Podcasts about Baghdad

We introduce the section of the Ketoret with the proclamation, "Ata Hu Hashem Elokenu…," stating that "You are Hashem our G-d" to whom our ancestors would offer incense in the Bet Ha'mikdash. Our custom is to recite this introduction each time we recite the Ketoret – toward the beginning of Shaharit, before Alenu at the end of Shaharit, and at the beginning of Minha. The question arises as to why this introduction is necessary. Before we recite the verses discussing the daily Tamid sacrifice, we do not make a similar pronouncement, that Hashem commanded us to offer the Tamid sacrifice that our ancestors would bring in the Bet Ha'mikdash. Why do we introduce the Ketoret with this declaration? One explanation is given by the Noda Bi'Yehuda (Rav Yehezkel Landau of Prague, 1713-1793). He notes that before the recitation of the Ketoret toward the end of Shaharit, we recite "En K'Elokenu," a hymn poetically declaring that there is no being comparable to Hashem. This hymn concludes, "Ata Hu Elokenu, Ata Hu Abinu, Ata Hu Malkenu, Ata Hu Moshi'enu" – "You are our G-d, You are our Father, You are our King, Your are our Savior." As a natural continuation of this phrase, we add, "Ata Hu Hashem Elokenu She'hiktiru…" The Noda Bi'Yehuda explains that we introduce the Ketoret with "En K'Elokenu" because of the Gemara's teaching (Yoma 26a) that the Kohen who offered the Ketoret was rewarded with wealth. We, too, aspire to earn wealth through the recitation of the Ketoret, and so we begin by proclaiming "En K'Elokenu" – acknowledging that everything we have, all our material blessings, have been given to us by Hashem, that there is no one and nothing in the world like Hashem, as He and only He provides us with everything we have. (Another explanation for the recitation of "En K'Elokenu" is based on the comment of the Talmud Yerushalmi (Yoma 1:5) that nobody was allowed in the Bet Ha'mikdash at the time when the Kohen offered the incense. Even the angels were barred from the Temple during those moments, so the Kohen could be alone with the Almighty. We therefore introduce the recitation of the Ketoret by emphasizing that "En K'Elokenu" – there is no one like Hashem, and thus only He was present at the time the Ketoret was offered.) The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) offers a different explanation for the "Ata Hu Hashem Elokenu" introduction to the Ketoret. He contrasts this introduction with the prayer that introduces the recitation of the section of the Tamid (the verses about the daily animal sacrifice in the Temple) – a prayer asking Hashem to consider our recitation of the Tamid as though we actually brought the sacrifice on the altar in the Bet Ha'mikdash. Before reciting the Ketoret, we do not say such a prayer, and we instead emphasize that the Ketoret was offered only by our ancestors during the times of the Temple. The reason, the Ben Ish Hai writes, is that it was a grievous infraction if the Ketoret was missing even one of its eleven ingredients when it was offered on the altar. If our recitation of the Ketoret would be regarded as the actual offering, then if a person read this section quickly and mistakenly omitted one of the ingredients, he would be guilty of offering an invalid Ketoret. Hence, instead of asking Hashem to accept our reading as though we actually offered the Ketoret, we do just the opposite – emphasizing that this is what our ancestors did and what we are unable to do. This way, if we miss a word, our recitation would still have value as reading about the Ketoret offering, but we would not be guilty of bringing a deficient offering.

This week Shelley and I create movies and then travel through Baghdad Movie Tricks by Vegard Eliassen Stillerud, Eilif Svensson and Asmund Svensson from Chilifox Baghdad: The City of Peace by Fabio Lopiano and Nestore Mangone from Alley Cat Games Remember to check out our video series over on YouTube, and you can sponsor this podcast and our video series by going to www.patreon.com/garrettsgames OR check out our extensive list of games that no longer fit on our shelves, but belong on your table: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16ovRDNBqur0RiAzgFAfI0tYYnjlJ68hoHyHffU7ZDWk/edit?usp=sharing

The Chaldean Catholic Church installs a new patriarch in Baghdad. Meanwhile, Catholic charities confront rising hunger as demand surges across the U.S. And, as the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage continues through Georgia, the Georgia Martyrs are remembered ahead of their historic beatification.

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and your continued support. This week, we welcome Josh Bates to the scuttlebutt. Josh is a retired Marine infantry officer, podcaster, and author of the book, Baghdad Shuffle, a noir crime thriller set in the backdrop of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It goes without saying that this is a genre-bending story. Josh talks to us about his path to the yellow footprints, serving with his dad, the impetus for writing a book that centers on a geopolitical murder mystery, and how his personal experiences in Iraq shaped the plot of Baghdad Shuffle. One topic Josh shares with us is his experience in getting a book “on the shelves” and the current state of publishing. It was really interesting to get his perspectives on veterans entering the literary world. Also, you can check out more of Josh on the Green Door Podcast, where veterans, innovators, and creatives share stories that bind the battlefield, intelligence, industry, innovation, and creativity. Enjoy! linkedin.com/in/josh-bates-8b08a623b doubledagger.ca/the-baghdad-shuffle instagram.com/author_josh_bates instagram.com/green_door_media The post #245: Doing the Baghdad Shuffle with LtCol Josh Bates (Ret.) first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

If you feel like there is something missing, like you are drifting rather than truly living, this episode is for you. I remember at a low point in my life, feeling lost, Googling "how to find your purpose." I did not find the answer there. A mentor of mine used to open talks on purpose by telling a room of two hundred people: you cannot find your purpose by coming to talks like this. Purpose is not something outside you that you need to find. It is something you realise from the inside. There is a story I love of Nasruddin, the wise fool of Sufi tales, racing frantically through the streets of Baghdad on his donkey, looking for his donkey. When we search outside ourselves for purpose, for a feeling of meaning, for the life we are meant to live, we are doing exactly that. Looking in the wrong place. The work is not to search harder. Your purpose is innate. The more you live from your true self, the more it gets revealed, one small breadcrumb at a time. I trained as a therapist purely for fun, with no intention of making it my career. Halfway through the course, I realised: I think this is what I am meant to be doing. You do not need to burn your life down to find your purpose. You just need to come back home to yourself.

In the prayer we recite before the Korbanot section each morning, we express our joy over the fact that we arise early each morning to go to the synagogue and study hall, and we remain there in the evenings: "Fortunate are we! How good is our portion, how pleasant is our lot, and how exceedingly beautiful is our heritage. Fortunate are we when we rise early and stay late in synagogues and houses of study." In some editions of the Siddur, the phrase "Ke'she'anahnu Mashkimim" is written without the prefix "Ke" at the beginning. According to this version, we are exclaiming that we are fortunate "She'anahnu Mashkimim" – "that we arise early," not "when we arise early." The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that a person should not say, "She'anahnu Mashkimim," because this would be dishonest, as most people do not arise at dawn to go to the synagogue or study hall. We should instead recite "Ke'she'anahnu," expressing that we are fortunate when we succeed in arising early to serve Hashem. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, however, disagreed, noting that the word is written "She'anahnu Mashkimim" in numerous texts of the earlier generations. It is found in Tana De'beh Eliyahu, the Siddur of Rav Amram Gaon, the Tur, the Seder Ha'yom, and several other sources. Hacham Ovadia explains that even one who does not rise early can recite this text – "She'anahnu" – because this word is written in the plural form, and thus refers not specifically to the individual reciting the prayer, but to the Jewish People generally, and many Jews indeed make a point of rising very early. This is comparable to the Vidui Ma'aser declaration that would be made every third and six years of the seven-year Shemitta cycle avowing compliance with the various tithing requirements (Terumot and Ma'aserot). Rashi (to Kiddushin 26a) writes that even a person who does not own land in Eretz Yisrael can make this proclamation, even though it refers to Eretz Yisrael as the land "Asher Natata Lanu" – "that You have given us" (Debarim 26:15), because this means that the land was given to the entire Jewish Nation. Even though the person himself has no portion in the Land of Israel, he can nevertheless speak of it as the land which Hashem has given "us," because the land was given to the entire nation. By contrast, a person without land in Eretz Yisrael cannot make the Mikra Bikkurim proclamation which is declared upon bringing one's first fruits, because this declaration speaks of the land "Asher Natati Li Hashem" – "that You, O G-d, have given me" (Debarim 26:10), in the first-person form. The phrase "She'anahnu Mashkimim" is written in the plural form, and thus refers to all Am Yisrael, and not specifically to the person reciting the prayer. Hence, it is legitimate even for somebody who does not rise early to recite this text. Nevertheless, most of the Siddurim that have become accepted in our community use the text "Ke'she'anahnu Mashkimim."

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There is a time-honored tradition to remain awake throughout the night of Shabuot and read the special "Tikkun Lel Shabuot" text that is printed in the Mahzorim. Hacham Ben Sion Abba Shaul (Israel, 1924-1998), in his work Or Le'siyon (vol. 3, 18:11), discusses the importance of this custom and presents numerous laws and guidelines relevant to the proper observance of this special occasion (listen to audio clip for precise citation). First, he mentions that even learned men who prefer studying Gemara must set aside their Talmudic studies in order to read the text of the Tikkun Lel Shabuot. If time remains after they complete the Tikkun, they may then study other material that they find more enjoyable. In Yeshivot, Hacham Ben Sion writes, students should follow the instructions of their Rosh Yeshiva in this regard. He also emphasizes that one should read the Tikkun even if he does not understand some sections of the service. Even if one plans to remain awake throughout the night, he should nevertheless recite the Keri'at Shema Al Ha'mita before Hassot (midnight as defined by Halacha). Already after Hassot, one may recite all the morning Berachot, with the exception of "Al Netilat Yadayim" and Birkot Ha'Torah. One should make a point to use the bathroom at some point before morning in order to be able to recite "Asher Yasar." At the point in the pre-dawn hours when it is uncertain whether Alot Ha'shahar (daybreak, the first appearance of light in the eastern sky) has occurred, one should discontinue his Torah learning. He should instead either immerse in a Mikveh or sing songs of praise until Alot Ha'shahar. After Alot Ha'shahar, one should wash his hands in preparation for prayer, but without reciting a Beracha. He then must recite Birkat HaTorah. Hacham Ben Sion cites in this context a passage in the work Sha'ar Ha'kavanot, which comments that whoever remains awake and diligently involves himself in Torah study throughout this night is guaranteed to survive the entire next year and to avoid all harm. Nevertheless, one should make a point of studying "Li'shmah" – with the proper motivation, out of sincere love for and commitment to Torah learning, and not to receive reward. Hacham Ben Sion also warns that sitting idly or engaging in meaningless chatter is no better than sleeping. It is therefore imperative to ensure to spend the entire night engrossed in Torah learning, and not in any other activities. In particular, one must avoid idle conversation inside the synagogue. Hacham Ben Sion also cites a comment from the Zohar that emphasizes the importance of studying with joy and fervor, in reward for which one is blessed with seventy blessings. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) similarly stressed the importance of studying on this night with great enthusiasm and what he termed "purity of heart." Furthermore, on the festival of Shabuot God decrees how many "Hiddushim" (new insights) each individual will be privileged to develop during the coming year, which is determined based on the level of one's intensive study on Shabuot. Hacham Ben Sion writes that when we speak of Shabuot as "the day of the giving of the Torah," we refer not merely to the historical event of Matan Torah, but rather of the process that is renewed each year on this day. God grants a person on Shabuot the ability to think of new Torah insights, and one must therefore pray on Shabuot for Torah knowledge and the wisdom to understand to the best of his soul's capability, and also try to think of "Hiddushim" during his study on Shabuot. During the day of Shabuot, too, one should try to minimize his sleeping in order to spend as much time as possible involved in Torah learning. Every moment spent learning on Shabuot earns a person reward, and one must not squander this opportunity. In fact, there were great Rabbis who would not sleep at all on Shabuot; after remaining awake throughout the night, they would simply continue learning through the day of Shabuot. The Hid"a (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) likewise advises against indulging in sleep on the day of Shabuot. He also emphasizes that one must ensure not to fall asleep during the prayer service. Finally, one should also devote himself to Torah study with extra vigor and diligence during the "Sheloshet Yemeh Hagbala" – the three days of preparation prior to Shabuot. Just as in the wilderness Beneh Yisrael were instructed to abstain from relations and prepare themselves for three days prior to Matan Torah, so must we increase our efforts to learn Torah and minimize our physical indulgence during these three days. Hacham Ben Sion writes that the level of inspiration one receives from the experience of Shabuot depends on the amount of effort he exerted during the three previous days to prepare for this great experience.

