps the first time we've seen it quite like this.  When Takara Hime abdicated, I think we can agree that it was largely under duress.  She had just seen her son lead a bloody coup against the most powerful court nobles, and that really does seem to have shaken her.  No such bloody struggle was happening here, however.  In fact, there is plenty to suggest that avoiding a bloody struggle was exactly Uno no Sarara's point.  By overseeing Prince Karu's ascension while she was still around, Queen Uno no Sarara maintained significant control over the process. Part of this rested on the fact that when she retired from the position of Tennou she didn't just become some commoner or retreat to the position of Queen Mother or Dowager Queen or something similar.  Instead, she took on a new titled:  Retired Sovereign, or Dajou-Tennou.  Technically this means that her own title was something like "Greater Sovereign", compared to Karu's "sovereign".  This position was new, and may not have even been fully formed at the time of the initial abdication.  Unlike when Takara Hime abdicated, effectively acknowledging that she wasn't actually in charge, Uno no Sarara was planning to remain an active force in government.  Her grandson would be set up as the formal sovereign, or Tennou.  He would be responsible for the rituals and ensuring everything was properly carried out, but his mother, the Dajou-Tennou, would have a tremendous amount of clout and control. By all accounts, this abdication and creation of the "Dajou-Tennou" position really does seem to have been specifically set up for this occasion, to ensure the smooth transition of power.  This way, when Uno no Sarara eventually did pass away, there would be no question about who was seated on the throne.  Given everything she had witnessed—from stories about her how her own father had come to power as well as the events of the Jinshin no Ran and then everything that happened in the aftermath of her own husband's death—I can understand why Uno no Sarara would have been pre-occupied with the idea of ensuring a smooth transition to the next sovereign.  She likely could not foresee how this new position would be used in the future, and yet it would become something of a staple in the politics of the Japanese court. Initially, retired sovereigns were typically doing so for reasons similar to Uno no Sarara—to ensure a smooth transition of power from one to the other and to ensure that the next tennou could be established to avoid instability.  However, it would become something even more.  After all, why wait until your heir is actually ready?  If you are going to be running things, anyway, why not remove yourself from the tedium of ritual while retaining your authority?  And in later centuries we see the tennou retiring younger, leaving younger and younger heirs to hold the actual throne.  There would also be a certain Buddhist aspect to it as well, allowing the retired tennou to be seen as a kind of Golden Wheel Turning Sovereign who was theoretically beyond the material cares of the day to day.  The retired sovereigns would be referred to as "In", which is likely a reference to the suffix given to their compounds, rather than the common "Miya" or "Gu".  And so the government under these retired sovereigns would become known as the Insei, or government by cloistered sovereigns, but that system was still in the future.  For now, we are just seeing the seeds of what was to come, eventually. To understand this later phase of Uno no Sarara's life, we need to take our first few steps into a new source:  The Shoku Nihongi.  The Nihon Shoki ceases to describe anything after Uno no Sarara's abdication, and the official history of Prince Karu's reign—known to us as Monmu Tennou—is taken up by the Shoku Nihongi.  This is literally the continued Japanese history, and we'll talk about it in depth at some point.  For now, I would note that it was compiled in 797 – so literally a century after the last entry in the Nihon Shoki.  That said, it likely had much better records to go off of compared to the Nihon Shoki, though it was still likely compiled with a view that was still quite friendly towards the royal family and the position of the Tennou. And so, when Uno no Sarara largely disappears from the narrative, I don't know that we should assume that she had truly gone completely hands off.  After all, with everything we've seen, do we think that this is a woman who would just hand the reins over to a fourteen or fifteen year old boy?  And yet the first time she appears is in 701, when she is making a trip to her favorite vacation spot:  the Palace at Yoshino.  That said, there were some pretty big events that happened during this period, after her abdication and assumption of the title of Dajou-Tennou.  The biggest was the creation of the Taihou Code.  Once again, this will need a fuller treatment, but the Taihou Code was an update to the Kiyomihara code.  The Asuka-Kiyomihara code was 22 volumes, and focused on  the laws, the "ryou", but not necessarily the punishments, or "ritsu".  In contrast the Taihou code was 6 volumes of "ritsu" and 11 volumes of "ryou", for 17 volumes in total.  Unfortunately, we mostly have scraps of indications here and there, and the codes that came afterwards, which were each based on what came before.  For instance, we do know that they completely overhauled the rank system yet again.  Unlike the Kiyomihara  code, which took years to develop, the compilation of the Taiho code is ordered in 700 and completed by 701—likely because it was really more of an update and a compilation of what was already on the books. This was perhaps the most significant thing that happened while Uno no Sarara was still available to exert her influence.  Karu was still only about 19 years old at this point.  He would turn 20 the following year, 702.  That same year, Uno no Sarara would travel all the way out to Mikawa no Kuni, which is the eastern half of the modern prefecture of Aichi.  The royal procession, which started in the 10th month of 702, then made its way back through Owari a month later, and from there up to Mino, and then down to Ise and back through Iga.  The royal procession is first recorded on the 10th day of the 10th month and returned on the 25th day of the 11th month—a round-trip time of roughly 45 days.  Throughout we are told that various ranks and awards were given out to important individuals at each stop. Unfortunately, that trip may have taken a toll.  A few weeks later, on the 13th day of the 12th month, Uno no Sarara grew ill.  There was a great amnesty pronounced throughout the realm, and one hundred men took Buddhist vows on her behalf.  They even read the Sutra of Golden Light in the Home Provinces.  Alas, it was all to no avail.  Uno no Sarara passed away on the 22nd day of the 12th month—or January 13th in 703.  It was roughly six years from her abdication.  She would have died with at least some knowledge that the realm was largely in order.  Her grandson was on the  throne and had been ruling for the past six years.  He had attained the age of majority, and things seemed relatively stable.  There was even a new, grand, permanent capital city, just like on the continent. But that closes out the life of Uno no Sarara.  She lived in interesting times, experienced tremendous fortune and misfortune, and she put her indelible stamp on the state of Yamato and thus the future of Japan.  There is still more to go over in this period—we have interactions with the Emishi, updates to society, and various impacts to Buddhism.  We'll also take a look at some more important people from this period, including Kakinomoto no Hitomaru, the famous poet, and the poems of the Man'yoshu, and Fujiwara no Fubito, the son of Nakatomi no Kamatari and the one largely responsible for making the Fujiwara house the most influential house in the entire court. Until then if you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website,  SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  Thank you, also, to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.

Hay peligros que no podemos prever, circunstancias que no podemos controlar y angustias que no podemos evitar. Sin embargo, el Salmo 91 nos recuerda que el creyente nunca enfrenta estas cosas sin refugio. En este mensaje descubriremos que este salmo no es un amuleto espiritual ni promete una vida libre de sufrimiento. Nos enseña que bajo las alas del Altísimo encontramos una seguridad que no depende de que todo esté bien, sino de la presencia, la soberanía y la fidelidad de Dios. Además, veremos cómo sus promesas encuentran su cumplimiento perfecto en Jesucristo, quien confió plenamente en el Padre, venció la muerte y se convirtió en el refugio definitivo de quienes creen en Él. Texto bíblico: Salmo 91:1–16 Serie: Salmos Predicado en Iglesia Sobre la Roca Delicias.

A new children's book is using academic research, poetry and illustrations to teach readers about ecology at the San Diego-Tijuana border.It is called "Alas al Borde" or "Borderland Wings." Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from one of the professors who helped conceptualize and illustrate the story.Then, two new plays — a horror comedy and a feminist musical — are opening in San Diego this weekend. KPBS' arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with the playwrights.And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS' arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top arts picks in music and dance.Guests:Adriana Cuéllar, professor of architecture, founder of Border Design LabMichael Mizerany, playwright, "Die Already!"Sarah Alida LeClair, playwright, "The Fairy Tale Monologues"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest," KPBS

The Daily DLP offers up the final pre-camp position preview for the Detroit Lions. Today hits the EDGE group, which has a superstar at the top, followed by some newcomers with higher-end potential than what Detroit has seen in recent years. Before the EDGEs, the Lions did add another player to the den. The Lions signed veteran linebacker Troy Reeder on Monday. Reeder has spent his entire 7-year NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams. He's thrived on the Rams' special teams units, playing on all types of special teams. Defensively, Reeder does have some starting experience. He offers the same kind of straight-line athleticism and attacking style that the Lions have in players like Trevor Nowaske and Damone Clark. Rams fans were openly hostile towards Reeder in coverage and in getting fooled on play action, so expectations for the new Lions LB are probably best kept in check. The EDGEs Aidan Hutchinson headlines a group that made quite a few changes this offseason. Hutch is a threat to lead the NFL in sacks after topping all players in QB pressures a year ago. He's an alpha dog capable of first-team All-Pro status. Beyond Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum and Derrick Moore each bring some power, length and durability to the EDGE room. Wonnum is known for his run defense and ability to crush the can from his days with the Panthers. Moore, Detroit's second-round pick, plays better in space than Wonnum and bends the corner well. This year's wild card is Payton Turner. The former Saints first-rounder is the new Marcus Davenport. If he's healthy, Turner's length, strength and athleticism demand respect. He's fully capable of being a starter opposite Hutchinson, and ahead of Wonnum and Moore. Alas, Turner has--like Davenport--been far more known for his injuries than his production in the NFL. Players like Ahmed Hassanein, Anthony Lucas and Eric O'Neill are all competing to raise their profiles and rosters statuses, too. Hassanein's energy and desire to grow his game are fun to watch develop in Detroit. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #aidanhutchinson #peytonturner #djwonnum #derrickmoore #troyreeder #lionstrainingcamp #edge #ahmedhassanein #paytonturner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Programa de NovaOnda Albacete: Las alas de violeta – (28/07/2026)

Episode 246. Pulp Nonfiction: Remembering the Pioneers of True CrimeJump to AD-FREE Safe House Edition"The Lake Como Honeymoon Trunk Murder" by R.O. Scallan. When an American newlywed bride's body turns up in a trunk in an Italian lake, police expect to find the groom's body to be floating nearby. Alas, not a double murder, but a honeymoon squabble gone too far. "The Brighton Trunk Murders" (35:23) by Peter Levins tells how the discovery of an American trunk murder leads to three more in Great Britain.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-historian--2909311/support.You can pay more if you want to, but rent at the Safe House is still just a buck a week, and you can get access to over 400 ad-free episodes from the dusty vault, Safe House Exclusives, direct access to the Boss, and whatever personal services you require.We invite you to our other PULPULAR MEDIA podcasts:If disaster is more your jam, check out CATASTROPHIC CALAMITIES, telling the stories of famous and forgotten tragedies of the 19th and 20th centuries. What could go wrong? Everything!For brand-new tales in the old clothes from the golden era of popular literature, give your ears a treat with PULP MAGAZINES with two new stories every week.

