Podcasts about Baghdad

The Gemara (Berachot 60b) teaches that before entering the restroom, one should make a declaration (beginning with the words "Hitkabedu Mechubadim") asking the angels that accompany him to wait outside, and to protect him, while he performs his bodily functions. As the angels do not enter the restroom, the individual respectfully addresses them before he enters, explaining that he needs to briefly leave them so he can tend to his bodily needs. Maran (Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch), in Bet Yosef (Orah Haim 3), cites Rav David Abudarham (Spain, 14 th century) as commenting that this prayer was instituted only for the exceptionally pious, who are indeed accompanied by angels wherever they go. For other people, making this declaration would be a display of arrogance. The Bet Yosef writes that it is thus improper to make this declaration nowadays, as nobody can honestly claim to have achieved such spiritual greatness that he is accompanied at all times by angels. Maran rules accordingly in the Shulhan Aruch. By contrast, the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) cites the Masat Shimurim (Rav Natan Shapira of Jerusalem, 17 th century) as asserting that this Beracha should be recited even nowadays, as it helps block harmful spirits and improper thoughts, thereby assisting a person in maintaining his purity. Additionally, the Hida cites Maharam Papirash (Rav Meir Poppers, d. 1662) who claimed that the Arizal reinstated the recitation of this prayer before using the restroom. What's more, Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788–1868) notes in his work Ru'ah Haim that the angel who would learn with Maran instructed him to recite this declaration (Maggid Mesharim, Matot), even though Maran ruled in the Shulhan Aruch that it should not be said. The Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939), after bringing these sources, concludes that a person who devotes himself exclusively to Torah study should make this declaration, but all others should not. He then advances a different approach, suggesting that since those who discouraged the recitation did so because it would be a display of arrogance, all people may recite this declaration when they are in the privacy of their homes, as there is then no concern of appearing arrogant. Rav Yaakov Emden (Germany, 1697-1776), cited by the Hida, claimed that although the Arizal instructed people to recite it, this was only when people would perform bodily functions outdoors in open fields, where evil spirits are found, and so even the Arizal would not encourage its recitation nowadays. And even the Arizal's closest disciple, Rav Haim Vital (1543-1620), writes (in his commentary to Tehillim) that the custom is not to recite this declaration. The Hida similarly observes that even Kabbalists do not make this declaration. Amidst his discussion of this topic, the Hida cites Rav Yehiel Kasteltz as challenging the Shulhan Aruch's ruling that this declaration should not be made. He notes the famous tradition that we are all accompanied by angels on Friday night as we return from the synagogue, and they bless us if they see that the home is properly prepared for Shabbat. It is for this reason that the "Shalom Alechem" hymn is sung in every Jewish home on Friday night to welcome the angels. Rav Yehiel objected to Maran's assumption that people nowadays are not worthy of the divine presence or of being accompanied by the angels. The Hida responds by sharply criticizing Rav Yehiel for dismissing Maran's comments, noting that Maran merely observed the widespread practice not to make this declaration, and offered his explanation. As for the angels that accompany us on Friday night, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his Od Yosef Hai, explains that these angels come not for our honor, but for the honor of Shabbat – just as Eliyahu Ha'nabi attends every Berit Mila out of respect for this precious Misva, and not to give honor to the people. Hence, we are not generally accompanied by angels, but angels join us on Friday night in honor of the sacred day of Shabbat. Anyone who nowadays feels that he is worthy of being accompanied by angels is guilty of arrogance. Interestingly, the Ben Ish Hai further writes that on Yom Kippur, when our sins are forgiven and we conduct ourselves on a very high spiritual level, one may make this declaration before using the restroom, and this would not be a display of arrogance. The Yalkut Yosef observes that from Hacham Ovadia Yosef's comments in a responsum in his work Yabia Omer, it appears that he concurred with this view. In practice, however, Hacham Ovadia was never seen making this declaration, not even on Yom Kippur. Regardless, the widespread custom is not to make this declaration anytime.

//The Wire//2100Z July 31, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: GIBRALTAR CRISIS CONTINUES AS 60,000 MIGRANTS FLOOD INTO SPAIN. ITALY TO SUSPEND SCHENGEN AGREEMENT WITH SPAIN DUE TO MIGRANT CRISIS. IRAN CONTINUES TARGETING KUWAIT AS UNITED STATES CONSOLIDATES POSITIONS IN MIDDLE EAST AMID IRANIAN TARGETING EFFORTS.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Spain: The situation regarding the migrant wave has continued to deteriorate sharply. After the perimeter fence was breached yesterday, the sheer waves of people crossing the border have devastated the enclave of Ceuta. Spanish authorities estimate that over 60,000 people have crossed the border since the perimeter breach last night, and most residents of the peninsula have been barricading themselves inside their homes as the sheer number of people in this small town is staggering. Home invasions and forced-squatting instances have been reported all around the peninsula, along with mass looting and destruction taking place. Throughout this morning, many migrants have also been observed crossing back into Morocco, after realizing that the small peninsula cannot sustain this many people, as water and food sources have been expended throughout much of the city.Analyst Comment: Additionally, videos surfaced overnight confirming that this effort is not entirely organic. Truckloads of migrants are deliberately being driven to the border fence and released into Spain with the active participation of the Moroccan government. Moroccan border guards have also been observed opening the fence from their side as well, allowing large crowds through gates separating the peninsula from the mainland.Europe: This morning, the Italian government has suspended their Schengen Agreement with Spain, cutting off free travel between the two nations. The Interior Minister for Finland also voiced support for Italy's decision, urging other EU member states to likewise close their borders with Spain.Analyst Comment: Spain losing visa-free access to Italy is a big deal, as Italy one of the largest economies in Europe and cross-border trade between Spain and Italy amounts to roughly €70 billion per year. The Schengen agreement does specifically allow for the temporary halting of the pact as a measure of last resort, which Italy has enacted. If more nations follow suit, Spain could be in quite a tough spot that will probably result in a complication of trade in the short term. -----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: In the Middle East, the war remains much the same as before, with most strikes targeting American bases in Kuwait. No strikes have been reported in Jordan yet today, but satellite imagery is still pending coverage since the strikes on al Salti a few days ago. The United States has reportedly turned around a few vessels in the Gulf of Oman, which if true, confirms that the American blockade is still in effect to some degree. Similarly, Iranian sources claim to have struck two more tankers somewhere in the Gulf or Strait of Hormuz, but the UKMTO has not confirmed this yet (which they might not do, as they also underreported successful strikes a few weeks ago). In Iraq, Arab news sources are reporting that the drawdown of the American presence in Erbil is nearly complete, and that all missile defenses have been withdrawn from this installation and relocated elsewhere. Though the scale of the American withdrawal in Iraq is not exactly being openly advertised, moving the remains of that Patriot battery are a big clue that the U.S. is looking to cede Iraq to Iran's sphere of influence. The Erbil airport was the last official American position in the nation (aside from the Embassy in Baghdad), so if the US has departed this base, this would be the first time in 23 years the US has not had a conventional military presence in Iraq. Now, the closest positions to Iran (from the western side), are in Kuwait. This is probably why Iranian strikes continue to focus on Kuwait, and the American bases within. This is not just intended to reduce the potential for more American ATACMS missile launches from the border region, but also to keep pressure on the United States, preventing the staging of aircraft at the handful of airbases in Kuwait.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground NomadNet: 5fa68c88be727a0e1a250a75e5e79269 Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//

⚡ Pete rode out the storm glamping in his own driveway—Starlink dish up, house running off his truck—while much of Lake Forest sat in the dark with no power, internet, or reliable cell service. He could communicate. The City couldn't.Rick Lesser joins from his office (Comcast's out at the condo) to work through what happened Monday night—and what didn't. One City advisory went out at 3:03 PM, before the worst hit. Then silence, as limbs came down and live wires hit residential streets.The morning after, Pete goes to the Chamber's mayor's breakfast looking for one thing: a straight answer. Is there a disaster plan? "We don't like to call it a plan. We like to call it a playbook." Yes or no—do you have one? "We got a draft."From there it opens up: the council-manager form of government and who's actually accountable when the lights go out. Smart911—which the City's own website says sends emergency texts, emails, and phone calls—and which, when Pete asked a few thousand local Facebook followers whether anyone got one during the storm, produced a simple answer: no one reported getting one. The episode also digs into cell coverage, the City apps rolled out with fanfare that went quiet the one night they were needed, and whether something as simple as a group text could have made the difference.Public Works and the first responders worked through the night, and they get their due here. This was never about the crews clearing the roads. It's about who's standing at the front of the room when it matters.The mayor? The city manager? The communications director? Or is nobody in charge?We document. You decide.

Hard News on Friday with Tara Green and Rama Arjuna and guests Lion's Gate, Violet Fire, and the Shift of the Ages Rainbird, Tara, Rama, Caroline, Mother, and a Kryon recording explore Mayan calendar energies, Lammas harvest themes, solar and Schumann resonance shifts, political and galactic disclosure claims, channeled guidance, soul purpose, and the call to move through fear by remembering inner support and love. Opening the Council Fire and Reading the Mayan Energies This episode of Hard News on Friday opens with Rainbird welcoming listeners to Tara and Rama's Friday night program on BBS Radio Station One, then guiding the audience into breath, heart space, ancestors, guides, guardians, and a ceremonial council-fire setting. Rainbird calls in the seven galactic directions in the Mayan tradition, reads the Mayan calendar energies for the day and week ahead, and frames the transition from White Cosmic Wizard into the Blue Magnetic Eagle wave as a movement toward receptivity, timelessness, vision, service, and trust. The corrected transcript notes that spiritual, political, metaphysical, medical, astrological, and channeled claims are preserved as speaker statements and were not independently verified. Lammas, Harvest, Donations, and the Talking Stick Rainbird also connects the week's energies to Lughnasadh, or Lammas, describing it as the first of three harvest festivals and a seasonal turning point associated with bread, grain, corn, and gratitude. The opening segment includes listener-supported housekeeping, including BBS Radio expenses, Tara and Rama's living expenses, utility needs, PayPal information, mailing details, Rainbow Roundtable resources, and a GoFundMe reference. Rainbird then passes the talking stick, imagining it filled with fairies, feathers, rays, elementals, baked goods, harvest energy, and supportive frequencies before handing the program to Tara and Rama. Tara and Rama on Solar Energies, Disclosure, and Global Upheaval Tara and Rama describe the incoming energies as powerful, transformative, and connected to Lammas, the Schumann resonance, solar flares, and what they frame as planetary transfiguration. Rama reports conversations with Natasha and other figures, tying the week's energies to political allegations, the Zorro Ranch, Epstein-related stories, the White House, Israel, Hamas, Iran, the United States, and what he calls the collapse of old systems. He also presents metaphysical claims about the Anunnaki, Nephilim, the “13 families,” the matrix or holodeck program, the galactic federation, ascension, the Age of Aquarius, and the need to respond with love and Violet Fire. Rama's Weekly Update and Messages From the “Crew” Rama reads a weeklong update describing visits to Moon Mountain, Chama, St. John's College, Stonehenge-related energetic work, Aspen Meadows, and other locations, often accompanied by deer, crows, owls, bobcats, ravens, and cats. In these updates, he recounts text messages from Mr. X, Natasha, “the crew,” Professor Nicodemus, Dr. Steve, Darby Odell, Mr. Apps, and Lady Nada. The messages emphasize the “shift of the ages,” ancient extraterrestrial beings, Antarctica, the shutdown of the holodeck program, magnetic fields, portal technology, Stonehenge sound and light, disclosure, full moon energies, solar flares, peace, and the coming Lion's Gate. Caroline's Questions on Ancient Beings, Stargates, and NESARA Caroline then asks Rama to clarify who Mr. X means when referring to ancient extraterrestrials who are still present and immortal. Rama answers within the show's metaphysical framework, saying the reference is to the 13 families answering to the Anunnaki-Nephilim and to locations near vortexes, stargates, or portals. The conversation moves into claims about Tehran and Baghdad stargates, the military, Iran, Pentagon generals, Mother Sekhmet, galactic disclosure, and NESARA. Rama says NESARA is unfolding “big time,” but that peace must come first before the next stage can unfold. Mother's Channeled Message on Ascension, Healing, Climate, and Staying in the Body The program then shifts into a channeled Mother segment invoked through the Office of the Christ, Saint Germain, and the Violet Flame. Mother speaks about Lion's Gate, Sirius, the Council of Nine, star nations, ascension in the body, the idea that there is no death, cellular wisdom, solar plasma, Schumann resonance, magnetic waves, climate disruption, elementals, quantum particles, Stonehenge, ley lines, vortexes, planetary sound, astrology, and the restoration of memory. The segment also places Cheryl in a circle of support for surgery and speaks directly to trauma, suicide, water as a clearing force, the importance of remaining in the body, and the need to work with Mother Gaia through love, gratitude, and inner healing. Kryon on the Wind of Birth, Soul Support, and Choosing Courage The final major segment is a Kryon recording that reflects on the “Wind of Birth,” soul choice, God consciousness before incarnation, and the idea that each person came to Earth intentionally during a major shift. Kryon describes listeners as heroic souls who chose family, culture, gender, contracts, karma, awakening, and seed-planting for future humanity. The recording encourages listeners not to remain in suffering, fear, worry, or isolation, but to visualize comfort, move beyond their bubble, trust synchronicity, and remember that they are accompanied by a soul support group, guides, angelic presences, and their higher self. The episode closes with gratitude, Namaste, Aloha, and a reminder that listeners are “bigger” and more important than they may think.