Forty years of waiting have finally ended in triumph. In this episode, we explore the tactical masterclass of Graham Arnold and how he forged a disciplined, high-pressing unit that conquered the inter-confederation playoffs. We break down the clinical finishing of Aymen Hussein, the creative spark of Zidane Iqbal, and the veteran leadership of captain Jalal Hassan. From the streets of Baghdad to the stadiums of North America, join us as we analyze how this resilient Iraqi squad became the ultimate underdog story of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iraq national football team, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Aymen Hussein, Graham Arnold, Zidane Iqbal

This week on Holly Randall Unfiltered, Holly sits down with the captivating Ava Amira for one of the most unexpected origin stories in the industry. Born in Baghdad and raised across four countries, Ava opens up about escaping war, rebuilding her life across continents, and how those experiences shaped the fiercely independent woman she is today.Before entering the adult industry, Ava worked as an international flight attendant, traveling the world while quietly rebuilding herself after a painful breakup and five-year engagement. She shares the deeply personal story of moving to Costa Rica for love, questioning her sexuality during what she calls her “asexual phase,” and realizing she wasn't broken, she was simply with the wrong person.Ava also pulls back the curtain on how she strategically entered the adult business, treating it like a career from day one. From studying the industry and connecting with veteran performers and agents to landing scenes with some of the biggest names in the business, Ava explains why preparation became her biggest advantage.The conversation gets candid as Ava talks relationships, dating, personal boundaries, staying single while building her career, and the mindset that keeps her focused in an industry built on distraction.Raw, funny, and surprisingly vulnerable, this episode is an honest look at reinvention, ambition, and knowing exactly what you want out of life.Huge thanks to SC World for sponsoring this episode.YouTube: @scworld.officialInstagram: @scworld.officialFollow Holly Randall: HollyLinks.comSubscribe for more exclusive interviews, bonus episodes, and behind-the-scenes content:Patreon.com/HollyRandallUnfilteredBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/holly-randall-unfiltered--6630320/support.

The Korban Ha'tamid was the sacrifice that was offered each day in the Bet Ha'mikdash – one sheep was brought every morning, and a second sheep was brought every afternoon. This sacrifice was required each day, without exception, on weekdays, Shabbat, and all holidays, including Yom Kippur. The unique importance of this sacrifice can be seen in the story told by the Gemara in Masechet Menahot (64b) of the civil war that was waged during the Second Commonwealth, and one side besieged Jerusalem. The besieging army would send sheep over the wall into the city each day for the offering of the Tamid, until they were advised that as long the Tamid sacrifice was offered, they would not succeed in taking the city. The next day, they sent a pig instead of a sheep. The Gemara relates that as the pig was being lifted over the wall, the entire Land of Israel shook. Once the Tamid sacrifice was discontinued, disaster befell the nation. Due to the special importance of the Tamid, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes in his work Rav Pe'alim that if a person arrives late in the synagogue, and does not have enough time to recite the entire Korbanot section (the section about the sacrifices), he should at least recite the verses of the Tamid (as well as the section of the Ketoret). We introduce the recitation of the Tamid with a special "Yehi Rason" prayer asking Hashem to forgive our sins and rebuild the Bet Ha'mikdash so we can again offer the daily Tamid sacrifice. This prayer appears in the Seder Ha'yom (by Rabbi Moshe Ben Machir, 16 th century). Although we generally omit on Shabbat prayers that include requests for forgiveness, we recite this prayer before the Tamid even on Shabbat. After reciting the Tamid section, we recite the section of the Ketoret followed by the paragraph of "Abayeh Hava Mesader" – Abayeh's outline of the entire daily procedure in the Bet Ha'mikdash. We then recite a concluding prayer – "Ribon Ha'olamim" – acknowledging that we are unable to offer sacrifices in the Bet Ha'mikdash because of our sins, and asking that our recitation of the Korbanot section should be accepted as though we actually offered the sacrifices. The Yafeh La'leb (Rav Rahamim Nissim Yitzchak Palachi, Turkey, 1814-1907) notes a passage in the Midrash stating that we will not require the offering of Korbanot in the future. He thus raises the question of why we ask Hashem for the opportunity to again offer sacrifices, if the sacrifices will not be brought in the times of the final redemption. In truth, this question was discussed already by his father, the Leb Haim (Rav Haim Palachi, 1787-1868), who concludes that all the Torah's Misvot – including the sacrifices – will remain binding for all time. The Midrash's comment about the sacrifices in the future needs to be understood, but it is clear that sacrifices will be brought in the times of the third Bet Ha'mikdash.

Shownotes After five months of negotiations, Iraq's power brokers have agreed on a completely unknown compromise candidate for the country's new prime minister. Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman with no experience in politics or public administration, took over leadership of Iraq on May 14 as the country faces multiple emergencies. Iraq can't sell its oil because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and is running out of money to pay salaries. Iraqi militias, beyond the government's control, have been attacking Saudi Arabia and targets inside Iraq. And Iraq just found out that its supposed ally, the United States, has been covering up the existence of multiple Israeli bases that were operating in the Iraqi desert. Zaidi, perhaps the weakest prime minister to take office since the U.S. invasion in 2003, faces a sovereignty crisis of epic proportions from his first day in office. Sajad Jiyad, Century International's fellow in Baghdad, analyzes the many challenges for Iraq's new prime minister. Participants Sajad Jiyad is a fellow at Century International.  Thanassis Cambanis is director of Century International.  Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Episode: Order from Ashes 113

Today in 1946, the birthday of professional wrestling's Eighth Wonder of the World, Andre the Giant. What a movie they could make about this guy's life, and arguably the weirdest scene would be the time he came to Baghdad to wrestle in front of a future Iraqi dictator. Plus: it's Lettuce Month, which means it's time for the annual lettuce eating contest for the University of Minnesota's Lettuce Club. The Sheikh of Baghdad (from Weird Minnesota by Eric Dregni (via Google Books) Lettuce Club at University of Minnesota has lettuce eating contest (The Minnesota Daily)Anybody want a peanut? Or anybody want to back our show on Patreon?

Matthew Shindell discusses the Islamic Renaissance, noting that scholars in Baghdad and Damascus conducted rigorous scientific observations while Western Europe possessed only fragmented ancient knowledge. This era's large-scale translation movement and original astronomical research eventually fueled the later European Renaissance. Shindellalso analyzes Dante Alighieri's reinterpretation of Mars in the Divine Comedy, where the planet represents a celestial sphere of virtue. Moving beyond traditional associations with war, Dante portrays Mars as a symbol of fortitude and holy martyrdom. This literary shift connected the red planet to the sacrifice of Christ and his followers. (2/4)1917 Burroughs

The custom among Sepharadim is to recite immediately following the section of Akedat Yishak a verse from Parashat Vayikra (1:11): "Ve'shahat Oto Al Yerech Ha'mizbe'ah Safona Lifneh Hashem…" This verse describes the procedure for the offering of a sheep as an Ola sacrifice – such as the daily Tamid offering, which consisted of a sheep brought each morning and another sheep brought each afternoon. The connection between this verse and the story of Akedat Yishak is indicated by the Midrash which states that whenever this verse is read, Hashem remembers the great merit of the Akeda. A different passage in the Midrash, cited by the Bet Yosef, teaches that it was at the time of Akedat Yishak that G-d instituted the Misva of the daily Tamid that would later be observed in the Bet Ha'mikdash. The word "Safona" in this verse – which literally means "north," and requires slaughtering the sacrifice on the north side of the altar – alludes to the "ashes" of Yishak Abinu which are "hidden" and stored away as an eternal reminder of the merit of Akeidat Yishak. After this verse, we recite a special prayer – which is printed in standard editions of the Siddur – beseeching Hashem to remember the merit of Akedat Yishak and compassionately annul any harsh decrees that may have been issued against us. This custom is mentioned by the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806), in his work Kesher Godel. Interestingly, neither the verse "Ve'shahat Oto" nor this prayer appears in the Siddur of the Rashash (Rav Shalom Sharabi, Yemen-Jerusalem, 1720-1777). Nevertheless, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes in his Od Yosef Hai that it was customary in the communities of Baghdad to recite these passages, and this is, indeed, our custom today. We recite the verse "Ve'shahat Oto" also a second time – just before the section of "Ezehu Mekoman," which is comprised of the Mishnayot from the fifth chapter of Masechet Zebahim, and goes through the procedure for the offering of the various kinds of sacrifices. The Shulhan Aruch rules somewhat ambiguously that this verse should be recited along with the Korbanot – the section which speaks of the sacrifices – without specifying at which point exactly it should be recited. Some Poskim understood that it should be recited before the Korbanot section, which is the custom we follow. Indeed, it would seem reasonable to recite first a verse from the Torah before reciting the Mishnayot discussing the sacrifices. (Incidentally, it should be noted that the practice of Maran, author of the Shulhan Aruch, was not to recite the Mishnayot of "Eizehu Mekoman," and to recite instead the verses from the Torah dealing with each kind of sacrifice.) By contrast, the Peri Megadim (Rav Yosef Teomim, 1727-1792), cited by the Mishna Berura, writes that after the Akeda, one should recite the verses of the Torah discussing the Tamid sacrifice, following by the verse "Ve'shahat Oto." The rationale for reciting it only after the Tamid is that the recitation of this verse is considered like the actual offering of a sacrifice, and no sacrifice may be offered in the morning before the Tamid was brought. Hence, according to the Peri Megadim, this verse cannot be recited until after the recitation of the Tamid. This is the practice of the Ashkenazim. Sepharadim, however, as mentioned, recite this verse immediately after Akedat Yishak, before reciting the section of the Tamid. The explanation might be that this verse is recited not in lieu of the offering of a sacrifice, but rather to supplement the recitation of Akedat Yishak, asking Hashem to remember the merit of that act of sacrifice. In any event, we recite this verse twice – immediately after Akedat Yishak, and just before the Mishnayot of "Eizehu Mekoman."

VOV1 - Eo biển Hormuz, tuyến vận tải năng lượng huyết mạch của thế giới, đang tiếp tục trở thành tâm điểm căng thẳng tại Trung Đông khi Iran chuẩn bị công bố cơ chế kiểm soát mới đối với hoạt động lưu thông tàu thuyền.Diễn biến này diễn ra trong bối cảnh các cuộc đàm phán giữa Mỹ và Iran vẫn chưa có đột phá, còn Pakistan đang nỗ lực thúc đẩy hai bên quay lại bàn đối thoại.Truyền thông Iran ngày 16/5 cho biết Iran đã hoàn tất một cơ chế mới nhằm quản lý hoạt động lưu thông qua eo biển Hormuz theo các tuyến di chuyển được chỉ định. Chủ tịch Ủy ban An ninh Quốc gia của Quốc hội Iran Ebrahim Azizi cho biết chỉ các tàu thương mại và các bên “hợp tác với Iran” mới được hưởng lợi từ cơ chế này. Iran đồng thời sẽ thu phí đối với một số dịch vụ chuyên biệt dành cho tàu thuyền đi qua tuyến hàng hải chiến lược.Động thái trên được xem là dấu hiệu cho thấy Iran đang từng bước thiết lập một hình thức kiểm soát chặt chẽ hơn đối với eo biển Hormuz, nơi trung chuyển khoảng 20% lượng dầu tiêu thụ toàn cầu mỗi ngày.Theo truyền hình nhà nước Iran, sau khi tàu của một số nước Đông Á như Trung Quốc, Nhật Bản và Pakistan được phép đi qua Hormuz, hiện một số quốc gia châu Âu cũng đã bắt đầu đàm phán với lực lượng hải quân thuộc Vệ binh Cách mạng Hồi giáo Iran nhằm tìm kiếm cơ chế cho phép tàu thuyền lưu thông an toàn.Trong bối cảnh nhiều lo ngại về nguy cơ gián đoạn vận tải hàng hải, Ngoại trưởng Iran Abbas Araqchi khẳng định eo biển Hormuz vẫn mở cửa đối với hoạt động thương mại. Tuy nhiên, Ngoại trưởng Iran cũng thừa nhận tình hình tại Hormuz hiện rất phức tạp và Iran đang nỗ lực để hỗ trợ tàu thuyền di chuyển an toàn qua khu vực.“Theo quan điểm của chúng tôi, eo biển Hormuz vẫn mở và tất cả các tàu thuyền đều có thể đi qua, ngoại trừ các tàu thuộc về những quốc gia đang có chiến tranh với chúng tôi. Tình hình ở eo biển Hormuz hiện rất phức tạp, và chúng tôi đang cố gắng giúp các tàu thuyền đi qua an toàn. Mọi thứ sẽ trở lại bình thường khi hành động gây hấn chấm dứt hoàn toàn.”Trong khi đó, tác động của bất ổn tại Hormuz đang ảnh hưởng rõ rệt tới hoạt động xuất khẩu dầu trong khu vực. Bộ trưởng Dầu mỏ Iraq Basim Mohammed hôm qua cho biết lượng dầu xuất khẩu của Iraq qua eo biển Hormuz trong tháng 4 chỉ đạt khoảng 10 triệu thùng, giảm mạnh so với mức khoảng 93 triệu thùng mỗi tháng trước xung đột. “Trước đây chúng tôi xuất khẩu qua eo biển Hormuz với tốc độ 93 triệu thùng mỗi tháng. Trong tháng Tư, chúng tôi chỉ xuất khẩu được khoảng 10 triệu thùng.”Theo Bộ trưởng Dầu mỏ Iraq, Baghdad đang tìm cách mở rộng xuất khẩu thông qua tuyến đường ống Kirkuk – Ceyhan, song nếu chiến sự không chấm dứt thì hoạt động xuất khẩu dầu khó có thể trở lại mức trước chiến tranh.Trong bối cảnh đó, Pakistan đang tiếp tục đóng vai trò trung gian nhằm nối lại các cuộc đàm phán giữa Mỹ và Iran. Bộ trưởng Nội vụ Pakistan Mohsin Naqvi hôm qua đã tới Tehran trong chuyến thăm kéo dài 2 ngày nhằm thúc đẩy tiến trình hòa giải. Trước đó, Islamabad cũng đã đăng cai các cuộc tiếp xúc giữa đại diện hai bên.Giới quan sát cho rằng việc Iran vừa mở ra cơ chế đàm phán đối với một số quốc gia, vừa tăng cường kiểm soát eo biển Hormuz cho thấy Iran đang sử dụng tuyến hàng hải chiến lược này như một đòn bẩy quan trọng trong các tính toán địa chính trị và đàm phán với phương Tây./.Hồng Nhung/Ban Thời sự VOV1