On this week's episode, Peter will be examining the increasing disintegration of one President Donald J Trump while Sarah will be asking if Artificial Intelligence is finally coming for us all.And the pair pore over our mailbag to chat about looking after your parents in later life, the legacy of former PM Jim Callaghan, asking what did the 1970s ever do for us? And the joys of the Northumbrian coastline. On our reading, listening and watch list this week: • Helena – Evelyn Waugh• Jurassic Park – Michael Crichton• 2001: A Space Odyssey – Dir: Stanley Kubrick• Terminator: Dark Fate – Dir: Tim MillerPlease do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.co.uk you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas'.Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously PopularTo get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Phillip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan tested the attitudes of his father, King Saul, towards David. Alas, the situation was much worse than Jonathan had ever imagined. An angry outburst from Saul was so violent that he almost killed Jonathan himself.So it was a sad and difficult message that Jonathan brought to David as David hid in the field. It had become plain that Saul's cruelty had, at last, forced the two friends to separate.Separated, yes - but still the love remained. Apart from each other, in life or even after their deaths, their friendship must continue. Their covenant, their serious promises to each other in front of God, demanded it.

Hang in there ... and I'll be back.Hopefully - some interesting posts on the Socials MediaMusic Credit: Fingerlympics by Doctor TurtleShow Notes: https://thehistoryofamericanfood.blogspot.com/Email: TheHistoryofAmericanFood at gmail dot comThreads: @THoAFoodInstagram: @THoAFood& some other socials... @THoAFood

A Conversation with Chef Adrian, a Nationally recognized Junior Chef Loco Dos is a Cape Cod based pop up food business supporting community organizations and featuring Chef Adrian, a nationally recognized junior chef. From a young age, Adrian loved to cook. And when he learned about homelessness from an elementary school workshop, he had an idea: what if he could sell his meals and support housing advocacy? Alas, Loco Dos was born. From Adrian: Loco Dos is my family-friendly pop up restaurant where I can share my favorite foods with my community while also supporting non profits like HPC by donating proceeds to their organization. My love of food started in Pre-K when I went to Farm Camp at Newton Community Farm and I became fascinated with all the fresh ingredients grown here in Massachusetts from fennel, basil, mint and more!  When I was five I got my first cookbook and I started making granola and soon that inspired me to want to learn to cook everything from soups, pizzas, meatballs, and more. In 2nd grade, I learned about homelessness at Stony Brook Elementary and I wanted to do something to help. My parents helped me combine my love of cooking and my wish to help my community  –  and I thought this was the best idea. And then Loco Dos was born. The first season of Loco Dos was AMAZING! We had a lot of customers and have met some amazing people and Loco Dos champions along the way. https://www.locodos.org/ Place an Order: https://www.locodos.org/weekly-menu The Paper Doll Kids and “Kids for Love Song” are a production of the Kids 4 Love Project. Get the Book now on Amazon or Kindle and the Song on Amazon or iTunes. Learn more here: https://dreamvisions7radio.com/kids-4-love-project-radioshow/

Don't Give Up—God Is Still Working Jeremiah 30:7 “Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be rescued from it.” What a great promise from the Lord!  Our God is so amazing.  He acknowledges that it was a time of great distress for Jacob, and yet He says Jacob will be rescued from it.  How many of you really need to hear that right now?  How many of you could really use this promise from God right now in your lives?  I know several people who are suffering.  I know they could really use this promise right now.  They could use the promise that they will be rescued from the situation they are in.  They need to know the pain, hurt, and anger they feel won't last forever. It is important to remember God didn't just make these promises to the people living at the time this was written.  He is making this promise to all of us.  You can take the promises you find in Scripture and apply them to your own life.  God is talking to you just as much as He is talking to the people in the Bible, just as much as He is talking to me, just as much as He is talking to any of us.  Yes, you are in a terrible situation right now, and yet you will be rescued from it. Maybe you have recently lost someone close to you.  If this has happened to you, I imagine you are feeling a whole range of emotions.  I also imagine your emotions can switch at the drop of a hat.  One minute you are sad, and you really miss them, and the next minute you are angry they are gone.  Sometimes you can be feeling two competing emotions at the same time.  For instance, you can be really sad you don't get to see them anymore and yet be happy they get to be with Jesus and celebrate the fact they are whole again and no longer suffering.  Whatever you are feeling, let yourself feel it.  Sometimes we can make the situation worse because we tell ourselves we “should” be feeling this way or we “shouldn't” be feeling that way.  You have a right to feel however you feel.  Allow yourself that grace.  This pain you are feeling won't last forever.  God will rescue you from it.   Maybe you are having family issues.  Maybe you're worried about your children.  You aren't sure what their future looks like.  You aren't sure if they are safe.  You know they are making bad choices, and yet you can't save them from themselves.  This is really hard.  Trust me, I have been through this.  I have had lots of family issues over the years.  I had a marriage that was falling apart.  I had kids that were making bad choices, getting in trouble, and it seemed I couldn't help them.  I was doing all I could, and nothing was really changing.  I continued to pray; this was the one thing that did make a difference.  I also didn't give up hope that things would get better.  I knew God was working, and yet I didn't know how he was working, and I certainly didn't know when it would be over, when things would finally get better.  If you are in this situation right now, don't give up.  Keep praying, keep hoping.  I know hope can hurt sometimes.  Hope hurts because it feels as though we are leaving ourselves open to get hurt if it doesn't happen.  Try to still hope anyway.  God never leaves us hanging.  He will come through; it just won't be in our time; it will be in His.  I struggled for over 15 years.  I definitely had times when I thought things weren't ever going to get better.  I had lots of times when I wondered why it had to take this long.  I never got those answers, but I can finally say, after all those years, that I am doing well.  Our family is doing well.  It still feels strange to say because we struggled for so long.  However, I am so very grateful I didn't give up praying and hoping, and I smile every time someone asks how things are now.  I used to say, “I'm surviving.”  That was the best I could say; now, everything is really good.  Praise God!! I went to an event on Friday sponsored by American Needs Fatima.  It was where a replica of the Fatima statue comes and visits a house.  The custodian brings the statue to the house and then takes time to explain all about Fatima and what happened, what Mary asked us to do, what Mary promised us, and answers any questions we had.  During his talk, the custodian of the statue mentioned St. Monica, and I felt as though I was supposed to remind all of you about St. Monica.  St. Monica was a very devout Catholic, and her son, Augustine, wanted nothing to do with her faith.  She did not approve of his lifestyle, and Augustine moved to Rome one night without telling his mom where he was going.  She tried to follow him, and he had already moved on to Milan by the time she got to Rome.  She finally found him, and she prayed unceasingly for his conversion.  Finally, he did get baptized into the faith, along with his best friend and his son, whom he had with a woman he loved but never married.  St. Monica prayed for her son for a very long time.  Augustine was 32 when he finally became a Catholic.  She prayed and cried for at least 17 years before she saw a change.  God will rescue you; don't give up hope! God hears your prayers.  Sometimes it seems like God is not working in our lives.  It seems like He does not hear our prayers.  If you have been praying for something for a while now and it hasn't happened yet, I am sorry.  If you have had unanswered prayers for quite some time now, I know how hard it can be and how easy it is to get frustrated.  I know how painful it is to watch others get their prayers answered and yet yours seem to go unanswered.  I know all of this is hard.  I know it can get harder and harder to believe God hears you.  I assure you, He does.  He has not left you alone; He has not abandoned you.  He is working diligently on rescuing you.  Remember God's timing isn't our time.  What is a year to us could be a blink of an eye to God.  Don't stop praying, don't stop hoping, don't give up. God will rescue you just as He rescued Jacob and countless other people before Him.   Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this podcast today.  Lord, we want to believe you hear all of our prayers; please help us.  Lord, some people listening have been waiting on some answers to some pretty big prayers; please help them continue to wait without giving up hope and without giving in to despair.  Fill them with a renewed sense of hope and encouragement that you are working on the situation and help them truly believe you will answer their prayers.  Lord, you are amazing!  You are the resurrection and the life; you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are our Savior, Lord, and we are so very grateful.  We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name. Amen! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus.  I wanted to share some exciting news with all of you who might not already know.  Last year I published a 31-day devotional book called Walk Boldly With Jesus Devotional: Who I Am: Discovering God's Truth About Me.  If you are enjoying these podcasts, then you will love the book. It is basically 31 episodes about who God says you are. However, in the book I give you journaling questions and a place to journal right there in the book. I hope you will check it out. You can find it on Amazon, or you can buy an autographed copy on my website. I will write a personal message and mail it to you. My website is WalkboldlywithJesus.com. I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I.  Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in January 2026 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “If you give me your hearts, I pour my love into you, and you can do things far differently, far better, far greater than you ever dreamed. Not because you are wonderful, but because I love each of you and all of my children. And because you give me your heart, I give mine to you, and I use you as my conduit of grace and mercy. ”   www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Para esta semana traíamos un especial analizando algunos temas candentes de actualidad, pero hemos tenido unos problemas con el audio similares a los del episodio anterior (no obstante los grabamos en los mismos días), así que mientras intento solucionarlos, vamos a traer un poco de cuñadeo sobre alas de geometría variable (maltratar vuestros oídos con en dos episodios consecutivos era demasiado hasta para nosotros). Y sí, vamos a ir mucho más alla del F-14 o del Tornado. ¿Nos acompañáis? P.D.: Si la intro y la despedida os son familiares, que no os sorprenda. En un ejercicio de nostalgia podcasteril he hablado con Javier Lago para pedirle permiso y utilizar la introducción que hizo para el que, si no recuerdo mal, fue el primer podcast español sobre aviación: Remove Before Flight RBF podcast