Hard News on Friday with Tara Green and Rama Arjuna and guests Lion's Gate, Violet Fire, and the Shift of the Ages Rainbird, Tara, Rama, Caroline, Mother, and a Kryon recording explore Mayan calendar energies, Lammas harvest themes, solar and Schumann resonance shifts, political and galactic disclosure claims, channeled guidance, soul purpose, and the call to move through fear by remembering inner support and love. Opening the Council Fire and Reading the Mayan Energies This episode of Hard News on Friday opens with Rainbird welcoming listeners to Tara and Rama's Friday night program on BBS Radio Station One, then guiding the audience into breath, heart space, ancestors, guides, guardians, and a ceremonial council-fire setting. Rainbird calls in the seven galactic directions in the Mayan tradition, reads the Mayan calendar energies for the day and week ahead, and frames the transition from White Cosmic Wizard into the Blue Magnetic Eagle wave as a movement toward receptivity, timelessness, vision, service, and trust. The corrected transcript notes that spiritual, political, metaphysical, medical, astrological, and channeled claims are preserved as speaker statements and were not independently verified. Lammas, Harvest, Donations, and the Talking Stick Rainbird also connects the week's energies to Lughnasadh, or Lammas, describing it as the first of three harvest festivals and a seasonal turning point associated with bread, grain, corn, and gratitude. The opening segment includes listener-supported housekeeping, including BBS Radio expenses, Tara and Rama's living expenses, utility needs, PayPal information, mailing details, Rainbow Roundtable resources, and a GoFundMe reference. Rainbird then passes the talking stick, imagining it filled with fairies, feathers, rays, elementals, baked goods, harvest energy, and supportive frequencies before handing the program to Tara and Rama. Tara and Rama on Solar Energies, Disclosure, and Global Upheaval Tara and Rama describe the incoming energies as powerful, transformative, and connected to Lammas, the Schumann resonance, solar flares, and what they frame as planetary transfiguration. Rama reports conversations with Natasha and other figures, tying the week's energies to political allegations, the Zorro Ranch, Epstein-related stories, the White House, Israel, Hamas, Iran, the United States, and what he calls the collapse of old systems. He also presents metaphysical claims about the Anunnaki, Nephilim, the “13 families,” the matrix or holodeck program, the galactic federation, ascension, the Age of Aquarius, and the need to respond with love and Violet Fire. Rama's Weekly Update and Messages From the “Crew” Rama reads a weeklong update describing visits to Moon Mountain, Chama, St. John's College, Stonehenge-related energetic work, Aspen Meadows, and other locations, often accompanied by deer, crows, owls, bobcats, ravens, and cats. In these updates, he recounts text messages from Mr. X, Natasha, “the crew,” Professor Nicodemus, Dr. Steve, Darby Odell, Mr. Apps, and Lady Nada. The messages emphasize the “shift of the ages,” ancient extraterrestrial beings, Antarctica, the shutdown of the holodeck program, magnetic fields, portal technology, Stonehenge sound and light, disclosure, full moon energies, solar flares, peace, and the coming Lion's Gate. Caroline's Questions on Ancient Beings, Stargates, and NESARA Caroline then asks Rama to clarify who Mr. X means when referring to ancient extraterrestrials who are still present and immortal. Rama answers within the show's metaphysical framework, saying the reference is to the 13 families answering to the Anunnaki-Nephilim and to locations near vortexes, stargates, or portals. The conversation moves into claims about Tehran and Baghdad stargates, the military, Iran, Pentagon generals, Mother Sekhmet, galactic disclosure, and NESARA. Rama says NESARA is unfolding “big time,” but that peace must come first before the next stage can unfold. Mother's Channeled Message on Ascension, Healing, Climate, and Staying in the Body The program then shifts into a channeled Mother segment invoked through the Office of the Christ, Saint Germain, and the Violet Flame. Mother speaks about Lion's Gate, Sirius, the Council of Nine, star nations, ascension in the body, the idea that there is no death, cellular wisdom, solar plasma, Schumann resonance, magnetic waves, climate disruption, elementals, quantum particles, Stonehenge, ley lines, vortexes, planetary sound, astrology, and the restoration of memory. The segment also places Cheryl in a circle of support for surgery and speaks directly to trauma, suicide, water as a clearing force, the importance of remaining in the body, and the need to work with Mother Gaia through love, gratitude, and inner healing. Kryon on the Wind of Birth, Soul Support, and Choosing Courage The final major segment is a Kryon recording that reflects on the “Wind of Birth,” soul choice, God consciousness before incarnation, and the idea that each person came to Earth intentionally during a major shift. Kryon describes listeners as heroic souls who chose family, culture, gender, contracts, karma, awakening, and seed-planting for future humanity. The recording encourages listeners not to remain in suffering, fear, worry, or isolation, but to visualize comfort, move beyond their bubble, trust synchronicity, and remember that they are accompanied by a soul support group, guides, angelic presences, and their higher self. The episode closes with gratitude, Namaste, Aloha, and a reminder that listeners are “bigger” and more important than they may think.

When no one seems to be listening, how far do you go to be heard? In December 2008, George W. Bush made a surprise visit to Baghdad for a press conference. And at the very end of his remarks, a shoe came flying past his head.  It was “the shoe heard around the world,” and countless jokes and memes ensued.  But in the pandemonium, many missed the story of the man at the center: Muntadhar Al-Zaidi, a weary journalist trying to get the world to see the Iraq War in a different light. Even fewer people know what happened to him after.  Nearly two decades later, Radiolab reporter Sarah Qari tracked Al-Zaidi down to learn the story of his life. What she found was a story about grief, anger, and the line where journalism ends and protest begins. Special thanks to Azmat Khan and Mustafa Salim. EPISODE CREDITS: Reported by - Sarah Qari, with help from Mariam Dwedar Translation by - Mais Al-Bayaa and Mariam Dwedar Produced by - Sarah Qari Sound design contributed by - Sarah Qari  Mixed by - Jeremy Bloom Fact-checking by - Emily Krieger and Heba ElorbanyLATERAL CUTS: If you liked this episode and want to hear more fascinating deep dives we've done on The War on Terror, check out our episode: 60 Words (https://radiolab.org/podcast/60-words), or our series The Other Latif (https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/other-latif) EPISODE CITATIONS:Collaborator's Work -  Mariam Dwedar  Made in Palestine (https://zpr.io/JBAuqi5zyZMT) - a documentary short @mariamdwedar - Instagram handle Mais Al-Bayaa Iraq Uncovered (https://zpr.io/ebuUcjSFcUJp) - documentary Iraq's Secret Sex Trade (https://zpr.io/u9HnCWmnQggG) - documentary Go Back to Where You Came From (https://zpr.io/J8rxafGCCgUA) - documentary @maisalbayaa - Instagram Journal Articles _ The Art of Shoe-Throwing: Shoes as a Symbol of Protest and Popular Imagination (https://zpr.io/6gmuuavLWuHu),  by Yasmin Ibrahim Films -  The President's Cake (https://zpr.io/bjFeNa2qFYvD) - The story of life in Iraq under sanctions during the 1990s. Inspired by the shoe throw -  Photos of shoe protests around the world (https://zpr.io/QsMGyWeK8MRR) This music video (https://zpr.io/Xi5XhHYmWFHv) This Halloween costume (https://zpr.io/fH97iB4fjL9U) This play (https://zpr.io/Naj7vWaYfzpv) If you want more fun facts that didn't make it into the story, follow Sarah at @bysarahqari on Instagram, where she'll be sharing more in the coming weeks. Sign up for our newsletter!! It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Signup (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)! Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today. Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org.Leadership support for Radiolab's science programming is provided by the Simons Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

he Yalkut Yosef cites a source addressing the case of a healthy individual who frequently feels the need to move his bowls even though this need does not really exist. There is a kind of inflammation that triggers a sensation as though one needs the restroom when in fact he does not. The cure for this condition is to accustom oneself to restraining the urge to use the restroom. Although Halacha generally forbids delaying the performance of bodily functions, nevertheless, in a case where there is a medical need to do so, this is allowed. As we have seen, the prohibition against delaying bodily functions is rooted in the command, "Ve'lo Teshakesu Et Nafshotechem" – "You shall not make yourselves repulsive" (Vayikra 20:25), and when one delays for a medical reason, this is not considered "repulsive," and so it is allowed. Later writers brought proof to this Halacha from the story told in Masechet Shabbat (108a) of one of the Sages who sought to help his colleague who suffered from constipation. He fed him foods and beverages that caused his colleague to feel a need to relieve himself, and then obstructed the entrance to the restroom so that the need would be intensified, thus curing the condition. This demonstrates that delaying using the restroom is allowed when this is done for a medical purpose. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) addresses the case of a person who feels the need to use the restroom while learning Torah. He writes that if the person continues learning – even just to complete the paragraph or section – before using the restroom, this falls under the category of "Misva Ha'ba'a Ba'abera" – a Misva performed by committing a sin, which is not considered a Misva. One must rather immediately discontinue his learning in order to perform his bodily functions. The Ben Ish Hai does not specify the level of urgency at which one must discontinue his studies, implying that as soon as he feels even the slightest need, he is required to stop and use the restroom. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in his Halichot Olam (a work discussing the rulings of the Ben Ish Hai), notes that the Hafetz Haim, in Bi'ur Halacha 92:2), disagrees with this position. The Shulhan Aruch there ruled that if, during the recitation of the Amida prayer, one feels the need to use the restroom, he should continue praying as long as he is capable of restraining himself. The Bi'ur Halacha applies this ruling to a person who feels this need during the Torah reading, the recitation of Hallel, the reading of the Megilla, the recitation of Birkat Ha'mazon, or a similar situation. As long as one did not feel a need when he began, he is not required to interrupt if he begins to feel a need during the reading. The Bi'ur Halacha explicitly extends this ruling even to one who begins to feel a need to relieve himself while he learns Torah. Moreover, the Bi'ur Halacha rules that the person may restrain himself even if he feels that he would be unable to delay for another 72 minutes. Even then, he may nevertheless continue until the need becomes urgent. This is in clear disagreement with the ruling of the Ben Ish Hai, who maintained that one must immediately discontinue his Torah study once he feels even a slight need to perform his bodily functions. Hacham Ovadia accepted the opinion of the Bi'ur Halacha, except that he limited this leniency to situations where a person thinks he might be able to restrain himself for 72 minutes. If the person is certain that he will not be able to restrain himself for this duration, then he must discontinue his learning to use the restroom. There is some controversy, however, surrounding Hacham Ovadia's position on this matter. Hacham Yishak Yosef, in Yalkut Yosef, claims that the editor of Halichot Olam misconstrued Hacham Ovadia's position, and in truth Hacham Ovadia accepted the Bi'ur Halacha's lenient ruling in its entirety, such that even if a person determines that he will be unable to restrain himself for 72 minutes, he may continue learning Torah. Rav Yisrael Bitan maintains that the Halacha as it appears in Halichot Olam is correct, and thus if one is certain that he cannot restrain himself for 72 minutes, he must immediately interrupt his learning to use the restroom. An exception is made, however, in the case of somebody who feels a need to use the restroom while teaching Torah. Since leaving to use the restroom would cause a disruption to the entire group, the teacher should continue and complete the class before using the restroom. It goes without saying that one should preferably take care of his bodily needs prior to praying, reciting Birkat Ha'mazon, Megilla reading, learning Torah, or any similar Misva activity in order to try to avoid this situation. In separate context (Mi'kabse'el, Parashat Vayeseh, 2), the Ben Ish Hi observes that for some people, the prohibition against postponing bodily functions can be very disruptive. There are those who require a great deal of time in the restroom each time they move their bowels, and some people need to relieve themselves very frequently. Such people might feel that it is preferable for them to delay using the restroom in order to limit the disruptions to their Torah learning and other important activities. Citing the Hesed La'alafim (Rav Eliezer Papo, 1785-1828), the Ben Ish Hai writes that these individuals should not view using the restroom as wasted time, for this is fulfilling G-d's wishes. Our time is to be spent in service of G-d, and when somebody feels the need to use the restroom, he serves G-d by tending to this need as G-d commanded. Therefore, even if fulfilling this requirement consumes a considerable amount of a person's time, he should not try to minimize this time by restraining himself, and should instead faithfully serve G-d by obeying the Halacha to use the restroom without delay. Summary: If someone began experiencing the need to use the restroom in the middle of prayer, Torah reading, Torah learning, Birkat Ha'mazon, or some other religious activity, he may continue his prayer or study, unless he knows that he will be unable to restrain himself for 72 minutes, in which case he should interrupt. If he is delivering a Torah class, then even if he is unable to restrain himself for 72 minutes, he should complete the class. If one has a medical condition that necessitates spending a great deal of time in the restroom when moving his bowls, or that causes a frequent need to use the restroom, he should nevertheless use the restroom as soon as he needs to, without delay, recognizing that he thereby fulfills the will of his Creator.