"Not until those pictures came out... yeah, then the biggest rule was 'no fucking cameras.'"In January 2007, a user named Deathlyillington posted a video to YouTube. Roughly three minutes long, the video didn't feature any visually graphic content. It was just three guys - two in front of the camera, one behind it - chatting about one's experiences over in Iraq. Specifically, during his time stationed at Abu Ghraib, the notorious prison outside of Baghdad that had become synonymous with human rights abuses during the war.In this video, the young man details the casual dehumanization of Iraqis that had become routine to him, including the CIA's involvement in teaching interrogation techniques and physical torture. He also expresses a blanket contempt for all Iraqis, guilty and innocent alike. Then the cameraman asks him what the most fun thing he did over there was...To view the video on YouTube, check it out at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0jpU6a-toUIf you have any information about this video that you'd like to share, please reach through the following methods:Email: micheal@unresolved.meVoicemail or Text: +18312003550Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meCheck out the podcast store at unresolved.dashery.comIf you would like to support this podcast, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or ProducerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unresolved-a-true-crime-mystery-podcast--3266604/support.

On February 28th, Israel attacked Iran. Almost immediately, the U.S. joined the fray. The claims against Iran are eerily similar to those made against Iraq in 2003. Remember back then, Baghdad supposedly was a great danger. Today, it is Iran we are to fear. It's an “imminent” threat we are told. No evidence is given. None is needed. The master has spoken. The U.S. must take military action. To paraphrase an old song, “propaganda runs deep, into your brains it will seep.” Washington has never forgiven Iran for ousting the Shah. If the U.S. didn't destroy democracy in Iran in the 1953 coup, things would have turned out differently. The geopolitical and economic consequences of this war will be felt not just in the U.S. but around the world for years to come. Recorded at Princeton University.

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis sits down with Kevin — a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with deep experience in hospice/oncology floors, Level I trauma ICUs and ERs, military nursing, and years in austere environments, including a Role III in Baghdad. Kevin delivers straight talk on the most overlooked, time-consuming, and life-saving phase of Prolonged Field Care: nursing care.He answers the exact question every medic wants to know: When does nursing actually start? Then he walks through the full reality of what “nursing” means in the field — from relentless data gathering and charting, to turning patients, pulmonary toileting, skin care, oral care, managing the mess (yes, including bowel movements on litters), and preventing the downstream killers like pressure ulcers, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and sepsis that can undo even perfect damage-control surgery.You'll get practical austere hacks (including Kevin's legendary Barbasol shaving cream trick), training advice that actually works, how to know when the patient is truly stable, when to escalate to a provider, and why evacuation must remain the primary plan — not prolonged field care.Key Takeaways:PFC nursing starts the moment life-saving interventions (hemorrhage control, surgery, cric, chest tubes, etc.) are complete and the patient is stabilized — not during the gunfight or initial resuscitation.Skin care and turning patients prevents deadly complications — pressure ulcers, infections, and sepsis can kill a patient with otherwise survivable injuries.Austere game-changer: Barbasol shaving cream + washcloths cuts through blood, stool, grease, and debris without drying out skin. Bring cheap bottles.First hour priorities: frequent vitals/assessments, confirm stability, get fluids/sedation/maintenance running, then move to the full nursing checklist.Set clear “left and right limits” / parameters for teammates or non-nurses so you can actually rest, rearm, or plan the next mission.Best training: Work real ICU/floor shifts (especially weekends when staffing is thin) — mannequins and sims don't teach the time sink or the “why.”Mindset shift: Move from high-speed, high-adrenaline interventions to the “boring but essential” maintenance phase. If it feels boring, you're probably doing it right.Strategic reality: Evacuation (Medevac or CasEvac) should stay the P in your PACE plan. Prolonged field care with high casualty volumes and limited resources is an enormous time and math problem — history (WWII South Pacific, etc.) proves it.Chapters:01:50 – When Does Prolonged Field Care Nursing Actually Start?04:39 – The Foundation: Data Gathering, Assessments & Charting07:03 – The Full Laundry List of Bedside Nursing Interventions09:26 – How to Train Real Nursing Care (ICU Shifts Beat Mannequins)11:46 – The Critical First Hour: Settling In & Confirming Stability14:04 – Head-to-Toe Assessment, Pulmonary Toileting, Oral Care & Eye Care16:16 – Real Talk: Skin Care, Turning Patients, Bowel Movements & Preventing Ulcers/Sepsis20:50 – How Long Until the Patient Is Truly Stable? (The Pregnant Pause)34:49 – Patient Changes: When to Call the Provider & Setting Left/Right Limits41:34 – Common Pitfalls Medics & Teams Make in PFC Nursing48:59 – Nursing Care Plans, Early Ambulation & Broader Patient Needs54:26 – PACE Plan Reality Check: Why Evacuation Must Stay Priority #1For more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠⁠

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ricardo Karam sits down with Antonio Vincenti in a conversation that goes beyond advertising to explore a journey that reshaped public space across Arab cities, turning the street from chaos into a visual language that shapes urban memory.From Lebanon to Amman, Baghdad, Algiers, Tunis, Morocco, Africa, and Europe, Antonio reflects on how “Picasso” began as an outdoor advertising idea and evolved into a broader vision tied to the city and the way people experience public space. The discussion looks at outdoor advertising as part of the urban fabric, where image and city merge, and the street becomes a cultural layer beyond commercial use, within complex environments that balance order, beauty, and chaos. It also touches on expansion beyond Lebanon into Africa, the Gulf, and Europe, and the ambitions, challenges, and key decisions that shaped that journey. On a human level, the conversation explores Antonio beyond business, the impact of success on personal and family life, and the hidden cost of long-term ambition.Join Ricardo Karam and Antonio Vincenti in a conversation about cities, image, creativity, and the lasting impact of how we see the world.في هذا اللقاء، يجلس ريكاردو كرم مع أنطونيو فينسنتي في حوارٍ يتجاوز عالم الإعلانات ليغوص في مسار رجلٍ أعاد تشكيل الفضاء العام في عدد من المدن العربية، وحوّل الشارع من مساحة فوضى إلى لغة بصرية تصنع الذاكرة اليومية للمدن.من لبنان إلى عمّان، بغداد، الجزائر، تونس، المغرب، إفريقيا وأوروبا، يستعيد أنطونيو كيف بدأت "بيكاسو" كفكرة في الإعلان الخارجي، لتتحوّل إلى مشروع أوسع يرتبط بالمدينة نفسها وبطريقة رؤية الناس للفضاء العام.يتناول الحوار الإعلان الخارجي كجزء من النسيج الحضري، حيث تمتزج الصورة بالمدينة، ويتحوّل الشارع إلى مساحة بصرية وثقافية تتجاوز البعد التجاري، في بيئات عربية معقّدة تتطلب موازنة دقيقة بين النظام والجمال والفوضى. كما يمتد النقاش إلى تجربة التوسع خارج لبنان نحو إفريقيا والخليج وأوروبا، وما حملته من طموحات وتحديات وخيارات مفصلية في مسار النمو. وفي البعد الإنساني، يقترب الحوار من شخصية أنطونيو خارج إطار الأعمال، ومن أثر النجاح على الحياة الشخصية والعائلية، والثمن الخفي للطموح الطويل.انضموا إلى ريكاردو كرم وأنطونيو فينسنتي في حوارٍ حول المدينة، الصورة، الإبداع، ومعنى أن يترك الإنسان أثراً في الطريقة التي نرى بها العالم.

What is the true cost of hesitation? In the powerful conclusion to the Sheepdog Strong attribute series (Episode 10), retired Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine breaks down the ultimate conversion mechanism: Decisiveness. Discover why delay is never neutral and how waiting for perfect conditions can actually be your most dangerous choice. Mark shares a gripping story from Baghdad in 2004, where SEAL Team One abandoned static defense and utilized the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) to aggressively hunt threats before they could strike. Learn why analysis paralysis is an epidemic among high achievers and how to break it. Finally, Mark reviews all nine Sheepdog attributes and challenges you with the "Two-Minute Choice" and the "Pressure Decision Drill" to permanently wire your nervous system for action.Special thanks to Will Potter for providing the incredible track "Easy Day" featured in this episode!200,000+ leaders have become unbeatable with my operating system, will you be the next? Join The Unbeatable Leader Challenge Today: https://www.unbeatableleader.com#leadership #mental toughness #mindset #peakperformance #NavySEAL #executivecoaching #resilience #selfimprovement #growthmindset #unbeatablemind #highperformance #mindfulness #personaldevelopment #warriormindset #stoicleadership

Some kids from Jersey go down the Shore. Tom Mangine went to West Point, then to the Balkans, then Haiti, then Africa, then Chile — and somehow managed to be on the ground every time history got loud.   Reviews are the lifeblood of independent podcasts. If TP&R belongs in more people's ears, here's how you make that happen: Apple Podcasts: Rate & Review on Apple Spotify: Rate on Spotify   Thomas Mangine grew up in Manalapan, New Jersey — Springsteen country — and went on to spend three decades doing work most of us only encounter in spy thrillers. A West Point graduate, U.S. Army officer, intelligence professional, and financial crimes investigator, Tom has worked across six continents and visited 87 countries. He has tracked money for terrorists, investigated organ trafficking and corruption in professional sports, advised major financial institutions on predictive compliance, and taught financial crime investigation to military and civilian professionals across dozens of countries. He is a certified instructor with both the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS) and the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).   This one's a little different. Tom is a high school buddy, and we hit record in the middle of a conversation that had already started. What followed was nearly two hours of stories, insights, and the kind of frank talk you only get from someone who has no reason to perform for a camera.   Calls to Action ✅ If this conversation resonates, consider sharing it with someone who believes connection across difference still matters. ✅ Subscribe to Corey's Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion   Key Takeaways From Manalapan to the world's pressure points. Growing up in a central Jersey town full of World War II veterans, Holocaust survivors' grandchildren, and teachers who took their students seriously shaped Tom's sense of civic obligation well before West Point entered the picture. The community you grow up in sets the frame for what you think is worth doing.   Arabic, Kuwait, and the value of obscure skills. Tom chose to study Arabic at West Point when almost no one else was. Within a year, Saddam Hussein had invaded Kuwait and suddenly everyone wanted to know who spoke Arabic. The lesson: depth in an unfashionable area compounds.   What George H.W. Bush actually understood. Tom's instructor at West Point, Colonel Richard Augustus Norton — a Vietnam vet who had also served in Lebanon and learned both Farsi and Arabic — explained to his cadets exactly why the first Bush did not drive to Baghdad. Occupying it would have meant a decade of entanglement. A decade later, Tom watched those predictions come true in real time.   Learn what normal looks like before you can spot abnormal. From a South African tracker teaching Tom to read an empty watering hole as a threat indicator, to Secret Service agents training currency detection by feel rather than scanner, to teaching financial crime investigators to recognize patterns before they see violations — this is a through-line of Tom's entire career.   Predictive compliance versus retroactive compliance. When Tom moved into the private sector at the Bank of Montreal, his boss Andy Hoffman wanted something the financial industry rarely did: get ahead of problems instead of responding to them. Tom's military intelligence background — built on anticipating failure before it happens — turned out to be exactly the right preparation.   Bureaucracies eat good work. Tom spent two years writing threat assessments in Haiti, working 90-hour weeks, only to have a naval vessel show up with a 2003 report because his updates had been lost in the system. The same pattern repeated across Afghanistan, Ukraine, Belarus, and elsewhere. Institutional memory is not a given. Someone has to fight for it.   Being open to learning is harder than it sounds. Tom has trained professionals ranging from 20 to 55 years old across dozens of countries. The single hardest thing to teach is not technical knowledge. It is the willingness to actually revise what you already believe.   About Our Guest Thomas J. Mangine is a West Point graduate, retired U.S. Army officer, and financial crimes and risk management expert with three decades of experience across the military, diplomatic, and private sectors. He has deployed to Bosnia, Haiti, Africa, Chile, and beyond, and has trained financial crime investigators and national security professionals in dozens of countries. He is a certified instructor with ACFCS and ACAMS.   Links and Resources Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: Thomas J. Mangine Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS): acfcs.org Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS): acams.org Joint Special Operations University (JSOU): jsou.edu   Connect on Social Media Corey is @coreysnathan on all the socials… Substack LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Threads Bluesky TikTok Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners Thanks to Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org) for making today's conversation possible. Proud members of The Democracy Group   Jersey produces fighters, dreamers, and people who show up. Tom Mangine is proof. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.