That's how it starts. The fever. The rage. The feeling of powerlessness. That turns good fans … toxic. How does this toxification happen? Or does it happen? Maybe it's all the fault of big corporations. Or social media. Or foreign adversaries poisoning the discourse. In either case, we need discernment to sort honest criticism from harshest cynicism. Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Worlds Collide by Clint Hall Above the Circle of Earth (softcover) by E. Stephen Burnett Iffy Eats Monsters for Breakfast by Bryan Timothy Mitchell Lorehaven Guild: July 2026 book quest for The Silver Chair Mission update New at Lorehaven, Daniel Whyte IV's Onscreen article: Supergirl Strives to Be Good, but Struggles to Save a Disempowered Movie. Reviews are currently on hiatus, but we have over 380 of those! Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild. Critics are writing off famous fantasies, and we concede their demise. We also believe in an Author who surprises us with epic resurrection. Listen to episode 307. 1. They don't—some of this is legit criticism. Quick snack from the Concession Stand. We've talked about this. Big corporations selling bad storytelling have blamed “toxic fans.” Disney tried this against fans who disliked Star Wars TV shows. They maybe learned their lesson and didn't try it with Snow White. And even the current DC regime didn't do that much with Supergirl. In this case, studios may be driven to these scripts by leftist media. In fact, look for some media pundits to do this against Andy Serkis. But the fans may just be saying, “That's not for me.” Loudly. Often the fans have legitimate reasons for loudly rejecting stories. Stephen feels this way about previous and current DC hero movies. But in the past, the studio lied to DC fans and called them “toxic.” Even some false criticisms have some truth mixed into them. Fans claimed an actor called “Elliot Page” was playing Achilles. It turned out she wasn't; she played another soldier character. But this is still a gender-bend. And that character replaces Achilles. So what angry fans told you was true, from a certain point of view. In either case, this isn't “toxic.” That label implies a kind of sin. One may spy the familiar hues of the old fundamentalist legalism. But if you can't call something sin, don't manipulatively imply it is. Sin is binary. Actions are motivated by idolatry or by faithfulness. And anything that isn't an actual sin is just creative differences. 2. Fans may see actual folly, but overreact. Nevertheless, some fans have too much fun booing the screen. This is best illustrated by the infamous “Cinema Sins” channel. Its maker monetizes constant, often foolish movie nitpicking. This impulse, when it catches, ruins otherwise good franchises. Most recently, some anti-fans did want Christopher Nolan to fail. They did spread lies about Odyssey casting as if these were fact. Meanwhile, sociopolitical agitators slander Greta Gerwig's Narnia. They claimed as fact “Meryl Streep is playing Aslan.” Unconfirmed. Frankly, Stephen believes this could be Netflix's rope-a-dope tactic. If/when we hear Ciarán Hinds voices Aslan, the goals get moved. Fans may then easily forgive “race-swapping” or era-changing. We'd miss the real crime: ignoring Lewis's original 1900s setting! So don't get played either by studio false-flag ops or the agitators. Yet a few YouTubers, known for criticism, can be more balanced. Behind their loud clickbaity titles and aggression is an earnest side. Example: Gary Buechler says he earns just as much from positivity. In fact, his whole TV interview (even on Piers Morgan) is healthier. Stephen enjoys these YouTube roasts, but also these critics’ praise. For example, it's been a pleasure to see Buechler loving One Piece. 3. Later they become lost in sinful cynicism. We do need legitimate or balanced criticism, shared reluctantly. Alas, some of these voices do take over factions of our culture. This is the hateful, spiteful, deconstructive impulse from actual sin. We see this in many political movements that despise creativity. Often they are spreading lies and subversion more than big studios. One could conclude these “critics” aren't even happy being critical. And we see this from certain Christians who have axes to grind. Zack and Stephen see some voices only cursing cultural darkness. They are selling negativity and/or implied solutions (they made up). But at least the faulted corporations did try making new things! We're back to the adage, “Don't curse the darkness; light a candle.” Christianity gives no moral clearance for “professional cynics.” Our worldview is eternally positive. No matter the evils we see. And even non-Christian humanists ought to catch biblical optimism. Com station Top question for listeners Have you ever been accused of being a “toxic fan”? Next on Fantastical Truth Everyone's talking about that new release from Christopher Nolan, the feature film that is just so big that it's one everyone oughtta see. Zack plans to see it. Stephen may eventually get there. Meanwhile, what about that book by Greek poet Homer that changed the course of our world's epic storytelling? Dramatist and author Phil Lollar—no stranger to that name!— will return to the studio for our tour of The Odyssey.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sciencefictionspod.substack.comEarlier this year we lost one of the WOATs of bad science: Peter Duesberg, the Berkeley professor who originated nearly all the arguments of the AIDS denial movement. Duesberg was convinced that HIV was just a harmless virus that happens to go along with AIDS, which is caused by something else entirely.We thought it would be fun to go through Duesberg's arguments and see how reasonable they were in the late 80s when he first made them. Alas, it turned out not to be fun at all, and was instead deeply depressing. Still, hope you enjoy!

Programa de NovaOnda Albacete: Las alas de violeta – (21/07/2026)

Cuando le escribí a Sebastián para invitarlo a Abierta Mente, creo que se sorprendió. ¿Yogalalama? ¿Yoga? ¿Espiritualidad? Su sorpresa cuenta lo que le sucede a la mayoría de las personas hoy: una falsa creencia de que la espiritualidad es incompatible con la vida real, con la materialidad, con el 1, 2, 3 de la vida con sus rutinas. Esto, siempre lo he pensado, viene de la religión, que, especialmente en occidente, se vive en un templo, en el que se entra, se reza y se sale a seguir siendo el mismo. Como si fuera un paréntesis de la vida, simplemente esto ocurre sin que tenga incidencia en lo demás. La espiritualidad es realmente TODO LO CONTRARIO. Es cómo vives, cómo piensas, cómo te hablas, cómo trabajas, cómo respiras, como cuidas y te cuidas, cómo amas y te amas. Y también cómo produces tu dinero y cómo lo gastas. La espiritualidad es LA VIDA MISMA, con un reto de hacerla consciente, de sentir lo que estás haciendo, de evaluarlo y de darte la oportunidad de pulir lo que sea necesario, para hacer una vida mejor para ti y para los demás. Eso es todo. Así pues, este invitado tiene TODA la pertinencia del mundo. Su invitación es sana y necesaria y su energía a mí me resultó inspiradora. Disfrútenlo. (Porque además es un crack).

O Nuno Picado, o António Pita e o Filipe Teixeira reúnem-se para falar sobre os primeiros jogos da pré-época, os novos reforços e o que ainda falta.

On this week's episode, Sarah's looking back at the decade of flared jeans and glitter balls and asking why Andy Burnham wants to take us back to the 1970s. And talking of Burnham, Peter wonders if the new PM should now call a general election? And the pair pore over our mailbag to chat about the merits of corporal punishment (or lack of) with Peter recalling school days that sometimes featured a thrashing. The interminable rise of the e-bike and politicians that either could do without ever meeting again.On our reading, listening and watch list this week: •Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury•Coming Up For Air – George Orwell•Goodbye, Mr. Chips - James Hilton•Coriolanus – William Shakespeare•The Whitsun Weddings – Philip LarkinPlease do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.co.uk you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas'.Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously PopularTo get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Phillip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rabbi Rebecca Schatz's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, July 18, 2026. (Youtube)

It's time for another Life in the Fast Lane, and we're here to share a piece of advice: “You don't plan a life that rhymes like that.” We enter the backrooms in the Tokyo Drift Minute (#39) to find some Initial D connections, and to wonder what Japanese words Sean has picked up so far as well as what he thinks Morimoto says. We then Run the VIN, which features a couple of very long posts. (Classic Vin.) Joe asks: how would we spend a day as Vin's Kojak videographer? Joey raises a new goal of media literacy for this segment: to ensure no one else is further duped by Vin Diesel suggesting that Fast Forever is definitely in production, and it's definitely not a World Cup promo. (Alas.) The Rock continues his quest for an Oscar win with a potentially questionable decision. Jason writes in to dive in deeper into the Bear Paw minute, as well as to share some stats about various F&F rankings. (Rotten Tomatoes is wild!) We talk about the big moves made at Joey's BBQ re: our Fast Forever prize before discussing new release movies (Leviticus, Jackass: Best and Last, and Supergirl). Joey talks about winning a very cool lottery, sort of. Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠family@cageclub.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/2fast2forever⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Show your support at the 2 Fast 2 Forever shop⁠⁠⁠⁠!Extra special shout-out to Alex Elonen, Brian Rodriguez (High School Slumber Party), Jason Rainey, Wes Hampton, Josh Buckley (Whole Lotta Wolves), Michael Moser, Terra New One, Aaron Woloszyn, and Randy Carter for joining at the “Interpol's Most Wanted” level or above!Intro music by Nico Vasilo. Interlude and outro music by Wes Hampton.