Tequila and Champagne: Love Bombing Revisited — True Malice, Trauma Responses, or Pop-Psychology Misdiagnosis? Is fast-paced affection a dangerous red flag or just hyper-enthusiasm? This week on Tequila and Champagne, George and Shae Laraun revisit one of the most talked-about topics in modern relationship dynamics: Love Bombing. We're peeling back the layers of pop-psychology buzzwords to dissect the actual psychological and sociological root causes of intense early-stage relationships. From its historical origins in cult recruitment to modern dating dynamics, we look at whether love bombing is always driven by malicious control or if it's often an anxious attachment style overcompensating for a fear of abandonment. Plus, we break down how love bombing presents differently in men vs. women, how dopamine withdrawal affects victims after the "comedown," and how to tell if social media has ruined harmless gestures of affection. In this episode:

The Torah value of Seni'ut – modesty – applies even in private, and even when one uses the restroom. Although one might intuitively assume that G-d is not present in the restroom, and does not descend into places of filth, the truth is that G-d is present everywhere. He is incapable of getting dirty, or becoming contaminated, and so He is present even in the lowliest and dirtiest locations, including the restroom. As such, Halacha requires conducting oneself appropriately even when using the restroom. The importance of this concept can be seen in the Gemara's discussion in Masechet Berachot (62b) about the story of King Shaul when he was pursuing David. As we read in the Book of Shemuel I (24), David was hiding from Shaul in a cave, and as Shaul passed near the cave, he needed to perform his bodily functions, and so he looked for a private place. He went deep into the cave, far from the entrance, and he exposed the minimum amount needed to relieve himself. While he was in the cave, David's men urged him to kill Shaul, who was trying to kill him. David, however, refused, and he instead secretly cut the corner of Shaul's garment, which he later showed to Shaul to inform him that he had the ability to kill him but refrained from doing so. The Gemara comments that it was Shaul's high standards of modesty when performing his bodily functions that provided the merit in which he was not killed during those moments. Earlier (Berachot 62a), the Gemara teaches that one who conducts himself modestly even in the restroom is saved from the poisonous snakes and scorpions, and also from "demons." Back then, people used outhouses, which exposed a person to harmful creatures such as snakes and scorpions. As Rashi explains, by acting modestly in the outhouse, one avoids drawing the attention of those creatures. And the demons, Rashi writes, respect those who act in a modest way, and so they do not seek to harm such a person. The Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakov Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939) cites the Yafeh La'leb as teaching that modest behavior in the restroom is one of the practices through which a person earns long life. The Mishna Berura cites the Sefer Misvot Katan (Rav Yishak of Corbeil, France, d. 1280) as maintaining that modest conduct when performing bodily functions constitutes a Torah obligation, established by the verse in the Book of Debarim (23:15), "Ve'haya Mahanecha Kadosh" – "Your camp shall be holy." Others maintain that this verse speaks specifically of a military camp, and the Sages extended this requirement to all times and places. The Petah Ha'debir (Rav Haim Binyamin Pontremoli, Turkey, d. 1873) writes that as this question is subject to a debate among the Rishonim, we must treat the obligation of modesty in the restroom as a possible Torah obligation and thus apply the same stringencies that we apply to other Torah obligations. The Gemara (Makkot 16b) teaches that it is forbidden to postpone performing one's bodily functions, and one should instead relieve himself as soon as he feels the need. The Torah (Vayikra 20:25) commands, "Ve'lo Teshakesu Et Nafshotechem," which the Gemara interprets to mean that one may act in a revolting manner. The Gemara gives the example of drinking water from the cup used to collect the blood when bloodletting. (The modern-day equivalent would be drinking water from the utensil used to collect one's blood when he takes a blood test.) Another example given by the Gemara is restraining oneself when he needs to relieve himself. One who does so is, essentially, carrying bodily waste around with him wherever he goes, which is disgusting, and it is thus forbidden. The Rambam, in Hilchot De'ot, adds that restraining oneself is also unhealthful, and adversely affects a person's health. As one is required to maintain his physical strength so he can properly learn Torah and serve Hashem, this is yet another reason why one must not delay using the restroom when he needs to. Additionally, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that delaying using the restroom makes it more difficult to maintain the purity of one's thoughts. It is improper to leave the door to the restroom open when one uses it, even if nobody is home, because, as the Zohar teaches, harmful spirits are in the restroom at that time. The Ben Ish Hai emphasizes this point, noting that only if the odor in the restroom is unbearable, one is allowed to leave the door open, provided that privacy can be assured. The Ben Ish Hai writes that if one needs to perform his bodily functions in an open field, such as if he has no restroom available, then he should face north or south, but not east or west.

I dust off my Arabic for some weird scenes in Silk Road–era Baghdad: a story of drugs and ego death, deadly secrets and the workers who keep them. The only tragic love story in the Nights, the story of the Persian prince Ibn Bakkār and the courtesan Shams-al-Nahār also features, only in this earliest available Arabic manuscript tradition, a meta-narrative device whereby first-person interviews with certain characters—such as would be collected by a prosecutor as evidence for a trial—are interspersed throughout this story of elite parties, exotic drugs, and forbidden obsessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, with Iran expected to dominate the agenda as Washington weighs diplomacy alongside the threat of renewed military action. We also examine Saudi Arabia and Jordan intercepting drones targeting their territory; Lebanon's proposal to create a new Mediterranean export route for Iraqi oil as Baghdad looks for alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz; and Egypt granting sweeping new economic powers to the Future of Egypt Authority as part of broader state reforms. And a New York judge orders convicted fraudster Renwick Haddow back into custody after a scheme that targeted investors in the UAE and about 60 other countries, with more than 800 victims identified. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans

This week on Pastor's Point of View (PPOV) Pastor Andy Woods breaks down the latest developments in prophecy—from Supreme Court decisions reshaping America to Babylon's stunning economic revival. Justice Clarence Thomas warns of a "repurposing" that threatens our constitutional foundation. Meanwhile, 58 miles south of Baghdad, billions are pouring into Babylon's restoration as a global tourism hub—exactly as Revelation 17-18 predicts. One-world religion meetings now converge near the ancient Tower of Babel site. "The woman which you saw is the great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:18) From persecution rising in the UK to apostasy spreading through mainline denominations, the signs are converging. But there's hope: "Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). Are you watching? Are you ready? #ProphecyUpdate #BabylonRising #Revelation17 #EndTimes #BlessedHope

The Shulhan Aruch (91:5) brings the opinion among the Rishonim that it is forbidden to recite a Beracha with one's head uncovered. Others, however, including the Maharshal (Rav Shlomo Luria, Poland, 1510-1573), ruled leniently, and maintained that it is technically permissible to recite a Beracha bareheaded. Some drew proof to this opinion from the Gemara's listing of the morning blessings, which, it appears, were recited in Talmudic times not all together (as we recite them today), but as one experienced each phenomenon – such as reciting "Poke'ah Ivrim" upon opening one'is eyes, "Zokef Kefufim" when standing out of bed, and so on. One of the blessings on this list is "Oter Yisrael Be'Tifara," which one recites when covering his head – seemingly indicating that the previous blessings were recited bareheaded, before the head-covering was placed. Hacham Ovadia Yosef noted that the Shulhan Aruch himself appears to contradict his stringent ruling. The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) claims that the Shulhan Aruch did not definitively forbid reciting a Beracha bareheaded, as he merely mentions that there were those who maintained this opinion. In light of all of this, Hacham Ovadia concluded that although one should certainly abide by the stringent view and wear a Kippa whenever he recites a Beracha or prays, after the fact, if one prayed or recited a Beracha bareheaded, he does not need to repeat the prayer or Beracha. Thus, for example, if someone prayed alone at home (where there was nobody to point out to him that he was bareheaded), and afterward he realized that he was not wearing a Kippa, he does not need to repeat the prayer. This was also the position of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Jerusalem, 1910-1995). Rav Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986) ruled stringently in this regard, maintaining that a prayer recited bareheaded is unacceptable and must therefore be repeated with a head-covering. This is not, however, the consensus opinion. An interesting question arises in the case of a person who hears thunder or sees lightening while bareheaded. Halacha requires reciting the Beracha "She'koho U'gburato Maleh Olam" upon hearing thunder, and the Beracha "Oseh Ma'aseh Bereshit" upon seeing lightening. Our custom, based on the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), is to recite these Berachot without the Name of Hashem (omitting the words "Hashem Elokenu Melech Ha'olam"). The Ben Ish Hai reasoned that since the Beracha needs to be recited within a second or two of hearing the thunder or seeing the lightening, one is very likely to miss the time for its recitation, and if he recites it after the time, his blessing would constitute a Beracha Le'batala (blessing recited in vain). It is therefore preferable as a measure of caution to always recite these Berachot without Hashem's Name. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, however, disagreed, and maintained that one should make an effort to recite the Beracha immediately after hearing thunder or seeing lightening, and recite the entire text of the Beracha. If a person hears thunder or sees lightening while he is bareheaded, he will likely miss the time for reciting the Beracha if he first puts on his Kippa. Hacham Ovadia ruled that in such a case, one may rely on the opinion that permits reciting a Beracha bareheaded, in order not to lose the opportunity to recite a Beracha. Preferably, though, one should put his hand on his head when reciting the Beracha, because there is a view among the Poskim that one's own hand qualifies as a head-covering. Although Halacha does not follow that view, it is preferable to use one's hand as a head-covering if he does not have the opportunity to put on a Kippa. As mentioned, however, our practice is to recite these Berachot without Hashem's Name, in which case it is certainly acceptable to recite them before putting on a Kippa. Summary: If one realized after praying that his head was bare during his prayer, the prayer is nevertheless valid and does not need to be repeated.