To meet the demands of modern, high-intensity warfare, the U.S. Army Reserve must remake itself --"Army Reserve 4.0"-- is the finding of an Army War College integrated research project. Steve Trynosky discussed this study with authors Kiona Pritchard, Brandon Collins, and Colleen Vermeulen. They found the Army Reserve is in a "readiness trap" caused by spreading insufficient infrastructure and budget across too many formations. To address this, the team proposes a tiered readiness model: "Ready Now" for immediate response, "Expand Tomorrow" for operational depth, and "Endure Always" for a long-term strategic reserve. Beyond structural changes, the authors advocate for a "unified culture" through increased cross-pollination, such as embedding Reserve officers in active-duty units and vice versa. By offering flexible service options tailored to diverse civilian lifestyles, the Army Reserve can better retain top talent and remain an indispensable partner to the joint force in future peer conflicts. One of the things that we see here at the Army War College and out across the broader force—it's considered okay as an active duty officer to not be familiar with the reserve component. And that's a problem because the reserve components, plural, make up roughly 50% of the force. Brandon Collins is an Army lieutenant colonel and was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer in 2006 from Officer Candidate School and has held an array of assignments in both the Regular Army and Army Reserve, to include, most recently, CJ2X Director for Combined Joint Task Force-OIR in Baghdad, Iraq. LTC Collins holds a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law – Houston; a Master's Degree in Global and International Studies from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is a member of the AY26 Resident Course at the U.S. Army War College. Kiona Pritchard is a colonel and an Army Nurse Corps Officer commissioned in 2005 through the Army ROTC Green to Gold Program following several years of active duty enlisted service. She began her career in the Regular Army and later transferred to the Army Reserve becoming a Nurse Practitioner. COL Pritchard has held a variety of command, clinical, and staff assignments, most recently as Commander of the 10th Battalion, 108th Regiment, an Army Reserve instructor unit for medical non-commissioned officer professional military education and enlisted medical MOS qualification courses. Kiona holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Portland. She is a member of the AY26 Resident Course at the U.S. Army War College. Colleen Vermeulen is a colonel who earned her commission as an Army Engineer Officer from ROTC in 2004. She has held a diverse range of command and staff assignments in both the Regular Army and Army Reserve, to include, Reserve Command Engineer for Special Operations Command South and Commander, 3rd Battalion, 330th Infantry Regiment, a unique Army Reserve unit missioned to deliver Infantry One Station Unit Training. COL Vermeulen holds both a Master of Divinity and Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University. She is a member of the AY26 Resident Course at the U.S. Army War College. Stephen Trynosky is the John Parker Chair of Reserve Component Studies at the U.S. Army War College and earned his commission as a Medical Service Corps Officer from ROTC in 1998.  He has held a diverse range of command and staff assignments in both the Regular Army and Army Reserve, to include, most recently, Senior Advisor, Professional Military Education, Office of the Secretary of War; and Commander, 993rd Medical Detachment (Veterinary Service Support). COL Trynosky holds both Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as a Master of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies and a BA in history from Saint Peter's College. He is a graduate of the AY23 Resident Course at the U.S. Army War College. Photo Credit: Created by Gemini

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Bearden, Defend Systems' new VP of Strategy and a former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret. Mike shares the story of his military career, from deploying to Iraq just months after graduating high school, to working in some of the most demanding environments in modern warfare, to eventually serving in 5th Special Forces Group. Along the way, he discusses Ranger School, combat deployments to the Middle East and Central Asia, the realities behind Special Operations missions, leadership under pressure, and the mindset required to operate in high-stakes environments. Mike also reflects on a life-changing incident in which he was accidentally shot, his transition into Special Forces, being named the 2021 Special Forces Instructor of the Year, and how his experiences ultimately led him to Defend Systems. This conversation offers a look at leadership, resilience, training, decision-making, and what it means to Mike to prepare people for their worst day. 2:30 – Introduction to Michael Bearden, Defend Systems' newest team member and former Green Beret 3:09 – Growing up in a military family and knowing early on he would join the Army 6:00 – Deploying to Iraq just months after basic training 8:00 – Learning to drive under night vision in a Humvee during deployment 9:15 – Mike's first deployment and the events later chronicled in Black Hearts 11:45 – Second deployment with the 101st Airborne and attending Ranger School 12:55 – Why Ranger School carries so much respect in the military 15:30 – Leadership lessons from Ranger School that shaped Mike's life and career 16:20 – A 15-month deployment to northwest Baghdad during a major insurgency campaign 17:30 – Mike's first exposure to Special Forces culture and operations 19:00 – Operation Dragon Strike and fighting in Taliban strongholds 20:35 – A life-altering friendly fire incident before a patrol 24:00 – Recovering in a Kandahar hospital and deciding to pursue Special Forces 25:30 – What Special Forces looks for: critical thinkers and independent decision-makers 32:25 – The structure and self-sufficiency required of a 12-man Green Beret team 36:05 – "We train for the mission we're designed for, the mission we're assigned, and our worst day." 37:15 – Joining 5th Special Forces Group and meeting Adam McIntyre 38:00 – The reality of military free-fall operations versus Army commercials 40:50 – The decentralized decision-making culture within Special Operations 46:20 – Being named the 2021 Special Forces Instructor of the Year 48:45 – Why teaching and mentorship are core parts of being a Green Beret 50:45 – Retirement from the Army and joining Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellowship 52:30 – Reconnecting with Adam McIntyre and joining Defend Systems 58:05 – What ultimately drew Mike to Defend Systems and its mission 1:01:00 – Connecting the 5th Group motto, "Free the Oppressed," to empowering civilians through training

In Ausgabe 130 des Science Busters Podcasts spricht Kabarettist Martin Puntigam mit Sandi Toksvig, Autorin, Aktivistin, Comedian, Moderatorin, Schauspielerin und Trägerin des Heinz Oberhummer Awards 2026 darüber, wie man Felsen doch nicht los wird, woher die Venus von Willendorf ihre Mineralien hat, wie frühe Samenbanken auch ausgesehen haben könnten, welchen Einfluss das Essen der Kindheit hat, warum „weißichnicht“ eine gute Antwort sein kann, wie man Neil Amstrong auch unterstützen konnte, warum der nächste Burger wichtiger sein kann als netzwerken, wann die Nachrichten noch durch die Pfeife geraucht wurden, dass Grönland viel kleiner ist, wie man wie Darwin wohnt, was man unter Mappa Mundi versteht, warum Wikipedia für die Hälfte der Menschen nicht so gut brauchbar ist, ob die Grand Library of Baghdad wirklich nur Hausmeister hatte, warum das Ignorieren von weiblicher Geschichte auch Einfluss auf die Gegenwart hat, wieso das Astrolabium vielleicht nicht zufällig so heißt, warum manche Frauen erst mit Nobelpreis auf Wikipedia dürfen, weshalb man Wikipedia in mancher Hinsicht nicht mehr reparieren kann, wer am öftesten zur Löschung vorgeschlagen wird, wer am meisten Reifen herstellt, warum Wissen meistens besser ist als Ignoranz, weshalb Ungleichheit weltweit wieder zunimmt, wieso eine Reichensteuer daran was ändern könnte und wie man Alpakakot durch den Zoll bringt.

A CNN news crew arrives in Baghdad after the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and ends up delivering the story of a lifetime.  

The Gemara in Masechet Sukka (26a) instructs that one should not sleep during the day for a longer period than that which a horse sleeps, a duration of "sixty breaths." Rashi explains that sleeping during the day is not allowed because the daytime should be used constructively, for Torah learning. This is mentioned by subsequent writers, and brought as Halacha by the Shulhan Aruch. However, the Mahasit Ha'shekel (Rav Shmuel Kellin, 1724-1806) ruled that if a person needs to nap during the day to enhance his productivity, then this is allowed. For many people, daytime naps increase productivity, as it helps them accomplish more the rest of the day, after they wake up. According to this view, then, although in general one should not take a nap during the day, this is allowed if the objective is to be more alert and productive afterward. The Arizal taught that one must not sleep during the day under any circumstances, as this may cause damage to one's soul. However, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his Rav Pe'alim, writes that the Arizal's teaching applies only to the souls of the great Sadikim, which are on an especially high level of sanctity and are thus particularly sensitive. Such souls could be damaged by daytime naps. For us, however, this is not a concern. It is indeed customary in many yeshivot for the students to take a nap during the afternoon, as this significantly enhances the quality of their learning the rest of the afternoon and at night. For most students, the afternoon nap does not at all diminish from their productivity, as to the contrary, it enables them to accomplish far more than they would otherwise. Hacham Ovadia Yosef writes that while it is preferable to avoid napping during the day, this is certainly allowed if one's intention is not simply to relax, but to increase his productivity the rest of the day and in the evening.

Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Colonel Douglas Macgregor to the show. Mr. Macgregor is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and a decorated combat veteran. In this in-depth discussion, Macgregor provides a critical analysis of the current geopolitical situation, focusing on the ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf and its profound global economic implications. Macgregor argues that the current war has created a catastrophic disruption in global maritime trade, with commercial ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz down by over 90%. This disruption is causing severe economic challenges, including potential famines, skyrocketing energy prices, and significant supply chain disruptions. He predicts oil prices could reach $150-$200 per barrel, which would have devastating economic consequences. The colonel is particularly critical of the U.S. approach to the conflict, suggesting that the war is primarily driven by Israeli interests rather than vital U.S. strategic objectives. He believes the strategic initiative has passed to Iran, which can absorb more punishment and endure more economic pain than the United States. Macgregor emphasizes the critical importance of resource sovereignty, arguing that countries must now focus on securing their own critical mineral supplies, refining capabilities, and energy infrastructure. He sees this conflict as a transformative moment that will fundamentally reshape global economic and geopolitical relationships, potentially accelerating the de-dollarization process and China’s economic rise. The discussion highlights the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to stop the conflict, warning that continued military operations will only exacerbate global economic challenges. Macgregor suggests that the world needs to move towards a new approach of international cooperation, focusing on practical economic survival rather than military confrontation. Ultimately, Macgregor believes the current crisis will force nations to rethink their economic strategies, prioritize resource security, and develop more resilient and self-sufficient economic models. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:40 – Iran Campaign Prediction Review 00:00:40 – Iran War Phases Clarified 00:03:02 – Strait of Hormuz Closure 00:03:44 – Global Economic Catastrophe Warning 00:04:41 – Resource Sovereignty Essential Now 00:06:53 – Markets Manipulation and Warfare 00:09:00 – Revolution in Warfare 00:10:33 – Concealing War Strategic Disaster 00:13:00 – Trump’s Strategic Dilemma 00:16:43 – Commodity Investments Shift 00:20:26 – Gold Reserves De-Dollarization Trends 00:24:00 – War Duration and Oil Disruptions 00:30:10 – China & Oil Refining 00:36:43 – Western Reindustrialization 00:40:30 – US Reorganization Critical Minerals 00:44:20 – Reindustrialization and Direction 00:46:04 – Strategic Metal Concerns 00:49:35 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: Website: https://douglasmacgregor.com X: https://x.com/DougAMacgregor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@douglasmacgregorTV Articles: https://breakingdefense.com/author/doug-macgregor/ Substack: https://substack.com/@coloneldoug Douglas Macgregor is a decorated combat veteran, an author of five books, a PhD, and a defense and foreign policy consultant. Macgregor was commissioned in the Regular Army in 1976 after 1 year at VMI and 4 years at West Point. In 2004, Macgregor retired with the rank of Colonel. In 2020, the President appointed Macgregor to serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, a post he held until President Trump left office. He holds an MA in comparative politics and a PhD in international relations from the University of Virginia. Macgregor is widely known inside the U.S., Europe, Israel, Russia, China and Korea for both his leadership in the Battle of 73 Easting, the U.S. Army's largest tank battle since World War II, and for his ground breaking books on military transformation: Breaking the Phalanx (Praeger, 1997) and Transformation under Fire (Praeger, 2003). Macgregor's recommendations for change in Force Design and “integrated all arms-all effects” operations have profoundly influenced force development in Israel, Russia and China. In 2010, Macgregor traveled to Seoul, Korea to advise the ROK Ministry of Defense on force design. In 2019, Transformation under Fire was selected by Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, Chief of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), as the intellectual basis for IDF transformation. His fifth book, Margin of Victory: Five Battles that Changed the Face of Modern War from Naval Institute Press is available in Chinese, as well as, English and will soon appear in Hebrew. In 28 years of service Macgregor taught in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, commanded the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, and served as the Director of the Joint Operations Center at SHAPE during the 1999 Kosovo Air Campaign for which he was awarded the Defense Superior Service medal. In January 2002, at Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's insistence the USCENTCOM Commander listened to Colonel Macgregor's concept for the offensive to seize Baghdad. The plan was largely adopted, but assumed no occupation of Iraq by U.S. Forces. Macgregor has also testified as an expert witness before the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and appeared as a defense analyst on Fox News, CNN, BBC, Sky News and public radio. He is fluent in German.