On this week's episode, Sarah talks procrastination, though she has a few other things to do first, and as he's named the sleaziest politician in the UK, Peter examines the latest Nigel Farage farrago. And the pair pore over our mailbag to chat about the legacy of one Dennis Potter, why Peter is less than keen on the Singaporean state, on what the locals really call Wittenham Clumps and that most important of questions: is it Vine and Hitchens or Hitchens and Vine?On our reading, listening and watch list this week: · One Party After Another: The Disruptive Life of Nigel Farage - Michael Crick· Solving Procrastination: The Science of Why We Put Things Off and How to (Finally!) Stop - Dr. Itamar Shatz· Stand Up, Nigel Barton – Dir: Gareth Davies Please do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.co.uk you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas'. Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously PopularTo get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Phillip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A version of this essay was published by firstpost.com at https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/the-old-quad-is-dying-time-for-a-new-quad-14030966.htmlThe Quad, a 2007 partnership broadly intended to contain China's hegemonistic ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, was a brainchild of then-Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. It makes sense: China is rampaging in its neighborhood, and gives every sign of wanting to either grab territory that belongs to others, or bully them into acquiescence and tributary status.The belligerence that created the current Chinese empire, that is the forced absorption of Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Manchuria into the core Han coastal heartland, is part of a harking back to ancient Chinese empires. Xi Jinping, perhaps even more than Mao, embodies a hankering to be the almighty King-Emperor of the erstwhile Middle KingdomThe US unwittingly allowed China to rapidly de-industrialize it post joining the WTO, and to come up with a business plan that calls for massive over-production and the resultant price collapse, which is a template they use to rape and pillage industry after industry. A recent casualty is Germany's prized automobile industry: bellwether Volkswagen has been forced to lay off 100,000 workers, brutalized by a tsunami of Chinese electric vehicles.However, as Utpal Kumar points out in an insightful essay, all is not well in Xi's kingdom: e.g., the debt mountain, paranoia as seen in regular purges of military brass, and propaganda that conceals all bad news (did you hear of a small plane hitting a tower in central Beijing? Yes, a mini-9/11. But the information was blanked out). Continuing rural poverty is also censored, although Indians on x.com posted images of extreme filth and poverty, far from the glossy high-rise, bullet-train image that Chinese propaganda projects. Paradoxically, that is precisely what makes China yet more dangerous: it will probably lash out in external adventurism to preserve legitimacy internally.Thus the need for sober containment of China's destructive power. The US, which has been the natural candidate for reining in this rogue power, has now demonstrated that it is retrenching. It has, for instance, demonstrated that it is no longer willing to indefinitely support its NATO allies. The “nuclear umbrella” that it has offered Japan may also be getting a little threadbare.It is likely that President Trump invaded Iran with the good idea of denying China oil both Iranian and Venezuelan oil, as retaliation for China's squeeze on rare earths. Alas, that has turned into a fiasco, creating collateral damage for innocent bystanders such as India. In game-theoretic terms, if an isolationist “Fortress America” mood has descended on the US, then a “G2 condominium” with China may be the simplest option, as I said several years ago.If the US has indeed acquiesced to China being the hegemon in its sphere of influence, namely the Indo-Pacific, then there is good reason for the jilted Quad members (Japan, Australia and India) to enter into bilateral agreements amongst each other to look after their own national interests, including but not limited to Sinophobia. And in fact they have done so.It is true that the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in May 2026 in Delhi produced some agreements on critical minerals (clearly a US priority) and surveillance collaboration, but I get the feeling that this is mostly a matter of keeping up appearances. Therefore it is worth pivoting to Japanese PM Takaichi's recent visit to India, and PM Modi's trips to Indonesia and Australia.Japan and India are obvious partners, because their economies are complementary: one is resource- and technology-rich, and labor-poor, and the other is the opposite. There is also an old civilizational link between the two, going back to Bodhidharma from Kanchipuram who embarked from Muziris circa 500CE and established the Zen school of Buddhism in Japan.There are also clear civilizational links between India and Indonesia. Hindu Bali is obvious; but Java, until the Hindu-Buddhist Majapahit Empire was defeated circa 1500CE by Muslim kingdoms (encouraged by the Chinese empire of the time), was also heavily Indianized. As someone who has traveled in both Japan and Indonesia, I was delighted to see Devanagari inscriptions on the Great Bell at Hiroshima, and the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan temple. विपुलप्रभ अतुल्यनन्त नाथ दिशि विदिशि स्फुरि सर्वबुद्धक्षेत्रा। राग प्रशमि सर्वदोषमोहां नरकगतिस्मि प्रशामि धूमकेतुम्॥१५॥ "The lord of vast light, incomparable and infinite, has illuminated all Buddha countries in all the quarters; he has quieted passions, all sins and errors; he has quieted the fire in the walk of hell." This is the inscription on the Great Bell in Hiroshima. Japan and India signed a series of agreements, including an investment target of Yen 10 trillion (about $66 billion) in areas such as critical minerals, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. They agreed upon a new focus on Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies and in energy self-reliance, including hydrogen and biogas.They also reaffirmed support for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (let us note that on June 16th the US renamed its Indo-Pacific Command to just “Pacific Command”, a telling admission of retreat. The US may well be abandoning the Indian Ocean just when it is becoming the focus of trade.)The Indonesia-India agreements were significant: they included, for instance, Brahmos and Astra missile systems (which, in conjunction with other ASEAN purchases of Brahmos missiles, creates a potentially integrated sea-denial mechanism against persistent Chinese maritime aggression).Pointedly, there will be joint development on Indonesia's deep-water Sabang Port in Aceh, which is on the Malacca Straits just 90 nautical miles away from India's upcoming Great Nicobar dual-use port.The two ports can form a defensive shield that could deny transit in Malacca to hostile ships and submarines (read Chinese). Since two-thirds of China's trade and energy imports pass through Malacca, this is a potent threat, especially as we have just seen what the siege of Hormuz did to global trade. Let us also remember that, exactly 1,001 years ago, Emperor Rajendra Chola sent a large fleet to open up Malacca when the SriVijaya Empire closed it.There were also agreements on critical minerals (e.g. nickel for EV batteries, as Indonesia has the world's largest reserves, cobalt, etc.), steel, maritime security, and technology cooperation.Let us also remember the trilateral Japan-Indonesia-India naval exercises in the Andaman Sea in February 2026.PM Modi's visit to Australia is the most problematic. Earlier, under Kevin Rudd, a Sinophilic PM, Australia exited the Quad in 2008, effectively making it moribund. Besides, Australia for decades refused sniffily to sell India uranium, despite India being a committed non-proliferator. This may also have had something to do with the UK's (Whitehall's) deleterious influence on Australia.But days ago, Australia committed to supplying uranium to India, in support of the latter's quest for energy security. Oz has apparently learned that cozying up to China is not good for its own economic health.Thus, the quadrilateral of US, Japan, Australia and India may well morph into a quadrilateral of Japan, Indonesia, Australia and India, all united in their concerns about China. The US has a choice: either continue to be the anchor of the Quad (Pentagon?), or be left behind if it insists on retreating into its shell. The former option would be better for all concerned.1150 words, 11 July 2026 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

“Love how this vintage pinball spot sounds — you can really hear the rattling of the bells and the smack of the flippers, the whoosh of the ball shooting up the alley and around the bumpers. Alas, too, the agony of defeat. Best game (and date destination) ever!”

The Nazi Holocaust of the Jews stands as one of the most horrifying events in human history, a time when Satanic hatred was organized, mechanized and carried out through a political system that marked, isolated, transported and murdered the Jewish people by the millions. The world looked upon the smoke of Auschwitz, Treblinka, Sobibor, Dachau and the other killing centers and said “never again,” but the Bible says something very different. The Bible says, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be,” and the same hatred that rose up under Pharaoh, Haman, Herod and Hitler will rise again under Antichrist. The Holocaust was not the end of antisemitic persecution; it was a warning shot of what fallen man and Satanic government are capable of doing when God removes restraint. And it's fixing to come again.“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24:21 (KJB)On this episode of the Prophecy News Podcast, if the Holocaust was one of the darkest valleys of human history, then the coming great Tribulation will be the darkest valley of all time. Hitler's Reich targeted the Jews in Europe; Antichrist's Beast system will target the Jews on a global scale. Hitler used trains, camps, numbers, propaganda and death decrees; Antichrist will use worship, technology, economics, global government and the mark of the Beast. This is why the Bible calls that coming period “the time of Jacob's trouble.” It is not called the time of the Church's trouble, because the Church is not Jacob. Jacob is Israel. Jeremiah says, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:7 (KJB). That verse matches perfectly with the words of Jesus in Matthew 24. The Jewish people will once again become the target of the Devil's final rage, and the nations of the world will once again turn against Israel. The Holocaust showed us what one demonized empire could do to the Jews; the time of Jacob's trouble will show what a demonized world under Antichrist will do when Satan knows his time is short. The same spirit that built the death camps is the same spirit that here in 2026 chants for Israel's destruction, funds terror, fires missiles and prepares the nations for the final satanic campaign against the Jews. The uniforms change, the slogans change, the technology changes, but the hatred remains the same. There is no new thing under the sun. The difference is that the Holocaust ended with the defeat of Nazi Germany, but the great Tribulation ends with the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ at the Second Advent. Hitler was stopped by armies; Antichrist will be destroyed by the Lord Himself. The Holocaust left survivors to testify; the time of Jacob's trouble will leave a purified remnant of Israel who will look upon Him whom they have pierced and finally receive their Messiah. That is why Christians should care about the Holocaust, and that is why Christians should pay attention to the war with Iran. The headlines are moving in the same direction prophecy has always pointed: Israel surrounded, the nations raging, false peace rising, and Jacob's trouble waiting just beyond the horizon. Today we look at the Nazi Holocaust to see the Spirit of Prophecy carrying us headlong into the headlines!