SPONSORS: 1) AMENTARA: Go to amentara.com/go/julian and use Code: JDP22 for 22% off your first purchase. 2) MOOD: Get 20% off your first order of federally legal cannabis gummies, flower, and more at https://mood.com with promo code JULIAN. 3) DOSE: Head to dosedaily.co/JULIAN or enter JULIAN to get 35% off your first subscription. JOIN PATREON FOR EARLY UNCENSORED EPISODE RELEASES: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey CLIPPERS DISCORD: https://discord.gg/8QmWEKJ3BT (***TIMESTAMPS in Description Below) ~ Joe Kent is an American politician, former United States Army warrant officer, and former Central Intelligence Agency paramilitary officer who served as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center from 2025 to 2026. JOE's LINKS - X: https://x.com/joekent16jan19 - IG: https://www.instagram.com/joekent16jan19/?hl=en - BOOK: https://shorturl.at/PS195 FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 0:00 - Resignation Over Israel 10:41 - Fatherhood, Grief & Trump 22:22 - Trump, Iran & Tulsi Gabbard 31:35 - Midnight Hammer & Netanyahu's Influence 44:06 - Venezuela & Israel's Secret Plan 58:35 - Petrodollar & Intelligence Atrophy 1:04:31 - Foreign Money Buying American Policy 1:15:00 - Petrodollar, Sanctions & Trump MOU 1:25:35 - Hot War & Restraining Israel 1:34:50 - Butler Assassination & FBI Failures 1:44:30 - Ayatollah Assassination Intent & Government Rot 1:54:35 - Mossad, CIA & JD Vance 2:04:37 - Vance, Rubio & the Dead MOU 2:14:30 - Energy Crisis & King of Jordan 2:24:35 - China, Saudis & Iran Going Nuclear 2:34:30 - Nukes, ISIS, Syria & Turkey 2:44:30 - Green Berets, Rangers & 9/11 Reality 2:54:38 - Baghdad, Saddam's Nukes & Combat Truth 3:03:56 - Mortality, Fatherhood & Iraqi Sentiment 3:14:40 - Al Qaeda & How We Created Terrorists 3:28:00 - Yemen, Combat & His Late Wife 3:40:00 - Syria, Suicide Bomber & Grief 3:44:30 - CIA Paramilitary & Africa Deployment 3:54:40 - Tulsi, JFK Files & Epstein 4:03:10 - Epstein, CIA & Ukraine War 4:11:31 - Kirk Assassination & FBI Tension 4:15:19 - Joe's Work CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 452 - Joe Kent Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Zechor Le'Abraham (Rav Abraham Alkalai, 1750-1811) observes that some people ensure to keep their heads covered while walking about in the Mikveh, and not only when they actually immerse. He writes that this is an unfounded stringency that has no basis or reason. He explains that the Shechina does not reside in the bathhouse, and so there is no need to cover one's head, an act which is intended to make us aware of G-d's presence above us. The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) similarly writes that there is no reason to cover one's head while in a Mikveh. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) clarifies that this refers to the interior part of the Mikveh. In the outer room, where people get changed, it is proper to keep one's Kippa on his head. One should keep his Kippa on until he leaves to the interior room to shower and immerse, and should put it back on his head immediately upon returning to the outer room to get dressed. The Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939) recommends placing one's hand over his head while walking about in the Mikveh, though the consensus does not follow this view. The Yalkut Yosef writes that the beach has the status of a bathhouse in this regard, and thus one may keep his head uncovered at the beach not only when he is in the water, but also when walking about or relaxing near the water. Of course, he should put his Kippa back on upon returning to the lounge. And it goes without saying that if a person wishes to eat while at the beach, he must wear a Kippa for the recitation of the Berachot and while he eats. (Incidentally, if a person wishes to eat bread at the beach, he may dip his hands in the ocean water in lieu of Netilat Yadayim, and recite the Beracha "Al Tebilat Yadayim.") This applies to a pool, as well. One may keep his head uncovered even while sitting at the poolside, except when eating. The Yalkut Yosef cites Rav Chaim Kanievksy as ruling stringently in this regard, and requiring one to wear a Kippa at the beach or pool when he is not in the water, but Halacha follows the lenient position. Summary: One is not required to wear a Kippa at the Mikveh, at the beach, or at the pool, even when he is not in the water. In the Mikveh, one should cover his head only in the outer room, where he changes. One who wishes to eat at the beach or at the poolside must wear a Kippa for reciting the Berachot and eating.

JD sits down with Dan DuBose from Motobilt for a deeper look at the person behind one of the most recognized names in Jeep armor, off-road fabrication, and the sport itself. Dan walks through his early days building bumpers because he could not afford to buy them, the Blue Torch FabWorks era, his reality TV detour, and the long road to building Motobilt into a serious Made-in-USA manufacturing operation. The conversation hits Jeep Wrangler mods, rock crawler builds, Sand Hollow, BILTCON, off-road business lessons, and why quality parts matter when you are actually using your rig. Dan also talks about family, burnout, a major health wake-up call, and the difference between building a product catalog and building a company that can support real people. If you care about Jeep armor, off-road fabrication, rock crawling, or the humans behind the brands we trust on the trail, this one is worth the listen.

On this episode, we talk about some crowdfunding projects we are watching, but mostly, we talk games. One game has us mapping the land, waterways and heavens around Baghdad, circa 820. One has us searching for a mysterious boy dressed in red and white stripes. Another involves some creative mapping and building of a perfect neighborhood, and another the westward build of the railroad network in the late 19th century. Finally, with the rail system in place, we explore the American Wild West and the colorful characters it produced,in our first look at Western Legends!Donate to the Children's Miracle Network / Extra Life at www.meeplesociety.comCheck us out on Patreon at patreon.com/themeeplesocietyIf you have comments or questions, please do not hesitate to post them in the comments below. Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/themeeplesocietyInstagram: themeeplesocietyX @MeepSociety Tiktok: @themeeplesociety Like us on Facebook: The Meeple Societyor our Board Game Geek Guild #3821 The Meeple SocietyTo join our Discord Channel, follow this link:https://discord.com/channels/791084155726987284/791084158109614081

Ghost spends serious time with Trump's Oval Office meeting alongside Iraq's brand new prime minister, a 41-year-old banker turned political outsider making his very first foreign trip. Between the jokes about being "young and handsome," there's real substance: oil pipeline deals, militia disarmament deadlines, and Trump's abrupt about face on charging a fee to protect the Strait of Hormuz after a round of calls from Gulf state leaders. Ghost also digs into the new PM's banking past, a sanctioned Islamic bank, and a CIA-adjacent investigations firm that vetted him. Along the way, Trump fields a pointed question about the FBI's interest in Lindsey Graham's death and gives his own explanation. It is a dense, detail heavy episode that connects Baghdad boardrooms to Beltway intrigue, with Ghost doing his usual work of reading between every line.

In this episode, Mourad Tadghout explores how manuscript cultures shaped intellectual exchange across medieval Eurasia and the Mediterranean. Focusing on the transmission of texts such as Ibn Sina's Canon of Medicine, Tadghout traces the movement of knowledge from Baghdad to Toledo and beyond. The episode highlights the collaborative nature of translation, commentary, and scholarly exchange, challenging narratives of isolation and rethinking the medieval world as deeply interconnected across cultures and languages.For more information, visit www.multiculturalmiddleages.com.

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the conflict between the US and Iran shows no sign of easing as they exchange another round of strikes. The latest American attacks targeted Iran's military infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran launched strikes on US-linked sites in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. We also examine the growing effects of the escalation on global shipping as only a handful of vessels sail through the strait. UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh tells The National that diplomacy remains the best path to reopening one of the world's most important trade routes. We also look at efforts to reduce the region's reliance on the waterway, as the US backs plans to revive the Iraq-Syria oil pipeline and President Donald Trump signals major energy deals with Baghdad. In Rome, Lebanese and Israeli negotiators take part in US-backed talks aimed at implementing last month's ceasefire. Disagreements over "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon remain at the centre of discussions. And Abu Dhabi's 2PointZero strengthens its global energy ambitions with a $2.25 billion acquisition of a major US natural gas company, expanding its presence in one of the world's largest energy markets. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

What happens when being “the strong one” becomes the identity you can no longer carry? In this episode of Harder Than Life, Kelly Siegel sits down with Christmas Abbott — CrossFit athlete, nationally ranked weightlifter, Big Brother All-Star, entrepreneur, author, and the first woman to work at the highest level of a NASCAR pit crew — for a raw conversation about survival, motherhood, faith, fitness, mental health, and reinvention. Christmas shares how a turbulent childhood and years of self-destructive behavior led to a life-changing decision to work in Baghdad during an active war. It was there that she discovered fitness, beginning a journey that would eventually take her into competitive weightlifting, CrossFit, NASCAR, and reality television. But when injury threatened her athletic identity and motherhood changed the direction of her life, Christmas was forced to confront a different kind of challenge: Who are you when strength and achievement can no longer protect you? She opens up about single motherhood, postpartum struggles, ADD/ADHD, therapy, custody battles, faith, surrender, and the emotional cost of always being the person everyone expects to stay strong. Kelly and Christmas also explore confidence, childhood wounds, generational patterns, fitness after 35, women's health after 40, hormone health, blood work, peptides, supplements, and building a more sustainable approach to training and recovery. Key Topics:

For 24 years, Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq with an iron fist—silencing dissent through torture, execution, and the infamous Republican Guard. But in 2003, the regime that seemed untouchable came crashing down in just three weeks. Today we trace the final days of one of history's most brutal dictators: from the shock and awe of Baghdad to Saddam's humiliating capture in a spider hole near Tikrit. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fight me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠war of the barons⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Travel to Estonia with me here Travel to China with me here Check out other trips with me here Check out my merch here Check out our sister podcast the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mystery of Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Coffee Collab With The Lore Lodge ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠COFFEE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bonus episodes as well as ad-free episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Submit your relatives on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Smashi Business Show, we investigate Qatar's sovereign wealth fund vetoing a Volkswagen defense joint venture with Israel's Rafael. We then analyze the severe military escalation in the Gulf as US and Iranian forces exchange missile strikes following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, we look at global energy markets as Iraq's Prime Minister clarifies Baghdad's stance on remaining within OPEC while pushing for a fair production quota.

When Dallas Sanchez was stationed in Iraq, he saw danger every single day. But one night on patrol, when his small team took over a house in Baghdad, an unseen force had a message for them: Get. Out. Thanks Dallas for sharing your story with us! Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by Sanaa Khan.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For most of Western history, the word art meant something wider and harder than it means now. Ars in Latin, techne in Greek: a principled, teachable discipline of making and doing, judged by its work. The family album that held the painter also held the physician, the pilot, the general, and the geometer. When Aristotle wrote the Poetics, the small treatise that barely survived antiquity through a cellar, a conqueror's cargo hold, and a chain of translators from Baghdad to Latin Europe, he pulled six working parts out of tragedy: plot, character, thought, diction, song, and spectacle. Mythos, ethos, dianoia, lexis, melos, opsis. Six load-points where a made thing carries weight, and where it can be built sound or built rotten. Then, in the eighteenth century, a wall went up.