The Kabbalists taught that it is preferable to sleep during the first part of the night – from nightfall (when the stars come out) until Hasot (halachic midnight). During this first half of the night, the Kabbalists explained, the harmful spiritual energies are in force, posing danger to the purity of the Neshama (soul). It is thus best to go to sleep right at nightfall, when these energies surface, as when one sleeps his soul is entrusted to Hashem and hence protected from these forces. Then, right before Hasot, one should rise and involve himself in Torah and prayer. This was the practice followed by the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909). Citing the Arizal, the Ben Ish Hai taught that the first part of the night of called "Layil," whereas the second part of the night is called "Layla." The exceptions to this rule are Friday night and the night of the Seder. On Friday night, the sanctity of Shabbat protects the soul from harm, and the night of the Seder is called "Lel Shimurim" (Shemot 12:42), a night of protection, when even the "Layil" portion of the night is safe for the soul due to the special quality of this night. However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef noted that both the Gemara (Berachot 62b) and the Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 4:4) instruct that sleep is most beneficial during the latter part of the night. Hacham Ovadia writes that he saw Rabbis in Jerusalem who followed the Ben Ish Hai's practice, but his practice was to learn until late at night and then go to sleep. Practically speaking, it seems that the advent of electric lighting and modern travel and communication has rendered this question moot. Years ago, there was no possibility of working or doing much else after dark, and so people stayed home. Today, of course, people are still busy after nightfall, and it is not practical for most people to go to sleep right at nightfall – which can be as early as 5:30pm or so in the winter – and then wake up at Hasot. Therefore, while there are those (such as the "Kollel Hasot" program) who sleep during the first part of the night and then rise before Hasot, for most people it is more proper to learn at night and then go to sleep.

Preview for Later Today: Guest Bridget Toomey. Toomey profiles Iraq's new Prime Minister, Zedi Ali al-Zahedi, a wealthy businessman with extensive experience across various sectors. She examines his transition from a multi-sector conglomerate leader to a non-political figure in Baghdad. 3/3

The Rambam, in Hilchot Talmud Torah (3:12), writes that one cannot achieve success in Torah learning if he learns in a relaxed manner, and only when learning is convenient and comfortable. Like anything else in life, a person excels only through persistence, diligence, and hard work. "Dabbling" in Torah will not result in Torah scholarship – just like "dabbling" in any other field will not lead to mastery or excellence in that field. There are no shortcuts to achievement in Torah study. Rav Mordechai Gifter (1915-2001), Rosh Yeshiva of the Telz Yeshiva in Cleveland, would say that a lot of students want to learn the entire Shas in one night – and also manage to sleep eight hours that night…and to learn while sipping soda… Quite obviously, this is not how it works. A person can succeed in Torah learning only if he is prepared to put in the time, work and effort, and to learn even when conditions are far less than ideal. This includes learning even when one feels tired. Although a person should certainly sleep as much as he needs, he should ensure to use the rest of his time for Torah learning, and not for sleeping beyond what he needs for his physical and emotional wellbeing. Many sources emphasize the particular importance and value of learning Torah during the nighttime hours. In fact, the Gemara (Erubin 65a) states explicitly that the nighttime period was designated specifically for Torah learning. And the Rambam writes in Hilchot Talmud Torah (3:13): "Even though it is a Misva to study both during the day and at night, it is only at night that a person acquires the majority of his wisdom. Therefore, whoever wishes to merit the "Crown of Torah" should be careful with all of his nights, not wasting even one of them on sleep, eating, drinking, idle chatter, or the like—rather, [spending them] in the study of Torah and words of wisdom." The Rambam concludes: "And any house in which the words of Torah are not heard at night will be consumed by fire." If one's "fire" – his passion, his excitement and energy – is directed somewhere else other than Torah, then his home runs the risk, Heaven forbid, of being consumed by fire. The Torah tells (Bereshit 28:11) that when Yaakob was leaving Eretz Yisrael, and he reached the site where the Bet Ha'mikdash would be built, he went to sleep ("Va'yalen Sham"). The Midrash comments that Yaakob slept there – but did not sleep at all during the fourteen previous years, which he spent learning Torah in the yeshiva of Shem and Eber. The commentators explain that this cannot mean that he literally remained awake for fourteen years. Rather, it means that during that period, Yaakob never actually went to sleep in a bed. When he needed to, he put his head down, or found a place to lie so he could get the small amount of sleep that he needed. In order to achieve in Torah learning, one must be prepared to sacrifice physical comfort, and to keep his sleep to a minimum. A different passage in the Midrash tells that King David would go to sleep at nightfall, but he kept a musical instrument by his bedroom window, that served as a kind of "alarm clock." At Hasot (midnight), the wind would blow the strings, producing music, and David would wake up to learn Torah. The Yeser Ha'ra (evil inclination) would try to convince him to go back to sleep, saying that kings normally enjoy the luxury of sleeping late, as they do not have to rise early for work like the commoners. But David would ignore the Yeser Ha'ra and spend the rest of the night engrossed in Torah study. The Gemara (Sukka 26b) instructs that if a person needs to sleep during the day, he should sleep for only a brief amount. Elsewhere (Erubin 65a), the Gemara relates that Rav Hisda's daughter asked why he slept so little, and he replied that soon – after his passing – he would have plenty of time for sleep… Our limited time here in this world should be used productively, and not wasted on excessive rest and relaxation. The Midrash Tanhuma (Parashat Noah, 3) warns that in order to succeed in learning the intricate material of the Torah She'be'al Peh, one cannot aspire to wealth and luxuries; the only way to excel in Torah learning is by sacrificing physical and material comforts. Similarly, Tana De'beh Eliyahu Zuta (14) warns that excessive eating and sleeping leads to "poverty" in the area of Torah knowledge. Normally, when a person stays up late at night and sleeps only the minimum that he requires, he is likely to appear the next day pale, drained, and bleary-eyed, and might not be very pleasant to look at. However, the Gemara (Hagiga 12a) promises that if a person spends his night learning Torah, Hashem "casts a cord of Hesed" over him. This means that he will have a certain "charm" the next day, earning people's admiration and favor despite his fatigue. In a different passage (Sanhedrin 71b), the Gemara teaches that when the righteous sleep, they and the entire world suffer a loss. As the Sadikim spend their time productively, involved in meaningful pursuits that benefit them and the entire world, they and the world lose as a result of the time they spend sleeping. (Conversely, then, when the wicked sleep – and thus are not engaged in their sinful behavior – they and the entire world benefit from their inactivity.) The Gemara in Masechet Menahot (110a) teaches that scholars who spend their nights learning Torah are considered as though they offer sacrifices in the Bet Ha'mikdash. And in Masechet Tamid (32b), the Gemara states that if a person learns Torah at night, the Shechina accompanies him wherever he goes. The Talmud Yerushalmi (Ta'anit 3a) cites Rav Ada Bar Ahaba as avowing that he never slept an entire night, as he always rose early to learn Torah. The Reshit Hochma ( Rabbi Eliyahu de Vidas, 1518–1587) writes that when one learns Torah at night, he is not seen; his study is private, without publicity and fanfare, and this lends it a very special quality. Since he learns secretly, he is worthy of having the hidden secrets of the Torah revealed to him. An especially stern passage appears in Abot De'Rabbi Natan (29:3), warning that if a person is awake at night and not involved in Torah learning, "he would be better off had he been strangled at birth." Rabbenu Yona (Spain, 1200-1263) writes that if a person stays awake at night learning Torah, then he obviates the need for Yisurin (punishments). Since he subjects himself to the discomfort of remaining awake to learn Torah, this counts for whichever kinds of suffering he needs to experience. This is alluded to by the verse in Tehillim (94:12), "Ashreh Ha'geber Asher Teyaserenu Y-ah U'mi'Toratecha Telamedenu" – "Fortunate is the man whom G-d punished, and teaches him from his Torah." This can be read to mean that a person is fortunate if he receives his punishments by immersing himself in intensive Torah learning, exerting hard work and effort. Rabbenu Yona further notes that Moshe Rabbenu did not sleep at all throughout the forty days he spent atop Mount Sinai receiving the Torah – setting an example of minimizing sleep for the sake of Torah learning. If, Rabbenu Yona adds, a king invited someone to his treasury to collect as many riches as he could for a specific period of time, this man would certainly not sleep at all during that time, and would use every moment he could to collect riches. We, too, should use as much of our limited time in this world as we can for Torah learning, collecting spiritual "riches," rather than waste our time indulging in physical comforts. Rav Besalel Ashkenazi (Israel, 1520-1592) writes that in his youth, he spent his nights engaged in Torah study, often learning throughout the night without sleeping. He also occasionally skipped meals. It was through this sacrifice of physical comforts for Torah learning that he achieved Torah scholarship. The Reshit Hochma writes that his esteemed mentor, Rav Yosef Taychik (1465-1546), did not sleep in a bed for forty years, and would instead sit on an elevated piece of furniture with his legs dangling, such that he would not stay asleep for an extended period. He rose every night at midnight and spent the rest of the night learning Torah. And a disciple of Rav Yehonatan Eibshutz (1694-1764) testified that throughout the years he spent learning under him, Rav Yehonatan never slept in a bed, and instead dozed for brief periods in his chair. Rav Chaim Brim (Jerusalem, 1922-2002) related that the Hazon Ish (Rav Abraham Yeshaya Karelitz, 1878-1953) was once found sleeping on his bed in the wrong position – with his feet on the side where the head was supposed to be. The people told him to turn around, and he said, "If I had the strength to turn myself around, I would learn another Tosafot." The Hazon Ish continued learning Torah until he had no strength left, not even to turn his body around. Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868) wrote that if a person could see into the future, to the time when he would be in the grave, and understand the extent of the regret he would experience for not having used his time properly, he would never waste time, and he would minimize his sleep in order to spend more time learning Torah. Rav Palachi added that a person who rises at midnight to learn Torah earns the status of a "friend" of Hashem and of the Nation of Israel, and he will be spared punishments that befall the rest of the world. The Reshit Hochma notes that when rising at midnight to learn Torah, one should be driven solely by his genuine love for Hashem, and not by any ulterior motives. Only if his intentions are pure will he reap the precious rewards for learning Torah at night. The Reshit Hochma says that as a teenager, he devoted himself entirely to Torah study, engaging in virtually no other activities. The Peleh Yoetz (Rav Eliezer Papo, 1785-1828) urges us to train ourselves to sleep fewer hours and to learn Torah even when we feel drowsy, in order to maximize the amount of time we have to devote to Torah. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) discusses the great value of learning Torah in the predawn hours, adding that one's intentions should be for the sake of Hashem, and not to earn reward. The Tchebiner Rav (1881-1965) had the practice on Shabbat afternoons of testing schoolchildren on their Torah studies. One Shabbat afternoon, a boy knocked on his door, but there was no answer, as the Rabbi was sleeping. The youngster continued knocking until the Rabbi answered. The Rabbi gently told the boy that if nobody answers the door on Shabbat afternoon, this usually means that the people in the home are asleep. "I didn't think that the Rabbi slept on Shabbat afternoon!" The Tchebiner Rav committed to never sleep again on Shabbat afternoon, acknowledging that this was the expectation of a sage of his stature. From all these sources, we see the importance of learning Torah even when one feels tired, and that we must try to push ourselves to achieve to the best of our ability rather than spend our free time relaxing and learning only when it is easy and convenient.