El Wingsuit es, posiblemente, una de las formas más libres de volar al convertir a tu propio cuerpo en el alma y armazón de un ala volante con la que recorres a velocidad de vértigo las alturas hasta abrir la campana del paracaídas con la que te posas en tierra. Cristina se maneja en el aire como pocos, y llego a pasar una tarde Hablando de Aviones, con 5 récords europeos y un nuevo récord Mundial de figuras verticales y dinámicas en el bolsillo. Este es un capítulo lleno de pasión por el deporte que ama, y la mejor manera de hacer divulgación sobre lo qué significa volar con un traje de alas.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the podcast, on this episode we chat to Alice Lucas, Alice says"My sporting background has been a little stop start.  As one of two girls, my mum encouraged (pushed!) us both into ballet and dancing, which I loved socially but was a disaster at.  Meanwhile, Dad was a sub 3hr marathon runner and competitive triathlete, who I idolised!  I started running at 18 - primarily to lose weight - and did my first triathlon in my early 20s on my early teenage mountain bike, but came 3rd in my AG and loved it.  Fast forward a decade or so, and I joined a running (with a hint of triathlon) club in London and had a couple of years of very amateur racing, with a strong running focus.  2020 was to be my year - unexpected ballot place in the London Marathon after 15 years of trying, several triathlons in the calendar, a 300km ride in Sweden and my first 70.3.  Alas - 2020 was no one's year! Sort of fell off the wagon, but moving to Bath in 2022 reignited my excitement for the sport and I joined the world's best tri club (while I acknowledge I'm biased, I wholeheartedly believe this to be true!).  Working with an equally epic PT, I set the goal of AG racing.  I told anyone who would listen, and worked to overcome fear on the bike (work in progress), improve technique in the water (ditto) and speed up my run (there's a theme here).Eventually raced my first MD last June and landed a qualifying time which took me to Alsdorf for the European MD Duathlon Champs last month, which was a sensational experience!I'm nothing if not ambitious - still have a LOT of work to do across all disciplines, a lot of kit to upgrade and many years of this sport ahead of me.  But objective one unlocked, proof that mindset and psychology are huge factors in any competitive sport (and business for that matter), and game on to see how far I can take this! "You can follow Alice on Instagram @alicejlucasYou Can find the 1001 Triathlon Tips using this link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GX39Z7P5follow us on Instagram - AMP_podcastFacebook Richard Joseph ConwayYoutube - AMP GBSupport the show

On this week's episode, as the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues, Peter will be looking at the current situation in Iran and then Sarah and Peter will be comparing notes on their Desert Island Discs (Sarah tries unsuccessfully to convince Peter of the charms of Faithless), if the BBC ever come calling… And the pair pore over our mailbag to chat about dogma in education, Peter's favourite public debate, the charm of the Boston suburbs and why our politicians are all too human and why we expect too much from them.On our reading, listening and watch list this week: Sarah's Desert Island Choices: · Mendelssohn concerto in E minor: Yehudi Menuhin with the Berlin Phil (for my father) · Faithless: insomnia· Hozier: work song · Rolling Stones: Sympathy for the devil · Maria Callas: Vissi d'arte· Led Zeppelin: Fool in the Rain· David Bowie: Moonage Daydream· Pink Floyd: The Great Gig in the Sky · Book: Dante's divine comedy, I would spend my time translating it into English · Luxury: Contact lenses. Although they might be considered a necessity as I'm so blind. In which case, a hot bath. Peter's Desert Island Choices: · Bob Dylan: Tomorrow is a Long Time· Fairport Convention: Farewell, Farewell· Purcell: Nymphs and Shepherds· Purcell: Rondeau · Gustav Holst: St Paul's Suite· George Butterworth: The Banks of Green Willow· Handel: Solomon· Beethoven: Seventh Symphony· Book: A collection of the Sherlock Holmes Short and Long Stories· Luxury: A Fridge Please do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.co.uk you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas'. Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously PopularTo get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Phillip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 4th of July weekend and the start of fireworks season in the US, so I'm revisiting this beautiful interview with Lisa Spector of Canine Classical, to give you some tips on how to use music and sound to support your dog. Enjoy!You are in for a TREAT! Today, my guest is Lisa Spector of My Zen Pet. Lisa has such an incredible story. From graduating from the world renowned Julliard School, to pursuing a concert career, opening up a music school, and even raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Lisa has been on an incredible journey that has shown her the power that music holds - for dogs and humans alike.In this episode, Lisa talks about her journey into canine sound therapy, and she shares with us some really useful ways we can use music to calm our dogs' nervous systems to both prevent and treat all kinds of anxiety. And she also shares why just putting any ol' classical music on for your dog when you go out during the day, or during fireworks, might not actually be a helpful thing! Don't worry, Lisa shares exactly what IS helpful to your dog's nervous system, too.AND you'll be treated to a mini concert you can share with your dog, as Lisa plays for us some of her calming music. It's so beautiful, and you're going to feel just as relaxed as your dog, so get comfy!Check out Lisa's website https://myzenpet.com to learn more about her Dog Gone Calm Training Program and to stream her Dog Gone Calm album for your dog! You can also follow Lisa on Instagram https://instagram.com/my_zen_pet.Visit https://mysticdogmama.com for more information on booking a holistic nutrition and wellness consultation, and to get your copy of my ebook The N.E.W. Approach to feeding your dog!Finally, can I please ask you for a favour? If you are enjoying the podcast, a simple and really meaningful way you can support me is by rating the podcast and leaving a review on Apple podcasts. I know, I wish Spotify allowed reviews, too! Alas! But seriously, it really helps me to know what you are enjoying, and it is SO HELPFUL for helping others to find the podcast, and find this beautiful community we are creating together. I am so grateful for each an every one of you!OK, until next time!Connect with Lisa on Instagram at https://instagram.com/canineclassical or visit her website https://https://canineclassical.com/Connect with me on Instagram https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama or visit https://mysticdogmama.com.Download your free copy of my Nourishment Starter Kit! https://mysticdogmama.kit.com/nourishmentkitJOIN THE NOURISHED PACKIf you're looking for a supportive community of thoughtful dog guardians who want to nourish their dogs with greater confidence, curiosity, and intention, I'd love to welcome you into The Nourished Pack. It's my free Facebook community where we continue conversations like this one, explore canine nutrition and holistic health, and support one another in navigating the often overwhelming world of conscious dog care. Join here: https://facebook.com/groups/thenourishedpackCheck out our sponsor, Aspirationery's shadow work journals and workbooks: https://instagram.com/aspirationeryDisclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.

Christina Hello, everyone, I'm Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. In today's extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” So, Warren, what's up first?  Warren William Bennett famously said, “The plural of anecdotes is not data.” Journalists who write about religion often forget that reality. Christina The latest example came from Carson Daly of the Today Show. He wants us to believe that young people are packing Catholic Churches, and they are leading a Catholic resurgence in this country. But you're not buying it. Warren I'm not. The data tell a different story. I turned to the 2023–24 Pew Research Center Religious Landscape Study, based on nearly 37,000 randomly selected American adults, for a reality check. Among its findings: About 19 percent of U.S. adults identify as Catholic, unchanged since 2014 — but well below historical levels. Even more telling: 43 percent of Americans raised Catholic no longer identify as Catholic. Only 1.5 percent of American adults have become Catholic after being raised in another religion or with no religion. Catholics have experienced the largest net losses of any major Christian tradition through religious switching. Christina What about young people? That seemed to be the focus of the Carson Daly piece. Warren It was, but even among young people, the data don't support that conclusion. Among Americans ages 18–24, 12 percent have left Catholicism, while only 1 percent have converted into it. Pew concluded there is “no clear evidence” of a nationwide religious revival among young adults. Christina Why has this revival narrative been so persistent. We've been seeing it in the Protestant church as well. Warren Journalists want to find unusual stories. The slow secularization of religion over the past 50 years is not unusual. It's been told, and journalists are looking for a new story. As the old saying, “Dog bites man” is not a story. “Man bites dog” is a story. As for the Catholic resurgence story? Well, to torture the metaphor: “That dog won't hunt.” Carson Daly might be able to find a parish whose young adult Mass grows from 50 to 400 people, but that does not make up for the thousands of parishes experiencing gradual (and sometimes significant) decline. Christina Years ago, David Letterman had a routine that he called “Stupid Pet Tricks.” The first story we did, plus the next one, might qualify this episode of the podcast for its own “Stupid Media Tricks” segment. Warren You're right. This week saw another significant media story that caused me to wonder. In this case, veteran National Public Radio Supreme Court reporter Nina Totenberg wrote a story that Justice Samuel Alito had retired. Christina And, to be clear, Justice Alito has not retired. Warren That's right. But the story that he had retired made it through NPR's editing process and onto the website before someone discovered the mistake. And, of course, if it makes it to one website, the algorithms soon have it everywhere. Christina About an hour after publication, NPR retracted the story, issued a correction, and apologized. But the damage had been done. Warren To be fair, the damage was not severe – except, perhaps, to the credibility of NPR. But it does provide a lesson in how modern media work. Charlie Warzel, writing for The Atlantic, does a fascinating post-mortem on the episode, saying the error highlights several habits of modern journalism that are pathological. Among them: “That a breakneck news cycle is forcing even the best reporters and editors to move too fast, that modern beat reporting itself has become too consumed with being first to report stories.” Warzel's story is a smart look at how the journalistic sausage is made. I recommend it. You can find a link in today's show notes. Christina Our next story is also a media story, of sorts. Warren I had not thought of it that way, but I think you're right. Our friend Joseph Slife forwarded me a story that Michigan's Cornerstone University was offering a degree that could be completed “100%” on a smartphone. Christina Warren, did you check the date on that story. Are you sure it's not an April Fools Day prank? Warren I did check, because that was my first thought. Alas, it is not. According to The College Fix, “Cornerstone University, located in Grand Rapids, is offering an associate degree and bachelor's degree in strategic business management along with a master's in organizational leadership through its new program. Students pay a fixed rate of $2,400 per four-month term or $3,750 for graduate level work. The intended audience is working adults.” Christina That's pretty cheap, and – as a working adult – I couldn't imagine trying to get to a nearby college a couple of nights a week for classes. Warren I get that. 100  percent. I am not a Luddite. I use my iPhone for a lot of things – including learning. YouTube videos have helped me learn new licks on the guitar, have helped me repair my toilet, and have helped me gain new insights into the human condition. Christina But learning via iPhone is a different experience than face-to-face, in classroom learning. Warren That's exactly right. Especially from a wise and well-qualified teacher, in a community with other learners who are grappling with the same ideas — both in class, but also around the dinner table in the dining hall. Christina So what you're saying is that virtual learning is not worthless. It is just different. Warren I do not oppose colleges offering programs virtually, but to offer accredited degrees that carry all the prestige and credentialing power of an in-person degree…well…that is just bearing false witness. Christina Let's conclude today with news that the Texas State Board of Education passed a new required reading list that includes Bible passages. Warren On Friday, June 26, the Republican-controlled board voted 9-5-1 to approve a first-of-its-kind list that will affect more than 5 million public school students. Required readings for younger students include illustrated Old Testament stories such as Noah's Ark and David and Goliath. By upper elementary school, students read New Testament passages about Jesus' teachings and parables. Middle school and high school lessons pair scriptural themes with classic literature. Christina Most Christian groups are praising this decision. But you say…not so fast. Warren I will have to say that net-net I am glad they are reading the Bible in the classroom. You simply cannot understand most of Western literature – from Dante to Shakespeare to Faulkner to Eliot – without some biblical literacy. And I know that there are a lot of great public school teachers who will handle these texts with care and respect. Christina I sense a big fat…however…coming on. Warren Ha. So I'll say it.  However… I do wonder what will happen when you put scripture into the hands of militantly secularized teachers, and you give them a platform to air their grievances. They may be forced to read the bible, but what if the teacher spends the rest of the class presenting arguments for its unreliability? Christina So are you opposed to reading the Bible in classrooms? Warren Absolutely not. I'm very much in favor of it, but I do wonder how it's going to be taught. I would recommend that parents in Texas remain vigilant. Time will tell whether this was a positive innovation for the classroom, or one full of unintended consequences. Until then, though, I know that “God's word will not return void.” So, I trust that the positive impact of scripture reading will be greater than any efforts to undermine it. Christina Any final thoughts before we go? Warren If you have not discovered our YouTube channel, check it out here. We now have nearly 200 videos there, and they have attracted tens of thousands of views. Subscribe, like, and share to spread the word about our work. I am in Albuquerque next month. If you live in the Land of Enchantment, one of my favorite states, reach out to me. I would love to share a meal or a cup of coffee with you. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com. We'd love to have your financial support as we approach our fiscal year end. Just go to www.ministrywatch.com/donate Christina The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm Christina Darnell, along with Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