Paolo Brusasco"Ninive"Mito e realtàLa nave di Teseowww.lanavediteseo.euLa città di Ninive sfugge al tempo. È come un girone infernale e paradisiaco in cui vibrano le anime di ieri e di oggi, dei suoi scopritori, dei suoi re, delle sue regine, dei suoi distruttori e dei profeti biblici. Per Byron, gli Assiri piombano sul nemico “come il lupo sul gregge” e le loro coorti sono scintillanti di porpora e d'oro. I profeti la denigrano. Giona lancia invettive contro “quella grande città, nella quale vi sono più di centoventimila persone, che non sanno distinguere fra la mano destra e la sinistra”; mentre per il profeta Naum, Ninive è prostituzione, colpa e castigo. Nelle testimonianze dei Greci la città e sovrani come Sardanapalo appaiono empi e lascivi, in preda a vizio e perdizione. Ma Ninive, capitale d'Assiria, fu soltanto una città sanguinaria votata alla guerra e alla barbarie, spietata dominatrice di popoli come narrato dalla Bibbia e dai classici?Partendo dall'avvincente narrazione della sua scoperta a metà Ottocento, Ninive. Mito e realtà mette in evidenza come dagli annali dei sovrani assiri, così come dai meravigliosi rilievi istoriati che decoravano le loro splendide regge, si delinei una città fulcro di cultura e un centro religioso dedicato alla leggendaria dea Ištar. Ninive è fonte di scienza, di sapere astronomico-astrologico, di pratiche divinatorie e miti primigeni quali L'Epopea di Gilgamesh e il Diluvio universale, ripresi nella tradizione biblica.Paolo Brusasco racconta l'affascinante storia della più grande città del suo tempo che, da villaggio neolitico sulle sponde del Tigri nel nord dell'attuale Iraq, si trasformò con Sennacherib nella capitale del primo impero universale, per diventare con Assurbanipal e la sua celebre biblioteca il faro culturale del mondo antico.Paolo Brusasco è docente di Archeologia e storia dell'arte dell'Asia occidentale e del Mediterraneo orientale antichi all'Università di Genova. Già PhD e Research Fellow dell'Università di Cambridge (UK), ha effettuato scavi archeologici nel Mediterraneo, in Siria e Iraq, e attualmente dirige la Missione Assiria dell'Università di Genova (MAUGE) nel Kurdistan iracheno. È stato inoltre intervistato dal “New York Times” sulla tutela dell'Iraq Museum di Baghdad. Ha al suo attivo numerose pubblicazioni scientifiche e monografie tra cui La Mesopotamia prima dell'Islam (2008), Babilonia. All'origine del mito (2012) e Tesori rubati (2013). Per La Nave di Teseo ha pubblicato Dentro la devastazione (2018) che ha ricevuto il premio Montale Fuori di Casa 2018.Diventa un supporter di questo podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/il-posto-delle-parole--1487855/support.IL POSTO DELLE PAROLEascoltare fa pensarehttps://ilpostodelleparole.it/

Most people think in binary — it will happen or it won't. A former CIA field officer says that mental habit is quietly destroying your decisions, your business, and your shot at the life you actually want. Anthony Vinci spent years recruiting intelligence sources in active war zones, advising presidents and generals on high-stakes decisions, and then managing investments at Bridgewater Associates under Ray Dalio — one of the most disciplined decision-making environments on the planet. After leaving government, he built a company from the ground up without knowing what an LLC was, wrote The Fourth Intelligence Revolution, and launched Veeo, a forecasting and scenario-planning platform now used by hedge funds, corporations, and governments. His hard-won insight: the cost of bad decisions is massive, and it follows you forever — but the right system changes everything. In this episode, you'll discover: Why "chunking" risk is the CIA method for taking action without freezing up — Anthony breaks down how he planned missions in Baghdad piece by piece, and how to apply the exact same framework to business decisions and big life swings The "compartmentalize risk" principle that explains why the world's biggest risk-takers (Special Forces operators, entrepreneurs) are often deeply conservative in other areas of their lives — and how to deliberately design yours Why stubbornness + optimism = resilience — and the hidden flip side that destroys most entrepreneurs who don't know when to stop The binary thinking trap: why saying "it's more likely than not" is dramatically less useful than saying "it's a 55% chance vs. a 90% chance" — and why that gap is where elite decision-makers live What Ray Dalio's Bridgewater taught Anthony about the one non-negotiable trait you need in your inner circle — and the exact type of person you must limit access to your energy Connect with Anthony Vinci www.anthonyvinci.com Connect with Kwame: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠negotiateanything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!⁠ @kwamenegotiates across all social platforms

Saddam Hussein with nothing. Born to a poor peasant family in a mud-brick village. Abandoned by his father before he was born. Raised by an abusive uncle who beat him daily. By thirty, he was an assassin. By forty, he controlled one of the world's most oil-rich nations. By fifty, he was called the "Butcher of Baghdad." How does someone climb from absolute obscurity to absolute power? How do you build a dictatorship in a world that's supposed to have moved on from strongmen and tyrants? Today we're going back to the beginning. From Saddam's brutal childhood to the 1968 Ba'athist coup. From his CIA connections to the 1979 purge that cemented his reign of terror. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fight me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠war of the barons⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Travel to Estonia with me here Travel to China with me here Check out other trips with me here Check out my merch here Check out our sister podcast the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mystery of Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Coffee Collab With The Lore Lodge ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠COFFEE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bonus episodes as well as ad-free episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Submit your relatives on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Dustin Chappel ever stepped onto the battlefield, he had already spent his childhood fighting to survive.Separated from his mother at just two years old, Dustin endured years of abuse, instability, homelessness, and constant moves before eventually dropping out of school and earning his GED. After witnessing the attacks of September 11th, he felt called to serve and joined the U.S. Army as a 12B Combat Engineer.During two deployments to Iraq, Dustin conducted route-clearance missions, hunted insurgents, executed raids alongside infantry units, and survived some of the most dangerous streets in Baghdad. He describes a deployment where every patrol felt like "Russian roulette," facing complex ambushes, sniper fire, RPGs, and one of the most disturbing traps of the entire war... a body rigged to explode.But this story doesn't end on the battlefield. Dustin opens up about the sniper round that was meant for him, dragging his wounded squad leader out of the line of fire, and the long road home — his fight with PTSD, checking himself into treatment, rebuilding his life, and the work he does today mentoring fellow veterans.

These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily, at 6am GMT.   - ‘Positive progress' in US-Iran indirect talks in Doha: Qatar spokesman - Strait of Hormuz reopens but UN warns poorest nations will face lasting economic fallout - Iran says to use frozen funds in Qatar to buy ‘required goods' - Lebanon and Syria join US-led Middle East military talks - Iraq, GCC discuss stronger ties as Baghdad pledges closer Gulf cooperation   Check out the latest updates on arabnews.com

June 16 first through 5:25 As explained in an earlier installment, the Arizal warned that putting on two articles of clothing simultaneously could have an adverse effect on a person, causing him to forget his Torah knowledge. This gives rise to the question of whether one may put on his shoes when they are inside rubbers. Often, in the winter, people take off their shoes when entering the home together with the rubbers, keeping the shoes inside the rubbers. Then, when they go back out into the snow, they simply put the shoes with the rubbers on their feet. Seemingly, this should be discouraged, as one must refrain from putting on two articles of clothing at the same time. Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank (Jerusalem, 1873-1960) cites a source claiming that the Arizal's teaching does not apply to garments made from rubber, in which case there is no concern in this regard. However, the Sitz Eliezer (Rav Eliezer Waldenberg, 1915-2006) questioned this theory, noting that there seems to be no reason to differentiate between rubber and other materials. The Arizal taught that when placing two articles of clothing at the same time, the inner garment does not receive the "Or Ha'makif" (supernal light) that surrounds garments to protect them from the harmful spiritual forces. This concern certainly appears to be relevant to rubbers no less than to garments made from other materials. Nevertheless, Hacham Ovadia ruled leniently in this regard, and allowed putting on shoes that are already inside rubbers. This is based on a comment of the Aruch Ha'shulhan (Rav Yechiel Michel Epstein of Nevarduk, 1829-1908) that the Arizal's teaching does not apply to shoes. The Aruch Ha'shulhan does not explain why shoes would differ from other garments in this regard, but Hacham Ovadia suggested that since the shoes touch the ground, which has impurity, they cannot be protected from impurity, and so they do not receive the "Or Ha'makif." Socks, however, are not treated as shoes. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) ruled that although one who touches shoes must then wash his hands, one does not require hand washing after touching his socks. Some Poskim disagree, but Halacha follows this view of the Ben Ish Hai. This lenient ruling yields a stringent conclusion with regard to the question of putting on two socks at the same time. Since socks are treated by Halacha differently than shoes, the Aruch Ha'shulhan's leniency does not apply. Therefore, one who wishes to wear two pairs of socks for extra warmth must put on one after the other, and may not wrap one sock in the other and then put them both on together.

Hussain Abdul-Hussain is a research fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) and the author of the book The Arab Case for Israel. He champions immediate, unconditional, and comprehensive peace between every Arab nation and the Jewish state.​Hussain joins Yasmine to discuss his book and to share with us why he believes peace with Israel is the only path to progress.  They will also ponder questions around Islam and Democracy. Is Islam compatible with democracy? Does Popper's Paradox perfectly encapsulate the issue with immigration of Islamists to western nations? How can democracy defend itself? Is democracy inherently vulnerable to ideologies like Islamism? Raised in Beirut, Baghdad, and Baalbek, cities that have repeatedly served as epicenters of the Middle East's most seismic conflicts, Hussain's research focuses on Arab affairs, spanning Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Sudan.His career launched as a reporter, and later managing editor, at Beirut's The Daily Star. In Washington, he helped launch and manage the congressionally funded Arabic satellite network Alhurra Iraq before leading the Washington bureau of the Kuwaiti daily Alrai. He has also served as a Visiting Fellow at London's Chatham House. Hussain's articles in English have appeared in several outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. He also publishes regularly in Arabic media. He holds a degree in history and archaeology from the American University of Beirut and is fluent in English, Arabic, and Hebrew.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdulhussainhussainTwitter: https://x.com/hahussainExplore more of Hussain's latest policy research and analysis at https://www.fdd.org/

Army Veteran Manny Pasillas Lucio shares the combat story that changed his life forever.Born in Mexico and raised in California, Manny grew up navigating family tension, poverty, and the streets of Compton before deciding to join the Army after 9/11. After basic training at Fort Benning, he was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he became part of a Stryker infantry unit and later joined a scout sniper platoon.In this episode of Urban Valor, Manny opens up about his deployment to Iraq, including missions in Mosul, Baghdad, Taji, and Baqubah. He describes small team missions, hunting high-value targets, taking fire, encountering IEDs, working alongside other units, and the daily fear that came with operating outside the wire.Manny also shares the devastating moment his Stryker was hit by an IED while returning to base. He woke up choking on smoke, heard screams around him, and later discovered his teammate Billy Ferris didn't survive the blast. That moment stayed with him long after Iraq.After coming home, Manny struggled with PTSD, anger, depression, suicidal thoughts, family separation, and the painful reality of trying to become a father while still carrying the war inside him. He talks about pulling a gun on his mother after being startled awake, snapping at family members, feeling lost after the military, and eventually using education, therapy, fatherhood, and veteran advocacy to rebuild his life.Chapters00:00 Waking Up After the IED Blast01:25 Manny's Childhood in Mexico02:48 Coming to the United States03:49 Growing Up in Compton08:08 Learning Independence as a Kid10:05 Wanting to Become a Soldier10:50 How 9/11 Changed Everything11:37 Trying to Join the Military14:04 Watching the Iraq Invasion Begin15:31 Leaving for Basic Training16:23 Arriving at Fort Benning18:44 Building Confidence in Basic Training22:11 Getting Sent to a Stryker Unit23:24 Joining 5-20 Infantry26:23 Becoming an RTO27:57 Learning From Hard NCOs32:19 Being Offered West Point32:58 Moving to Scout Sniper Platoon36:24 Deploying to Iraq37:22 Landing in Kuwait38:39 Arriving in Mosul40:17 Small Kill Team Missions41:11 First IED Strike in Iraq41:51 Hunting a High-Value Target43:30 Walking Outside the Wire44:51 Capturing the Target46:25 Moving From Mosul to Baghdad47:11 Searching for a Downed Pilot47:52 Taking Another IED Hit49:26 Billy Borrows Manny's Blanket51:09 Spotting an IED on the Road53:28 The Stryker Gets Hit54:16 Escaping the Crushed Vehicle56:08 Searching for Billy57:30 Evacuating the Wounded58:47 Sergeant Pucket's Words After the Blast59:18 Returning to Base in Shock1:01:15 The Loss of Billy Ferris1:05:04 Billy's Memorial1:06:14 Back to Combat Operations1:07:04 Working With CIA and Special Forces1:08:29 Testifying in the Green Zone1:11:05 Inside Saddam's Palace1:12:00 Arriving in Baqubah1:13:19 Taking Fire From All Sides1:14:47 Clearing the City1:15:13 The Scariest Missions of His Life1:17:20 Finding Iraqi Police With Mortars1:19:14 Ambush and Firefight1:20:38 Becoming Numb to Loss1:22:10 Fighting Al Qaeda in Baqubah1:23:34 Coming Home From Iraq1:25:22 Almost Going to Ranger Battalion1:26:02 Leaving the Army1:27:10 PTSD Hits at Home1:28:26 Snapping Around Family1:30:07 His Family Didn't Know What Was Happening1:34:12 Struggling in the Reserves1:36:19 Drinking, Trouble, and Feeling Invincible1:37:29 A Bad Experience at the VA1:40:42 His Daughter Saved His Life1:42:49 Using the GI Bill1:43:14 Studying Psychology to Understand PTSD1:44:53 “I Am Not My Mistakes”1:45:39 Breaking Cultural Cycles1:46:35 Becoming a Better Father1:47:20 Helping Veterans Today1:49:10 Reconnecting With Family1:51:20 Why Manny Puts Himself First Now1:52:02 Talking Honestly With His Daughter1:53:24 Advocating for Veterans and Families1:54:34 Manny's Message to Struggling Veterans