The Fixer: A Journalist's Accidental Journey through the Middle East by Amjad Tadros Amjadtadros.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4RFWG9Z Dive into the heart of the Middle East with The Fixer, Amjad M. Tadros's gripping memoir of life as a CBS News “fixer.” A Jordanian son of Palestinian refugees, Tadros survived a U.S. missile strike in Baghdad, only to be visited by Saddam Hussein in his hospital bed. From tracking 9/11 hijackers' origins to witnessing the Arab Spring's broken dreams, he navigated wars, dictators, and hope with a front-row seat to history. Straddling Arab and Western worlds, Tadros faced accusations of betrayal from both sides—labeled a spy by some Arabs, a defender of tyrants by Westerners. With humor, courage, and unflinching honesty, he unveils the truth behind the headlines, offering a rare glimpse into a region of chaos and resilience. Perfect for readers of The Forever War and Guests of the Ayatollah, The Fixer is a vibrant tale of identity, survival, and the search for truth in the Middle East—a place Tadros calls home. About the author Amjad M. Tadros is an award-winning investigative journalist and media entrepreneur with more than three decades of leadership in journalism, digital media, and communications. As CBS News’ Middle East producer from 1990 to 2023, he managed regional coverage of transformative events, including Iraq’s wars, the September 11 hijackers’ backstories, the Arab Spring, and Syria’s chemical attacks on civilians. His commitment to truth earned him four Emmy Awards, including for stories about Syria’s chemical gas attacks (2016) and White Helmets (2017), a 2008 Peabody Award, and two Alfred I. duPont Awards from Columbia Journalism School. In 2013, Tadros co-founded Syria Direct, an independent media organization empowering young Syrians to deliver impartial news about their country’s conflict. Publishing in Arabic and English, it reaches audiences in Syria, the Syrian diaspora, diplomats, and scholars. It serves as a resource for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees’ Commission of Inquiry on Syria. Syria Direct earned the 2017 McNulty Prize, the 2019 Migration Media Award, and the 2020 Free Press Unlimited Syria Co-Production Fund prize for its impactful journalism. Now retired from CBS News, Tadros focuses on strategic media initiatives and governance while managing his family’s Medjool date farm, exporting premium dates globally. He holds an honors degree in mechanical engineering from Imperial College London and a diploma in public narrative from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Ollie Ollerton was 10 years old when a 50-pound chimpanzee pinned him to the floor of a circus enclosure and tried to kill him. He fought it off. Nearly lost his arm to gangrene. Then spent the next thirty-something years chasing danger to feel something close to that adrenaline again.Royal Marines. Special Forces. Iraq, where he drove drunk through Baghdad on his own with an AK-47 in the back of an armoured Mercedes. Steroids. Valium. A bottle most nights to muffle whatever was underneath. He was the life and soul of every party. He was also barely keeping it together.Ollie is now sober, runs his company Breakpoint, hosts SAS Who Dares Wins, and uses his platform to talk honestly about what alcohol actually cost him.You'll hear about: the chimp attack that shaped 30 years of his life; "personality rental" and why none of it was ever really him; the moment in Baghdad when he realised he was knocking on death's door; why he had to dip back into drinking to be sure; what it actually means to choose short-term discomfort for long-term gain.If you've been telling yourself you've got it under control, this one's for you.If you enjoy One For The Road, then click follow to be notified of the release of our next episode.If you want to connect with me via Instagram, you can find me on the instahandle @Soberdave https://www.instagram.com/soberdave/or via my website https://davidwilsoncoaching.com/Provided below are links for services offering additional help and advice, and links for Ollie.https://ollieollerton.com/https://www.instagram.com/ollie.ollerton/https://twitter.com/ollie_ollertonhttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-serviceshttps://nacoa.org.uk/https://alcoholchange.org.uk/-Martinezhttps://www.grownuphustle.com/Instagram - @daniellattanasioHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(00:00:00) Catching Up and Movie Talk (00:00:28) Coyote vs. Acme: The Upcoming Animated Comedy (00:05:48) DC's Clayface: A New Horror Twist (00:06:00) James Gunn Clarifies DCU Timeline (00:09:07) Batman's Influence in DC's Villain Movies (00:20:26) Upcoming DC Movies and TV Shows (00:23:14) Bat-E and the Live-Action Bat Movie (00:36:55) Australian Rainforests and Travel (00:46:29) Video Games and Gaming Preferences (00:49:57) Wrapping Up and Sign Off On this week's episode, the guys dive right into an exciting conversation about the highly anticipated upcoming release of Coyote vs ACME. They analyze the newly released trailer, discussing its key elements, the humor it promises, and the potential storyline that fans can expect. The anticipation surrounding this film, which brings together beloved characters from the Looney Tunes universe, has sparked a lively debate about its appeal to both long-time fans and new audiences alike. The guys share their thoughts on how this film might pay homage to classic cartoons while still delivering fresh and engaging content.As the conversation flows seamlessly from Coyote vs ACME, they transition into a fascinating discussion about the teaser trailer for DC Studio's Clayface. They explore the character's complex history in the comic books, his various incarnations, and what this new adaptation could mean for the DC cinematic universe. The guys speculate on the tone of the film, whether it will lean more towards a darker narrative or maintain a lighter, more comedic approach, and how Clayface's unique abilities could translate to the big screen. The potential for character development and the impact on the overall storyline are also examined, making for a rich discussion.Following this in-depth analysis, the episode shifts gears to cover the new trailer for Super Troopers 3. The guys share their excitement about the return of the beloved characters and the antics that have made the franchise a cult favorite. They discuss the comedic elements showcased in the trailer, the chemistry between the actors, and what fans can expect in terms of humor and plot twists. The anticipation for this third installment is palpable, and the guys reflect on how the previous films have set the stage for this new adventure.In addition to these main topics, the episode features some rapid-fire news updates that cover an array of intriguing developments in the entertainment industry. They touch upon Rogue Trooper, a project that has been generating buzz for its potential to bring a classic comic book character to life. The guys discuss the implications of this adaptation for fans of the source material and the challenges that come with translating such a unique narrative into a live-action format.Furthermore, they delve into the announcement of a live-action adaptation of FernGully: The Last Rainforest, a beloved animated film that captivated audiences with its environmental message and enchanting story. The guys express their curiosity about how this new version will honor the original while appealing to a modern audience, and what changes might be made to resonate with contemporary viewers.Lastly, they celebrate the 20th anniversary release of Pride of Baghdad, a poignant graphic novel that tells the story of a group of lions who escape from a zoo during the Iraq War. The guys reflect on the themes of freedom, survival, and the impact of war, discussing how this powerful narrative has stood the test of time and remains relevant today. They explore the artistic style and storytelling techniques that make this work so impactful, and the significance of its anniversary in the context of both literature and graphic storytelling.Official Website: https://www.comesnaturallypodcast.comOfficial Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/comes-naturally-podcast/iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/kqkgackFacebook: http://tinyurl.com/myovgm8Tumblr: http://tinyurl.com/m7a6mg9Twitter: @ComesNaturalPodYouTube: http://tiny.cc/5snxpy

G-d created the human body in such a way that it requires rest, and cannot function properly without a significant period of sleep each night. In His infinite wisdom, G-d determined that it is preferable for human beings not to have the ability to continuously work and tend to their affairs without ever resting. One explanation for this decision is that Hashem mercifully granted us the opportunity to "reset" after a difficult, challenging or upsetting day. When a person feels disappointed or pained, a good night's sleep allows him to begin fresh the next morning, to experience a new start, so that the failures or misfortunes of the previous day no longer discourage him and he can approach the new day with vigor and positivity. Another explanation is that the person's Neshama (soul) receives an "upgrade" every night when he sleeps. During sleep, Hashem cleanses the soul and returns it in the morning in better condition than it had been when the person went to sleep. We might say that we have our souls "serviced" every night, and this is the great benefit of sleep. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that it is a mistake to think that sleeping is always beneficial for the body. Sleeping excessively, more than the body needs, is actually detrimental to one's health. This has been confirmed by modern medicine. Therefore, one should sleep only as much as he needs and no more. Of course, one must also ensure not to sleep less than the body needs in order maintain its strength. But after one sleeps a reasonable amount, he should use the rest of his time for Torah study. The Ben Ish Hai also writes that there are certain times when it is recommended to stay up late learning Torah – such as on Thursday nights, the night before Rosh Hodesh, during Elul and the Aseret Yemeh Teshuba, and during the weeks of Shobabim in the winter. Some people sleep only four-and-a-half or five hours a night on these occasions, and the Ben Ish Hai writes that the extra time devoted to the soul compensates for the lost time of sleep. The Rambam taught that one should sleep eight hours a night in order to maintain his physical wellbeing. He should then spend eight hours working for a living, and the other eight hours learning Torah. Some found an allusion to this concept in the verse in Iyob (3:13), "Yashanti Az Yanu'ah Li" ("I have slept, and then I experience rest"). The word "Az" in Gematria equals 8, and thus "Yashanti Az" subtly refers to the eight hours that one should sleep each night. Another allusion is the passage in our Shabbat prayers, "Az Tasliah Et Derachecha" ("Then shall you succeed in your paths"), indicating that sleeping "Az" – eight hours – brings success. There were great Sages who slept less than eight hours. The Vilna Gaon (1720-1797), for example, is said to have slept only two hours a night. And Rav Zalman of Volozhin (1752-1799)– one of the Vilna Gaon's most illustrious disciples – slept just fours a night. It is told that Rav Zalman was once asked about the verse, "Yashanti Az Yanu'ah Li," which alludes to eight hours of sleep, and he replied that the world "Li" at the end of the verse in Gematria equals 40. This verse thus instructs that one should sleep eight hours out of every forty-eight hours, or four hours a night… The Tiferet Yisrael (Rav Yisrael Lifshitz, Germany, 1782-1860) distinguished between different ages, stating that until the age of 50, when people are generally more physically active, one should sleep eight hours each night, whereas after 50, less sleep is needed. In any event, it is generally accepted that most people should sleep between six and eight hours a night. The most important thing is to use one's time constructively the rest of the day. When we look at our daily schedules, we will find that many of us sleep less than the eight hours recommended by the Rambam, and yet most of us fail to learn even close to the eight hours that he urges us to learn. It is true that much of our time is spent working, commuting, and tending to our families. Unfortunately, however, much of the other time is being consumed by vanity and wasteful pursuits, particularly screentime. It is critically important for us to refrain from wasting time, to make sure to get enough sleep and to care for our physical wellbeing, but to use the rest of the time as constructively as possible.

The Gemara (Bava Mesia 23b) establishes that a Torah scholar is permitted to speak untruthfully in regard to three matters, one of which is "Masechet." Rashi explains that if a scholar is asked whether he has thoroughly studied a certain Masechet, he is permitted to untruthfully answer in the negative in order to avoid sounding boastful about his proficiency. The Gemara's teaching, then, instructs that when necessary, one is allowed to distort the truth for the sake of humility, in the interest of concealing one's achievements. Both humility and honesty are critically important religious values, but sometimes they might clash. And when they do, the value of humility overrides honesty, and one may untruthfully deny his accomplishments in order to remain humble. Interestingly, however, the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) noted that not everyone accepts this interpretation of the Gemara. The Rambam understood the Gemara to mean that a scholar can dishonestly deny having learned a Masechet to avoid being questioned about that Masechet. If a scholar fears that he will be asked about a certain Masechet and then suffer embarrassment when he is unable to answer questions about the topic, then Halacha allows him to avoid embarrassment by saying that he had not yet studied the material. According to the Rambam's reading of the Gemara, it does not provide a source for allowing dishonesty in the interest of humility. Regardless, the Hida brings a different source – the story told in the Gemara (Ketubot 77b) of Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi's encounter with Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai in Gan Eden. Rabbi Shimon asked Rabbi Yehoshua if a rainbow ever appeared in the sky during his lifetime, and Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi said that indeed it did. A rainbow is an inauspicious sign, indicating G-d's anger, that He considered bringing another flood, and so it does not appear in the lifetime of especially pious Sadikim whose merit sustains the world. Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi was indeed on this unique level, and a rainbow never appeared during his lifetime, but he answered in the affirmative in the interest of humility. This shows that it is permissible to speak untruthfully for the purpose of concealing one's achievements. Others cite the Yosef Ometz (by Rav Yosef Yuzpa, Germany, 1570-1637) as advancing a different line of reasoning. Halacha famously allows distorting the truth for the sake of peace. If being precisely truthful will cause tension or hostility between people, then the value of maintaining harmony supersedes the value of honesty, and it is preferable to speak imprecisely. The Yosef Ometz reasoned that this can be applied also to humility, because arrogance causes tension to the soul. An arrogant person is at odds with himself, whereas the humble person is at peace with himself. Therefore, the rule allowing dishonesty for the sake of peace can be extended to allow speaking dishonestly for the sake of maintaining humility, as maintaining humility means maintaining inner peace. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his Ben Yehoyada (Bava Mesia 23b), suggested a different proof, from the story told in Masechet Baba Batra (8a) about Rabbi Yonatan falsely denying his scholarly achievements. However, the Ben Ish Hai then refutes this proof, noting that in that story, Rabbi Yonatan needed to speak untruthfully to avoid deriving benefit from his scholarly status. As it is strictly forbidden to use one's Torah scholarship for personal gain, it was necessary for him to falsely deny his credentials, and so this does not prove that one may do so in the interest of humility. Nevertheless, Halacha indeed allows one to falsely deny his spiritual and scholarly achievements for the sake of humility. It is worth adding in conclusion that as important as it is to be humble, and to conceal one's achievements, it is equally important to strive for greatness so that one has something to hide. Indeed, it is no coincidence that Moshe Rabbenu is described as the humblest of all men – precisely because he was the greatest of all men. It is because he had what to be humble about – more than any other person in world history – that he was able to excel in humility by concealing his greatness. The Sages famously explain that G-d chose to give the Torah specifically on a relatively low mountain – Mount Sinai – as opposed to the taller mountains in the region, in order to teach us the importance of humility in Torah study and practice. The Sefat Emet (Rav Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger, 1847-1905) noted that although G-d wanted to teach us humility, He decided to give the Torah on a mountain, and not in a valley, or a canyon. The reason, the Sefat Emet explains, is because Hashem wants us to strive for great heights, to achieve greatness, to excel to the very best of our ability, to rise like a mountain – but while maintaining our humility. This is the symbolism of Mount Sinai – a mountain that extends into the air, but not as high as other mountains, showing us that we are to strive for excellence while concealing our accomplishments rather than putting them on display.