Every time we read Revelation, especially chapters 16 to 20,  a multitude of thoughts threaten to overwhelm us.  We focus our attention most of all on the ‘picture' they give of the climax of human history at the return of Christ: this is totally dramatic and sudden.  We perceive that this is the latter day counterpart to ancient Babylon – and we recall the head of gold of Nebuchadnezzar's image and the dramatic end of his Empire.  We are also mindful of the fact that ‘Babylon' is the way the Greeks translate the Hebrew word ‘Babel' into their language causing us to think of what God did to Babel generations after the flood to demonstrate to ungodly men that he is in control in the earth. Therefore Revelation is giving us a picture in symbolic language, of the final “hour” of human kingdoms. We read, “Alas! Alas! … you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” [18 v.10]  The spiritual element in Babylon today is “clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet” [18 v.16]; these are the dominant colours in Papal garments – but “in a single hour she has been laid waste.  Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints … for God has given judgement for you against her”  [18 v.19,20]A puzzling factor is the great wealth of this latter day Babylon that Revelation highlights. Can we see significance in the fact that the European Common Market was established by the ‘Treaty of Rome' in 1957 and the countries that belong (and it seems significant that the U.K. did not sign), and that just about all of them are Roman Catholic.  The major reason for their unity is financial and for 50 years the E.U. has been very prosperous. But now the scene has changed and could become a disaster, so note the words, “for in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste” [18 v.17]Our Lord made a simple statement, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money.” [Matt. 6 v.24]  What is it to “serve money”?  Money, and the things it can buy, dominate the thinking of just about every one! We see this all around us; it must not dominate our thinking.. Let us heed the voice which says, “Praise God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great … Let us rejoice … and give him glory”  [19 v.5].  True believers are “his bride (who has) made herself ready” – make sure you are among them. 

On this week's episode, Peter would like to know why Labour are taxing some private schools out of business and Sarah is asking if should we even care that Prince Harry might be coming back to the UK? And the pair pore over our mailbag to chat about studying double smoking (and drinking cider), how e-bikes have no place even in hilly Lisbon, just how Conservative was Gordon Brown, and what ties Andy Bunrnham and Philip Larkin together.On our reading and watch list this week: · The Secondary Mod – Dick Stroud· The August Coup: The Destruction of the Soviet Union and the Making of New Russia 1985-1991 – Robert Service· The Conservative enemy: A programme of radical reform for the 1960s - C. Anthony R. Crosland Please do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.co.uk you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas'. Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously PopularTo get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Phillip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday Service (6/21/26) // Revelation 18:9-24 (ESV) // *The Fall of Babylon^ // 9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,“Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon!For in a single hour your judgment has come.”11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls.[a]14 “The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you,and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!”15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,16 “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls!17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.”And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning,“What city was like the great city?”19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out,“Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth!For in a single hour she has been laid waste.20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets,for God has given judgment for you against her!”21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying,Footnotesa. Revelation 18: 13 Or and slaves, and human lives#Revelation #BookofRevelation #BibleStudy #BibleExplained #BiblicalStudies #BibleTeacher #WordOfGod #BiblicalLessons #BibleJournal #BibleReading #BibleStudyCommunity #BibleVerse #prophecy #prophetic #jerusalemWebsite: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...

“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.” — 1 Corinthians 7:20 Some persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible women. Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of magnifying the Most […]

It's the 500th NO ENCORE episode~!And what better way to celebrate than to have our faithful former co-host Craig Fitzpatrick link back up to follow up on one of our all-time Top 5 topics and indeed performances from way back when.If you'd like to help us celebrate the festivities, please do so by signing up to the NO ENCORE Patreon where we have weekly bonus episodes including a back-catalogue of over 100 bonus eps – all for as little as €5 per month or a discounted annual membership that gets you a month completely free.Alas, let's celebrate!ACT ONE: The preamble, in which we reflect on the milestone of 500 and hear from some callers you might recognise.ACT TWO (28:23): An obligatory World Cup-music crossover update, the latest on Madonna's scrapped biopic, Metallica encounter Swiftie rage and a pair of counterfeit wristbands, James Blake hits out yet again at a broken music industry and Halsey V Fantano – it's a stacked news section, baby.ACT THREE (1:02:42): Top 5 Most Overrated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we perceive a dramatic attempt at persuasion, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 272, penned by Madurai Aruvai Vaanikan Ilavettanaar. The verse is situated amidst the flowing cascades of the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountain Landscape’ and presents a hypothetical situation and its impactful consequences. இரும் புலி தொலைத்த பெருங் கை வேழத்துப்புலவு நாறு புகர் நுதல் கழுவ, கங்குல்அருவி தந்த அணங்குடை நெடுங் கோட்டுஅஞ்சு வரு விடர் முகை ஆர் இருள் அகற்றி,மின் ஒளிர் எஃகம் செல் நெறி விளக்க,தனியன் வந்து, பனி அலை முனியான்,நீர் இழி மருங்கின் ஆர் இடத்து அமன்றகுளவியொடு மிடைந்த கூதளங் கண்ணிஅசையா நாற்றம் அசை வளி பகர,துறு கல் நண்ணிய கறி இவர் படப்பைக்குறி இறைக் குரம்பை நம் மனைவயின் புகுதரும்,மெய்ம் மலி உவகையன்; அந் நிலை கண்டு,”முருகு” என உணர்ந்து, முகமன் கூறி,உருவச் செந் தினை நீரொடு தூஉய்,நெடு வேள் பரவும், அன்னை; அன்னோ!என் ஆவது கொல்தானே பொன் எனமலர்ந்த வேங்கை அலங்கு சினை பொலியமணி நிற மஞ்ஞை அகவும்அணி மலை நாடனொடு அமைந்த நம் தொடர்பே? In this trip to the highlands, it’s scenes in the night that greets us, as we listen to these words said by the confidante to the lady, pretending not to see the man listening nearby, but making sure he’s in earshot: “To wash away its flesh-reeking, spotted face after killing a huge tiger, the long-trunked elephant arrives at night to the cascade in the mountains. Casting away the deep darkness of the clefts and caves in those formidable, fear-evoking spaces, as an iron spear, which flashes like lightning, shows the way, he comes alone, without minding the cold dew descending down. Wearing a garland of nightshade flowers woven together with wild jasmines that had been blooming in those picturesque places near flowing waters, as the moving winds scatter its stationary fragrance, he would enter our hut with hanging eaves, adjacent to a field of pepper vines around a short boulder, with his body brimming over with joy. If Mother were to see that state of his, thinking it's ‘God Murugu', she would raise her hands in prayer, would sprinkle moistened bright red millets, and worship the Tall Speared One! Alas! If that happens, what is to become of your relationship with the lord of the handsome mountain country, where the sapphire-hued peacock calls out aloud and the fully-bloomed Kino flowers glow upon the swaying branches?” Let’s walk along with the man and investigate what’s in the hearts of these mountain maiden! The confidante starts by talking about how fearsome the mountain paths are at night, mentioning how an elephant which has just killed a tiger would come to the cascades to wash its trunk. Unmindful of all this danger to his safety and not caring for the cold dew pouring down to the detriment of his health, with his spear lighting the way, the man would come walking on this very path, the confidante connects. Then she mentions the garlands of nightshades and jasmines he would be wearing and the way the wind would be spreading that scent all around the place. Walking in this manner, the man would reach the destination, which is the lady’s hut in the mountain hamlet, near a field of pepper vines, the confidante continues. Let’s make a note of this specific field and explore it in a moment. Returning, the confidante asks the lady to imagine the moment he would step inside their house. What if Mother happened to catch a glimpse of him? She predicts that Mother would think the man was the ‘Tall-speared God Murugu’ and would start worshipping him with a scattering of red millets. After saying these words, the confidante wonders what would happen to the lady’s relationship with the man if a such a thing were to happen, and concludes by describing the man’s country as a place, filled with singing peacocks and blooming Kino flowers.  An intricate attempt using the powers of visualisation to get the listening man to realise that he needs to change his dark and dangerous path of temporary trysting and take the road to the permanent joy of seeking the lady’s hand. The subtle elements here is the mention of the blooming Kino flowers, indicating it’s the auspicious season of marriage, and that scene of mother mistaking the man for Murugu is to tell the man the lady is in danger of being placed under guard, which would sound the death knell to his secret relationship with her. In short, ‘Marry her, marry her’ with a movie style delivery! Let’s revert and focus on that phrase about a field of pepper vines. This tells us the preciousness of these naturally growing spices was realised by this mention that it was intentionally cultivated in a mountain field. A matter-fact line which actually implies that these pepper corns were much sought after in faraway shores such as Greece and Rome and that those abroad were waiting to shower gold in exchange of these little black beauties! 

This Is the Place...to hear about our thoughts on Two Strangers! Alas this season has been a bit of a mess for us, so this will also be the season finale of our very short season, though keep an eye on our socials for other content!--Thanks to Simone who posted this very informative and in-depth guide to the show that helped jog our memory!Funnily enough, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend also has a song called What'll It Be that serves a very similar purpose to Robin's song in this show.For whatever reason, the song What Did You Say? was left off of the Broadway cast album, so the snippet you hear in this episode comes from the London cast album--Music featured in this episode:Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) [Original Broadway Cast Recording]Apple Music / Spotify / Amazon Music—Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BottomlessBway, our blog at https://bottomlessbway.home.blog, or email us at bottomlessbway@gmail.com! You can also leave feedback in this 30-second survey.

On this week's episode, Sarah speaks candidly about her father's recent passing, both muse on the brutality of modern politics as Kier Starmer steps down and Peter wonders why some nations crave war. And the pair pore over our mailbag prompting Peter's remarkable impression of an announcer on the Moscow Metro. They both offer up the funniest politicians they've encountered and revisit Peter's anti-Cameron documentary, Toff At The Top. On our reading and watch list this week: · Two Women – Dir: Vittorio De Sica· Salvador – Dir: Oliver Stone· Dispatches: Cameron - Toff at the Top Please do get in touch, email: Alas@dailymail.co.uk you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas'. Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Philip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie East A Daily Mail production. Seriously PopularTo get in touch email alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on WhatsApp - on 07796 657512 start your message with the word 'alas'Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter HitchensProducer: Phillip WildingEditor: Chelsey MooreProduction Manager: Vittoria CecchiniExecutive Producer: Jamie EastA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a “false wall” often placed between contemplative life and political action—a story implying that inner peace and outer justice are separate vocations. This imaginary divide exhausts us. In a world facing converging crises, how do those dedicated to healing move beyond the limits of individualized work to support systemic transformation? Join somatics experts and social change practitioners Nkem Ndefo and Staci K. Haines for a conversation introducing The Outer Work Project; an initiative dedicated to bridging trauma healing spaces with sustained social and climate justice movements. This episode explores how to move from personal healing as solely an inward practice into a rooted force for collective change. Guests Nkem Ndefo is an alchemist, disabled Black midwife, facilitator, coach, and strategist. She is the founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of The Resilience Toolkit, a model for embodied healing and liberatory change rooted in neuroscience and social justice. Her work spans the US, UK, and Palestine. Staci K. Haines has been working at the intersections of personal and social transformation for over 30 years through politicized somatics, trauma healing, embodied leadership, and transformative justice. She is the co-founder of Generative Somatics and co-leads The Outer Work Project. She is the author of The Politics of Trauma: Somatics, Healing and Social Justice. Rae Abileah (facilitator) is a social change strategist, Jewish faith leader, and member of the SAND team. Her work spans Beautiful Trouble, The Nature Conservancy Agility Lab, and ALAS, weaving cultural connection, the arts, and frontline community leadership as pathways to healing and climate justice. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & opening from SAND 00:03 — Rae opens: breathing, interdependence, and tending the whole amidst brokenness 00:07 — Nkem and Staci introduce themselves: lineage, the politic of suffering, and why this work 00:15 — The false wall: separating spiritual and political 00:16 — Case study: National Domestic Workers Alliance and embodied leadership 00:19 — Case study: LA County health system, anti-racism work, and the word "love" 00:25 — Burnout, overwhelm, and sustaining movement work from the inside out 00:35 — Consent, boundaries, and building a somatic culture in organizations 00:43 — Tearing down vs. building: holding contradictions without collapsing 00:48 — Visioning our yes: what a racially just feminist social democracy could feel like 00:50 — Legacy, small acts, and what we're building together 01:00 — Closing reflections: love as action and trusting our courage Resources & Links Nkem Ndefo Lumos Transforms — website The Resilience Toolkit Lumos Transforms Community (global network) Practicing Liberation — contributing author (North Atlantic Books, 2024) Staci K. Haines Website: StaciHaines.com The Politics of Trauma: Somatics, Healing and Social Justice — North Atlantic Books, 2019 Generative Somatics The Outer Work Project Strozzi Institute Rae Abileah CreateWell Beautiful Trouble ALAS — Ayudando Latinos a Soñar Organizations & concepts referenced National Domestic Workers Alliance — Staci's 7-year embodied leadership program with domestic worker organizers Ai-jen Poo — founder of NDWA — referenced throughout the NDWA story Movement Generation — Just Transitions zine — "From Banks and Tanks to Cooperation and Caring," referenced by Staci as an essential framework for a regenerative economy Terry Tempest Williams — The Glorians (audiobook) — Rae references the passage "We cannot breathe" during the opening generationFIVE — founded by Staci, committed to ending child sexual abuse within five generations using transformative justice approaches SAND Events, Courses and Films What Occupation Does to the Soul: A Global Reverberations of Palestinian Historical Trauma — June 26th, with Dr. Samah Jabr, Dr. Gabor Maté, and Dr. Jennifer Mullan Decolonial Mental Health Practices — Four-part webinar series with Dr. Samah Jabr The Eternal Song film series Contact SAND podcast@scienceandnonduality.com Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Having completed their scouting mission date at the docks, Screech and R'Orc are ready for a break. Alas, fate (or the Dungeon Master) have other plans for them, as they are called out to an emergency rescue mission for a bunch of blokes barricaded inside a bakery with a belligerent boar braying for their blood. Luckily Screech remembered to bring along The Aureole...The adventure continues with Screech Echo (Mike Bachmann), Selene Von Esper (Jennifer Cheek), R'Oarc (Nika Howard), T'Chuck (Tim Lanning), and our Dungeon Master Michael DiMauro. Edited by Vincent.Podcast art by Killurmonkey Art! Want the world to see your fan art? Post it with #DrunksAndDoodles.Find more info by clicking right here - https://linktr.ee/GAPCast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face… because we have sinned against Thee.” — Daniel 9:8 A deep sense and clear sight of sin, its heinousness, and the punishment which it deserves, should make us lie low before the throne. We have sinned as Christians. Alas! that it should be so. Favoured as we […]

Saturday, 13 June 2026   But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Matthew 20:25   “The ‘also Jesus having summoned them', He said, ‘You have known that the ‘rulers, the nations' they subjugate them, and the greats, they dominate them.'” (CG)   In the previous verse, it said that when the ten heard what was requested by James and John, the other ten were displeased with them. In response to this tiff, Matthew records, “The ‘also Jesus having summoned them'.”   He called all of them toward Himself. This wasn't just an inappropriate request that needed to be corrected. Rather, the attitude of the ten was not right as well. They were upset that James and John had tried to get an early start on what one of them might have been entitled to. Thus, pride in position filled them all. Therefore, “He said, ‘You have known that the ‘rulers, the nations' they subjugate them.'”   A new word is seen here, katakurieuo, to lord against. Hence, it signifies control, subjugation, and the exercising of dominion over others. It is a stern word, the intent of which is seen in Acts 19:16 –   “Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered [katakurieuo] them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”   Of this clause, the majority of versions translate the word ethnos as “Gentiles.” As if there is a distinction between Israel and the surrounding nations. This is incorrect. Israel is one of the nations of the world, and it was ruled by those who subjugated it. This was true from the first king onward.   It was something these disciples would be keenly aware of as they followed Jesus, knowing that Herod had already had John the Immerser beheaded. John pointed the way to Jesus, so they would be on their guard concerning their own situation.   The people of Israel were even warned by the Lord, right from the mouth of Samuel in 1 Samuel 8:10-17, what treatment they could expect from a king. Along with that, Jesus continues, saying, “and the greats, they dominate them.”   Another new word is seen, katexousiazó, to have (wield) full privilege over. It will only be seen again in the parallel passage found in Mark 10:42. This is something the people of Israel were keenly aware of in their own society. The “greats” included the Herodians, Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees.   They wielded authority over the people without a care about their value, something testified to in the gospels. Jesus will speak of this later in Matthew –   “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew 23:2-4   Life application: The Pulpit Commentary, in line with other commentaries, says the following concerning this verse –   “Exercise dominion over them; i.e. over the Gentiles. Κατακυριεύουσιν [katakurieuousin], lord it over - significant of an absolute and oppressive domination. Exercise authority upon them; i.e. over the Gentiles (κατεξουσιάξουσιν) [katexousiaxousin]; use authority harshly and severely. The heathen, when they are raised to pre-eminence, employ their power cruelly and in order to gain their own ends and purposes, and aspire to superiority only with such objects in view.”   There is a problem when evaluating the Scripture from an Israeli/Gentile view, something that happens throughout biblical commentaries. Israel was a nation filled with power-hungry, sinful people. At times, the Bible uses the Hebrew term goy (Gentile/nation) to describe them –   “Alas, sinful nation [goy], A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the Lord, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward.” Isaiah 1:4   The only thing that makes Israel holy is the Lord. Without the Lord's sanctifying them, they are no better than the other nations. In the church, the only thing that makes us holy is Jesus. When we are sanctified by the blood of Christ, we are set apart as holy. However, we can, like Israel, be filled with sinful thoughts, words, and deeds.   Thus, our position of holiness is something we should strive to live out. But in our attempts at doing so, we need to realize that even under the very best conditions (in regard to our conduct), we will always fall short of the true holiness of God.   Let us be careful not to elevate Israel as a people, or ourselves as the church, to a status that doesn't actually exist. This is the reason the instructions for the Lord's Supper are given –   “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-29   Let us remember our lowly state before God. There is no merit on our part because we are His people. Our relationship with Him is one of God's infinite grace, having been poured out on us.   Lord God, may our lives be an acceptable offering to You. Our lives are often filled with sinful desires, bad thoughts towards others, enmity, strife, greed, and so on. We may not have all of these, but each of us is driven by some at one point or another. Thank You for Your grace that has accepted us as we are. Help us to live lives worthy of that calling. Amen.

Alas, it's time to say goodbye to another round of trailermania, but in the meantime, there's so much for Rob, Patrick, Janet, and Chia to discuss. Besides mulling the latest bleak news about the future of Xbox and GOG sending out weird emails, Janet and Patrick were at Summer Game Fest and walked amongst the video games, where there was lots of conversations about the AI alongside hands-on time with games like Alien: Isolation 2, Control Resonant, and more.Reminder: Last year, the pro-Palestinian human rights movement BDS that's pressuring Israel by promoting boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against the country added Xbox to its boycott list. Learn more here: https://www.bdsmovement.net/news/boycott-microsofts-xboxLinks: XBOX Reset, GOG apologizes for emailing Nazi runes to its followers, Here's How Generative AI Is Being Used In Tomb Raider: Legacy Of AtlantisDiscussed:00:00:00 - Intro00:06:35 - Xbox headed toward massive layoffs00:42:09 - GOG apologizes for emailing Nazi runes to its followers01:03:15 - Summer Games Fest1:12:54 - SGF and AI01:38:05 - Alien Isolation 201:51:31 - Control: Resonant02:07:31 - Stranger than Heaven02:13:12 - Super Yooka-laylee Kart02:15:10 - Crossfire02:26:42 - The Lost Wild02:28:11 - Silent Hill Townfall02:38:45 - Marathon Season 202:52:36 - PGA Tour 2K2502:55:48 - OutroSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's crossword was a debut by Nikhil Bailey, and an excellent one, fueled by an awesome theme (but no revealer: you'll have to work this one out on your own, or ... listen to today's episode).Some other clues raised some intriguing questions: What's the story behind 19D — Gillette Stadium team in the N.F.L., to fans, PATS?Is the food alluded to in 52D, Like blue lobsters, RARE, really a thing?; and Was 54D —"Mushy" side dish with fish and chips, PEAS — invented by a chef with anger management issues and a hammer?Inquiring minds need to know!Show note imagery: The ARAL Sea, then (left) and now (right)We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

In this episode, we listen to words of angst, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 263, penned by Karuvoor Kannampaalanaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse reveals a mother’s emotion in the midst of discomforting news. தயங்கு திரைப் பெருங் கடல், உலகு தொழத் தோன்றி,வயங்கு கதிர் விரிந்த, உரு கெழு மண்டிலம்கயம் கண் வறப்பப் பாஅய், நல் நிலம்பயம் கெடத் திருகிய பைது அறு காலை,வேறு பல் கவலைய வெருவரு வியன் காட்டு,ஆறு செல் வம்பலர் வரு திறம் காண்மார்,வில் வல் ஆடவர் மேல் ஆள் ஒற்றி,நீடு நிலை யாஅத்துக் கோடு கொள் அருஞ் சுரம்கொண்டனன் கழிந்த வன்கண் காளைக்கு,அவள் துணிவு அறிந்தனென்ஆயின், அன்னோ!ஒளிறு வேல் கோதை ஓம்பிக் காக்கும்வஞ்சி அன்ன என் வள நகர் விளங்க,இனிதினின் புணர்க்குவென் மன்னோ துனி இன்றுதிரு நுதல் பொலிந்த என் பேதைவரு முலை முற்றத்து ஏமுறு துயிலே! We tread through this terrain, seeing familiar sights, as we listen to the mother say these words when she hears of her daughter’s elopement with the man: “Rising in the swaying waves of the huge ocean, as the world entire worships, spreading its radiant rays, the glowing orb then pounces on the fine land, dries up the ponds and routs the land's prosperity, in this suffering-filled time of summer. At this time, in the formidable, wide jungle, filled with many forked paths, so as to spot the arriving wayfarers, men with strong and sturdy bows, hide above in the branches of the towering Yaa trees in the drylands. Alas! If only I had known she would dare to part away with that harsh-eyed, bull-like man, I would have let them become united happily in my prosperous mansion, which is akin to Vanji, guarded by shining-speared Kothai, so that without any pain, he could attain sweet sleep on the blossoming bosoms of my naive girl, with a fine forehead” Time to brave the scorching sun and tread on this domain! Mother starts by talking about the sun, the way it rises from the ocean such that all the land worships it. Let’s pause for a moment and let this comment sink in. It’s a well-known fact that many ancient cultures worshipped the sun, first and foremost. For instance, take the Egyptians and the Incans. Both built temples and structures many to this celestial entity! Here we find an intuitive understanding of this truth in ancient Tamil culture. They may not have met the Egyptians, they surely did not meet the Incans, but still the sun is an entity the world will revere across the ages and spaces is a fact sensed here.  Moving on, Mother has mentioned the sun only to talk about how it scorches during the peak of summer just then and dries up all the ponds and the fertile fields. At this time, in the drylands, those highway robbers would lie in wait to pounce on innocent wayfarers, hiding in tall Yaa trees, she describes, and connects that’s where the lady has now left with the man. Then she concludes by lamenting if only she had understood the extent of the lady’s love for the man and her daring to leave with him to the drylands, she would have saved them all the trouble and would have married them, right there in her prosperous mansion, which she compares to the city of Vanji, guarded by Kothai, and says she would have let the man enjoy sweet sleep on her lady’s bosom! It seems to be a case of ‘If only’! I wonder why the confidante and the lady did not read mother’s emotions right and rushed into the elopement plan. However, it’s true we can never say how people will react until they actually do! Perhaps, understanding this change of heart, the man and lady will return home to the mother’s care, as we saw just a few verses ago. While that may be, this is indeed a well-etched expression of regret!

Discutimos la situación de alas cerradas en equipos de la NFC según precio, producción, potencial y proceso.=============

Noam and Jen are on time this week, because there's a lot to talk about. As we somewhat alluded to last week, the NYT dropped a story detailing Graham Platner's past. While it is being slammed as a soft catch and kill, and the main named accuser Lindsey Fifield has said there was a lot more that wasn't included in the article, what was included is pretty damning. Damning enough that, 20 years ago, Planer would have needed to drop out to keep his life from being a distraction. Alas, we don't live in those times anymore. Earlier today, it was announced that Iran has fired missiles into Israel, in response to Israel firing missiles into Beirut, which was in response to Hezbollah firing missiles into Israel. So once again we are left asking - what now? Is Trump going to actually do anything? Will Iran care?  To wrap up, we spend some time making fun of Candace Owens and her trip to Russia. Apparently St Petersburg is one big Temu America, down to the Stars coffee chain and the McDonald's that is not McDonald's. It's kind weird how all of the America First people end up in Russia to sing its praises.  For our WAWC (I told you, Noam can't make me add those Ds), Noam recommends the Apple TV show Widow's Bay. Jen recommends the tiny e-reader XTEINK X4, which is fast becoming the hip new thing in e-readers. We also have a discussion about the success of Obsession, Backrooms, and what it is that puts people in seats at the movie theatre nowadays.   

Discutimos la situación de alas cerradas en equipos de la AFC según precio, producción, potencial y proceso.=============

Sixty years ago, The Monkees debuted as a TV show about a band, quickly grew into a real band, were wildly successful for just a few years, then faded away. Forty years ago, reruns on MTV inspired a new generation of Monkeemania, and so Micky, Davy, and Peter hit the road for the big 1986 Monkees reunion tour. Kevin saw them on that tour, and our guest this week did too! We're joined by Elaine, co-host of the fine podcast Monkeeing Around, which you'll find right here on the ESO Network. And our conversation includes: A breakdown of the whole Monkees set list (including their 80s hit "That Was Then, This Is Now"), the opening bands (a 60s nostalgia lineup of Herman's Hermits, Gary Puckett, and the Grass Roots), attending the show on a broken foot, getting lost in the parking lot, Micky's 80s synth drums, Davy's 80s mullet... and through it all, the nonstop screaming girls. Join us as we take the last train back to 1986, when the silly TV band from the 60s suddenly had the hottest tour of the summer. Alas, Mike Nesmith wasn't there, but we were. #monkees #monkeeingaround #mickydolenz #davyjones #petertork #hermanshermits #garypuckett #grassroots #esonetwork #eso #geektalk #geekpodcast #geek #nerdtalk #nerd #nerdpodcast #podcast #flopcast Check out Elaine's Monkees podcast, Monkeeing Around! Elaine & Matt Watch TV! Poor quality video of The Monkees in Rhode Island in 1986! And our regular links... The Flopcast website! The ESO Network! The Flopcast on Facebook! The Flopcast on Instagram! The Flopcast on Bluesky! The Flopcast on Mastadon! Please rate and review The Flopcast on Apple Podcasts! Email: info@flopcast.net Our music is by The Sponge Awareness Foundation! This week's promo: Have Coffee, Will Travel!