We welcome Naval officer, diplomat, strategist and author Tom Duffy for a conversation about a largely forgotten Cold War–era naval campaign: Operation Earnest Will. During the final years of the Iran–Iraq War, the Persian Gulf became the scene of a dangerous maritime struggle known as the “Tanker War.” Iran and Iraq attacked oil tankers to cripple each other's economies and pressure international shipping. In response, the United States launched Operation Earnest Will—the largest naval convoy operation since World War II—escorting Kuwaiti oil tankers through hostile waters and confronting Iranian threats at sea. The mission began when Kuwaiti tankers were re-flagged under the U.S. flag so they could legally sail under American naval protection. U.S. warships then escorted the tankers through the Gulf while surveillance aircraft, helicopters, and special operations forces hunted for mines and small-boat attackers. The danger became clear immediately. On the very first escort mission, the reflagged tanker Bridgeton struck an Iranian mine in the Gulf—an early reminder that even a powerful navy could not fully control the narrow and volatile waters of the Persian Gulf. Over the next fourteen months, dozens of U.S. warships rotated through the region while Navy SEALs, special operations aviators, and patrol boat crews conducted night operations to stop Iranian mining and harassment of shipping. In his book Tanker War in the Gulf, Duffy draws on his experience as a U.S. Navy officer who participated in the operation and later as a Foreign Service officer stationed across the Middle East. He reconstructs the tense months when American warships escorted vulnerable tankers through minefields, missile threats, and political uncertainty—while trying to prevent a regional war from spiraling into a superpower confrontation. The story includes dramatic moments such as the USS Stark incident, the shadow presence of Soviet naval forces monitoring U.S. movements, and retaliatory clashes between U.S. and Iranian forces that nearly escalated into a wider war. Though often overlooked in American military history, Operation Earnest Will marked the first sustained U.S. military confrontation with Iran—a precursor to tensions that continue today. The operation also offers timely lessons about limited warfare, maritime security, and the strategic importance of protecting global energy routes—issues that echo in today's crises in the Red Sea and across the wider Middle East. Duffy will also reflect on his unusual career path—from naval officer to U.S. diplomat—including postings in Bogotá during the Pablo Escobar era, Saudi Arabia during the early al-Qaeda bombings, and Baghdad during the turbulent early years of the Iraq War. His stories offer a rare view of how military operations, diplomacy, and global politics intersect in real time. Join us for a fascinating discussion about a little-known naval campaign that still shapes how the United States uses sea power today—and hear firsthand how history, strategy, and lived experience come together in one remarkable career.

In this episode of the Women Emerging podcast's Journey to Leadership series, Julia Middleton speaks with writer, social entrepreneur and Obama Leader Europe, Mevan Babakar, about a journey she never imagined would be described as leadership. Born in Baghdad, Mevan spent five years as a child refugee after her family fled Saddam Hussein's genocide of the Kurds. As she moved across borders and languages, she found herself translating not only words, but systems, cultures and opportunities for the people around her. Looking back, she can now see those moments as acts of leadership, even though she did not recognise them as such at the time. Together, Julia and Mevan explore what leadership looks like beyond titles and hierarchy. They discuss community, belonging, trust and the many ways people step forward when something needs doing. Mevan reflects on her work in technology, fact-checking and democracy, and why some of society's biggest challenges require more than quick fixes. The conversation also explores the relationship between intellect and instinct, and what happens when the work we do no longer aligns with what we know to be true. Drawing on her experiences at Full Fact and Google, Mevan shares why paying attention to both mind and body can be essential when making difficult decisions. Throughout the episode, she returns to a powerful idea: leadership is not reserved for a select few. It is something people step into every day, often long before they recognise it in themselves. This episode will resonate with anyone interested in leadership, women leading, social impact, community building, belonging, resilience, personal growth and finding the confidence to take up space.About the Guest: Mevan Babakar is a writer and technologist born in Baghdad to Kurdish refugee parents. She built award-winning AI fact-checking tools as Deputy CEO of Full Fact and later led information quality work at Google. In 2023, she she was named an Obama Leader for Europe. Her debut children's book, The Bicycle, was inspired by reuniting with the aid worker who gave her a bike as a refugee 25 years earlier.

People mistakenly believe that the concept of modest dress is relevant only to women, whereas men can dress in any way they like. This is incorrect. There are certain restrictions on dress that apply to men. The basic principle is that one must realize that he is constantly in the presence of G-d. Even when a person is in the privacy of his home, and even alone in his bedroom, he must be cognizant of the fact that Hashem fills the earth and accompanies him at all times. King Shaul was praised for his high standards of modesty, as he went into a dark cave to perform his bodily functions, and even inside the cave, he exposed himself only as needed, out of an awareness of G-d's presence. Accordingly, the Shulhan Aruch rules that a person must put something on before getting out of the bed in the morning. Long ago, people would sleep under their blankets unclothed, and the Shulhan Aruch writes that before a person steps out of bed, he should put his garment on under his blankets so he will not be exposed upon leaving his bed. This applies even if the room is dark, as Hashem can see even in the dark. The Poskim debate the question of whether the Shulhan Aruch intended this instruction as an actual Halachic requirement, or only as an admirable practice, a measure of piety that is recommended for the sake of demonstrating one's awareness of G-d's omnipresence. Rav Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986) maintained that there is no strict halachic obligation for a man to avoid being exposed in private, and the Shulhan Aruch's ruling was written only as a recommended practice, a proper mode of behavior for a G-d-fearing individual. By contrast, the Mishneh Halachot (Rav Menashe Klein, 1923-2011) maintained that this law constitutes an outright Halachic obligation, as the straightforward reading of the Shulhan Aruch and other sources suggests. Likewise, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that according to some Rishonim, these laws are required on the level of Torah law, and so they should be strictly observed. Nowadays, of course, people generally wear pajamas or undergarments when sleeping, so the Shulhan Aruch's instructions would apply in our time to changing one's clothes under the blanket, so that his private parts are not exposed. Many people would naturally find this difficult. Hacham David Yosef, in Halacha Berura, accepts Rav Moshe Feinstein's lenient position, that these guidelines were not presented as actual Halachic requirements, and so he rules that they may be suspended if they would cause considerable discomfort. Thus, if somebody finds it very difficult to get dressed under the blanket, this is not necessary. Hacham David writes that this was the position taken by his father, Hacham Ovadia Yosef. In fact, Rav Moshe himself ruled leniently if dressing under the blanket would take too much time, or if one cannot dress neatly in this fashion. Nevertheless, Rav Haim Kanievsky (1928-2022) taught that one who ensures not to expose his private parts while getting changed is worthy of special blessing. Rav Moshe adds that when walking about, a man must dress in a manner in which he would not feel ashamed appearing before ordinary people. When it comes to Tefila, one must dress in a way he would when greeting a prominent figure. At all other times, Rav Moshe writes, it suffices to dress in a manner that is not embarrassing. One's private parts, however, must of course always remain covered. Rav Haim Kanievsky took a more stringent position, writing that one must ensure not to expose his arms above the elbows, or his legs above his knees. Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998) wrote that since people in modern society do not walk about barefoot, one should refrain from doing so even in his home. In fact, the Mishna Berura writes that since the feet are normally covered, it is proper to put one's socks on before getting out of bed in order not to expose his feet. The Piskeh Teshubot concluded that one may walk about barefoot in his home under hot weather conditions, when covering the feet is uncomfortable. However, even the Mishna Berura conceded that in Mediterranean countries, where many people walk about barefoot, it is permissible to do so. It thus stands to reason that the guiding principle is the accepted practice in any given locale. In communities where it is not deemed acceptable to walk about with exposed feet, or in short sleeves or shorts, one should abide by the community's standards. In places where these modes of dress are acceptable, then they are allowed. Indeed, Hacham Ovadia Yosef ruled that one is allowed even to pray wearing very short sleeves or short pants if this mode of dress is accepted in his community (though he added that a person dressed this way should not serve as Hazan). Likewise, despite the Mishna Berura's aforementioned ruling that one should put on his socks before getting out of bed, numerous later Poskim – including the Hazon Ish, the Steipler Gaon, and Hacham Ovadia Yosef – ruled leniently in this regard. This is likely due to the fact that it has become more acceptable to walk about with sandals without socks, and thus exposing one's feet is no longer considered undignified. By the same token, a man may take off his shirt when swimming in a pool or at the beach, as this is the accepted mode of dress in these areas. However, some Poskim ruled that if one is not swimming at the beach, but is playing ball or walking, he should wear a shirt. A man who goes to the Mikveh should not walk about the Mikveh unclothed, and should instead cover himself with a towel or robe on his way to and from the water. Some Poskim allow one to be unclothed in a restroom that has a bath or shower, as such a room has the status of a Bet Ha'merhatz (bathhouse), where it is permissible to be unclothed. Others, however, rule that this is not allowed unless one is planning to bathe. Summary: Men, like women, must adhere to appropriate standards of modest dress. The basic rule is that one must dress in a manner that is deemed respectable and dignified in the place where he is. In some communities, it is inappropriate to walk about in shorts, whereas in others this is allowed. At the beach or swimming pool, a man may remove his shirt. Nowadays it is generally deemed acceptable in most communities to wear sandals without socks, so this is permitted. When one needs to expose himself – such as when dressing, when bathing, when using the restroom, or in a Mikveh – one should expose himself only to the extent necessary, remaining cognizant of G-d's presence.

Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Colonel Douglas Macgregor to the show. Douglas is a Retired U.S. Army Colonel and a Decorated Combat Veteran. In their discussion, Macgregor assesses the leaked 14-point MOU between Iran and the United States as an admission of strategic defeat, signaling that Iran has emerged victorious from the conflict. He emphasizes that the war is not over, predicting Israel will soon resume its offensive, prompting an Iranian counterattack and forcing President Trump to reengage militarily, albeit briefly, before ultimately disengaging. Macgregor argues that the United States was doomed to lose due to Iran's mastery of integrated surveillance and strike capabilities, which render traditional naval and air superiority ineffective without robust ground forces, a capability he claims the U.S. currently lacks. Shifting to economic implications, Macgregor advises a focus on energy, metals, minerals, fertilizer, and food as the only secure investments in the current climate, dismissing AI and SpaceX as speculative bubbles. He warns that the Strait of Hormuz remains at risk, ensuring oil prices will surge again as global demand outpaces supply, with countries racing to build strategic reserves. The depletion of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the potential for further conflict will drive inflation and economic instability, likening the coming effects to a tsunami. He foresees a structural reset where American military hegemony retreats, leading to the collapse of artificial state boundaries in the Middle East and the rise of Iran and Turkey as dominant regional powers, which will reshape alliances and likely end Israel’s long-term viability. Macgregor also discusses the financial front, projecting that gold will reemerge as the ultimate reserve currency, with prices potentially reaching $10,000, while Bitcoin may serve as a transactional alternative to the dollar. He underscores that the geopolitical shifts will redirect American focus inward, forcing a painful but necessary reorientation toward domestic prosperity and core industries. Overall, his analysis presents a bleak near-term outlook marked by military defeat, economic disruption, and profound global realignment. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:45 – Iran US MOU Assessment 00:06:00 – Energy Metals Commodity Focus 00:08:50 – Oil Prices and Reserves 00:11:50 – Rise of Iran & Turkey 00:20:14 – Trump Pressures & MOU 00:23:30 – Gold and Bitcoin Outlook 00:27:56 – U.S. Strategic Petro Reserve 00:31:38 – Sulphuric Acid, Urea, & Ag. 00:34:47 – Use of Ground Forces? 00:37:08 – Gold In A Tsunami 00:38:50 – Purchasing Power Gold & BTC 00:40:01 – Substack and Final Remarks 00:42:11 – 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.

Every effort must be made to arrive in the synagogue on time in the morning so one can recite the complete service – from the morning blessings, through the Akeda and Korbanot, followed by Pesukeh De'zimra, Shema and its blessings, the Amida, and so on. The Kabbalists in particular emphasized the importance of reciting the entire service without skipping any section. According to Kabbalistic thought, the prayer service is a process whereby one ascends from one level to the next, so that by the time he recites the Amida, he is on the highest level where he can speak directly to Hashem. Just as one cannot reach the third floor of a building without first reaching the second floor, likewise, one cannot reach the higher levels before passing through the lower levels, and so each stage of the prayer process is indispensable for the prayers to be effective. Indeed, in the work Maggid Mesharim (Parashat Beshalah), we read that the angel who taught Torah to Maran, author of the Shulhan Aruch, sternly admonished him to ensure to arrive on time in the synagogue so he can complete the entire prayer service. Skipping portions of the service, the angel warned, violates the "Heavenly protocol." Nevertheless, it occasionally happens that, for whatever reason, a person arrives late in the synagogue, and if he recites the entire service, he will be unable to pray the Amida together with the congregation. What should the individual do in this situation? Should he forego the recitation of the Korbanot for the sake of Tefila Be'sibur – praying the Amida together with the congregation – or must he follow the sequence of the prayer service even at the expense of Tefila Be'sibur? The Shulhan Aruch writes that if a person arrives late, then he should skip the introductory sections, and begin with Baruch She'amar so that he can catch up to the congregation and pray with them. If one has time for reciting some of the introductory portions of the prayer service, the Shulhan Aruch adds, then he should recite the morning blessings, as well as the paragraph of "Lefichach" through the verse of "Shema Yisrael" and "Baruch Shem." He should also recite the verses of the Tamid, and the section of the Ketoret, until but not including the paragraph that begins "Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel." Additionally, he should recite the Ana Be'cho'ah prayer. He should recite the first part of Hodu – until the words "U'bi'nvi'ai Al Tare'u" – and then skip until "Kel Nekamot Hashem," continuing through "Ya'anenu Be'yom Kor'enu." He should then skip until "Hashem Melech" and Baruch She'amar. If one does not have time to recite any part of the Korbanot section, then he should skip it entirely in order to pray the Amida with the congregation, as the value of Tefila Be'sibur – praying with the congregation – overrides the value of reciting the Korbanot. This is the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch, based on the opinion of the Rashba (Rav Shlomo Ben Aderet, Spain, 1235-1310). Likewise, the Hacham Sevi (Rav Sevi Ashkenazi, 1656-1718), after noting the comments of the Zohar and the Arizal about the importance of reciting the entire prayer service, and of not skipping any portions of it, writes that Tefila Be'sibur is the highest priority, and thus one should skip the earlier sections of the service when necessary to pray the Amida with the congregation. This was the position taken also by the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806). By contrast, the Poskim who follow the teachings of the Kabbalah ruled that one may never skip any portion of the prayer service, even for the sake of Tefila Be'sibur. These include the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). This is the view accepted by Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998). He writes that notwithstanding the Shulhan Aruch's ruling, we cannot ignore the Kabbalists' teaching about the importance of the sequence of the prayer service. Furthermore, Hacham Bension adds, if we allow skipping the earlier sections of the prayer service, many people will do so habitually. It is preferable to forbid skipping, so people will see that by arriving late they forfeit the benefits of Tefila Be'sibur, and this will motivate them to make a greater effort to arrive on time. A mourner, Heaven forbid, should not skip the Korbanot section or any other portions of the daily prayer service. Although a mourner is not permitted to learn Torah, he may recite the passages from the Torah and other sources that have been incorporated into the prayer service.

✈️ ETF III Update #5: Bangkok 2026 Hey now! I am your host Ric Gazarian. And I am here with the fifth update for the Extraordinary Travel Festival for October 22-25, 2026 in Bangkok. We have 4 amazing days of community, content, and exploration of Bangkok and beyond. Over 150 people have committed to joining ETF III.

When Nussaibah Younis decided to write a book about ISIS brides, everyone expected it to be an academic tome. Instead, she wrote a raunchy satire about a woman who takes a job in a warzone to get over a recent heartbreak. Nussaibah's debut novel, Fundamentally, sees protagonist Nadia in over her head working for the UN in Baghdad. But her sense of purpose renews when she connects deeply with Sara, a young ISIS bride who Nadia becomes intent on saving. Drawing on her own professional experience, Nussaibah tells Mattea Roach why the UN's work culture is ripe for satire, why the conversation about ISIS brides needs nuance and what it really takes to deradicalize someone. Liked this conversation? Keep listening:Exploring the shady side of charity organizationsNeed cash fast? Become a corpse bride today Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

Richard Epstein critiques the construction of the Obama Center in Chicago, lamenting the destruction of 800 historical trees and the seizure of public land. He describes the project's design as a "monstrosity" with a flawed traffic plan and expresses concern over the foundation's lack of financial transparency and endowment. (4)1904 BAGHDAD

As discussed in a previous installment, the Ana Be'cho'ah prayer, which consists of 42 words, alludes to the special 42-letter Name of G-d. We conclude this prayer with the exclamation, "Baruch Shem Kebod Malchuto Le'olam Va'ed" – "Blessed is the Name of the Majesty of His Kingship, forever and ever." After reciting the prayer expressing the divine Name, we make this proclamation giving praise to the Name of the Almighty. This proclamation is significant in that the first letters of its six words – Bet, Shem, Kaf, Mem, Lamed and Vav – are the only letters in the Hebrew alphabet that are used as prefixes to G-d's Name. These six letters can be appended to the Name to form the words "B'Hashem" (as in "Ach B'Hashem Al Timrodu" – Bamidbar 14:9), "She'Hashem" (as in "Ashreh Ha'am She'Hashem Elokav" – Tehillim 144:15), "K'Hashem" (as in "K'Hashem Elokenu Be'chol Kore'nu Elav" – Debarim 4:7), "Me'Hashem" (as in "Me'Hashem Yasa Ha'dabar" – Bereishit 24:50), "L'Hashem" (as in "L'Hashem Ha'yeshu'a" – Tehillim 3:9), and "V'Hashem" (as in "V'Hashem Holech Lifnehem" – Shemot 13:21). These letters thus have a special connection to Hashem's Name, and so we proclaim "Baruch Shem…" after making a reference to the divine Name. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his work Torah Li'shmah, writes that although this proclamation is made silently when it is recited during the Shema reading, in other contexts it may be recited aloud. Accordingly, we do not need to recite "Baruch Shem" silently when we say Ana Be'cho'ah during the Korbanot section each morning. However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef noted that elsewhere in his writings (Od Yosef Hai), the Ben Ish Hai contradicts this ruling, and writes that "Baruch Shem" must be recited silently even in Ana Be'cho'ah. The accepted practice is to recite it silently in Ana Be'cho'ah just as we do during the reading of Shema.

Florida man robs a bank as 'Sonic the Hedgehog,' and Florida family consumes 'Spaghetti-O's Parasite.' On this episode, Josh Mills and Wayne McCarty discuss your favorite Florida Man headlines, read listener letters, and celebrate the end of their three-month table read! Stick around until the end for the final reading of the hit '90s classic film Point Break. Headlines: Florida family consumes parasite found in canned spaghetti; Florida man arrested in a river by paddleboard cops; Louisiana man running from police escapes into a swamp, where he is attacked by an alligator; Florida man robs a bank wearing a Sonic the Hedgehog mask; Florida man surfs his Chevy S-10 at New Smyrna Beach. On mic: Josh Mills, Wayne McCarty, Emily Grabill, Luke West, Jesse Nieman Each week, the Florida Men on Florida Man podcast blends comedy with the fascinating legends, lore, and history of the wildest state in the Union: Florida. Learn more at www.fmofm.com Support the show at www.patreon.com/fmofmpodcast

The Kabbalists taught that when one recites the "Ana Be'cho'ah" prayer, he should arrange the words of the prayer in pairs. Meaning, he should say the first two words, briefly pause, say the next two words, pause, and so on. This is the instruction given by Rav Haim Vital (1543-1620), in Sha'ar Ha'kavanot, based on the teachings of the Arizal. This is brought later by the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). However, Rav Meir Mazuz (1945-2025) ruled that one should not follow this custom, as the reading becomes unintelligible in this manner. By reciting the text of this prayer in pairs of words, one ends up saying, "Ana Be'cho'ah" – "Please, with the strength"; "Gedulat Yeminecha" – "the greatness of Your right"; "Tatir Serura" – "release those who are trapped"; "Kabel Rinat" – "accept the prayer of"; "Amecha Sagebenu" – "Your nation, protect us"; "Taharenu Nora" – "purify us, O Awesome One," and so on. The words are clearly not intended to be broken up in alternating pairs of two, as they have no meaning when recited this way. Rav Mazuz therefore ruled that one should recite the text of the prayer this way: "Ana Be'cho'ah Gedulat Yeminecha" ("Please with the power of the greatness of Your right"), "Tatir Serura" ("release those who are trapped"); "Kabel Rinat Amecha" ("Accept the prayer of Your nation"); "Sagebenu Taharenu Nora" ("protect us, purify us, O Awesome One"). (Incidentally, Rav Mazuz issued a similar ruling regarding the recitation of the famous verse, "Hashem Hoshi'a Ha'Melech Ya'anenu Be'yom Kor'enu." The Kabbalists instructed pausing after the word "Ha'melech," such that one should say: "Hashem Hoshi'a Ha'Melech, Ya'anenu Be'yom Kor'enu." Rav Mazuz noted that this reading sounds as though we ask Hashem to save the King ("Hoshi'a Ha'melech"). The proper way to read this verse, Rav Mazuz ruled, is with the pause after the word "Hoshi'a," such that we say, "Hashem save us; the King shall answer us on the day we call out.") Some Siddurim use a very complex system in punctuating this prayer, adding commas and periods, in an attempt to accommodate both opinions. In any event, Rav Yisrael Bitan writes that as the Arizal, the Ben Ish Hai and the Kaf Ha'haim all say that this prayer should be divided into pairs of words, it is difficult to dismiss this practice. Therefore, this is the preferred way to read Ana Be'cho'ah.

The Iraq War didn't just “happen” it was sold with a storyline, staffed by specific operators, and justified by a strategy that had been circulating for years. I'm joined by Scott Horton of the Libertarian Institute to unpack the Clean Break doctrine, what it tried to achieve for Israel's right wing security vision, and how a set of wildly wrong assumptions helped push the US into a war that ended up strengthening Iran instead of containing it. We walk through the mechanics of how the war case was built: exile sourcing, the Office of Special Plans, alternative intelligence streams, and the WMD and terrorism claims that made Baghdad sound like an urgent threat. Then we connect the fallout to today's Middle East power map, where leaders are still trying to “fix” the original mistake, often by escalating in new arenas. Scott also explains why Israel's objectives toward Iran can look less like clean regime change and more like limiting Iran's ability to support Hezbollah and project power into the Levant, even if that means betting on destabilization. From there we shift to the Trump era crisis: ceasefire fragility, Iran's demand to release frozen assets as a trust test, and the hard technical reality behind the slogans about nuclear enrichment. We also talk about how Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank remain active fronts that can sabotage diplomacy at any moment, and what it would take for Washington to actually restrain Netanyahu if a real US-Iran deal is the goal. Subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review, then tell us what you think: is a durable peace even possible with these incentives in place?

After we recite in the morning the section of the Ketoret and the passage of "Abayeh Hava Mesader," we recite a very special prayer – Ana Be'cho'ah. This prayer was composed by one of the great Tanna'im – Rabbi Nehunya Ben Ha'kaneh, whom the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) describes as one of the earliest Kabbalists, preceding even Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai. The Ana Be'cho'ah prayer is so significant that the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and many others write that if a person arrives late to Shaharit, and needs to skip the introductory portions of the prayer service, he should not skip Ana Be'cho'ah. This prayer consists of seven lines, each of which with six letters, for a total of 42 letters, and these 42 letters spell the special 42-letter Name of Hashem. This Name is the "elevator," the Name associated with rising to the upper worlds. It is critically important to recite Ana Be'cho'ah as part of our introduction to Shaharit because it elevates us to the heavens so we can present our Tefilot to G-d. By the time we recite the Amida, we want to be standing before the Heavenly Throne, so we can speak directly to the Almighty. The recitation of Ana Be'cho'ah elevates us to the higher spheres so we can speak to Hashem while standing in front of His Throne. It is proper to recite this Tefila slowly and to take note of the first letters of the words. This Name is alluded to also in the first paragraph of Shema, which consists of 42 words (from "Ve'ahabta" through "U'bi'sh'arecha"), corresponding to the 42 letters of this Name. For this reason, some Siddurim feature the letters of this divine Name alongside the words of this paragraph of Shema. Another allusion to this Name is found in Kaddish – specifically, in the phrase "Ve'yishtabah Ve'yitpa'ar Ve'yitromam Ve'yitnaseh Ve'yit'hadar Ve'yit'aleh Ve'yit'halal," which consists of seven words that each contains six letters, for a total of 42. Some have the custom to recite Ana Be'cho'ah each night before going to sleep. The soul departs and rises to the heavens when one sleeps, and so it is appropriate to recite this prayer which, as mentioned, is associated with elevation and ascent. Likewise, it is customary to recite Ana Be'cho'ah at funerals, Heaven forbid, as the coffin is being taken for burial, and the soul is ready to rise to the heavens. In some communities, Ana Be'cho'ah is recited before Lecha Dodi on Friday night, as we elevate ourselves to the higher plane of Shabbat. Likewise, many recite this prayer after counting the Omer, as the Omer counting is intended to elevate us in preparation for Matan Torah on Shabuot. The custom to read Ana Be'cho'ah following the recitation of "Abayeh Hava Mesader" was taught by the Arizal, as brought in Sha'ar Ha'kavanot. This is cited by the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). The Seder Ha'yom (Rav Moshe Ben Machir, Safed, 16 th century), by contrast, writes that it is better to recite Ana Be'cho'ah later, just before Baruch She'amar. He explains that the world was created with the power of this 42-letter Name, and so it is appropriate to allude to this Name just before reciting "Baruch She'amar Ve'haya Ha'olam," when we give praise to Hashem who created the world. However, we follow the Arizal's teaching, that Ana Be'cho'ah should be recited after the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader." One possible explanation for the Arizal's custom is that the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader," which lists the various Abodot (services) performed daily in the Bet Ha'mikdash, omits Birkat Kohaim (the priestly blessing), which was recited each day in the Bet Ha'mikdash. In the Bet Ha'mikdash, the Kohanim reciting Birkat Kohanim would use the Shem Ha'meforash – the divine Name that is normally forbidden to utter, and according to some, this was the 42-letter Name. Perhaps, then, we add Ana Be'cho'ah – which is associated with this Name – after the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader" to allude to the daily recitation of Birkat Kohanim in the Bet Ha'mikdash. The Ana Be'cho'ah prayer concludes with the pronouncement of "Baruch Shem Kebod Malchuto Le'olam Va'ed," giving praise to the exalted Name of G-d, which this prayer expresses.

After the recitation of the Ketoret, we recite "Abayeh Hava Mesader," a section from the Gemara (Yoma 33a) citing Abayeh's concise list of all the Abodot (services) performed daily in the Bet Ha'mikdash, following the sequence in which they were performed. This list was compiled "Aliba De'Abba Shaul" – according to the view of Abba Shaul, as there is some debate concerning the sequence of the Abodot. We read this section so that we will be considered as though we followed this procedure and performed all these Abodot. However, this is effective only if one understands what he reads. Let us, then, briefly go through this list so we understand what we are saying: Ma'aracha Gedola – placing the firewood on the large altar in the Temple courtyard. Ma'aracha Sheniya Shel Ketoret – placing the firewood on the smaller altar, the incense altar inside the Bet Ha'mikdash. Siddur Sheneh Gizreh Esim – placing two long logs of wood on the large altar in the courtyard. Dishun Mizbe'ah Ha'penimi – cleaning the ashes from the incense altar. Hatabat Hamesh Nerot – preparing five of the lamps of the Menorah for kindling. Dam Ha'tamid – sprinkling the blood of the morning Tamid sacrifice. Hatabat Sheteh Nerot – preparing the remaining two lamps of the Menorah for kindling. Ketoret – bringing the morning incense offering. Ebarim – offering the Tamid sacrifice on the altar. Minha – the flour offering that accompanied the Tamid sacrifice. Havitin – the flour offering brought each day by the Kohen Gadol. Nesachin – the wine libations that accompanied the daily Tamid. Musafin – offering the special Musaf sacrifice on Shabbat, Rosh Hodesh and holidays. Bazichin – placing on the altar each Shabbat the frankincense that was on the Shulhan (table) with the Lehem Ha'panim (show-bread). Tamid Shel Ben Ha'arbayim – the afternoon Tamid sacrifice. Abayeh concludes his statement by mentioning the law that no sacrifice may be offered after the afternoon Tamid ("Aleha Hashlem Kol Ha'korbanot Kulam"). As mentioned, this section begins with the words "Abayeh Hava Mesader" ("Abayeh would arrange…"). The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that there were those who added the word "Hu" ("he") in between the words "Abayeh" and "Hava." The reason is that if one recites the words "Abayeh Hava" quickly, he may inadvertently utter the Name of "Havaya," which may not be pronounced the way it is written. By breaking up these words with the word "Hu," one ensures not to mistakenly violate this prohibition, which, according to Tosafot (Shebuot 35a), is so severe that one forfeits his share in the next world if he transgresses and utters the Name. Hacham Ovadia Yosef writes that strictly speaking, this is not necessary, because one transgresses this prohibition only if he utters the Name intentionally. Even if one indeed ends up saying the Name of "Havaya" by reciting the words "Abayeh Hava," he has not committed any wrongdoing, because he had no intention at all of uttering the Name. Nevertheless, it is commendable to briefly pause between the words "Abayeh" and "Hava."

Army infantry veteran Tyler Hoover shares the truth about serving in the U.S. Army, going through airborne school, deploying to Iraq, surviving the constant threat of EFPs and IEDs, and trying to come home after war. Tyler opens up to Urban Valor about Army basic training, the culture shock of infantry life, Fort Bragg, the 82nd Airborne, Baghdad in 2008, convoy missions, lead truck gunner danger, post-deployment drinking, losing friends, and the reality of veteran reintegration after combat.Tyler talks about joining the Army after seeing the war on TV, signing an infantry contract, losing his Ranger contract, becoming airborne, getting sent to Iraq, and realizing that some days survival came down to nothing more than a left turn or a right turn.But the most powerful part of this story may not be Iraq itself.It's what happened after.The alcohol. The car crashes. The murders. The friends who didn't make it home emotionally, even when they physically made it back. Tyler's story is a reminder that war does not always end when the deployment does.Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Crazy Army Stories & Close Calls01:26 - Growing Up in Pennsylvania & Virginia02:21 - Playing in Bands & Learning Branding02:45 - Growing Up as a Cop's Son05:04 - Why Tyler Decided to Join the Military07:46 - Trying to Join the Marines08:26 - Joining the Army Infantry08:45 - Signing a Ranger Contract09:47 - Arriving at Army Basic Training10:51 - Finding Out He Was a Mortarman12:37 - Culture Shock in the Army17:09 - Drill Sergeants, Integrity & War Prep21:58 - Army Airborne School24:03 - Getting in Trouble With an Officer25:50 - The Army Friends Who Never Made It26:28 - Getting Sent to Fort Bragg28:34 - Assigned to the Support Battalion29:42 - Finally Getting Sent to the Line30:23 - Deploying to Baghdad, Iraq30:52 - EFPs, IEDs & Convoy Danger31:58 - Life as the Lead Truck Gunner34:37 - The Left Turn That Saved His Life36:26 - Living Like Every Day Was Extra37:19 - The Photo That Got Him in Trouble39:58 - Coming Home From Iraq40:42 - Losing Friends After Deployment42:18 - Why Coming Home Is So Hard43:35 - Drinking, DUI & Leaving the Army51:14 - Becoming a Police Officer51:57 - Working Night Shift in Orlando52:27 - The Baby Not Breathing Call57:05 - The McDonald's SWAT Call59:21 - The Adrenaline Crash After the Call1:00:37 - Why Police Work Wasn't Like the Military1:02:06 - Getting Kicked Off SWAT1:05:03 - The Clothing Line That Caused Problems1:06:20 - Starting the Anti-Hero Podcast1:08:11 - Turning the Podcast Into a Broadcast1:09:07 - Building a Community for the 99%1:10:23 - Why Regular Veterans Get Overlooked1:12:01 - Smoke Pit Humor & Veteran Culture1:18:07 - Lessons From Military & Police Work1:19:02 - What the Anti-Hero Broadcast Is Today1:20:25 - Final Thoughts on Regular Service Members

#265: 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.For more on General Hertling check out markhertling.com as well as LinkedIn & Twitter. You can find his book in the amazon link below. Enjoy the show! Book: https://www.amazon.com/If-Dont-Return-Fathers-Wartime-ebook/dp/B0GDJFMF21?ref_=ast_author_mpb 

90 Days In - Is The Iran War Illegal? RFK & Hegseth Unfit for Office? Elk Camps & the Rural Health Care Crisis.  The day after Montana's 2026 primary, Paul sits down with Colonel Mike Eisenhauer — a 25-year Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and practicing interventional cardiologist who is now running as an independent for Congress (https://eisenhauerforcongress.com/) in Montana's massive 2nd District. While the Republican incumbent ran unopposed and three Democrats fought over a primary their party hasn't won statewide in decades, Eisenhauer was outside the rigged two-party system entirely, gathering nearly 13,000 verified signatures to earn his spot on the November ballot. This is what it actually takes to break through when the machine is designed to keep you out. The conversation covers the affordability crisis crushing Montana families, the gutting of rural healthcare under the so-called big beautiful bill, the illegal and unauthorized war in Iran, congressional abdication under the War Powers Act, and why Eisenhauer — alongside Green Beret Seth Bodnar's Senate run — may be proof that Montana is ground zero for the independent movement. Paul and Mike also get into RFK Jr., right-to-repair, Trump accountability, the day after a huge primary day, the NBA Finals and why a doctor's diagnostic framework might be exactly what a broken Congress needs.  -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump's Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.