This week on the pod, Seth and Josh welcome Andy Serkis! Andy talks about growing up in a multicultural family with an Iraqi-Armenian father and British mother, being one of five siblings, and feeling caught between two very different worlds: Middle Eastern adventures and classic British caravan holidays. He also shares incredible stories including spending summers in Baghdad, traveling to places like Syria, Babylon, and Lebanon, and camping under the stars in the desert, his father's narcoleptic tendencies while road tripping, and so much more. Plus, he shares his experiences second-unit directing in The Hobbit trilogy, directing his latest film, Animal Farm, and his upcoming directing venture in The Hunt for Gollum. Watch more Family Trips episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlqYOfxU_jQem4_NRJPM8_wLBrEEQ17B6 Support our sponsors: Yahoo Stress less with Planner from Yahoo mail Fitbod Level up your workout. Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at https://Fitbod.me/trip. Aura Frames For a limited time, listeners can get 25 dollars off their best-selling Carver Mat frame at https://auraframes.com promo code TRIPS. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout! Terms and conditions apply. ------------------------- Family Trips is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Theme song written and performed by Jeff Tweedy. ------------------------- About the Show: Lifelong brothers Seth Meyers and Josh Meyers ask guests to relive childhood memories, unforgettable family trips, and other disasters! New Episodes of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers are available every Tuesday. ------------------------- Executive Producers: Rob Holysz, Jeph Porter, Natalie Holysz Creative Producer: Sam Skelton Coordinating Producer: Derek Johnson Video Editor: Josh Windisch Mix & Master: Josh Windisch Episode Artwork: Analise Jorgensen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hafetz Haim, toward the beginning of his Bi'ur Halacha, references the comments written by the author of the anonymous Sefer Ha'hinuch, in the introduction to that work. There the author lists the six "Misvot Temidiyot" – "constant" Misvot, which one can always fulfilled at any moment of any day simply by thinking certain things. These Misvot apply at all times, and involve certain thoughts, giving us the opportunity to earn credit for Misvot at any time. Elsewhere in his writings – in his Shemirat Ha'lashon – the Hafetz Haim advises us to fulfill these Misvot after the morning Shaharit prayer, before eating breakfast. These six Misvot are: The belief in Hashem's existence, that there is a Creator. The belief that there is no other deity besides the Almighty. The belief that G-d is one, a singular entity, and does not consist of multiple parts. Ahabat Hashem – love of G-d. The Rambam writes that one arrives at genuine love of Hashem by contemplating the vastness and intricacy of the natural world, the majesty of creation, how everything is perfectly designed. Additionally, one can arrive at Ahabat Hashem by thinking of Hashem's kindness, of how much Hashem has given him and continues giving him each and every moment of every day, despite his unworthiness. Twice each day, we recite Shema, in which we make reference to this Misva – "Ve'ahabta Et Hashem Elokecha" ("You shall love Hashem your G-d"). Now the Gemara (Berachot 14b) teaches that one who recites Shema without wearing Tefillin is considered giving "false testimony," as though he does not believe the words he speaks, because the text of Shema contains the command to wear Tefillin. The Sefer Haredim (Rav Elazar Ezkari, Safed, 1533-1600) writes that by the same token, if one does not work to fulfill the Misva of Ahabat Hashem, then he is guilty of giving "false testimony" each time he recites Shema and mentions this obligation. Fear of G-d. This Misva incorporates two different levels of fear. The first and more basic level is the fear of retribution, recognizing that we are held accountable for our conduct and Hashem punishes those who disobey Him. The higher level of fear, known as "Yir'at Ha'romemut," refers to what we might call reverence, feelings of awe as we recognize Hashem's infinite power and greatness. The final of the six "constant" Misvot is the command of "Ve'lo Taturu Ahareh Lebabchem Ve'ahareh Enechem," which forbids harboring illicit thoughts and looking at inappropriate sights. Many people mistakenly disregard the severity of this prohibition, figuring that without acting upon their lustful thoughts, and just by looking at inappropriate sights, they are not doing anything wrong. This is wrong. The Torah forbids even looking at forbidden sights because the process of sin begins when a person sees something alluring, which then arouses temptation in the heart that can likely lead to illicit behavior. And the Rambam, in Moreh Nebuchim, writes that in a sense, thinking sinful thoughts is even worse than sinful action, because sinful thoughts corrupt the mind, the loftiest and most important part of the human being. Moreover, a sinful act is finite, occurring over the course of several brief moments, whereas sinful thoughts can remain in one's mind for lengthy periods of time. The Hafetz Haim warned that if one does not guard his eyes during his lifetime, his soul will experience blindness in the next world. This notion is developed further by the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), who writes that the soul has eyes just as the body does. After a person's soul departs, the soul will experience the ultimate pleasure – beholding the glory of the Shechina (divine presence). However, in order to experience this pleasure, the soul needs good "vision," and the quality of the soul's vision depends on whether the individual had properly guarded his physical eyes against forbidden sights during his lifetime. Of course, guarding the eyes has become an especially difficult challenge in our generation. A person may not, however, simply give up. One must make every effort he can to guard his eyes, and, at very least, must avoid places where the challenge becomes even greater. One must also recognize that every successful avoidance of forbidden sights is exceedingly valuable, and cherished by the Almighty. And, even if one has failed repeatedly in this regard, he must believe in Hashem's compassion and recognize the power of Teshuba. Hashem lovingly welcomes and accepts our efforts to improve, regardless of our failures in the past. Returning to the Hafetz Haim's comments in Bi'ur Halacha, he writes there that consciously observing these six Mivot – thinking about the required beliefs about Hashem, feeling love and fear, and avoiding improper thoughts and sights – is a way to fulfill the verse, "Shiviti Hashem Le'negdi Tamid" – "I have placed G-d opposite me, constantly" (Tehillim 16:8). One can have G-d on his mind at all times by making an effort to fulfill these Misvot whenever he can over the course of the day. Incidentally, there is a custom observed by many to have a Sofer (scribe) prepare for them a special piece of parchment with this verse – "Shiviti Hashem…" – written on top, and beneath it an image of a Menorah with Kabbalistic text. This is kept in the Siddur, with the top protruding from the Siddur, so the individual always sees this verse during the prayer service and thus remains focused on Hashem. Others have similar texts written with certain Names of G-d, for the same reason. The Mishna Berura warns, though, that one must ensure to properly care for these pieces of parchment and to see to it that they do not fall to the floor. Many congregations have the custom of prominently featuring the verse of "Shiviti Hashem" in large letters on the wall of the synagogue.

Yir'at Shamayim – the awareness that Hashem is watching us at all times, and sees everything we do – does not come naturally. Since we do not directly perceive Hashem with our senses, it is difficult to live with this awareness. This is something that requires work and a conscious effort. One of the important things we can do to help ourselves develop Yir'at Shamayim is to pray for it. The Gemara (Shabbat 156b) relates that Rav Nahman Bar Yishak's mother was informed by astrologers that her child would grow to become a criminal. She immediately ensured that he would never go about bareheaded, and she instructed him to regularly pray to be saved from the Yeser Ha'ra (evil inclination). Sure enough, the Gemara in Masechet Sota (49b) cites Rav Nahman Bar Yishak as testifying about himself that he possessed Yir'at Shamayim. This was, undoubtedly, due at least in part to his impassioned prayers for Yir'at Shamayim. The Maharsha (1555-1631) explains that although the Talmud (Berachot 33b) teaches, "Everything is in G-d's hands, except for the fear of G-d," implying that G-d does not help us fear Him, nevertheless, one who sincerely strives for Yir'at Shamayim can certainly pray for Hashem's assistance. If Hashem sees that a person has made the decision to try to live with Yir'at Shamayim, and beseeches Him for help, then He will assist that person. Indeed, we pray in Birkat Ha'mazon, "Ha'Rahaman Hu Yita Torato Ve'ahabato Be'libenu Ve'tiheyeh Yir'ato Al Panenu Le'bilti Neheta" – "The Merciful One shall plant in our hearts the love of His Torah and the love of Him, and the fear of Him shall be upon our faces so that we do not sin." At several points during the prayer service, too, we ask Hashem to help us in our quest for Yir'at Shamayim so we conduct ourselves properly at all times. It is also critically important to pray for one's children to have Yir'at Shamayim. Rav Haim Soloveitchik of Brisk (1853-1918) said that a boy's level of Torah learning depends on how often his father studies Torah with him, and his level of Yir'at Shamayim depends on how many tears his mother sheds while praying for his Yir'at Shamayim during candle lighting on Friday evening. Additionally, many great Rabbis gave us "tips" and strategies for developing our fear of G-d. The Yafeh La'leb (Rav Rahamim Nissim Yishak Palachi, Turkey, 1813-1907) writes that we can help engender Yir'at Shamayim within ourselves by regularly saying "Be'ezrat Hashem" – "with G-d's help" – before we proceed to do something. The more we remind ourselves that nothing we try to do can succeed without Hashem's assistance, that He is with us at all times helping us to do all that we need to do, even simple tasks, the more aware we will be of His continuous presence. Rav Yisrael Bitan cites from a wide range of sources fifteen "Segulot" that help one attain Yir'at Shamayim: 1) Looking up to the sky, to heighten our awareness of Hashem. 2) Looking at one's Sisit. 3) Reciting the verses in the Book of Debarim about Yir'at Shamayim (10:12-13) while wearing Tefillin Rabbenu Tam. 4) Learning Torah while wearing Tefillin Rabbenu Tam. 5) Spending a good deal of time in the synagogue. 6) Exercising care to avoid all kinds of forbidden speech. 7) Always seeking peace and promoting peace, while avoiding conflict and fights. 8) Ensuring to fulfill the Misva of standing in honor of the elderly and of Torah scholars. The Arizal noted that right after the Torah commands us to stand to honor the elderly and the scholars, it adds, "Ve'yareta Me'Elokecha" – "You shall fear your G-d" (Vayikra 19:32), indicating that fulfilling this Misva helps one develop Yir'at Shamayim. The Gemara (Berachot 28a) tells that when Rabbi Zera grew tired, and was unable to learn Torah, he would stand by the entrance to the study hall, explaining that when the Rabbis would pass by, he would stand in their honor and thereby receive reward. The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) explained that Rabbi Zera certainly did not fulfill Misvot for the sake of earning reward. However, he was saying that by fulfilling the Misva to honor the Torah scholars, he would be rewarded with Yir'at Shamayim, and this is how he could continue developing himself spiritually when he lacked the strength to learn Torah. 9) Picturing in one's mind the Name of "Havaya" punctuated with the vowels of the word "Yir'a." 10) Regularly studying Torah. 11) Conducting oneself with humility at all times. 12) Having the works of the Rambam in one's home. 13) Regularly studying the Tur, the Bet Yosef, and the Shulhan Aruch. 14) Eating Shabbat meals with the specific intention of giving honor to the Shabbat. 15) Speaking sparingly, and spending periods of time in silence. When we are with great people, we feel somewhat uncomfortable and therefore speak little, afraid that we might say something inappropriate or foolish. Therefore, we should accustom ourselves to avoid excessive speech, sensing that we are in the presence of the Almighty. I would humbly add another piece of advice – to study the works of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909). His works are written in a very unique style, in a way that engenders a great deal of excitement for every topic he writes about. Regularly studying these precious books can help inspire us and inject us with Yir'at Shamayim. It is told that Rav Nahman of Breslav (Ukraine, 1772-1810) would spend some time each day outdoors, alone, speaking to Hashem, thanking Him for all his blessings, expressing all his needs, concerns and wishes, and asking for His assistance. This, too, is a very effective way to develop Yir'at Shamayim – taking some time each day to speak to Hashem in our own words, without a fixed text, as though He is right in front of us, expressing our feelings of gratitude as well as our fears, our needs and our wishes. These regular "meetings" help us remain conscious of His ongoing presence in our lives. One of the most important strategies for developing and maintaining Yir'at Shamayim is ensuring to be in good company, with likeminded individuals who share our religious values and our religious commitment. We are profoundly influenced by our surroundings, and so the more time we spend with G-d-fearing people, the more likely we are to be G-d-fearing ourselves. Furthermore, Rav Chaim Soloveitchik would advise people to have a close peer, a confidant, with whom to discuss matters related to Yir'at Shamayim and work together to think of practical measures to help them live with genuine fear of Hashem.

Levison Wood is one of the world's most well-known explorers, TV presenters and authors. Join him for a 5,000-mile journey through the heart of the Middle East, from the front lines of Iraq and Syria through the Empty Quarter desert to Yemen, the West Bank and beyond. 13 countries in five months, his most complicated and dangerous expedition yet. Following in the footsteps of great explorers such as Lawrence of Arabia and Wilfred Thesiger, we will pass through some of the most devastated and war-torn areas on the planet, but also some of the most fascinating and historic too. We will peel back our preconceptions and discover a hidden side to the Middle East, beyond the headlines and politics. This is the real Arabia, a mosaic of the best and worst of humanity, a quest to better understand the region and, perhaps, ourselves.Highlights include:Hear how one totally random chance event changed his life and led him to become one of the world's most famous explorersHitchhiking to Baghdad during the Gulf war – hear the story of Levison's first and craziest ever adventure as a young university studentFollow him to the front line, as he embeds with Kurdish fighters in Iraq, liberating ISIS held cities Discover the Mesopotamian Marshes, the jewel of southern Iraq, where one of the most ancient cultures in the world is slowly rebuilding their livesCross the Empty Quarter desert on foot, 10-days through one of the harshest environments on the planetSneak into Yemen and cross over into Somalia by fishing boat, through the most pirate infested waters on EarthExplore Jerusalem, and the West Bank, joining a demonstration that turns into a riot“This is a story of my own wanderings set against a backdrop of interesting times. I have tried to challenge the prevailing winds where possible and contest stereotypes, hopefully smashing a few myths along the way.”Levison WoodFIND OUT MORELevison Wood is a British explorer, writer and photographer. He's written seven best-selling books, presented and produced some of the best travel and adventure documentaries out there, and done some quite simply incredible expeditions. Find out more at www.levisonwood.com Instagram:@levison.wood / Facebook: @levisonwoodofficial / Twitter: @levisonwood SHARE THIS EPISODEIf this story lit something up in you, do me a favour - send it to just one person. One friend, one family member, one person you think needs a little adventure in their life right now. Hit the share button in your podcast app, it takes about ten seconds. Or go Old School and tell someone about it over a cheeky pint! I'm trying to reach 1,000 new listeners this series, and every single share genuinely moves the needle. https://linktr.ee/armchairexplorerpodcast FOLLOW US: Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast CONNECT WITH US: If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on whatever podcast player you're reading this on right now. Go on, do it! It helps us grow the show, and continue to bring this content to you.Armchair Explorer is written and presented by Aaron Millar. Theme music by Sweet Chap. Produced by Armchair Productions. armchair-productions.com, armchair-explorer.com Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world's best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com. For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.Voyascape Podcast NetworkCheck out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Iran appears to change its strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, attacking and seizing commercial ships in a sharp escalation just as Donald Trump unilaterally extends the ceasefire to allow time for negotiations. The Trump administration blocks nearly $500 million in cash bound for Iraq, using control over Baghdad's oil revenues to pressure leaders to crack down on Iran-backed militias targeting Americans. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Ethos Life Insurance: Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at: https://ethos.com/PDB Pocket Hose-Ballistic: Text PDB to 64000 for your 2 free gifts with the purchase of any Pocket Hose Ballistic hose. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from Pocket Hose. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply. Text STOP at any time to opt out. Text HELP for additional Information. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at PocketHose.com/terms Chapter: Compare every medicare plan call 915-671-5252 today! Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact https://Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If I Don’t Return: A Father’s Wartime Journal by Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mark Hertling https://www.amazon.com/If-Dont-Return-Fathers-Wartime/dp/1966786727 “This journal was once a gift to our young sons. It is now a gift to anyone who cares to read it.”   When Major Mark Hertling deployed to Iraq in 1990 as the operations officer of an armored cavalry squadron, his unit was told 50 percent of them would likely sustain casualties. To him, that meant he might not return home and may perhaps never see his family again. To prepare for that potential outcome, he began keeping a journal, hoping that one day, if he didn't return, his stories and wisdom would be passed to his young sons.  In an army-issued green notebook, Mark began recording his thoughts and hopes for his boys. He wrote of character, leadership, camaraderie, battles, cultural differences, religion, love, fear, and the things he wanted his boys to know about him and his experiences. In unfiltered, handwritten entries, Hertling captured the reality of combat in Operation Desert Storm: the waiting and missions, the chaos and courage, the brotherhood and grief, and the lessons of duty and humanity forged in war. What began as a father's private messages became a rare chronicle of leadership and life in preparation for the crucible of battle. But he survived, returned home, and was able to watch his boys grow into men. Decades later, after both his sons became combat veterans themselves, one of them typed those original pages as a gift to his dad—to preserve the legacy for the family's next generation. In revisiting those original journal entries, Hertling—having been promoted, having served in various positions, and having returned to the battlefields of Iraq over the next two decades—added reflections drawn from his life. Reflecting on various military assignments, then his post-retirement jobs as a cable news analyst, health care executive, and professor of leadership, these journal entries now provide valuable lessons on character, leadership, and service.  Part battlefield memoir, part father's journal, part meditation on the challenges of leadership, If I Don't Return is the story of a soldier who faced death, returned home, and continued to live a life of service. ‍ Giving Back: In Memory of Pete Way Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the National Ability Center (NAC) in Park City, Utah—an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities discover their strength, independence, and purpose. Founded in 1985 as an adaptive ski program for disabled veterans, the NAC has grown into one of the nation's leading centers for adaptive recreation. Today, it serves people of all ages and abilities, with service members, veterans, and their families making up nearly a third of all participants. Through sport, recreation, and education, the NAC empowers those it serves to build confidence, self-esteem, and lasting skills that restore not only mobility, but meaning. These contributions are made in memory of U.S. Army veteran Pete Way, a friend who was grievously wounded in Afghanistan but found healing, hope, and renewed purpose through the programs of the NAC. Pete's courage and resilience reflect the very spirit this book seeks to honor—the will to endure, to grow even through adversity, and to live fully. If you would like to join in supporting this remarkable organization and the veterans and families it serves, please visit https://discovernac.org/support/ About the author Lieutenant General (Retired) Mark Hertling, DBA Lieutenant General (Retired) Mark Hertling served 38 years in the United States Army as a tanker and cavalry officer, culminating as Commander of U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army. During his military career, Hertling spent 38 months in combat. He served as a major and operations officer of a cavalry squadron during Operation Desert Storm, as Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Armored Division in Baghdad in 2003–2004, and later as Commander of the 1st Armored Division and Multinational Task Force Iron in northern Iraq during the 2007–2008 surge. After retiring from the Army in 2012, Hertling transitioned to the private sector as a Senior Vice President at a major healthcare organization. He was asked to design and lead a healthcare leadership program, work that led to his first book, Growing Physician Leaders (2016). His second book, If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal, was published by Ballast Books in 2026. From 2014 to 2024, he served as a senior analyst for CNN. He currently writes for The Bulwark and appears on MSNBC as a freelance national security analyst. Mark is married to his wife Sue. They live in Orlando, Florida, and are the proud parents of two sons, grandparents to five grandsons, and step-grandparents to two granddaughters.

By 2011, Baghdad was physically transformed by concrete blast walls institutionalizing sectarian division. Abdul-Ahadcritiques Maliki's government for hollowing out the military through systemic corruption, turning units into "money-making machines." The failure of the 2012 "Friday of Anger" protests and the spillover of the Syrian civil war allowed ISIS to masquerade as "liberators" in Sunni cities like Mosul, exploiting deep-seated grievances against the oppressive central government. (5)1918 BAGHDAD

The Battle for Mosul in 2017 was a grueling, house-to-house urban war inflicting massive psychological trauma on a new generation of Iraqis. ISIS was revealed as a "melange" of local villagers and international volunteers who alienated the population through extreme brutality. Although the caliphate was militarily defeated, thousands remain radicalized in desert camps, and Mosul's recovery is hindered by systemic corruption and militia control, leading to tragedies like the 2019 ferry disaster. (7)1959 BAGHDAD

The "tragedy of the Sunnis" stemmed from their lack of a monolithic political project and internal tribal infighting. In cities like Ramadi, total chaos left civilians caught in the crossfire as ISIS capitalized on fragmentation by providing a sense of "order" for young men. Meanwhile, Iranian intelligence had been quietly building influence since 2003, integrating their trainees into the backbone of the new Iraqi security forces. (6)1934 BAGHDAD

Following the invasion, the return of political exiles "frozen in time" created a divide with local Iraqis who viewed them with suspicion. The Americans' decision to disband the Iraqi army fostered a massive security vacuum, enabling the rise of the patriotic resistance led by former officers, quickly complicated by the arrival of foreign jihadis. The Abu Ghraibscandal and predatory militias like the Mahdi Army further radicalized the population, dragging the country into a sectarian quagmire. (3)1930 BAGHDAD

The 2006 execution of Saddam Hussein is characterized as "victor's justice," allowing the former dictator to appear dignified compared to his petty, sectarian captors. Prime Minister Maliki deepened sectarian wounds, while "the Sada" became a notorious dumping ground for the bodies of kidnapped Sunnis. As the first civil war ended, the middle class began a mass exodus, leaving Iraq's future in the hands of increasingly corrupt and violent factions. (4)1930 BAGHDAD 

Ghaith Abdul-Ahad witnessed the fall of Baghdad in April 2003 and the toppling of Saddam Hussein's statue — a media spectacle involving more journalists than Iraqis. Transitioning from an architect to an "accidental journalist," he documented the immediate descent into chaos and looting, highlighting the "criminal negligence" of American forces who secured oil ministries while allowing the national museum to be ransacked, as Iraqis hoping for prosperity faced utter disorganization and insecurity. (1)1903

[This episode originally aired in May 2021.] Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Zaha Hadid had a groundbreaking career as an architect. She became known as the “Queen of the curve” for her innovative designs and buildings. Zaha was the first woman ever to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and designed the London Aquatics Center for the 2012 Olympics, the Guangzhou Opera House, and many other beautiful and creative buildings. She used her skills in art, architecture, and mathematics to leave her mark on cities around the world.  You can listen to more podcast episodes you know and love, PLUS exciting new content on our Rebel Girls app! Just go to go.rebelgirls.com/dream-on to download and listen for free! About the Narrator A multi-disciplinary designer, architect, and professor, Neri Oxman founded The Mediated Matter Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010 where she established and pioneered the field of Material Ecology. Oxman received her PhD in Design Computation at MIT in 2010. Prior to that, she earned a diploma from the Architectural Association in London. In addition to over 150 scientific publications and inventions, Oxman's work is included in the permanent collections of leading international museums. In 2018, Oxman was honored with the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award and the London Design Innovation Medal. In 2019, Oxman received an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Contemporary Vision Award by SFMOMA.   Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls and is based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was produced by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner. Sound design and mixing by Camille Stennis and Steve Pogatch. This episode was written by Annu Subramanian and proofread by Ariana Rosas. Executive Producer was Katie Sprenger. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. A big thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this show possible! For more, visit www.rebelgirls.com. Until next time, stay REBEL!

A two-week ceasefire with Iran begins, and the Iranian people are isolated by a month-long internet blackout. Plus, an American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad is released by her terrorist captors. Get the facts first with Morning Wire. - - - Ep. 2722 - - - Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 - - - Today's Sponsors: Ethos - Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/WIRE Application times may vary. Rates may vary.  Zocdoc - Go to https://Zocdoc.com/WIRE to find and instantly book a doctor you love today. Comcast - Learn more about how Comcast is investing in a more connected America at https://ComcastCorporation.com/investment - - - Privacy Policy: https://www.dailywire.com/privacy morning wire,morning wire podcast,the morning wire podcast,Georgia Howe,John Bickley,daily wire podcast,podcast,news podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices