Podcasts about Baghdad

"Atonement" is a 2026 American drama film, written, produced, and directed by Reed Van Dyk in his directorial debut, based on the 2012 New Yorker article "Atonement" by Dexter Filkins. It stars Boyd Holbrook as a U.S. Marine who accidentally kills three members of a family during a firefight in Baghdad, Iraq. Haunted by memories of war and racked with guilt, he tries to reconcile with the family matriarch, played by Hiam Abbass, years later, with help from English journalist Michael Reid (Kenneth Branagh). The film had its world premiere at the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Caméra d'Or and received positive reviews for its writing and performances. Van Dyk, Abbass, and Holbrook were all kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experiences making the film, which you can watch or listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in theaters on October 2nd by Kino Lorber. Thank you, and enjoy! https://youtu.be/HTjqRoO_jW0 Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for Sept. 30. After more than 23 years and $1.7 trillion, America is winding down its war in Iraq, closing the last major U.S. military base today. WSJ's Jared Malsin went to Iraq and reports that while Baghdad has undergone a renaissance, behind the scenes, Iranian-backed militia groups have gained a lot of power. Plus, a state judge in New York rules that mayor Zohran Mamdani must redo the rollout of his pied-à-terre tax. And WSJ's Aaron Zitner details our latest poll, showing Americans want populist policies that defy traditional political labels. Daniel Bach hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

//The Wire//2300Z September 30, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: ATTEMPTED HIJACKING OF COMMERCIAL AIRLINER HALTED IN MIDDLE EAST, PILOT SEVERELY WOUNDED DURING ATTACK. SMOKE PLUMES OBSERVED AT MAJOR SAUDI OIL PROCESSING FACILITY. UNITED STATES ANNOUNCES FORMAL WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ. IRANIAN ATTACKS ON SHIPPING CONTINUE IN HORMUZ STRAIT.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----  -International Events-Middle East: Overnight a possible hijacking incident was reported onboard a FlyDubai aircraft. At 0653 local time, Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport, bound for Tel Aviv. Approximately 136 minutes into the flight, the transponder data indicates the aircraft conducted a very sharp nosedive, losing over 14,000 feet of altitude in 37 seconds. Within the aircraft, reports indicate that the copilot stabbed the pilot multiple times, and attempted to deliberately crash the aircraft. After the initial nosedive, the wounded Captain was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and cabin crew to subdue the copilot. Over a period of six seconds, a passenger was able to recover from the dive, banking hard to the north. Two off-duty FlyDubai pilots who were passengers on the flight regained control off the aircraft, and twenty minutes after the incident, the aircraft turned around over Jordanian airspace and diverted to Prince Sultan International Airport in Tabuk. The aircraft landed safely despite the sharp decent causing a significant portion of the rudder to break off.Analyst Comment: If these details are true, this incident was host to multiple aspects which are nothing short of miraculous. Based on the rate of decent, the aircraft was approximately 27 seconds from hitting the ground before a passenger was reportedly able to pull up on the yoke and recover the aircraft from the dive. The presence of two other pilots onboard the aircraft is also itself remarkable, as if the copilot was the terrorist, and the lead pilot was stabbed, there was no one left to fly the aircraft except the passengers in the back. Nearly all details are known via video recordings from passengers onboard the aircraft, but the exact nature of what took place inside the cockpit (and when) is not confirmed yet. Videos from within the cabin indicate both the pilot and copilot were severely wounded during the fight, and the status of both is not known. The nationalities of all involved are also important due to the current tensions around the region. Most of the passengers were Israeli citizens traveling back to Tel Aviv. The pilot (who was stabbed) is Indian, and the alleged terrorist copilot is Omani.Iraq: This morning, the Pentagon announced the completion of the withdrawal of the last troops from Erbil Airbase, marking the official end of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE in Iraq. Officially, the only American military personnel within Iraq are located at the American Embassy in Baghdad, with the diplomatic mission being the only officially recognized deployment location at this time.Analyst Comment: While the ending of a 23 year war is significant and worthy of further reflection, in the more immediate short term, the abandonment of the Erbil Airbase confirms prior reporting that the Patriot battery had been relocated from this facility weeks ago. The withdrawal from this critical air defense sector will probably affect American bases in Jordan, if Iranian missile launches continue.Persian Gulf: This morning the UKMTO released a batch of "time late" reports, confirming that a total of three merchant vessels were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz over the past few days. Due to the delay in reporting these strikes, it is not clear when they took place, however several Iranians reported witnessing missile launches from Sirik yesterday.Iran: Civil defense preparations continue to expand in size and scope. The week of October 26 - November 2 has been designated Civil Defense Week nationwide, with various drills and exercises being planned among the civilian populace to prepare for three different scenarios: Normal natural disaster emergencies, a state of ceasefire, or a full-scale war. IRGC-affiliated social media accounts have also claimed that military units in southern Iran have been issued Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) protective equipment, such as gas masks and decontamination kits.Analyst Comment: These reports are sporadic at best, and the photos from one soldier on social media are not exactly indicative of what the entire 600,000-man army is doing. However, the Iranians are not taking any chances an very clearly expect and escalation of attacks, possibly to include the use of more serious weapons.Saudi Arabia: This morning an incident was reported at ARAMCO's North Ghawar processing facility, with locals on the ground observing a large smoke plume emitting from the installation. No official statements have disclosed what happened, but no missile/drone warnings were noted by locals.Analyst Comment: This may or may not be the result of a drone strike; it could be the result of an industrial accident or exceptionally abnormal gas flaring. The Abqaiq processing plant at this facility is a major complex, and critically important as it's the start point for the East-West Pipeline (the other end being the terminals at Yanbu). By now, the pipeline should be functional to some degree, pumping an unknown amount of oil to the terminals on the Red Sea, but if this was an unplanned event of some kind, it might be slow going to get this pipeline fully back online.Syria: This afternoon, a major explosion was reported at a natural gas pipeline near the Tishreen Power Plant in Damascus. The resulting fire burned throughout the evening, and the power plant was shut down. The cause of the blast has not yet been publicly released.Analyst Comment: This follows yesterday's pipeline attack in southern Syria, which was directly confirmed to be sabotage. It's not clear as to if this pipeline explosion was sabotage, but at this point malign action is likely. Various insurgent groups within Syria have been hitting gas pipelines for weeks now, but no one group has claimed responsibility for these strikes yet.India: Overnight a major explosion was reported at the MRPL refinery in Mangaluru. One worker was killed and several others injured after a rupture occurred in a high-pressure tank at the Coker Hydrotreater Unit. At the time of the explosion, this refinery was already operating at peak capacity, to refine and process as much crude as physically possible at the site.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Within the United Kingdom, more questions than answers remain concerning two incidents which have captured media attention for the past few days. At RAF Fairford, not many details have come to light that can be corroborated with much reliability. The US continues to claim that this was a major terror attack that the US was involved in tracking, while British authorities claim that no explosives were found in the vehicles and the contents turned out to be drums of gasoline. However, this morning British authorities radically shifted their position, with PM Burnham stating that there are "strong indications that Iran played a part" in the incident. Despite these claims, all of the assailants are still free from detention.In Rotherham, almost zero details have been released regarding yesterday's explosive incident. The individual who was killed has not been identified, but authorities have stated that the incident was the result of a "household accident", without providing any further amplifying information. Due to the sheer lack of information, speculation has run rampant, but nothing is verifiable yet. Considering the very odd circumstances of this incident, more scrutiny on this case would be worthwhile, especially considering the heightened terrorism concerns around the continent.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground NomadNet: 5fa68c88be727a0e1a250a75e5e79269 Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//

We're back for Episode 187 of Pixel Gaiden! In this episode the boys catch up on the news and battle Wonder 3 (Saturn) vs. Gunners Heaven (PS1).   14:56 - Quick Questions 45:44 - Patreon Song 49:50- Tea Time With Tim - Cricket! 1:11:20 - Eric's Take - Memories, Vol2 1:40:04 - News 2:57:02 - Battle Of The Systems - Wonder 3 (Saturn) vs. Gunners Heaven (PS1)   Cody - https://retrododo.com/brawler-64-pro-review/  Cody - https://retrododo.com/m64-launch-day-titles/  Eric - Terranigma Re-release, coming 2027 - https://nintendoeverything.com/terranigma-coming-to-nintendo-switch-2-switch/  Cody - https://babyloniantwins.com/1993/ A lost game created in Baghdad, and its FREE!    Tim – Stern Pinball launch new Fallout table. Fallout by Stern Pinball throws players into the chaotic post-war wasteland inspired by the hit TV series and iconic video game franchise. Available in three versions, Pro, Premium and Limited. Starting at $7,299 and up to $13,999. (Thanks Time Extension)  https://www.sternpinball.com/game/fallout/  Eric - Interesting new Atari 2600 game: No Quarter - Welcome to a new Atari 2600 game from ArugulaZ - https://www.indieretronews.com/2026/09/no-quarter-welcome-to-new-atari-2600.html#more  Cody – Sonic AND Crazy Taxi?! https://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/09/new-sonic-animated-series-and-crazy-taxi-movie-in-production-at-netflix    Tim – Our friends over at Badger Punch software celebrated the launch of Roguecraft DX on Steam on the 10th of September. This has achieved over 20,000 wish listings before release.  https://store.steampowered.com/app/3674680/Roguecraft_DX/  Eric - Razing Core - A Vertical Shoot 'Em Up for the Sega Master System that's well worth checking out  https://www.indieretronews.com/2026/09/razing-core-vertical-shoot-em-up-for.html  Cody – Its NeoGeo so I have to talk about it! https://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/09/the-1992-mega-drive-shoot-em-up-gley-lancer-is-being-reimagined-for-the-neo-geo-and-modern-platforms  And also...  https://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/09/toaplans-zero-wing-is-coming-to-neo-geo-via-to-h0ffmans-homebrew-port  Eric – Playdate Season 3 approaching! - https://play.date/games/seasons/three/?utm_campaign=Season3&utm_medium=email&utm_source=playdate-elist  Eric – Pico-8 running on Playdate - https://www.fixgamingchannel.com/picodate-pico-8-playdate-emulator-save-states/    Tim – Brokenbytes (Antonio Savona ) and the team behind Fix it Felix Jnr on the C64 have created a new port of the game over on to the ZX Spectrum Next. The Next version has some enhancements over the C64 version: High-Color Arcade Visuals, Digital Voice Speech & SFX, Authentic Chiptune Soundtrack, Complete Arcade Cutscenes & High Score Hall of Fame  https://brokenbytes.itch.io/fix-it-felix-jr-next  Cody – https://www.indieretronews.com/2026/09/amiga-rescue-retro-style-puzzler-for.html  Amiga Game where you fix your Amiga!  Eric - This 10-inch 4:3 television hides your retro consoles in a secret rear compartment — Unico's Traveller ULW10 trades composite video for RGB SCART and HDMI   https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/retro-gaming/this-10-inch-4-3-television-hides-your-retro-consoles-in-a-secret-rear-compartment-unicos-traveller-ulw10-trades-composite-video-for-rgb-scart-and-hdmi  Cody - https://retrododo.com/r-type-dx-brings-5-games-on-a-plasma-cartridge-with-hard-cover-box-colour-manual/ And More GB Games at ModRetro!  https://modretro.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4Vwqx6qhJnA810uJ15aqawjb-Is6lSKHgF_0kC8fmGvo3Qugd1u    Cody – Nintendo Direct Items of Interest  -Meccha Chameleon  -Star Fox Updates  -Nintedno Sports Resort  -Metroid Ravenous  -Stage Fright  -Mega Man Duel Overdrive  -Metal Slug Collection – 10 games, no XX  Eric - Four More Neo Geo AES+ Games Have Been Confirmed - https://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/09/four-more-neo-geo-aesplus-games-have-been-confirmed    Please give us a review on Apple Podcasts! Thanks for listening! You can always reach us at podcast@pixelgaiden.com. Send us an email if we missed anything in the show notes you need. You can now support us on Patreon.  Thank you to Roy Fielding, Daniel James, 10MARC, Eric Sandgren, Brian Arsenault, Retro Gamer Nation, Maciej Sosnowski, Paradroyd, RAM OK ROM OK, Mitsoyama, David Vincent, Ant Stiller, Mr. Toast, Jason Holland, Mark Scott, Vicky Lamburn, Mark Richardson, Scott Partelow, Paul Jacobson, Steve Rasmussen, Steve Rasmussen's Mom, Retro Gamer Nation, Peter Price, Brett Alexander, Jason Warnes, Josh Malone (48kram), AndrewSan, Joe Ochwat, Mevunky, and Adam from Commodore Chronicles for making this show possible through their generous donation to the show.

Headlines:Iran's currency plummeted to a new low yesterday. We're talking over 2.5 million rials to the U.S. dollar. Iran is reportedly offering cash rewards for anyone who captures or kills an American soldier.Israel eliminated the leader of Hamas's Northern Gaza Brigade yesterday. The U.S. is set to withdraw all remaining forces from Iraq today and hand security over to Baghdad.A flydubai flight headed to Israel from Dubai was emergency diverted to Saudi Arabia due to a violent incident in the cockpit which is now being investigated as a potential terror attack.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Ambassador Jeff Bartos, the U.S. representative for UN management and reform.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the US is withdrawing its last troops from Iraq, officially ending its anti-ISIS mission, Operation Inherent Resolve, after 12 years. Baghdad now plans to shift towards bilateral security co-operation with Washington. The UAE strongly condemns the storming of Al Aqsa Mosque compound by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accompanied by hundreds of settlers. In Morocco, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is set to become the country's first female prime minister. Dubai's Etihad Rail passenger service completes its historic first journey to Abu Dhabi. The inaugural train left Al Yalayis Station on Wednesday morning. And an Iranian court rejects an appeal by a singer against a sentence of 74 lashes and a ban on work and travel. Parastoo Ahmadi was convicted over an online concert in which she performed without a headscarf and sang solo. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

"By Desert Ways to Baghdad" by Louisa Jebb Wilkins invites listeners on a captivating journey through the landscapes and experiences that shape the path to Baghdad. This evocative narrative explores themes of adventure, resilience, and the profound connections forged in unfamiliar territories. As the world continues to grapple with issues of travel, exploration, and cultural understanding, the insights within this book resonate deeply, reminding us of the timeless human spirit's quest for knowledge and connection. Wilkins' vivid storytelling and rich descriptions offer an enduring perspective that captivates and inspires, making it a compelling listen for anyone intrigued by the intersections of geography and personal experience.

The U.S. military has successfully completed its full withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of its military operations in the nation after more than twenty years of presence. The concluding stage of this departure was accomplished on September 30, 2026, when the last contingent of forces evacuated from Erbil Air Base, their final position in northern Iraq.Coalition military forces were initially stationed in Iraq and Syria beginning in 2014 to counter the Islamic State (IS) organization, which had taken control of extensive territories across both nations and perpetrated horrific massacres and atrocities.Although IS was militarily defeated in Iraq by 2017 and in Syria by 2019, coalition personnel remained to suppress the organization's surviving elements. In 2024, Baghdad and Washington reached an agreement to gradually reduce the coalition's operational footprint, leading to a phased withdrawal from military installations throughout the country, with forces concentrating their remaining activities in the self-governing Kurdistan region in the north. Their complete departure from this final location is set for Wednesday.Iraqi leadership contends that removing coalition forces eliminates the justification that Iran-aligned militant organizations have leveraged to maintain their arsenals. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has proclaimed that October 1, immediately following the coalition's exit, should be recognized as Sovereignty Day.This represents "a historic milestone celebrating Iraq's achievement of full sovereignty and reinforcing the strength of the state and its governmental structures," according to statements from the heads of Iraq's executive, legislative, and judicial authorities released on Monday.They further emphasized that “the presence of weapons outside state authority must be addressed… in line with timelines set by the government, in a manner that strengthens state sovereignty”.

An Hour-Long Life-or-Death Battle Before His Police Career. A convoy of 20 trucks was moving through Iraq when the attack began. The soldiers protecting it were outnumbered. The civilian drivers were counting on them to find a way through. The Podcast is available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartradio and most major podcast platforms. #LawEnforcementTalk #Free #Podcast #Radio Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg, a Minnesota National Guard soldier from St. Paul, led 15 soldiers in the fierce firefight south of Baghdad. For roughly an hour, his unit fought to defend the convoy and the people inside it. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin. Three times, Malmberg left the protection of his armored vehicle to fire a rocket or throw grenades at the attackers. When the battle ended, the convoy had escaped. No soldiers or civilian drivers had been killed or wounded. Not one vehicle was lost. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Malmberg's actions earned him the Silver Star for gallantry in combat. He became the first Minnesota National Guard member since World War II to receive the medal. At a ceremony before about 1,000 soldiers and family members at St. Paul RiverCentre, then-Gov. Tim Pawlenty described him plainly: “He's a hero, no question about it.” An Hour-Long Life-or-Death Battle Before His Police Career. Malmberg credited the training, weapons, and courage of the soldiers under his command. He recalled something his father had told him when he was young: “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but it's the size of the fight in the dog. That day, we had a lot of fight in us,” Malmberg said. The wounds no one could see The convoy made it out without a physical injury to a soldier or driver. But surviving a battle does not mean leaving it behind. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms. The interview is also featured across Facebook and Instagram. Malmberg says many of the men he led struggled afterward with mental health challenges. He did, too. Their experience is a reminder that the effects of combat can follow service members home, even when the people around them see no obvious wound. For Malmberg, coming home also meant beginning another demanding career. His father and uncle had served as police officers, and he followed them into law enforcement, joining the St. Paul Police Department. An Hour-Long Life-or-Death Battle Before His Police Career. The setting had changed from Iraq to Minnesota. The responsibility to make decisions under pressure remained. Police officers routinely respond to violence, crises, injuries, and people experiencing some of the worst moments of their lives. Those experiences can accumulate, while the pressure to appear unaffected can make it difficult to ask for help. In this special episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, Malmberg speaks about his own struggles, what helped him move forward, and what he still does to maintain the life he has built. His account connects two conversations that are too often kept separate: the mental health of combat veterans and the mental health of police officers. The episode is available across major platforms including their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, with highlights shared across their Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles. A new mission after policing Malmberg eventually left the St. Paul Police Department and co-founded the STORM Training Group with Tom Menton. Their work focuses on defensive tactics, de-escalation, and coordinated team responses for law enforcement agencies. The training emphasizes control, positioning, and decisions made under stress. Its aim is to give officers practical ways to manage physical encounters while reducing the chances that officers or the people they encounter will be injured. STORM reports that departments using its training have seen reductions in use of force and injuries. Malmberg discusses those results and the thinking behind the methods in the episode. For someone who has led soldiers through combat and later worked as a police officer, training is more than an abstract policy discussion. It shapes what people are prepared to do when a situation changes in seconds. An Hour-Long Life-or-Death Battle Before His Police Career. The Podcast is available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartradio and most major podcast platforms. Malmberg's story is also about what happens after those seconds pass. A successful outcome during a critical incident can still leave lasting effects on the people who were there. He talks about both: the decisions that helped his convoy survive and the personal work that followed him home. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms. The interview is also featured across Facebook and Instagram. Chad Malmberg's life-or-death battle took place before his police career began. His story did not end when the gunfire stopped. Listen to the Free Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or the show's website. Follow and share the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other Social Media platforms so more veterans, police officers, and families can hear it. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast continues bringing listeners real conversations from the front lines of crime, policing, trauma, survival, and healing. Learn and get access to money saving tips and how to increase your net worth at www.LetSavings.com Download the Free Ebook about ways and tips to improve your  health. You can get the ebook for free at www.LetHealthy.com Listen to the  Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on their website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple  Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and most major podcast platforms. Get the Free Clubhouse App, it is Drop In Social Audio. Think of it as your own talk radio show on your phone, and best of all it is free. Be sure to look for me and follow me, that's John J Wiley or @letradioshow you can do all that here. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Listen to the free Podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website and through major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other Social Media platforms for more real stories about trauma, survival and transformation. Listen to the Show, share the episode, and follow the latest Radio, Podcast, and News content from the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. This episode of the show is brought to you in part by Mars Men. You hit your 30s and 40s, and things start to feel different. Now that I'm in my 60s, I've really noticed the change. My energy drops faster. Recovery takes longer. Workouts don't have the same impact they once did. Most importantly, what worked for me in my 20s simply doesn't work anymore. So, I started looking for answers. Honestly, the testosterone-support space can be confusing, and much of it sounded sketchy. I don't want to become a professional bodybuilder. I just want to look and feel more like the old me. Thankfully, I found Mars Men, and I couldn't be more grateful. Mars Men is made in the USA, third-party tested, and formulated to support healthy testosterone levels, energy and stamina. It's now available at GNC stores nationwide. For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off for life plus Free Shipping AND 3 Free Gifts at Men Go To Mars dot com. That's MenGoToMars.com for 50% Off AND 3 Free Gifts when you checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Follow the Law Enforcement Today Radio Show and Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube for more powerful interviews with law enforcement officers, survivors, first responders, and others whose lives have been changed by crime and trauma. An Hour-Long Life-or-Death Battle Before His Police Career. Attributions The Storm Training Group US Army St. Paul Police Department Facebook Facebook Group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DESCRIPTION: Every flight through the Gulf this month is being approved on the day, one flight at a time. If your December ticket to Europe or Asia connects in Dubai or Doha, this episode tells you who makes that decision and what to do about your own booking. This week your phone filled up with videos of missiles over Riyadh and a travel warning from Washington. I read the US security alert for the UAE word for word. It is an alert about the whole region. It does not say the Emirates is unsafe, and it tells Americans to check their flight with the airline. Then the week as it actually happened: flames and smoke near Riyadh's main airport, which Yemen's Houthis claimed and Saudi Arabia did not confirm. Iranian airlines suspending flights to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan after the United States tightened sanctions. Kuwait's airspace closed to aircraft flying over it. The European regulator telling its airlines to stay out of Iran and Iraq entirely, and to avoid flying over the waters of the Gulf except when arriving at or departing from the airports there. The airports themselves are open. South Africa feels this more than most countries because so much of our traffic to Europe and Asia connects through Dubai and Doha. When the airspace over the Emirates closed on 1 March this year, the airports company counted fourteen cancellations across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban in a single day. I explain how an airline decides, every single day, whether a flight goes: the security team, the regulator bulletins, and the flight plan built against whatever airspace is open that morning. Fewer open routes means longer flights, more fuel and less room to move when something changes. I also explain what the crew sees when GPS is being jammed or spoofed, and why that is manageable, because the aircraft has other ways to navigate and we now train for it in the full flight simulator. Then three things for you: buy the ticket that lets you change, through the airline or a proper travel agent. On the day, check the airline's own flight status, not the news. And read the war and conflict line in your travel insurance. IN THIS EPISODE The US travel alert for the UAE, read word for word What happened in the Gulf this week Which airspace is open and which is restricted Why South Africa feels it more than most countries How an airline decides every day whether a flight goes What happens when a route closes while you are in the air GPS jamming and spoofing, and why pilots can manage it Three things to do with your December ticket The regulator dates to watch: 30 September and 2 October I'm Bryan Roseveare. I was an airline captain. I still go to work on the flight deck. It's just a full flight simulator now, and the pilots I train are the ones who fly you around. SOURCES US Mission to the UAE, security alert, 19 September 2026 → https://ae.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-mission-united-arab-emirates-september-19-2026/ EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletin CZIB-2026-07R2, airspace of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman → https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/air-operations/czibs/czib-2026-07r2 ABC News (Reuters reporting), fire near Riyadh airport, 20 September 2026 → https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-20/fire-near-riyadh-airport-as-houthis-attack-saudi-capital/107173362 AFP via The Citizen, Iranian airlines cancel flights as US sanctions take effect, 23 September 2026 → https://www.citizen.co.za/news/news-world/iran-airlines-cancel-flights-as-us-sanctions-hit/ OPSGROUP, Middle East airspace: current operational picture → https://ops.group/blog/middle-east-airspace-current-operational-picture/ Safe Airspace, independent conflict zone and risk tracker → https://safeairspace.net/ IOL, UAE airspace closure: ACSA reports 14 South African flights cancelled, 1 March 2026 → https://iol.co.za/thepost/news/2026-03-01-uae-airspace-remains-closed-acsa-reports-14-sa-flights-cancelled/ SUPPORT THE SHOW Patreon is what keeps this channel producing. It helps massively, and it is the best way to support what I do. Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/bryanair Every episode, the full back catalogue and everything we talk about on the show lives in one place. Bryan Air → https://bryanairpodcast.com/ THANK YOU TO OUR PATREON SUPPORTERS A warm welcome to our newest supporter, Kelvin Charman. And thank you to the people who have been carrying the show, some of them for years: Dale Williams Duncan Gillespie Franziska Jaco Mike Mason Iain Findlay Caroline Koll ACE Catharine Alan Macaulay Craig Wood Imre Kurucz

Susan Dakak's story starts in Baghdad and keeps unfolding through Tennessee, engineering, and an unexpected mission: use everyday conversations to lower the temperature in a heated world. When Susan talks about “peace,” she doesn't mean avoiding hard things. She means learning how to communicate before issues turn into conflict and teaching the next generation to solve problems without hate. Along the way, she shares the moments that shaped her identity. If you are looking for a Realtor, don't forget to call The Landes Team to help you buy and sell! Yvonnca LandesRealty Executives Associates865.660.1186 or 588.3232www.YvonncaSellsRealEstate.comAdrienne LandesRealty Executives Associates865.659-6860 or 588.3232Click here: https://linktr.ee/talkintnwithyvonncaTurning Knox Rental (Event Rental Services): www.turningknoxrental.comLandes Home Collection Online Store: www.landeshomecollection.comFor promotion inquires please contact Yvonnca Landes. 865-660-1186All Copy Rights are owned Yvonnca Landes and the Landes Brand ©. To gain legal access contact David Landes 865.660.6860 or theappraisalfirm@charter.net Produced and engineered by: Adrienne LandesThank you for listening! Follow us on social media! https://linktr.ee/talkintnwithyvonnca

Headlines:China has reportedly sent tons of dual-use components to Iran for use in missiles and drones.Iran is once again threatening to attack its neighbors, this time going after regional airports.Turkey agreed to withdraw from a military base in northern Iraq, handing control back to Baghdad. In exchange, Iraq committed to crack down on armed groups that Ankara considers a threat — namely, groups connected to the Kurdistan Workers Party, otherwise known as the PKK.I mentioned the Saudis just a few minutes ago. And those missiles that were shot down. As it turns out, it was the Greeks who shot down at least one ballistic missile and one drone over Saudi Arabia. And guess what? They did so using the American-made Patriot air defense system. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Research Fellow Ben Cohen.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Colonel Douglas Macgregor to the show. Mr. Macgregor is a retired U.S. Army Colonel & Decorated Combat Veteran. Macgregor opens with a stark assessment that the global energy structure is being destroyed, warning that the situation will worsen significantly. He dismisses the notion of an imminent diplomatic deal with Iran, stating that trust has evaporated and Iran now holds the strategic initiative, effectively controlling oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. He estimates that only a fraction of normal oil shipments are moving, with tankers forced to pay tolls to Iran, while simultaneous U.S. efforts to punish compliance have made insurance impossible. The disruption extends to the Red Sea, where attacks on infrastructure have halted Saudi oil shipments to Europe, potentially removing 35% of the world's oil from the market. This energy shock is only beginning to be felt in Europe and has prompted discussions in the U.S. about banning diesel exports, a move Macgregor sees as indicative of the crisis's severity. The conversation expands to the broader geopolitical and financial implications. Macgregor argues that the petrodollar system is effectively dead, with the U.S. waging war to restore dominance, particularly against Iranian resistance. He criticizes the American tendency to project its own mindset onto nations like China and Russia, leading to strategic miscalculations. He warns that President Trump's rhetoric suggests a dangerous escalation, potentially including nuclear options, which would finish off the global energy structure. Macgregor sees the markets as grossly underestimating the potential for complete disaster, making gold an essential investment. He notes that central banks continue to stockpile gold and that the BRICS nations are actively building parallel financial structures to circumvent the dollar, a trend forced by U.S. sanctions. He concludes that the West, particularly the U.S., faces a period of extreme internal turmoil, driven by an energy crisis, political corruption, and a public insulated from the consequences of endless wars. Guest Links: Website: https://douglasmacgregor.com X: https://x.com/DougAMacgregor Substack: https://substack.com/@coloneldoug YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@macgregorwarriordiplomacy Articles: https://breakingdefense.com/author/doug-macgregor/ 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.

Generally, when a person wakes up in the morning, he needs to relieve himself. The question thus arises as to when he should perform the morning Netilat Yadayim – before using the restroom, or afterward. On the one hand, we might assume that he must wash his hands first, because it is forbidden to touch the openings of one's body before washing Netilat Yadayim, and one is likely to touch an opening when cleaning himself. On the other hand, before drying one's hands, he must recite the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim," and it is forbidden to recite a Beracha when one feels an urge to relieve himself. Which, then, is the correct sequence? The Mishna Berura suggests resolving this dilemma by washing one's hands twice. One washes the first time immediately after waking up, without reciting a Beracha, and then relieves himself. After using the restroom, he washes a second time, and recites the Beracha over this second washing. This allows a person to wash his hands before using the restroom while reciting the Beracha after relieving himself. This is the ruling also of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909). However, Hacham David Yosef, in Halacha Berura, questions this practice, noting the view of the Rambam that one must recite the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim" when washing to fulfill the Misva of the morning hand-washing, and not after. When one washes the first time, he fulfills the Misva, and he thus can no longer recite the Beracha according to the Rambam. Now the Mishna Berura likely relied on the view taken by several Ashkenazic Poskim allowing one to recite the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim" after washing and drying his hands. We, however, do not follow this opinion. Seemingly, then, the practice advocated by the Mishna Berura and the Ben Ish Hai is not an acceptable option for us. Rav Yisrael Bitan offers two approaches to defend this practice. First, the Rambam himself maintains that one must wash with a Beracha before each of the daily prayers. Therefore, when one washes a second time after using the restroom, even the Rambam would require reciting a Beracha, because the person had dirtied his hands and must therefore wash them in preparation for the Shaharit prayer – and, according to the Rambam, this washing requires a Beracha. Therefore, according to all opinions – even the Rambam – a Beracha may be recited over the second washing. Secondly, Rav Bitan writes, when one follows the procedure suggested by the Mishna Berura, he does not intend to fulfill the Misva with his initial washing. He washes the first time only to remove the impurity from his hands so he can clean himself without concern; he does not intend to fulfill the obligation at this point. It is only at the time of the second washing, after leaving the restroom, that the person wishes to fulfill the Misva, and so he may recite the Beracha over this second washing. The Halacha Berura and Yalkut Yosef also raise the question of "Bal Teshakesu" – the prohibition against postponing relieving oneself. They write that if someone wakes up with an urgent need to use the restroom, then he may not first wash Netilat Yadayim, as he would then be delaying the performing of his bodily functions. Rav Bitan, however, disagrees, explaining that such a brief delay – the few moments needed to wash Netilat Yadayim – does not violate the prohibition of "Bal Teshakesu." Another option, as discussed by the Yalkut Yosef, is to first use the restroom and ensure not to touch one's openings, as he has yet to perform Netilat Yadayim. He may then leave the restroom to perform Netilat Yadayim. If the sink is in the restroom, he may wash there and bring the towel outside to recite the Beracha, though in such a case it is preferable to perform Netilat Yadayim somewhere else, outside the restroom. (In a later installment, we will discuss in greater depth the subject of where one should perform Netilat Yadayim.) If one went to sleep after halachic midnight, then there is a basis to permit touching the openings to the body, as discussed in a precious installment (based on the Kabbalistic teaching that the impurity descends upon the hands only if one was sleeping at the moment of Halachic midnight). There is also a third option, which was told to me in the name of Raav Shmuel Pinhasi, and that is to first wash one's hands without a cup in order to "weaken" the impurity. According to some sources, although formal Netilat Yadayim – pouring three times from a cup on each hand – is needed to eliminate the impurity, normal washing has the effect of diminishing its strength, such that it can no longer be transferred and cause harm. (Thus, for example, as discussed in a previous installment, there is room to allow eating food that was touched by a Jew who did not wash Netilat Yadayim, because his normal hand-washing weakened the impurity such that it cannot be transferred to food.) This washing – running each hand under running water three times – allows a person to use the restroom without concern. But since he did not use a utensil, he did not yet fulfill the obligation of Netilat Yadayim, and so he may wash a second time, with a utensil, after using the restroom, and recite a Beracha. If a person wakes up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, and plans to immediately go back to sleep, he should wash his hands normally, for cleanliness purposes, without reciting the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim." He then recites "Asher Yasar." According to Sephardic practice, one who does not need to relieve himself in the morning does not recite "Asher Yasar." Summary: When one wakes up in the morning and needs to use the restroom, he may wash Netilat Yadayim before using the restroom, without reciting a Beracha, and then repeat Netilat Yadayim with a Beracha after using the restroom. Alternatively, he may use the restroom first, before washing Netilat Yadayim, and exercise care to ensure he does not touch his openings when cleaning himself. If he had gone to sleep after Halachic midnight, he does not need to avoid touching his openings. A third option is to first run each hand under running water three times without a utensil, use the restroom, and then wash with a utensil and recite a Beracha over that second washing.

   Four years after his death, COL (Ret) Anthony Johnson, MD, is still teaching. WarDocs is releasing again a 2021 interview recorded by his colleagues Gary Legault, MD, and Grant Justin while Johnson was living with stage 4 cancer, and his voice carries the same clarity, humor, and conviction that defined three decades in Army medicine. A cornea and refractive surgeon, Tony traces a path into medicine that began with a chance conversation during a third-year OB rotation and grew into a career spent perfecting the art of suturing. He credits mentors Doyle Stolte and George Waring for the technique he ultimately published in a textbook chapter, a knot-splicing method he adapted from a sailing manual called Ashley's Book of Knots, and he recalls the astonished phone call from cornea specialist Marilyn Mackiewicz after her own fellow used the technique successfully for the first time.      In 2003, Johnson deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom as the only operating ophthalmologist for the 47th and 28th Combat Support Hospitals, performing more than 400 surgical procedures in theater, many of them alone, in an open-air combat support hospital, refining ruptured-globe repairs he would spend the rest of his career teaching to residents. He describes the chaos of the first Scud missile alarm, sleeping in a converted morgue for lack of space, and the 36 straight hours he spent operating after the bombing of United Nations headquarters in Baghdad sent eight ruptured globes into his care at once. A decade later, at a humanitarian mission in Burkina Faso, he ran into one of those patients entirely by chance, still able to see out of the eye he had rebuilt. Tony returned to Brooke Army Medical Center as a residency director and Chief of Ophthalmology, founded the Army's first Eye Trauma and Vision Restoration Research Unit, and spent his final working years teaching residents he came to think of as his own children. He reflects candidly here on marriage, faith, and fatherhood, and on receiving a terminal diagnosis with gratitude rather than regret. WarDocs is bringing this conversation back because the surgeons Johnson trained are still practicing today, and still teaching what he taught them. That is what a legacy actually looks like. Chapters (00:00-07:43) Becoming a Physician and Choosing Ophthalmology (07:43-16:41) A Mentor's Suturing Technique and the Road to Deployment (16:41-27:49) Deploying to Iraq: Chaos, a Vestibule Clinic, and the First Cases (27:49-32:58) The Only Ophthalmologist in Theater (32:58-44:15) The UN Bombing, 36 Hours of Surgery, and a Reunion Years Later (44:15-58:55) Legacy: Teaching, Fatherhood, Faith, and a Life Without Regret Chapter Summaries (00:00-07:43) Becoming a Physician and Choosing Ophthalmology Tony describes a childhood pull toward medicine, choosing West Point despite its two-percent medical school quota, and stumbling into ophthalmology during a third-year OB rotation when an ophthalmology technician talked up the specialty for hours. He credits the camaraderie of "cooperate and graduate" at West Point for shaping how he later led and mentored. (07:43-16:41) A Mentor's Suturing Technique and the Road to Deployment During his cornea fellowship, he learns a suturing philosophy built on speed and efficiency from his mentors, then invents a technique for splicing a broken running suture, borrowed from a sailing knots manual, that he publishes and that a leading cornea specialist adopts after seeing it work. (16:41-27:49) Deploying to Iraq: Chaos, a Vestibule Clinic, and the First Cases Tony recounts arriving in Kuwait as part of an eight-person eye surgical team, the confusion of the first scud missile alarm, and being reassigned solo to Iraq to support the 47th and 28th Combat Support Hospitals with the only ophthalmology equipment in theater. (27:49-32:58) The Only Ophthalmologist in Theater By the fall of 2003, attrition leaves him as the sole surviving member of his surgical team, and he becomes the only ophthalmologist treating eye trauma in the entire Iraq theater of operations for roughly six months. (32:58-44:15) The UN Bombing, 36 Hours of Surgery, and a Reunion Years Later He describes performing ruptured-globe surgery for 36 straight hours after the United Nations headquarters bombing in Baghdad, then, years later, unexpectedly reuniting with two of those patients an ocean apart, both still able to see. (44:15-58:55) Legacy: Teaching, Fatherhood, Faith, and a Life Without Regret He reflects on his return to Brooke Army Medical Center, building a teaching career and the Army's first Eye Trauma and Vision Restoration Research Unit, and closes with reflections on marriage, fatherhood, faith, and facing a terminal cancer diagnosis without regret. Take Home Messages Shared Struggle Builds Lasting Bonds: A demanding institution's culture of "cooperate and graduate" can turn competition into lifelong camaraderie. Helping classmates succeed, rather than outcompeting them, built a network of trust that paid off for decades afterward. The Right Conversation at the Right Moment Can Redirect a Career: A specialty that never appeared on a young clinician's radar can become a life's calling after a single unplanned conversation. Staying open during rotations, even ones that seem to have nothing to teach, leaves room for that moment to happen. Constraint Forces Mastery: Operating alone, with limited equipment, in an austere combat environment forced a level of technical self-sufficiency that no routine practice would have required. Real skill often gets built under exactly the conditions nobody would choose. A Career's Impact Outlives the Moment It Happened: Patients treated in the chaos of a mass-casualty event can resurface years and continents later, their outcomes intact. The full measure of a surgeon's work is often not visible until long after the operating room lights go off. Facing Mortality Can Sharpen Gratitude Instead of Regret: A grim prognosis did not produce bitterness but a clear-eyed inventory of a life spent on family, faith, and service. Looking back with no desire to change anything is itself a kind of victory. Episode Keywords Cornea Surgeon, Refractive Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ophthalmology Residency, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Combat Support Hospital, Ruptured Globe Repair, Military Medicine, West Point, Uniformed Services University, Eye Trauma Research, Suturing Technique, Humanitarian Mission, Burkina Faso, UN Bombing Baghdad, Army Colonel, Military Ophthalmologist, Mentorship in Medicine, Faith and Fatherhood, Legacy in Medicine #WarDocs, #MilitaryMedicine, #MilMed, #Ophthalmology, #CorneaSurgeon, #IraqWarVeteran, #ArmyMedicine, #MedEd Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission- WarDocs exists to honor the legacy of Military Medicine, preserve its history, and inspire every generation — across all Services, Corps, and Ranks — to serve with excellence and pride. Through mentorship, coaching, and education, we equip those considering, entering, and serving in military medicine with the knowledge, connections, and community they need to thrive. We celebrate Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoW, and Our Nation. Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the "What We Are For" Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield, demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms. Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

Every war has its battles for the cities and in 2003 as US forces, aided predominantly by the United Kingdom, invaded Saddam Hussein's Iraq, planners in Washington knew that at some point their troops would have to go into the Iraqi capital of Baghdad if they were to ever oust the middle eastern dictator and his government as was the mission objective of Operation Iraqi Freedom. No one was under any illusions that Baghdad would be a tough nut to crack and despite the technological advantage enjoyed by US forces, years of operational experience from Vietnam to Somalia told US commanders that in the end it would largely be down to the skill andfighting spirit of the infantry. This is the story of the Fall of Baghdad. Welcome to Wars of the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode shows what a good haunted house can do.   Deena Helm is a mixed American-Palestinian author, who's debut novel, Our Cut of Salt, puts all the power of the Gothic to use in framing the occupation and oppression of Palestine. It takes place before the ongoing genocide, but offer a chance to consider how horror fiction can play its part in framing that obscenity.   That all sounds heavy, and it rightfully is – but this book also has a frightening, tragic and murderous house at its core… so there's (our kind) of fun to be had as well.   This is an important episode for the show. I hope you listen and enjoy.   Other books mentioned:   White is for Witching (2009), by Helen Oyeyemi Tell Me I'm Worthless (2021), by Alison Rumfitt Frankenstein in Baghdad (2013), by Ahmed Saadawi Mornings in Jenin (2006), by Susan Abulhawa Behind You is the Sea (2024), by Susan Muaddi Darraj Gentle Things (2026), by Danielle Giles Hungerstone (2025), by Kat Dunn   Support Talking Scared on Patreon   Check out the Talking Scared Merch line – at VoidMerch   Come talk books on Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram, or email direct to talkingscaredpod@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is one allowed to put on clothing before washing Netilat Yadayim in the morning? Often, during the winter, people want to put socks on their feet before stepping on the cold floor and going to wash Netilat Yadayim. Is this permissible, or must one be concerned that the impurity will transfer from their hands onto their garments, thus causing harm? The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in the work for which he was named (Ben Ish Hai, Parashat Toledot, 6), cites the Arizal's teaching that one may not touch his clothing before washing his hands in the morning. He therefore bemoaned the common practice to put on socks before stepping on the cold floor in the morning during the winter. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, however, questions this ruling, noting that there is no indication in the Gemara that the hands contaminate garments or utensils before the morning hand-washing. Indeed, one obviously touches the handles of the washing cup before washing, and clearly there is no concern that the impurity will adversely affect the cup. For that matter, one touches his bedding before washing in the morning, and nowhere do we find any requirement to wash one's bedding each day because it is contaminated. Moreover, the Ben Ish Hai elsewhere – in Od Yosef Hai (Parashat Toledot, 10) – seems to have retracted this position. There the Ben Ish Hai brings the Minhat Aharon as ruling that one may not touch his garments before washing in the morning, but he then observes that very few people observe this stringency. He suggests that the harmful forces on one's hands do not affect garments, and so this is allowed – in direct contradistinction to his comments in Ben Ish Hai. Some proposed reconciling this contradiction by noting that the Od Yosef Hai was published posthumously by disciples of the Ben Ish Hai, and it is thus possible that they may have introduced their own opinions into the text. If so, then the lenient ruling in Od Yosef Hai does not represent the Ben Ish Hai's authentic position. Hacham Ovadia, however, vehemently dismisses this claim, writing that he personally knew the Ben Ish Hai's disciple who printed Od Yosef Hai – the great sage Rav Bension Hazan (1877-1951) – and he could certainly be trusted to authentically present the actual words of the Ben Ish Hai. Evidently, the Ben Ish Hai retracted his stringent opinion, and concluded that one may, in fact, touch his clothing before washing in the morning. Nevertheless, the Kabbalists taught the importance of keeping water beside one's bed so he can wash immediately upon waking, before touching anything. (One must ensure to keep the water next to the bed, and not underneath the bed, as food and water situated beneath a bed while someone sleeps on it becomes impure.) Rav Yisrael Bitan writes that those who follow this stringency are worthy of blessing, but this recommendation is only for the especially pious. He adds that there is certainly no need to be stringent if one goes to sleep after halachic midnight, in light of the Kabbalistic teaching that the impurity descends upon the hands only when one sleeps at the moment of halachic midnight. Summary: It is permissible to touch one's clothing and even to get dressed before washing Netilat Yadayim in the morning. The Kabbalists follow the custom to keep water next to their bed so they can wash immediately in the morning, but this practice is reserved for the especially pious.

This week on Episode 428 of DBWP, the Mikes on Mics went LIVE for the first time ever on Tiktok! Solo was abducted, and guys, it's 2026....What is going to happen for WWE and Crown Jewel...or for that matter, Wrestlemania, because things are not great for the world right now!Also, is Lanterns a sleeper hit and is Daredevil really READY to finish up?

1904 VIKINGSNorse Voyages Traversed Atlantic To AmericaMartyn Whittock, author of American Vikings: How the Norse Sailed into the Lands and Imaginations of America: Eighth-century Norse expansion was fueled by population growth, royal ambitions, and an Islamic silver shortage resulting from Caliphate shifts to Baghdad. The Norse expanded across Britain to Iceland in the 870s and Greenlandunder Erik the Red in the 980s. Around 1000 AD, Leif Erikson ventured west, sighting Helluland, Markland, and Vinland. Excavations at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland confirm an 11th-century Norse base camp where timber was felled in 1021 AD. Butternut wood and wild grapes indicate explorations extended south toward New Brunswick or New England. Although sagas record trade and violent conflicts with indigenous "Skraelings," small population numbers prevented permanent colonization. The Maine penny highlights regional trade networks, while Whittock critiques alt-right groups who misappropriate Vinland legends for modern racial ideologies. (1)This episode includes AI-generated content.

In Witness Accounts: Volume 42, we return to the heart of the podcast: YOU, the witnesses. Four people share encounters they've carried with them for years. A strange illuminated craft in Florida transforms into three lights. A massive black triangle silently hovers over a field in Ontario before vanishing. A glowing sphere drifts over an Oregon neighborhood in broad daylight. And U.S. Army veteran Vince Hall shares a deeply personal encounter with a bluish-white orb while deployed in Baghdad, Iraq. As UFOs become increasingly consumed by government investigations and disclosure debates, these stories remind us why I started this show in the first place. Behind every sighting is a person whose life may have been changed forever, once again proving, YOU are the disclosure. Special thanks to Tim, K.G, Patrick, and Vince for sharing their stories. If you want to share your story on Witness Accounts, email me at: Ryan.Sprague51@gmail.com to discuss further. Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/somewhereskies ByMeACoffee: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/UFxzyzHOaQ Send us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/SomewhereSkiesPod Substack: https://ryansprague.substack.com/ All socials and books: https://linktr.ee/somewhereskiespod Follow Suzanne on X: https://x.com/csuzannelanders Email: ryan.sprague51@gmail.com Opening theme song by Septembryo Closing song by Per Kiilstofte Background music by: OBSIDIAN SOUNDFIELDS Copyright © 2026 Ryan Sprague. All rights reserved. #UFO #UAP #UFOSighting #UFOEncounters #AlienEncounters #Paranormal #HighStrangeness #SomewhereInTheSkies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari – The opportunity is real. Iraq could evolve into a regional hub that weakens Iran's leverage and offers a different model for the Middle East. That will require discipline from Baghdad, patience from Washington, and courage from Iraqis who still believe their country can be more than a proxy battlefield...

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari – The opportunity is real. Iraq could evolve into a regional hub that weakens Iran's leverage and offers a different model for the Middle East. That will require discipline from Baghdad, patience from Washington, and courage from Iraqis who still believe their country can be more than a proxy battlefield...

Hacham Ovadia writes in Halichot Olam (vol. 7, p. 209) that one should not store food or beverages underneath a bed while somebody sleeps on it. If a food or beverage was beneath a bed when somebody slept on it, then, according to some Poskim, the product may not be consumed. Most Poskim, however, allow partaking of the food or beverage after the fact, particularly if it was on a tiled or paneled floor, and not directly on the ground. Nowadays, then, as our floors are covered with panels or tiling, although one should not place food underneath a bed, food does not become forbidden if it was placed there. If a person slept with food in his pocket, it remains permissible. Hacham Ovadia Yosef cites this ruling in the name of the kabbalist Rav Efrayim Ha'kohen (Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1885-1956), who testified that this was the position of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909). If food was stored in the baggage compartment of a bus or plane, then even though people slept on top of the food, it remains permissible.

When a person wakes up in the morning, his hands are considered impure, due to the harmful spiritual forces that descend upon them during the night, and he must wash Netilat Yadayim – three times on each hand, in alternating fashion – to remove them. If somebody touches food or a beverage before washing Netilat Yadayim in the morning, does the impurity transfer to the food and beverage, such that it should not be consumed? Hacham Ovadia Yosef ruled that one should preferably ensure not to touch any food or beverages before washing Netilat Yadayim in the morning. If a food product was touched by somebody who had not washed Netilat Yadayim, then if it can be rinsed with water – such as in the case of an apple – then it should be passed under running water three times, and there is then no concern. If, however, this food cannot be washed – such as a piece of cake, or bread, or a beverage – then the product may nevertheless be eaten. Hacham Ovadia explains that there is room for leniency in this case because the food's status is subject to a debate among the Poskim. Maran (Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch), in Bet Yosef, understood that only beer becomes contaminated by being touched by someone who had not performed Netilat Yadayim, but all other foods do not. Accordingly, he writes in the Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 4:5) that one must ensure not to touch a keg of beer before washing Netilat Yadayim in the morning – clearly indicating that this does not apply to any other food or beverage. This is the position taken by several later Poskim, including the Hayeh Adam (Rav Avraham Danzig of Vilna, 1748-1820), Rav Yaakov Emden (Germany, 1697-1776), the Aruch Ha'shulhan Aruch (Rav Yechiel Michel Epstein, 1829-1908) and the Mishna Berura. Moreover, we must take into account the general position taken by the Rambam that harmful spiritual forces do not exist in modern times, in which case there is no concern whatsoever. By contrast, the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) and the Gaon of Vilna (1720-1797) ruled stringently, that no food or beverage may be consumed if it was touched by somebody who had not yet washed Netilat Yadayim. In light of the different opinions, Hacham Ovadia concluded that there is room to allow eating foods or beverages which were touched by somebody before Netilat Yadayim, and cannot be washed, though those who act stringently in this regard are worthy of blessing. He added that there is even greater room for leniency if it was a child who touched the food before washing his hands, since some Poskim maintained that impurity descends upon the hands of only those who had already reached the age of Misva obligation, but not young children. Does this apply to food sold in stores – such as bakeries – or prepared in restaurants, by employees who likely did not wash Netilat Yadayim in the morning? Should a person preferably refrain from shopping in stores or eating in restaurants if there is reason to believe that the food was touched by Jewish employees – or, for that matter, by other customers – who are not halachically observant? Hacham Ovadia maintained that one needs not be stringent in this regard. In addition to the lenient position mentioned earlier, there are additional factors to consider when it comes to shops and eateries. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in Od Yosef Hai, brings the teaching of the Arizal that although water must be poured three times over the hands to eliminate the impurity, the impurity fades with each washing. Therefore, even if the employees did not properly wash Netilat Yadayim, they certainly washed their hands, which weakened the impure forces on their hands. It is thus quite likely that the impurity can then no longer be transferred onto food and cause harm to those who eat it. Additionally, it is possible that these workers do, in fact, wash Netilat Yadayim. We must also take into account the fact that in most establishments nowadays, the employees involved in food preparation and serving are required to wear gloves. In light of all these considerations, there is no reason to avoid buying food in shops and restaurants with Jewish employees who likely do not wash Netilat Yadayim in the morning. This entire discussion applies only to food that was touched by a Jew who had not washed Netilat Yadayim. The hands of a non-Jew do not become impure overnight, and thus there is no concern whatsoever when a gentile touches food or beverages. A number of Poskim noted that just as the remains of a non-Jew do not emit Tum'a as do the remains of a Jew, similarly, the hands of a gentile do not become impure overnight. Summary: One should avoid touching food and beverages in the morning before washing Netilat Yadayim. If a food was touched by a Jew who had not washed Netilat Yadayim, then it should be rinsed if possible. If this is not possible, then there is room to allow consuming the food or beverage, especially if it was touched by a child, though those who wish may be stringent and refrain from consuming the product. It is entirely permissible to buy food in a store, or eat in a restaurant, even though the food may have been handled by Jewish employees who likely did not wash Netilat Yadayim in the morning.

>Join Jocko Underground Full Episodes< Urban warfare expert and retired Army officer John Spencer returns to share stories from 20 Times I Almost Died, from Ranger School and Iraq to Ukraine, Gaza, and some incredibly close calls. Along the way, John and Jocko break down leadership, intuition, modern warfare, resilience, and the importance of developing a personal code to live by.00:00 – John Spencer: 20 Times I Almost Died02:53 – Kashmir: India, Pakistan & Modern Warfare05:10 – Lebanon, Hezbollah & the Changing Battlefield11:17 – Ukraine, Drones & the Future of War15:54 – Inside a Hamas Tunnel Under Gaza24:43 – Iraq: Common Sense, Orders & Leadership39:08 – The IED Trap: Trusting Your Intuition45:28 – “Pepper”: The Fight That Cost John His Ear1:08:27 – The “Sopranos of Baghdad” & Humility1:29:02 – Ukraine, Bucha & the Will to Resist1:38:00 – Ranger School: “You Can Always Quit Tomorrow”1:44:03 – The Best Ranger Competition & a 40-Foot Fall1:55:48 – Iraq: A Deadly Humvee Crash & Duty2:01:31 – Azerbaijan's Special Forces & the Battle of Shusha2:11:08 – Going Full Rambo as an OPFOR Soldier2:16:01 – The Mission to Capture Saddam Hussein2:27:05 – The Current Situation in Gaza2:42:38 – Who Are You? Building a Code to Live By2:53:21 – Closing Thoughts With John Spencer2:54:19 – Jocko & Echo Closing / SupportersSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content

As we have seen, Kabbalistic sources teach that a spirit of impurity descends upon a person's hands overnight, and it is removed only by washing his hands three times in alternating fashion. If a person does not wash his hands in this manner, the impure forces remain on his hands. This gives rise to the question of whether a person must repeat Netilat Yadayim after shaking the hand of a Jew who most likely did not wash Netilat Yadayim that day. If one knows that the fellow whose hand he shook is not halachically observant, or is not knowledgeable about requirements such as the morning Netilat Yadayim, must he wash his hands again, since the impurity transferred from the other person's hand onto his? (This question applies only in the case of a Jew who most likely did not wash Netilat Yadayim; the spirit of impurity does not affect the hands of gentiles, and so there is clearly no concern when one shakes a gentile's hand.) Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998), in Or Le'sion, rules that one does not need to repeat Netilat Yadayim in this case. The only exception, he writes, is if one's hands were still wet from the morning Netilat Yadayim when he shook the other person's hands. According to Hacham Bension, the Halacha in this case resembles the case of one who washed Netilat Yadayim for bread and then touched the hand of somebody who had not washed. In that case, one needs to repeat Netilat Yadayim only if his hands were still wet from the initial washing when they came in contact with the other person's hand. Hacham Bension maintained that after the morning Netilat Yadayim, too, one who dried his hands does not need to repeat the washing if he touched the hand of somebody who had not washed Netilat Yadayim. This is the ruling also of the Kapeh Aharon (Rav Aharon Azriel, 1819–1879). Hacham Ovadia Yosef, however, noted that Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868) requires repeating the washing in this case, and that this appears to be the view also of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), since the impurity can be transferred by the hand shake. Therefore, Hacham Ovadia ruled that one should try to be stringent and repeat the washing after shaking the hand of a Jew who did not wash Netilat Yadayim in the morning. This applies only if one touched the other person's fingers, which is the place to where the forces of impurity cling. If he touched only the palm, then he certainly does not need to repeat Netilat Yadayim. Summary: Different opinions exist as to whether one must repeat the morning Netilat Yadayim if he shakes the hand of a Jew who most likely did not properly wash Netilat Yadayim in the morning. One should consult his Rabbi for practical guidance.

Water that was used for the morning Netilat Yadayim is considered impure, as it contains the impurity that had descended on the hands during the night. Therefore, if this water fell on the ground, one should not step on it. Once the area is dry, there is no longer any concern, and one may walk on the ground where the water had been. If one washed his hands in the morning into a basin, and had yet to discard the water from the basin, may a person learn or pray in the presence of this water while it is exposed? The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) writes that the custom among the especially pious was to refrain from learning or praying in the presence of this water, due to its status of impurity. The work Helek Levi questioned this stringency, noting that the Shulhan Aruch permits learning Torah and reciting Berachot before one washes his hands in the morning. If Torah learning is allowed before one washes, then certainly it is allowed in the presence of the water used for washing. Hacham Ovadia Yosef explained that the Hida disagreed with the Shulhan Aruch, and followed the view of the Zohar that one may not recite Berachot before washing his hands in the morning because of the impure forces that descend on the hands during the night – which is the opinion that we follow. Quite reasonably, then, he approved of the practice to refrain from learning or praying in the presence of the water used to remove this impurity. Hacham Ovadia further notes the ruling of the Magen Abraham (Rav Abraham Gombiner, Poland, d. 1682) allowing one to wash Mayim Aharonim (the washing at the end of a meal) over the floor under the table, and then recite Birkat Ha'mazon. Since nobody walks on the area underneath the table, there is no reason to prohibit washing over that part of the floor. The Magen Abraham clearly assumes that it is acceptable to recite Birkat Ha'mazon in the presence of the water used for Mayim Aharonim, even though that water is exposed. One might, at first glance, extend this ruling also to the case of water used for the morning Netilat Yadayim. However, Hacham Ovadia dismisses this line of reasoning, given the possibility that the impurity on the hands in the morning is treated more severely than the status of one's hands before washing Mayim Aharonim. Indeed, the impurity on one's hands in the morning is eliminated only by pouring water over the hands three times, and not just twice, clearly indicating that this impurity is more difficult to eliminate. By the same token, then, even if one may recite blessings in the presence of the water used for Mayim Aharonim, this might still be forbidden in the presence of the water used for the morning washing, given its severe level of contamination. Indeed, Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868) writes that one may, strictly speaking, recite Birkat Ha'mazon in the presence of an open bowl containing water that was used for Mayim Aharonim, but not in the presence of water that was used for the morning Netilat Yadayim. And both the Hida and the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) were of the opinion that the water used for Netilat Yadayim has a more stringent level of impurity than even urine, such that one may not learn or pray in the presence of this water just as this is forbidden in the presence or urine. In conclusion, then, on the level of strict Halacha it is permissible to pray or learn Torah in the presence of the water with which one had washed the morning Netilat Yadayim, though there is a basis for stringency as a measure of piety. However, Hacham Ovadia ruled that if one pours a Rebi'it (approximately 3 ounces) of water over this water, then this negates the impurity and there is then no room for stringency at all. Summary: If water that had been used for the morning hand-washing was not discarded, and it is exposed, it is permissible to pray or learn Torah in its presence, though it is a measure of piety to refrain from doing so. One who wishes to be stringent should cover the water or pour on it a Rebi'it of ordinary water before praying or learning in its presence.

As discussed in a previous installment, the water with one washed Netilat Yadayim in the morning is considered impure, and could cause harm to those who step on in. Therefore, one must ensure not to wash his hands in a place where people walk, and to wash instead directly into a sink, or into a utensil and then pour the water down a drain. If one mistakenly washed Netilat Yadayim on the ground in a place where it could be stepped on, he must pour more water over it to wash it away, out of concern for the wellbeing of others. The Poskim address the question of how much water is needed to wash away the contaminated water. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that one should pour "a lot of water," without specifying a particular quantity. The Yalkut Yosef writes that the Halacha in this case might resemble the Halacha requiring pouring a Rebi'it of water over urine to eliminate its status as urine so that one may read the Shema in its presence (Shulhan Aruch, Orah Haim 77:1). Perhaps the same small amount is required to eliminate the impurity of water that had been used for Netilat Yadayim. On the other hand, the Yalkut Yosef adds, one could argue that more water is needed in the case of water used for hand-washing. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in Yabia Omer (vol. 3, 1:9), brings different views regarding this question. Hacham Avraham Hamwey (Aleppo, 1838-1886) shows that according to the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806), water used for hand-washing has a stricter status than that of urine, and thus a large amount of water is needed to eliminate this status. Many others, however, as Hacham Ovadia cites, ruled leniently, that it suffices to pour just a Rebi'it of water over the water used for washing. Hacham Ovadia appears to favor the lenient position. By contrast, Rav Ovadia Hedaya (1889-1969), in Yaskil Abdi, rules that one must use more water than the amount of contaminated water. It is preferable to follow this stringent opinion. The Yalkut Yosef writes that if the water used for Netilat Yadayim spilled over a tiled floor, it may be cleaned with a mop or rag. At first glance, one might question this ruling, in light of the fact that the water will contaminate the mop or rag which absorbs it. Rav Yisrael Bitan suggests explaining this ruling in light of a teaching of the Ben Ish Hai concerning the handles of the cup used for Netilat Yadayim. In his Od Yosef Hai, the Ben Ish Hai writes that one may hold the handles of the cup as he pours the water over his hands, even though there are contaminated droplets of water on the handles from when he first touched them. The reason, the Ben Ish Hai explains, is that the harmful spiritual forces are "arrogant" and only bother affecting significant water. The droplets on the handles, which are hardly visible, are regarded as "beneath their honor," and so they do not bother affecting it. It stands to reason that this applies also to water absorbed by rags or a mop, and so the water that had been used for washing may be cleaned with a rag or mop. Summary: If one mistakenly washed Netilat Yadayim in the morning in a place where people might step on them, or if the water spilled in such a place, he must pour water over them so they are not stepped on. Preferably, he should pour an amount of water exceeding the amount of contaminated water on the ground. If the water spilled on a tiled floor, it may be cleaned with a rag or mop.

Watch on YouTube Ted Fyock Jr. spent six years as an Army armor officer, deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division, and then built a career in consulting before starting Carolina Expressways, a bulk freight brokerage, from nothing. Jared Flinn sat down with Ted at Fort Hunt, Virginia, on land George Washington once owned, to walk the whole road. Winston-Salem roots and a family that has served in nearly every American conflict since the Revolutionary War. ROTC at Appalachian State and a commission in 2007, at the height of the surge. Kuwait, Baghdad, and Sadr City. Marrying at 24 and meeting his wife in Paris at the six month mark of a twelve month deployment. Then twelve years at Deloitte Consulting that ended when DOGE cut roughly $20 million of the contract work he was leading and a reduction in force followed. At Oktoberfest at his church, he turned to his wife and told her he was going to start a business. The back half is the freight education. Why he chose bulk instead of a saturated broker market, what his first Bulk Freight Conference in Branson did for a guy with zero industry experience, and the tuition he has paid in year one, including a truck hauling corn that was struck by a CSX train. He gets into how a brand new brokerage gets in a shipper's door, why veteran owned is more than a line on a website, how running supply for a tank company translates to moving hoppers, moving a skid steer to a private island, and where Carolina Expressways is headed by 2030. Faith, family, and 250 years of American opportunity close it out. CHAPTERS 00:00 Fort Hunt, Virginia, on land George Washington owned 01:34 A family that has served since the Revolutionary War 04:00 ROTC at Appalachian State and commissioning in 2007 05:11 What an armor officer actually does 07:05 Married at 24, then a year apart 10:21 Kuwait, Baghdad, and Sadr City 13:20 Coming home and the assignment at Walter Reed 17:53 Leaving the Army at the six year mark 19:55 Twelve years at Deloitte Consulting 23:01 DOGE, $20 million in contracts, and a layoff 27:02 "I think I'm going to start a business" 27:49 How Carolina Expressways got its name 33:05 Why he chose bulk freight 34:38 First trip to the Bulk Freight Conference in Branson 40:01 A load of corn and a CSX train 47:48 How a brand new broker gets in the door 57:41 Why veteran owned is more than a marketing line 01:00:38 The military is a logistics organization 01:06:19 Where Carolina Expressways goes by 2030 01:13:04 Faith, family, and 250 years of opportunity

During a close air support mission over Baghdad on 8 April 2003, Maj Gary "Wolfman" Wolf and his A-10 Warthog were struck by an SA-16 MANPADS while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Battle Creek Bourbon: https://shop.winglorespirits.com/pages/commemorativeProgram and partnership inquiries: https://theafterburnpodcast.com/contact/ Have a story? Program and partnership inquiries: https://theafterburnpodcast.com/contact/

September 11, 2001, changed Bob Ellis's life, just as it changed mine. Bob was working at the Pentagon that morning and had walked out of the building only minutes before Flight 77 struck the area where his meeting had taken place. You will hear how he immediately became part of the response, helping organize emergency supplies and support for those working at the Pentagon. We also compare our experiences from two different locations that day, Bob at the Pentagon and me at the World Trade Center with my guide dog Roselle. Twenty-five years later, our conversation is about more than remembering 9/11. It is about leadership, teamwork, service, controlling fear, and deciding what we do with the life we have been given. I believe Bob's story offers lessons we can all use when the unexpected happens. Highlights: 05:29-Bob shares how his early life and military support career shaped his path. 23:53-He recalls realizing the first World Trade Center strike was not an accident. 32:59-Bob describes being just 300 yards away when the Pentagon was hit. 37:00-He explains how he helped organize emergency relief supplies within hours. 1:03:54-Michael reflects on survival, fear, and the responsibility to move forward. 1:06:55-Bob shares the lasting life lessons he took from September 11. About the Guest: Bob Ellis is the Vice President, American Logistics Association responsible for Exchange, MWR, Food Service Operations. The native of Fort Walton Beach, Florida began his career with AAFES in 1972. From 1972 through 1984, he held retail management positions as a Branch Manager, and Operations Manager Main Store. In 1985, Ellis began a string of assignments as an Exchange General Manager trainee at Fort Belvoir, VA, and Exchange General Manager, Fort Hamilton, NY and Carlisle Barrack PA, (Army War College). Assignments as Area Retail Manager and General Manager at the former Japan Area Exchange ran from 1989-1992. In 1992, Ellis was transferred to Travis AFB in California as Retail Manager, Main Store. In 1994, Ellis was selected for the General Manager's position at Travis and spent three years assisting in the design and new construction effort of the largest retail Main Store ever constructed by AAFES. From 1997 to 2002, Ellis held the position of Director of AAFES' Washington Office, serving as the principal representative of the Commander, AAFES to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Departments of the Army and the Air Force, Congressional offices and industry representatives. Notable among his accomplishments, Ellis was instrumental in spearheading AAFES support to the Pentagon after the attacks of September 11th. Within 48 hours of the event, AAFES established a mobile exchange in the shadow of the impact site to support rescue workers and investigators with critical need and personal comfort items. After Washington, Ellis moved to AAFES Headquarters' in Dallas to assume the Vice President Specialty and Consumables position. In this role, Ellis was responsible for the SD-C Category Team Managers/Buyers. In August 2003, Ellis took his a position as Vice President of Corporate Planning and Communications where he managed the development of AAFES long range and contingency planning programs, oversight of corporate public affairs and ensured compliance with Department of Defense policy guidance with the goal of preserving and protecting the exchange benefit for soldiers and airmen and their families around the globe. Bob joined the ALA on 31 July 2006 where he continues to serve a role in military resale supporting Exchange, MWR, and Food Service, operations still serving military resale over 51 years continuous service. Ways to connect with Bob**:** You can find more benefits how Branded Riches can help you build your Brand, Product, Business, and Yourself at https://www.BrandedRiches.com   Connect:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neryk-davydov Branded Riches Audiobook by Neryk Davydov https://www.audible.com/pd/Branded-Riches-Audiobook/B0GCP9MMRB Branded Riches Book https://www.amazon.com/Branded-Riches-Increase-Income-Irresistible/dp/1987753836 $5 Free Gift for Creating A New Ovato Wallet    www.ovatoCoin.com  About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:00 Everyone, I am Michael Hingson, the host of Unstoppable Mindset. You've heard my voice for the last 471 episodes, but I'm calling you all out today and asking you to listen to this because we're going to make a special announcement now regarding the next four episodes, starting with 472. We're going to help commemorate the historic events of September 11, 2001. Yes, they're definitely historic, although not necessarily the most positive things that have ever happened. But as many of you may know, I was in the World Trade Center working on September 11, 2001, on the 78th floor of Tower One, and escaped with my guide dog. I've delivered a speech about that, which we put in the first episode of this podcast series back in August of 2021. But this Friday, episode 472 is going to have an updated speech that I delivered just a few years ago at the Marshfield, Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival. That festival is a yearly event celebrating different kinds of things that have happened in American history, and I was invited to come and speak, which I did. I'm going to put that speech up for you as episode 472. I think you'll find it enlightening. It'll teach you something about blindness and blind people. It'll tell you my story, and it'll give you some inspiration that I hope you will find helpful. Next Tuesday, september 8, Michelle Abraham is going to interview me. Michelle is with Amplify You, the company that does all of our back office stuff and helps me with the editing and other things regarding the podcast. Michelle owns her own podcast, and she is going to interview me about September 11th and other kinds of things relating to what I've learned and things that have happened over the past 25 years. She's also going to be putting this up on her podcast Amplify You, so you can find us in a lot of different places. On September 11th, I'm going to chat with Bob Ellis. Bob was in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and had literally just walked out the door of the Pentagon when the plane crashed into the Pentagon and did the things and the damage that it did, and of course generated all the things that occurred at the Pentagon. On the 15th of September, I'm going to come back and have a conversation with all of you about lessons that I've learned over the past 25 years, and just reminisce a little bit about all of that. While the podcast is occurring on September 11th, I will be actually in Kilgore, Texas, doing a speech about September 11th. So lots of things going on, I hope you listen to these episodes. I hope that you'll tell everyone that you can about them. I really enjoy all of the support that you've given us over the years, and we're going to continue to do things with Unstoppable Mindset. And of course, as always, if you'd like to come on or know anyone who would, please let us know. We're always looking for guests. Thanks very much. We'll see you on Friday with the first of these four episodes. What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingston, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of Unstoppable Mindset. You are listening to us today, or at least I'm assuming you're listening just when this came out. But whenever you're listening, it is today, September 11th, 2026, which is needless to say, a special day. If you have kept up with my podcast from the beginning, you know that I worked in the World Trade Center on September 11th, and ever since then I've been a public speaker, traveling the world, talking about trust, teamwork, leadership, the human-animal bond, and a variety of things. But recently, I met Bob Ellis. Michael Hingson  04:40 Now, Bob, as it turns out, on September 11th worked at the Pentagon, and I have not ever really had the opportunity to talk with someone who was at the Pentagon, especially on September 11th. But we get to chat about that today, and Bob knows our rules, which are basically. He sent me a series of questions that he wants to cover, but we are doing this as a conversation, so we'll probably talk about a lot of the things that he specifically sent. But we can go any old way that Bob wants to go, so that's what we'll we'll make this really fun. And I'm really looking forward to having the opportunity to talk with Bob. So again, welcome to September 11th, and Bob, I want to welcome you to Unstoppable Mindset. We're really glad you're here, Bob Ellis  05:28 Michael. Thank you for inviting me. I know you you've inquired several times, and I've debated it, and and I was just holding it for the right time, and this is the right time-the 25th anniversary of the event. Michael Hingson  05:40 Yeah, it is, and and and as as we've said, if you find anybody who needs a a speaker to come in and speak, let me know. But but for now, we get to chat about you and and hear your story, which I think is the important thing. I think we'll probably talk about both of our stories in the course of the day, no doubt about it. But I really am glad that you are here and that you are able to to talk with us today and and and talk about things. So let's start the way I love to start with people. Let's start at the beginning. Tell me kind of about the early Bob growing up and so on. Let's start with that. Bob Ellis  06:17 Well, I I grew up in let's say grew up until I was four years old. I lived. I was born in Pensacola, Florida. Lived in the Panhandle. Mother and father got divorced, and we moved to Norfolk, Virginia. And it was just my my mother and I until I was 14 years old. And I found out about my dad and found some letters from him and insisted to go see him. And so, between 14 and 15, I made a couple of unauthorized attempts to to make my way to Florida. On the third attempt, I made it, and it was quite a surprise for my father. Ended up living with him and being my closest friend up until I had he had grandkids, we had kids, and so I lived and grew up in the Destin, Fort Worth, Fort Walton area. Went to work, and this is where the story begins. I went to work at Eglin Air Force Base as a as a janitor in a gas station for the Army Air Force Exchange Service, so that I could continue to play high school football and practice, was a great job. It was an opportunity to work with the military, be around the military, and I took great pride in that feeling that that that that while I I wanted to go into the air force and I wanted to fly jets, that opportunity just never presented itself because the Vietnam War was going on and they were banking pilots instead of taking pilots. Anyway, I I ended up staying with the Army Air Force Exchange Service for 34 years. I moved all over the world. I've seen the every AOR and every combat scenario since the Vietnam War. Not in the Vietnam War, but I was in the refugee program, helping with the resettlement back in 1972, 1973. Spent the rest of my career going wherever they sent me, and and and that was from Tokyo, Japan, to to Tuli, Greenland, to California, and ultimately to to Texas. Michael Hingson  08:30 I remember during the Vietnam War, someone called me one day. I was a student at UC Irvine, and there was a refugee camp fairly close to the university, and someone said, and someone said, "There's a blind young man at the sent at the refugee center, and we should go see him. And so we we bought a transistor radio for him and went out to visit with him and spent some time with him, and I never got to see him after that. But I hope I hope he did well. He he seemed like he was doing okay, but he was a little bit lost, needless to say, because it's a whole bunch of people. There are no a lot of people who knew much about blindness and blind people, but I would presume he did reasonably okay. I hope so, but that was the only time I specifically had an involvement with him or anyone at the refugee camps. Later, when I met my wife Karen, she lived, I think, a door down, and she and her parents lived a door down from a Vietnamese couple, and he was a tailor and actually made her wedding dress, which was kind of cool, and so we got to spend a fair amount of time with the Voo's, which was was good, but what's. Interesting for me now, with with now being well so many years later. In November, I will be going to do a speech in Hanoi, so I'm really looking forward to to going over there and and experiencing it. At least it'll be a little bit cooler then than it probably is now. So we'll see, but it'll be it'll be pretty enjoyable to go and again see a different a different part of the world, and I I think we'll be fine. At least that's that's that's the plan. Bob Ellis  10:34 That that that that tour that I had at Eglin Air Force Base with the refugees, will come back to to to 911 2001 and the experiences that I had at that refugee camp replicated in the Pentagon park and lot there in 911. So we'll get to that. I'll explain it further. Michael Hingson  10:56 Yeah, I'm sure it was a a great a great lesson. Where did you do college, or did you Bob Ellis  11:03 went to went to Duke University and the University and the University of Maryland? Michael Hingson  11:10 Okay. Well, at Bob Ellis  11:12 least much of it was correspondence as well, only because I was deployed for for so many years back to back, 17 moves in 34 years. Michael Hingson  11:22 Wow, Duke University. At least you didn't go to one of those other schools in North Carolina. Boy, talk about talk about rivalries and basketball. What a what a group down there. Bob Ellis  11:35 Oh, I know, I know. Michael Hingson  11:38 I once spoke in Kentucky, and the Wildcats were in the NCAA championship that year, and I was asked to speak at an event on the night of the championship. But I was told I had to end by 630. I could not go one second past 630 because the gym I was speaking in was going to clear out. Well, I ended in time so that at 630, what they said was absolutely true. That gym cleared out. Everybody went home to watch the game. Bob Ellis  12:09 That's that's sports. Michael Hingson  12:11 Not sports. It is, but it's okay. I I learned a lot down there and got to meet a number of people, and so it was it was a lot of fun to to do it, and then years later I was in North Carolina when NC State and UNC were playing to see who was going to go into the championship. So again, pretty interesting world, and and sports ruled everything then, so it's okay. It Bob Ellis  12:43 hasn't it hasn't changed at all because my my my daughter I got her graduate studies done at NC State, and it hasn't changed a bit. It's just I'll bet it's just crazy as it's when was 20 3040 years ago, Michael Hingson  12:58 and it shall ever be, won't it? Bob Ellis  13:01 Yeah, yeah. Her undergraduate degree was at University of Texas. This was my son's, and she went on to NC State, and and he went on to medical school in in Houston. Michael Hingson  13:16 Okay. Well, UC Irvine, when I was there, had the championship water polo team, but that's what we had. But they started basketball while I was there, although it wasn't anything huge. But a couple of years ago, they made it to the Sweet 16, and that was kind of fun for UC Irvine. One of these days, it'll go all the way. Bob Ellis  13:40 Yep. Michael Hingson  13:41 Well, anyway, so you you went to college, and and what did you major in? Bob Ellis  13:45 Political science. Michael Hingson  13:47 Okay, political science Bob Ellis  13:48 and business management. With a with my two aspirations, I wanted to. I really wanted to major in in aviation science, but that that wasn't offered. So that's political science and business science, business law. Michael Hingson  14:06 But you were working for the Army Air Force Exchange Service. What is that exactly? Bob Ellis  14:11 Yeah, it's a it's it's it's a non-appropriated funded Service provided all goods. I think of it as the the Walmart or the Target of of the civilian sector, except the Army Air Force Exchange Service has stored everything from stores, every business that you can think of therein, from stores to convenience stores to gas stations to beauty shops and barber shops to dining facilities, franchise Burger Kings, anything that a soldier and his family needs at the base or overseas or in the combat arena, where we were there with it, providing it. It's been a great career. Michael Hingson  14:59 Did you? Do you have any involvement with, especially here in the U.S. the the Randolph Sheppard programs, the blind vending stand operations at any of the facilities? Bob Ellis  15:09 Yep, sure did many many times. We're still working with it. There's there's some issues present right now under the Randolph Shepherd that they're looking at. I don't know what what's going to change, but yes, sir, we were very, very close to that. Michael Hingson  15:24 Yeah, I know there. The current government's looking at it; they want to scale a lot of it back, which would, I think, not be a good thing. I think there's a lot of reasons to keep it, but we'll see. We'll see. We'll see how it goes. But I, the closest I ever came to dealing with anything from AAES was I was invited to speak once at an organizational meeting of the National Property Managers Association in the military. Are you familiar with that? Bob Ellis  15:56 I am. Yes. Michael Hingson  15:57 And when I was asked to come, the Speakers Bureau didn't do a good research job because they told me, "Oh, it's the people who rent apartments and all that. When I got down to the to the event, I will say that the National Property Managers Association certainly serves a nice breakfast. But anyway, the conversation just didn't seem like what I what I was expecting. So I asked somebody, and they told me that the organization was the organization that had complete jurisdiction over anything physical that the government owned, and Bob Ellis  16:30 absolutely Michael Hingson  16:31 that that changed my grass. Sorry, Bob Ellis  16:34 right down to the grass, right down to the grass and the concrete. Michael Hingson  16:37 There you go. Well, it also changed my speech in 10 minutes, but it was fun. They invited me back the next year, so that was good. But it's it's fun when you're you're planning to do a particular speech, and suddenly it turns out it's got to change. It's good to have the flexibility to do that. But I'm I'm glad I had the opportunity to do it, and hopefully we'll have opportunities to do it again, but you have served a lot of different kinds of of services within AAES, and and I assume that's all worked out pretty well. Bob Ellis  17:14 That that worked out very well. Yep, I had I started at the bottom and and climbed as close to the top as I possibly could, but Michael Hingson  17:23 you eventually got the the highest medal that was available for civilians when you retired or after you retired. Bob Ellis  17:31 No, the highest award that I ever received was from my man over the Pentagon 911 support program, which was a nice medoris civilian award. Michael Hingson  17:46 Okay, where is your favorite place to live in the world? Or is that really easy to say? I mean, you've been all over the place and seen a lot of different kinds of places. Don't know how much you got to two of them, but anyway, Bob Ellis  18:00 it wasn't the two places that I that I went overseas, which was Japan and Greenland. Those were the longest tours of my life. Beautiful country in Japan, and and great facilities and support in tuning Greenland. But I would I would guess throughout the United States, I had a great assignment at the Army War College, and I had a great assignment at Travis Air Force Base here in Michael Hingson  18:26 California. Yeah, Bob Ellis  18:28 yeah. Michael Hingson  18:30 I've spoken. Bob Ellis  18:30 My son was born in Japan. He's dual citizen as a result on the Air Force Base, and my daughter was born in California. So it was a great time, mainly because the kids were younger and and and and we were in great climate areas. Michael Hingson  18:48 When people ask me what my favorite place in the United States is, I say everywhere. I I just enjoy meeting people wherever I go in the U.S. It's so many different cultures and customs and ways of doing things. It is so fun to to see all the different places and see how they are. People ask what I like, where I like outside the U.S. And so far, it's been New Zealand. I would say is probably the best, but Japan has to be up there too. I've really enjoyed being in Japan. I've been there a couple times, and I thoroughly enjoyed Bob Ellis  19:23 it. I, I had, I think the most the the greatest thing about the assignments was some of the people I I got to to meet in in my in my tours. One of them would be the Crown Prince of of Thailand, who who is now the king of Thailand, King Rama, got to meet him when he was a pilot, and supported him when when I was at Yokota Air Base, and multiple other celebrities. I I had the opportunity as a kid to attend the funeral. For Douglas MacArthur, and and his his memorial was right across the street in North Virginia from where my mother worked. And 20 years later, I had the opportunity to to meet mrs. Mcarthur, Jean MacArthur, at Gracie Mansion in New York, and I I I wrote protocol. I when it came time for her to to meet me and meet meet her, I got down on one knee and I held her hand and I said, "I want to tell you a little story, ma'am. And she said, "Well, certainly, absolutely. And I told her the story how when the general had died in in 1964, I was required by my my mother to go to the funeral, and the most fascinating person I'd ever seen in my life was herself, and she just got she just turned red. Well, long story short, I was at an army command at Fort Hamilton. The next day, the the group the the installation commander called me over to his office, very angry, but he wanted me to know that I was going to be the first civilian aide for the old lady, which was mrs. Mcarthur, and he had to take one of his lieutenants off. And I got to know the family and and the Mcarthurs as a result of that. So lots of opportunities, just absolutely amazing. 911, and we'll get to it. I got to meet President Bush momentarily, but I I got to meet him and have a short conversation. Michael Hingson  21:32 I got to meet him in 2005. We went to the Oval Office, and we were supposed to have a two minute photo op, but he kept wanting to interact. We ended up talking for about 15 minutes. He kept the Italian ambassador or prime minister waiting, but it was a was a great conversation. I very much enjoyed having the opportunity to meet with him. Bob Ellis  21:53 Yeah, he was remarkable. Michael Hingson  21:54 Yeah, in in so many ways. If Speaker 1  22:00 you enjoy Unstoppable Mindset and would like to help us continue bringing these conversations to you each week, we've created a way for you to support the show. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and continue sharing stories, insights, and ideas that inspire people to live with purpose and possibility. If supporting the podcast feels right for you, you'll find the link in the show notes. Thank you for being part of the Unstoppable Mindset Community. Michael Hingson  22:33 So that's that's pretty cool. So as you were going around to all these different places, what would you say you were learning. Bob Ellis  22:41 I was learning business. I was learning relationships. I was learning marketing. Pretty much anything that you wanted to do as a general manager or a vice president, the exchanges let you do it. You know, until you got too far gone, and they they reel you back in. But I love being able to run multiple businesses on the installation, and and be accountable for them, and run them at a profit, and and at the end of the day, do great things for military families. Michael Hingson  23:16 Wow! So you um, you you've you've had a lot of challenges and and had to learn a lot of different things. Needless to say, but I would would think that you've you've been able to to keep a lot of that and use it. And you know we've referred to September 11 th, and so let's let's get to around that time. The first thing I would ask, and people have asked me, but you're in a better position in theory than I. Did you have any inkling that something like September 11th was going to happen? Bob Ellis  23:53 Well, actually, September 11th was was happening. I left for work about 4:30 in the morning. I lived out in the suburbs in Centerville, Virginia, and it was one of those days that you just wished you didn't have to go to work. It was the as the sun was coming up, it had a little cold breeze to it. The skies were blue. It was just one of those days that you just wanted to sit out in the yard and and relax or go bicycling, whatever. But I did my duty and I drove in to the Washington D.C. area and reported to my office on time, which was right around 5o'clock. My staff showed up around six and some at seven, and my secretary came in, and I don't know exactly what time it was, but it was shortly after, right around 9o'clock in Eastern Time, when the first airplane had hit the the trade center. Michael Hingson  24:49 Yeah, Bob Ellis  24:49 846-940-6846, Yes, right, 846. Yeah, and and so I I went in to look at the. The the television monitor standing there it was just her and I at the time and and and I said that's not an accident and she says how do you know that I said look at the skies that was an airliner they were talking about it was a little small private aviation well I'm a pilot I've been a pilot for 40 years 41 years I knew exactly, you know, that that where it was, what it was doing, and that wasn't a it wasn't an accident. And and my inkling was is that I was in a in rented space in Arlington, Virginia, because we had been moved out because the wedge that got attacked was the one that was still under construction. My office had not been completed there, and and I had a meeting in that wedge at 9o'clock that morning. And my secretary said to me, "You know, Bob, the Pentagon is next. And I paused for a minute and I looked at her and I said, "How in the world could you even imagine that, you know that that that's a fortress? Who would be crazy enough to attack the Pentagon? And she says, I I just I don't want you to go over, you know, just just just do it by phone, which I I probably could have done. And I said, No, I'm I'm going to go over there. If they're going if they're going to attack the Pentagon, I'm going to go down with it, and that was kind of my philosophy. So, in the back of my mind, seeing that airplane hit the Trade Center and her telling me that certainly made me wonder if it wasn't a possibility. Michael Hingson  26:33 So, you didn't. You don't think that anyone, and I've never heard of any such, but that anyone had any advance notice? There wasn't chatter. There wasn't anything that made people suspect what might be getting ready to happen. Bob Ellis  26:47 No, I I I think that is the the worst our country has ever been off guard. It reminds me of you know the the attack on Hawaii and that you know in in Pearl Harbor. We were completely unprepared, and I thought we were completely unprepared on 911. And in fact, after the attack, I knew we were unprepared when I saw the two jets fly over with no armament on the wings. So no, I don't think anybody had any idea. Michael Hingson  27:18 Well, the other side of it, and I've talked about this in in some talks I've given. I talk a lot about trust and teamwork, and like it or not, one of the things that I observe is you had 19 terrorists who functioned well enough as a team that they didn't talk about it. They didn't let anything come out. So no matter how much armament or whatever we might have had, I'm not sure whether we could have predicted that on September 11th, what occurred was going to happen. Bob Ellis  27:49 You know, all the indicators were there. You know, those those 19 trained at private airports, and they and during their training, it was it was reported multiple times that all they were interested in was taking off, not landing. I mean, first clue, you know. Okay. Why would you just be interested? He's taking off an airplane, and and I always found that very curious, and I'd heard it several times. That should have set alarm bells off. Should have. It didn't. Apparently, it did. Michael Hingson  28:20 Good point, and you know the the thing is though that, as as you pointed out, who would have thought that anybody would attack the Pentagon, the fortress that it was? Who Bob Ellis  28:33 yeah, Michael Hingson  28:33 who would have thought? So again, you can only go by what you got, and so nobody, I think, would have ever imagined that. Well, of course, the first plane hit the World Trade Center, and at first, people didn't really know what happened because there were really not very many people who who saw it. In fact, we only have the few photos that were taken by the French photographers who were there for something else, but then a little after nine, the second plane hit, and that changed the dynamic and changed the perspective a lot. Although a bunch of people who started seeing it on TV thought it was just a movie, and it wasn't true, but the second plane hitting changed the attitudes. I think for most people, and that's when people knew something was going on. Bob Ellis  29:24 Yeah, I didn't know anything about the second trade center. I had left my office in Crystal City, and I had headed to the Pentagon. And the meeting, the meeting that I had was with the Army Personnel Chief and several other folks. And as it turned out, that is exactly the window that the airplane flew into. That was ground zero for the for the for the target for the airplane going in just above the first floor for the Pentagon. So I didn't know anything. I was I was trapped at that point. I was trapped. Couldn't go um. Wouldn't go um. Didn't want to go um. And I had lived in New York City for five years, and I was my biggest. I was always impressed by the New York City Fire Department. I mean, they're they're just walking heroes if you've ever seen them. I mean, they were like they were like giants when you got next to them, and that they would they were just superhumans. And I always wondered upon the top floors how in the world you would get a fire put out at the top of the World Trade Center, and and I did not know until two days later when I made it home. That was my first question to my family: How did they get the the fire out at the top of the World Trade Center? And I and and it was repeated to me centers, and I said, What are you talking about? Centers in my family, and they said, "Bob, the World Trade Centers are gone. I said, "I don't understand. How could they be gone? And that was that. That was you know two days later that I found out about that. It was quite a shock to me to learn what it actually while I was on on the Pentagon mission. Michael Hingson  30:58 Well, when the first plane hit. Well, in the second plane, the firefighters were going up the stairs carrying all their equipment, and I had had had known about that and asked people, "Well, why are you or would you be carrying equipment? Because I met I I didn't meet the FDNY people ahead of the World Trade Center attacks, but I did meet with other people to learn about emergency preparedness and so on because I felt as the leader of an office, it was my job to know because I wasn't going to be able to read signs, and I love information, so I was trying to learn all I could, and they told me that where would if you if you had equipment stored in the in the towers, then people would go to it. Firefighters would go to it and get the the equipment. What floor do you put it on? Because no matter what floor you put it on, what if the fire broke out one floor below? You know, you can't get to the equipment. So the only way they could get up the stairs to fight the fires was to carry all of the equipment with them, yep, yep. Not enough is said about those guys in history. No, and I met a number of them coming up the stairs as we were going down, and they wanted to escort me down, and I didn't want them to do that because I knew they were a team, and I I pushed back pretty hard and said, no, you guys go up and we'll go down unless we can help you fight the fires, and they said no. The reason they eventually let me go down without any assistance was I had a friend with me who could see, and I said, "Look, David can see. Don't worry about us. And David and they turned to David and they said, "You're with him. And David said, "Yeah, leave him alone. He's fine. So we went on down, and they went up. I don't know whether the people we interacted with made it down or perished up above. It was about 10 after 10 after nine or so when we got to the 30th floor where we met them. So it was another hour and almost 20 minutes before the tower collapsed, but I don't know where the firefighters were, or how many people from the groups that we interacted with perished, or if they all made it out. I don't know, but Bob Ellis  33:12 yep, I I memorized all those numbers. You know, 189 between the airplane and the Pentagon, 200 injured, but 189. 189 total were 64 on the airplane, 125 in the Pentagon, and I'll never forget those numbers. Yeah, I'll never forget the time. I looked at my watch at 9:17, and and I have to tell you that on 9/11, I always sit very quietly until I get past 917, not 937. I'm sorry, 937. Michael Hingson  33:48 So Bob Ellis  33:48 in the morning. Michael Hingson  33:49 So, how close were you to where the plane came into the Pentagon? Bob Ellis  33:56 About 300 yards. When when it was clear that the meeting wasn't going to happen because the air traffic control system had been shut down. They released us to go back to our our offices, and I was going out the front door. I left about 930. It was supposed to start at nine 930. The generals said we'll just reconvene, and and I agreed. And from his office on on the south portico, I was walking out the front door. Literally, I heard the engines spool up. I had been in the AOR in rail combat munitions, and and I've heard cruise missiles, and and I could hear this one spinning up, and I thought it was a cruise missile, and so when it hit when it hit the building, it was just it was just a horrendous sound. But my first impression was to run to it to see what happened, what what what caused that, and there was nothing there. It was just four or five cars burning and smoke billowing out of the building. And and the the rest turned into a you know a rescue and a a recovery. Michael Hingson  35:08 AOR is what Bob Ellis  35:10 the area of responsibility. Michael Hingson  35:13 Okay, area of responsibility. Okay, Bob Ellis  35:16 yeah, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, wherever we are, it's it's N A O R, and that's your A O R. That's state. That's where you are. So that that's where I encountered first first and only live person coming out of the building, and which was a which was a really big surprise. But I knew that there was something that I I had to do, and and one of the things was to, if he needed assistance, getting him assistance. And there were several people. He was he was he was burned third degree burns over his whole body. He lived. I said one prayer was for him. And as it turned out, he became a a great ambassador. Turned out to be a great friend, and is actually back in the Pentagon to this day, just steps away from his old office as a civilian, went went back on a presidential appointment. Michael Hingson  36:09 So, you mentioned the general a while ago. Was did he survive? Bob Ellis  36:15 No, he was the he was the highest ranking person that we lost in in the entire encounter, and it was the entire office was just instantly vaporized. So he did not survive. Michael Hingson  36:33 Well, so you heard the engines revving up, and you went after you heard the explosion and so on. You went over to see what was going on, and then what did you do? Because it certainly had to be a major surprise and a shock by any standard. Bob Ellis  36:49 Yeah, I went that side of the building, saw the hole in the building, kind of convinced myself it was a cruise missile, but I never heard such a loud engine noise. As it turned out, it was it was two big engines off of a 757 200, and so I immediately tried to figure out you know what can I do? What should I do? Should I even be here? And that's when I saw the colonel coming out of the building, and I was able to walk with him and four others over to the the road, the Washington Boulevard that goes around the Pentagon, and and I sat down on the telephone pole, a light pole that the airplane hit going in. Now I'm a pilot, and and I have to tell you to take an airplane going at Mach point eight seven, and hit a target, hit the building, and not hitting the ground was just absolutely amazing to me. So as they got the colonel into an SUV and and and got him out of the the scene, I sat there. Just it was almost like a movie I was watching. The triage was being set up. The Pentagon was burning. The emergency services units were starting to show up, and we had very intermittent phone capability. And I had I had a a friend, my my the commander that I worked for in Dallas at the time. This secretary's husband was a bodyguard for Secretary Rumsfeld, and and Secretary Rumsfeld was actually carrying litter patients, carrying people out of the debris area and out of the offices. He was actually helping people, and he he realized that something needed to be done. So he gave Jerry a note, a piece of paper. We called them snowflakes, but it was a tablet, and he had listed what needed to be done and what needed to be done now. And Jerry found me sitting over there and gave me that that piece of paper, and it had everything listed on it. He wanted a a tactical field operation in place. He wanted it now, not yesterday. He wanted something in the interim, and it was to provide emergency relief supplies. So I I sat down on that telephone pole and I called our our local dist not local our largest distribution center in the world was down in Newport News, and I got the director on the phone and I said, I have an official order from you coming from the Secretary of Defense, and and don't override, don't just just follow my instructions until we can get to the commander at AFIS headquarters, and so I gave him the list. I just gave him the full list of things that we needed to get rolling, and I called another gentleman that was just across the river, the American Logistics Association, which owned all of the brokers and manufacturers, and I gave him a list of stuff that we needed now, like Gatorade boots. the The surface was over 2000 degrees, and the emergency service boots were melting almost upon contact. So I had I had 1000s, hundreds of 1000s of dollars of equipment. And supplies coming in, and we set up the USO tent, put everything in the USO tent. We raided all the stores in the in the Washington D.C. area. I was able to contact the region manager, and I told him, you know, what we needed to take it off the shelf, put it in the back seat of the cars, don't account for it, and get it to me. And that's what we did the entire first night was setting up the USO trailer, and the next morning I had two tactical field tractor trailers coming up the ramp just as the sun was coming up, and they were loaded with supplies, and that's what stayed in place for the next two months. Over $2 million worth of merchandise, emergency recovery type merchandise, everything from linens to the towels to eye wash, and and and we had to actually have some special boots made out of leather for the dogs because the dogs' feet were so it was it was quite an operation. We ended up well running within within 24 hours of the attack, Michael Hingson  41:04 why is it that you are able to stay pretty focused through all of this? Bob Ellis  41:08 I you know I you know I I've often asked that question. I wanted to go home. Alls I could think of is my kids, my wife. What what are they doing? What are they thinking? They're watching this on the news, and I had I had drifted over to which my car was very close, and it was taped off. The parking lot was taped off. It was a crime scene. There was no going anywhere. There was no transportation. If I wanted to walk 40 miles, I guess I could have, but because I couldn't go anywhere, I had to do something there on the scene, so that's that's that's what I did, and and it wasn't until the next day when the phone started working again, our two star in Dallas was able to get through to me on on my BlackBerry, and he wanted to know what the situation was, and and and I told him, and and he said, what what are we going to do? And I explained to him what we had done already, and he says, "How did you do all of that? I said, "I picked up the phone and I told him I was working for Secretary Rumsfeld, and this is the order. And and he says, "How are we going to pay for all of this? I said, "Sir, this is our finest hour. We're not. We're going to donate. These are all donating goods, and and it really was an interesting. I I just I just don't know. I was compelled. He he he ordered me on that second day to go home, and and I said I had no way to go home. And he said go to the motor pool. I'm going to call the motor pool. He had been the commander of the Air Force One Squadron, so he had a lot of connections in Washington, and he he got me a car, and I went home long enough to change clothes and and and to come back out. So it was it was just out of adrenaline, I think. Somebody had to do something, and and everything that I've told you here today is not written anywhere in history. I own every bit of what happened in in in that story, other than some of the people that were working there. Michael Hingson  43:07 What phone did you use that first day? You said you're you're it was the second day or the next day that you're phoned. So how were you able to communicate? Bob Ellis  43:17 We had Blackberries, and and until the networks got completely overrun, we were able to use it. And and so by the second third day, we we had pretty consistent communication, because the the the commander called me back that same morning, and and he said, you know, he said, how come you haven't been home? And I explained to him, and he says, "Will you do me one favor? And I said, "I would. He said, "Will you go back into the building? Said, "Sir, the building's on fire. He says, "Well, well, you get in the front, and I'm looking at it. He was looking at it on television, and the military clothing store was in the very front, within 100 feet, probably of that door that I went out of. And he says, "Would you see if our people survive, and if the store itself survived? It was sitting near the the area. I went in the store. I went into the building, into the burning building, and was able to look in the door, and I could see that the the room was full of smoke, and the door was locked. So I told him I would assume that our people made it out, alive and okay. And they say that was a, and they did, and they absolutely did. And in fact, everybody that that that that had any kind of supervisory capability around the Beltway, they volunteered to come over and work for me and and operating that facility for 2024 hours a day, seven days a week. Wow! So and not and not to shorten the the question, I wasn't there, but because of what I was doing in the in the Pentagon, my old homestead was at Fort Hamilton. Fort Hamilton picked up the same thing and went over to the Trade Center area, and they gave them a place to put a mobile. Food truck, and they brought supplies in and pretty much supported the firefighters and the and the and the police there. So so we had quite an operation going for a long time. Michael Hingson  45:11 Yeah, and and needed to, but it was interesting and commendable that in both places people were able to focus, and were able to carry out missions. I know at the World Trade Center when the two towers collapsed. Of course, it was it was unexpected, but we know now, of course, why they collapsed. It wasn't that the planes hit; it's that they were they were full of what 36,000 pounds of jet fuel each, and that exploding jet fuel is what damaged the infrastructure of the buildings to cause them to be able to collapse. But as well as at the Pentagon, but very quickly people were able to start to move and deal with issues and put procedures in place that were able to, I'm sure, keep more people from perishing and keep kept more people being able to focus throughout the whole the whole sequence of events. It it certainly was very scary, but it is something that that people like you were able to do. I know for me, the reason I was able to focus was because I had learned what to do in an emergency at the World Trade Center. I spent time with people and I learned how the whole building was structured, so I knew when the building tipped, why it tipped, and and things like that. You Bob Ellis  46:40 felt it. You you felt it. Michael Hingson  46:43 Oh yeah. Oh my god. We moved probably at least 20 feet, and then it came back, and oh my Speaker 2  46:48 god, it Michael Hingson  46:48 got vertical again. It got vertical again, and then a few seconds later, it dropped about six feet because the expansion joints went back to their normal configuration. But Bob Ellis  46:59 we uh we we knew from 937 till about 5o'clock that evening there would be no more survivors. It was over, and and and the dogs were getting depressed because they were they were they were not cadaver dogs. They were recovery dogs, and they were used to fight. And we we actually had ceremonies for the dogs every day, where we sewed flags onto their collars, and they had special water and special food. So they played a big, big role in morale, mine especially. Michael Hingson  47:33 And at the same time, I know people had to do drills to keep the dogs focused because they weren't able to find people, as you said, so they had to do things to give them something to find to keep them happy, which was was so important. Bob Ellis  47:50 Yeah, that we had two two tractor trailers lined up. It was just just two 300 feet from where you went into the damaged area of the Pentagon, and those dogs and their handlers would get up underneath those trailers and sleep, and they would play with the dogs. We actually had some carpets brought out, tarps brought out, and that's kind of where that was kind of their headquarters during 911. We had to make it up as we went along, and and the other interesting part of this story is in 1972 at the at the refugee camp, I was sleeping in the back of a van because there was just no way to go home. It was too it was too far to drive home to turn around and come back at 8o'clock the next morning, and I heard somebody knocking at the door, and and and I and I opened up the door, and it was a military colonel in uniform, and there was a civilian standing there with him. And he says, "Are you part of this operation? And I said, "Yes, sir, I am. He said, "Who are you with? And I said, "The Army Air Force Exchange Service. And and he says, "You're not provided any other facilities. This, I said, that was my choice. And as it turned out, I was speaking to Secretary Rumsfeld during his first administration as Secretary of Defense, and it was interesting that when he found out that what I did in in that program, I won the Indo Indo China Award for service, and then of course you you move ahead to to 2001, and we we knew each other. I had briefed him several times, and we we knew each other in the Pentagon. And that day, he knew that I would know what to do for the support role, and that's why he sent the letter up. And as it turned out, when he retired and and left the Pentagon, he was on a book tour, and and the the general secretary and myself got an invite to come to the book tour with him and and have lunch with him. And he handed me a book and he said, "I want you to have this, but I don't want you to open it up until you, Bob. I don't want you to open it up till you get home. I don't want you to give it to your wife. And and it was like this. Sure, I'm not not a problem, and so I got I got home. You know, this is this is 10 years later, and handed the book to her, and I said, "Open it up. I'm not wasn't allowed, and there's a nice thank you page on the front from Secretary Rums for allowing him to use me on 9/11, and you just you just that's the best reward that I could have ever ever expected. A guy that I just idolized to do that. Michael Hingson  50:26 When you got home, so you weren't able to talk to your wife before you got home, or did you ever get communication so you could call her? Bob Ellis  50:33 No, I didn't. I when I finally got the phone back up and running and got in the car. I had lost the battery, so I said, "I'm gonna be home in in an hour. I'll just be there. But General Wax called up, and she answered the phone. She went. She went sometime during that day and pulled the kids out of the private school, brought them home. She could see my car. It was a yellow SUV, and she could see it in the South parking lot in the news choppers going around. She said that was my car where my spot was, and General Wax got her on the phone and she and and she answered the phone and he said this is C J Wax and she thought that was the call. She thought that was it, and she alls I could do was drop to my knees and and and C J said and it's it's okay. I've ordered him to come home. He's all right. He's running. He's running a a program for us for for recovery. And if he's not there, he should be there shortly. And then by the time I got there, I got to the front step. I'm asking the question about the World Trade Center, how they got the fire out, and I was ordered that I could not go in the house because I smelled like smoke. So, so two minutes before that, I was the most important person in the world, and and then all of a sudden, I was I was back to Bob, and I wasn't going to wear that that suit in the house to to smoke it. So anyway, that's that's how she found out. He he called her up. I asked him. I think I asked him if he would get in touch with her at our last conversation, and he did. Michael Hingson  52:06 Soon after both towers collapsed, like a minute or so later, I called and got through to my wife Karen. I had talked with her before we left our office, and then when we got downstairs, I couldn't get through to her because the circuits were busy, and it was obvious that everyone we learned later was saying goodbye to loved ones, and so the circuits were busy. So after both towers collapsed, I was able to get through to her, and as I tell people, there were tears on both sides of the phone at the when that conversation started, but she was the first one who told us how two aircraft had been crashed into the World Trade Center towers, one to the Pentagon, and at that time, the fourth one was apparently still missing over Pennsylvania, and of course, then it crashed at Shanksville. Bob Ellis  52:52 I love it. Michael Hingson  52:54 Yeah, but we, you know, we talked, so she knew I was okay. Then a friend of ours, Tom Painter, who had been a friend of Karen's at high school out in California, but Tom, over the years, had ended up moving to New Jersey. He came down to stay with her, not knowing until he arrived whether I was in the office that day or out with a customer or what was going on. And of course, then she told him, and so he drove her to the train station to pick me up. When, when I got back out to Westfield, we went home. And you talk about with with dogs. We got in the house, and I took Roselle's harness off because I was going to take her out, and she would have none of it. She ran off, grabbed her favorite tug bone and started playing tug of war with my retired guide dog Linny, and I talked to the veterinarians at Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael the next day, and they said, "Did anything threaten her? And I said, "No, not directly. And they said, "That's why she ran off because it was over. Nothing threatened her. Bob Ellis  53:58 Comfortable. Michael Hingson  53:59 She, they don't. Dogs don't do what if like we do, and so she was comfortable. She was happy. She wanted to play, and then then she did go out. But by the same token, the the whole point was that she was able to deal with with all of it and was able to to focus. Then we got her outside and and came back in, and she ate and and all that. But the the the thing is that she focused all day, and and she did a a wonderful job. And the reason that she focused and did so well was mainly because I worked at keeping her focus by telling her every chance I got. You're a good girl. What a good dog! Good dog. You're doing a great job. Keep going. I did that all the way down the stairs in the World Trade Center, and I was very deliberate about that because I knew she had to sense the fear and what was going on, and I wanted her to know that I was okay and I was going to be there for. Her, which is of course what teamwork and support is all about. You understand that very well. You you proved it in so many ways. I kept working with Roselle and kept her focused, and you know it all it all really went well. I still think one of the most relevant things for me in the World Trade Center. I went down the stairs with a guy named David Frank. David was from our corporate office in California, and David and I were going to be conducting sales seminars that day, teaching some resellers how to sell our products. And we got down to about the 50th floor, so David was there to talk about the the pricing and so on. I was going to do the majority of the presentation because I was going to be their technical contact, anyway, and we got to about the 50th floor, going down, and suddenly David said, "Mike, we're going to die. We're not going to make it out of here. And as I tell people, since I got a teaching credential, I had learned all about the secrets of how to yell at students. So I just said, "Stop it, David. If Roselle and I can go down these stairs, so can you. And he then immediately said that I brought him out of his spunk, and he told me that later as well. But what he told me was that he wanted to walk a floor below me on the stairs and shout up to me everything that he was seeing. He had to take his mind off of what was going on, and so he asked if I cared, and I said, "No, go ahead. That's what you need to do. That's fine. So I got like down to the 48th floor, and he yelled, "47th floor, Mike. All's clear here. Going on down. So we went down several floors that way. Eventually, I got to 45, and he was 44th floor. This is where the Port Authority cafeteria is not stopping. And the reason I mention it is because I think what David did is one of the unsung things that is so important from September 11th. He kept shouting up to me everything that he saw, but the reality is, anyone in the sound of his voice heard that there was someone who was okay going down the stairs, and he had to keep panic out of people's senses for so many individuals, because they just heard him, Mike, 43rd floor, all's good here. Going on down the stairs, all the way down the stairs. He had to have been able to keep so many people focused because he was able to keep his mind off of what was going on by shouting to me, and I think that that's so important, and so I'm. I always tell that story. I've been telling it for many years now because I want people to know what he did to keep so many people focused going down the stairs, and he had to have done that. Bob Ellis  57:31 Well, you know, I have. That's that's the first I've heard that, and and and and I read everything that I followed your story very closely, as well as the colonel who I was so close to, but there there are a couple of stories that are just never mentioned, not talked about, and one of them where we had to do every day. There was an update that the military gave the families an update as to what is happening, what was found, what was recovered, what to expect, and they would bring the kids in to listen to these brutal military briefings. I mean, just you know, these were these were soldiers, these were these were combat folks, and this is the way they briefed. And the therapy dogs were brought in, and there wasn't but about a dozen of them, and I will never forget not only the kids on the floor with the arms around those dogs, but some of the adults were as well. And I thought, what what a moment! That was the most touching moment of my entire life witnessing that. I mean, I could have done without it, but it was it was a very special moment. And then the the other thing that the world doesn't know about is on the second day, I got a I got a phone call from Secretary Rumsfeld's office that the VA was completely out of coffin flags. We had nothing in inventory to to cover the remains or the caskets for burial, and what could I do? And and right right from the Pentagon parking lot, I I called one of the buyers that bought American flags in Dallas, and then I asked her who do you get flags from, and she says it's American Flag Company. I'll give them credit for that, and and I said you need you need to get their entire inventory. We need to get it flown in, whatever expenses cover it, and get them here. The Pentagon doesn't have them, and New York doesn't have them. And those flags came in. They were they were there about that midnight that that that night. Now boxed up, thrown in the bag box, whatever tape they were bound, but everybody that came out later, you know, the recoveries as we got deeper into the debris, that had a had a flag that that came that came from us in the as well as at the Pentagon, and they put two very big special flags in there. I mean, like you see flying over a car dealer. And they hung that on the side of the Pentagon. And if you look at any of the any of the news willers of that time, it was on day two that flag was hanging that that came in with the rest of the other flags. So it was it was quite impressive. You never know what the next moment was going to bring you on you know from my side and and and can I meet the challenge? That was what I constantly worry about. How could I let any of this down? And I've got to do something. And and we were making it up as we went along. Michael Hingson  1:00:33 Yeah, that's all you could do. And so when I go back to Bob Ellis  1:00:37 to to this to this day, you know, we go back. They've got 184 markers. I don't know how many people attend it, but it's it's right in that zone, right outside the building, in that grassy area where they they they've made that memorial. And 184 people, to include I think two infants, are are memorialized there forever, which is very touching. It was a that was a hard place to go back to. Still was New York City when I went to it because I'd never I had never been 20 years 20 years yet 18 years before I ever went to to New York City to see the recovery there. I've never I've not been to the to the to the Pennsylvania field. I plan to go. I want to go. Just hadn't been convenient to get there, but but if I do that, I will have seen all all the sites. Michael Hingson  1:01:26 Yeah, I haven't been to Pennsylvania either. In 2017, I did make it to the World Trade Center Museum. In well, so we moved out of Westfield, and I moved back to California in late January, beginning of February of 2002, to work for Guide Dogs for the Blind and and speak from there. And traveled around and speak. Karen was there for a couple more months selling our home, and then she came out. But in May of 2002, Roselle was going to be honored by Hart's Mountain, the pet food and pet supply company. So, so we went back to New York, and while we were there, I met one of the police officers with with one of the service with one of the rescue dogs that that had been around the World Trade Center, and he arranged for us to get in a vehicle and drive down into the pit that was where the World Trade Center was, and they had built an artificial, well, a temporary road, and they were bringing things up, but we got to go down to what would have been the seventh sublevel, the bottom of the tower, and it was just a for me just imagining it standing in that dirt area in a hole seven stories deep and remembering what what it was like, and then in 2017 I went to the World Trade Center Museum and got to spend a little bit of time there, and of course everything had been rebuilt. The reflecting pool was there, and so on. But it was nothing like what I remembered from having been in the World Trade Center, and I walked around with someone who was able to be aware and describe what was where we were and what was above us, or what part of the building we were in as we walked through the complex. But of course, it was totally different. So it was it was such a strange feeling to experience all of that. But we did it, you know. And so now I've been to the museum, and actually there is a there's an animal exhibit in the basement, and Roselle's collar is is part of that exhibit. We donated that to oh Bob Ellis  1:03:50 really, oh really, oh God, I I was I was thinking that when I asked you that question earlier today, and I was thinking about that that has got to be remarkable, you know that that that's what touched me so much at the period. That the fact that the two of you were such a team, and I read everything that newspapers printed and watched. I guess there was some there was some CBS specials and so forth too, where you were interviewed, and it was it was just it was just absolutely amazing. Michael Hingson  1:04:21 Well, it is. you know, it is a an awe-inspiring sort of thing. And you know, people always say, you know, don't you feel guilty about surviving when so many people didn't? And and I said, no, I I didn't have any control over that. But what I do have control over is having been a survivor. What am I going to do about it? It's my responsibility to decide how I'm going to deal with moving forward after something like that. And of course, the opportunity opened to travel and speak, and so I've been doing it ever since. And I believe my job is. Is to educate people about what happened on September 11th, and let them know t

During a close air support mission over Baghdad on 8 April 2003, Maj Gary "Wolfman" Wolf and his A-10 Warthog were struck by an SA-16 MANPADS while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Battle Creek Bourbon: https://shop.winglorespirits.com/pages/commemorative0:00 Intro "Lead's Been Hit"1:29 The Close Air Support Mission6:10 Hit by an SA-1612:44 Jettison Everything15:33 Escort and Rescue Join Up16:41 Gear Down18:55 Battle Creek Bourbon with Wing Lore Spirits23:44 Mitchell Wolf on Tail Number 258 Have a story? Program and partnership inquiries: https://theafterburnpodcast.com/contact/

The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that mothers should wash the hands of their young children in the morning – even children who have yet to reach the age of Hinuch (training in Misva observance). Firstly, he explains, young children touch food, and if their hands are not washed in the morning, the foods they touch will become contaminated by the Tum'a (impurity) that descends upon the hands overnight. Secondly, washing the hands of young children in the morning has a significant spiritual impact, as it helps to lead them toward the path of purity and holiness. By contrast, Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi (first Rebbe of Lubavitch, 1745-1812) writes that the hands of young children do not become impure overnight. Before a youngster becomes Bar-Misva, Rav Shneur Zalman explains, he does not have a pure Neshama (soul) that leaves during the night which would cause the forces of impurity to descend upon him. Therefore, according to Rav Shneur Zalman, there is no requirement to wash a young child's hands in the morning. Similarly, the Sitz Eliezer (Rav Eliezer Waldenberg, Jerusalem, 1915-2006) writes that the prevalent custom is to be lenient in this regard, and not to ensure to wash the hands of youngsters below the age of Hinuch. However, Hacham David Yosef, in Halacha Berura, writes that nowadays, when washing hands is a very simple matter, there is no valid reason to be lenient, and parents should ensure to wash the hands of even their young children. If a mother is a Nidda, it is preferable for her not to wash her young children's hands in the morning. Rav Yisrael Bitan writes that at first glance, we might think to allow her to wash the children's hands, since this washing is not required according to the strict Halacha, and so we do not need to treat it stringently. In truth, however, once we have established that it is proper to satisfy the opinion that impurity indeed descends upon the hands of young children, the washing should be performed in a manner that removes the Tum'a without any uncertainty. Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868) writes that water poured by a person who is Tameh cannot remove the Tum'a from the hands, and so when a mother is a Nidda, the children should pour the water over their hands themselves if possible, and if not, then the father should pour the water. The water should not be poured by an unmarried girl who has already reached adolescence, as she, too, is a Nidda. Rav Haim Palachi writes also that the washing should be done by a Jew, and not by a gentile, such as a non-Jewish housekeeper or nanny. The Yalkut Yosef writes that a woman who is a Nidda is allowed to pour water over her children's hands, citing this ruling in the name of the Be'er Moshe (Rav Moshe Stern of Debrecen, 1914-1997). The Be'er Moshe reached this conclusion based on the Halacha permitting a Nidda to pour water on others' hands for Netilat Yadayim before eating bread, assuming that this should apply as well to the morning Netilat Yadayim. Rav Yisrael Bitan noted, however, that the morning hand-washing involves the removal of impurity, and thus differs from the washing before a meal. As mentioned, several sources indicate that a person with impurity is incapable of removing the impurity from another person's hands in the morning. Rav Bitan thus concluded that although those who wish to be lenient have a basis on which to rely, it is preferable for a woman who is a Nidda not to wash her children's hands for them in the morning. More generally, the Kab Ha'yashar (Rav Tzvi Hersh Kaidanover, d. 1712) writes that if a person wishes to have somebody else pour the water over his hands for Netilat Yadayim, he should ensure to have this done by a G-d-fearing, religiously-devout individual. The Zohar teaches that each morning, Eliyahu Ha'nabi goes to Me'arat Ha'machpela to wake up the Abot (patriarchs), and he washes their hands so they can pray. The fact that Eliyahu was chosen for this role, the Kab Ha'yashar, writes, shows that washing should be done by a righteous person. Rav Bitan emphasized that washing the hands of young children in the proper way is important for their religious growth. The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 4:18) writes that failing to observe the requirement of Netilat Yadayim can cause a Torah scholar to forget the material he has learned. Rav Haim Palachi explains that Torah knowledge can be acquired only if one is in a state of holiness, and therefore, one who compromises his holiness by failing to wash his hands as required cannot retain his Torah knowledge. Indeed, the letters that precede the letters that spell "Torah" are Shin, Heh, Kof and Dalet – which spell the word "Kedusha" ("sanctity"). This shows that holiness is a precondition for Torah. If parents want their children to absorb Torah and grow in Torah learning and observance, they must ensure to maintain the children's state of purity, and this necessitates washing their hands each morning, even when they are very young. The Hazon Ish (Rav Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz, 1878-1953) is said to have taught that one who seeks to retain his Torah knowledge must ensure to always speak truthfully, to recite the traditional "Yehi Rason" prayer before learning, and to meticulously observe the laws of Netilat Yadayim. In fact, it is told that when the Hazon Ish was a child, his family ensured that all the children had their hands washed in the morning already from a very young age. Rav Haim Palachi noted that proper observance of the Netilat Yadayim requirement also ensures that one will always have a sufficient supply of water, even in times of drought, and will succeed in maintaining the purity of his thoughts. Summary: From a strict Halachic standpoint, it is questionable whether young children below the age of Hinuch (training in Misvot) must have their hands washed in the morning. Nevertheless, this should be done, as this contributes to their spiritual growth. A woman who is a Nidda – including the mother – should not wash the children's hands, and neither should a gentile, such as a non-Jewish nanny.

The Gemara (Berachot 51a) lists three rules that were taught by none other than the Angel of Death, one of which is that one cannot fulfill the Misva of the morning Netilat Yadayim by having somebody else pour water over his hands, unless that person had already washed his hands. As long as somebody's hands are still impure, he cannot bring purity to somebody else's hands. Only once a person has washed Netilat Yadayim in the morning can he then pour water on his fellow's hands for his fellow to fulfill the obligation. The Zohar comments that this is the hidden meaning of the verse (Bamidbar 19:19), "Ve'hiza Ha'tahor Al Ha'tameh" – "The pure shall sprinkle on the impure." This verse refers to the sprinkling of the Para Aduma waters, but it hints as well to the morning hand-washing, instructing that one whose hands are already pure may cleanse somebody else's hands. In this respect, the morning Netilat Yadayim is treated more stringently than Netilat Yadayim before eating bread. Halacha allows a person to fulfill his obligation before eating bread by having someone else pour the water over his hands – even if that person did not first wash his hands, and even if that person has no intention of eating bread. For the morning Netilat Yadayim, however, only one who has already washed his hands can pour water over somebody's else's hands so he can fulfill his obligation. This applies only to the actual pouring of the water. One may prepare a vessel of water for his fellow to use for Netilat Yadayim even before he has washed Netilat Yadayim. The Bet Yosef brings different opinions among the Rishonim as to whether one may fulfill this obligation by having a gentile – such as a non-Jewish butler or personal attendant – pour water over his hands. In the Shulhan Aruch, Maran rules leniently. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) recommended acting stringently in this regard, as did Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868). (Interestingly, Rav Haim Palachi recommended acting stringently in this regard for the morning hand-washing, but felt that one may have a non-Jew pour water over his hands for Netilat Yadayim before eating bread.) Although Halacha follows the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch, and thus one may have a non-Jew pour water over his hands to fulfill the morning Netilat Yadayim requirement, it is proper to have specifically an observant Jew pour the water. When a wife is a Nidda, Halacha forbids her from bathing her husband, or even washing just his hands, as this is an affectionate act that must be avoided during this time as a safeguard against marital relations. Therefore, a wife may not pour water over her husband's hands for the morning Netilat Yadayim when she is a Nidda. (Interestingly enough, the Hida writes that a woman who is a Nidda may not pour water over anybody's hands for the morning Netilat Yadayim, as her status of impurity precludes her from removing the impurity of somebody else's hands.) The Rishonim debate the question of whether a wife who is a Nidda may prepare water for her husband to use for bathing. Rabbenu Yona (Spain, 1200-1263) ruled that this is forbidden, but other Rishonim ruled leniently, and Hacham Ovadia Yosef follows the lenient position. Hacham Ovadia adds that although several Ashkenazic Poskim maintained that a wife who is a Nidda should not prepare the bathtub for her husband, these Poskim would agree that she may fill a cup for him for the morning hand-washing, and bring him the cup, as this is done for the sake of a Misva. Several other recent Poskim concurred. Hacham Ovadia also allowed a wife who is a Nidda to turn on the faucet for her husband, adding that even those who rule stringently regarding the preparation for water would allow the wife to turn on the faucet when the husband is not present, or in his presence in an unusual manner. The Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939) writes that although it is obviously forbidden for a woman to bathe a man who is not her husband, she may, technically speaking, pour water over a man's hands. Preferably, however, this should be avoided. Hacham Ovadia questioned this ruling, as it seems that pouring water over another man's hands should be strictly forbidden. However, Hacham Ovadia allows a woman to prepare a utensil with water for another man. Summary: One may fulfill the obligation of the morning Netilat Yadayim by having somebody else pour water over his hands, but only if that person had already washed Netilat Yadayim. One may fulfill the obligation with water that had been prepared by someone who had yet to wash his hands. One may have a non-Jew pour water over his hands to fulfill the morning Netilat Yadayim requirement. A woman who is a Nidda should not pour water over her husband's hands, but she may prepare the utensil of water for him. A woman should not pour water over another man's hands, but she may prepare the utensil of water for another man.

When Mark Hertling learned he was deploying for Operation Desert Storm, he decided to start a journal.Back then, Mark was an Army major and cavalry officer with two young sons. His unit would be out in front of the main force, and during an intelligence briefing, he was told it could suffer casualties as high as 50 percent. Mark realized there was a real chance he might not come home. So he began writing down what he was experiencing, along with the lessons about life, leadership, and character that he wanted his boys to know if he wasn't there to teach them himself.Mark did come home, and went on to serve 38 years in the Army, including as an assistant division commander in Baghdad and later commander of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq during the 2007–2008 surge, before finishing his career as commander of U.S. Army Europe.Decades later, that wartime journal became the basis for his new book, If I Don't Return. Today on the show, retired three-star General Mark Hertling and I talk about the reflections it contains on making every day count, planning for friction, marriage and friendship, handwritten notes, casual profanity, the moral weight of war, and what it means to build a man.Resources Related to the PodcastMy LifeOn War by Carl von ClausewitzAoM Article: Clausewitz on Overcoming the Annoying Slog of LifeGeneral Douglas MacArthur's Prayer for His SonConnect With Mark HertlingMark on LinkedInMark's faculty pageSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma) is one of the most mythologized institutions in history, but what do the actual medieval sources say? In this video, we separate legend from evidence, tracing what the House of Wisdom really was in Abbasid Baghdad & what role it played in the translation movement.Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recommended Reading:Dodge, Bayard (translated by) (1970). "The Fihrist of al-Nadim: A Tenth Century Survey of Muslim Culture". Columbia University Press. El-Hibri, Tayeb (2021). "The Abbasid Caliphate". Cambridge University Press.Gutas, Dimitri (1998). "Greek Thought, Arabic Culture: The Graeco-Arabic Translation Movement in Baghdad and Early 'Abbasaid Society (2nd-4th/5th-10th c.)". Routledge. Kennedy, Hugh (2006). "When Baghdad Ruled the Muslim World: The Rise and Fall of Islam's Greatest Dynasty". Da Capo Press.The Encyclopedia of Islam. Brill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why were 400 civilians allowed to fly into a war zone as Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait? What really happened to them when they were held as hostages? And why has the British government fought for so long to keep it all a secret?Stephen Davis is an investigative journalist who has been following a story, within a story, within a story for more than 30 years.It starts on 2 August, 1990 when a British Airways plane landed in Kuwait for a scheduled stopover.There were nearly 400 passengers and crew on board, mostly British, who had no idea they were flying straight into Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.Instead of refuelling and then carrying on to Madras, the people on board were taken into Iraqi custody, ferried to various hotels and strategic locations around Kuwait, and then Baghdad, deployed as human shields in an unfurling international conflict.Used like chess pieces by Saddam Hussein's men, their experiences would scar them for the rest of their lives, but eventually they would point the finger at their own government's role in their fate.Because Flight 149 should never have landed in Kuwait, and the reasons why it was allowed to fly into a war zone were covered up for more than three decades.Stephen's sources pointed him to a secret British black ops mission that embedded nine operatives on that same civilian flight.The Secret History of Flight 149 is published by Bonnier Books UK.Around 100 passengers and crew of Flight 149 are suing the UK Government and British Airways for “deliberately endangering” them, claiming they knew Iraq had invaded Kuwait before the plane landed.A preliminary hearing was held last November in the High Court in London. Both sides are still battling over procedural issues before a full trial can begin.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores the Middle East, geopolitics, President Bush, Gulf War, Osama Bin Laden, Al Qaeda, invasion, oil, world economy, Margaret Thatcher, spies, MI6, CIA, conspiracies, cover ups, investigations, lawsuits, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Sabre, Dick Cheney, Saudi Arabia, Republican Guard, modern history, modern conflicts, 9/11, terrorism, rise of terrorism.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his Od Yosef Hai (Parashat Toledot), writes that one should not wash the morning Netilat Yadayim with water that had been in a restroom, as it is considered contaminated. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in Yabia Omer (vol. 3), disagreed, and maintained that such water may be used. Preferably though, one should not use this water. The Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakov Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939) ruled that water that had been in a restroom may be used for the morning washing, but no Beracha should be recited when washing with this water. Given the different opinions that exist regarding the validity of this water, the Kaf Ha'haim applied to this situation the famous rule of "Safek Berachot Le'hakel" – that a Beracha may not be recited when it is uncertain whether it is required. However, Hacham David Yosef, in Halacha Berura, disputes this ruling, and maintains that a Beracha may be recited. As a general rule, when there is a dispute among the Poskim regarding Netilat Yadayim before bread, that form of washing is acceptable for the morning washing, and so one may wash in the morning with water that had been in the restroom, as there is a debate concerning the validity of this water for washing before bread. Moreover, it is possible that the Kaf Ha'haim would not apply his ruling to modern-day restrooms, which are cleaner and might not have the same status as the restrooms of old. And, it is possible that the Kaf Ha'haim referred only to water that was prepared to be used for cleaning oneself after using the restroom, not to other water. Some Poskim maintained that if a person passed away in the neighborhood, near one's home, containers of water that had been prepared for Netilat Yadayim should not be used. If, however, one uses this water, he has fulfilled the Misva, since strictly speaking, the only problem with this water is that it is deemed unfit for drinking. Water that was underneath a bed when somebody slept should not be drunk, and preferably should not be used for Netilat Yadayim, though one may wash with this water if necessary, and a Beracha is recited. Summary: Although it is preferable not to use for the morning Netilat Yadayim water that had been in a restroom, such water may be used if necessary, and the Beracha is recited. This applies also to water that had been underneath a bed while somebody slept.

In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we continue our exploration of Eugene Rogan's masterful The Fall of the Ottomans, examining the fall of Baghdad to British forces in March 1917 – a victory that transformed Britain's position in the Middle East and revealed the imperial ambitions that would shape the post-war world.The British capture of Baghdad was far from inevitable. The catastrophic surrender at Kut in April 1916 had left the War Cabinet deeply risk-averse. General Robertson, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, feared that occupying Baghdad would leave British forces isolated and vulnerable to a resurgent Ottoman army. He warned against being "compelled later to fall back for any reason because of the objectionable political effect that such a retirement might produce."But pressure came from multiple directions. The Commander-in-Chief in India argued that seizing Baghdad would "greatly increase prestige in the Islamic East" – a crucial consideration given British fears of Muslim insurrection in India. And the Russians were proposing a spring offensive that might see them reach Baghdad first, which would "nullify the Sykes-Picot agreement." Oil, too, was already a factor – Mosul was understood to be the most reliable source of oil in the region.General Maud, whose superstition led him to launch his offensive on the 13th of December with the 13th Division in the vanguard, pushed forward despite London's caution. The Ottomans, recognising that Baghdad could not be defended, evacuated the city. As they withdrew, they destroyed military installations – wireless masts, cranes, water tanks, and the pontoon bridge across the Tigris. Looting erupted, and the American consul, Oscar Heiser, rode out to find the British advance guard.Maud's proclamation – drafted by Sir Mark Sykes, co-author of the Sykes-Picot Agreement – declared that the British came "not as conquerors or enemies, but as liberators." But the people of Baghdad were not convinced. As one Iraqi schoolboy recalled, "the people of Baghdad and of Iraq as a whole saw with their own eyes how the English treated the Iraqis as slaves or captives."Topics covered:The British War Cabinet's caution after KutThe Russian threat and the Sykes-Picot AgreementThe strategic importance of oilGeneral Maud's superstitious commandThe Ottoman evacuation of BaghdadThe destruction of Ottoman infrastructureLooting and the restoration of orderMaud's proclamation and Iraqi scepticismBritain's imperial ambitions in the Middle EastEugene Rogan's The Fall of the Ottomans is available from all good bookshops. Please consider buying from an independent retailer.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Fall of Baghdad In this solo episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we continue our exploration of Eugene Rogan's masterful The Fall of the Ottomans, examining the British campaign to capture Baghdad in 1917 – a victory that helped redeem the catastrophic humiliation of Kut.The surrender at Kut in April 1916 had been one of the worst disasters in British military history. Thousands of British and Indian soldiers, starved into submission, were marched into captivity and then worked to death building Ottoman railways. The British government was deeply wary of any further advances in Mesopotamia. But the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, smarting from the stigma of defeat, was determined to score a victory.Drawing on Rogan's narrative, we trace the campaign from the cautious advance on the Tigris to the fall of Baghdad. General Maud, a commander who had been wounded in France and was the last man off the beach at Gallipoli, was determined to break the Ottoman defences. Despite orders from London that barred an advance on the city, Maud pushed forward – driven in part by a superstitious belief that 13 was his lucky number.The Ottoman Sixth Army, worn down by illness, desertion, and casualties, was desperately understrength. Halil Pasha had been forced to redeploy forces to confront a Russian threat on the Persian frontier, leaving Baghdad dangerously exposed. When the British finally broke through at the Shumran Bend, the Ottoman retreat became a rout – pursued by British gunboats that wreaked havoc on exhausted and demoralised Turkish soldiers.The recapture of Kut was a symbolic victory. But the fall of Baghdad, which followed shortly after, was the first major British victory in the Middle East – a triumph that had eluded them since the beginning of the war.Topics covered:The disaster at Kut and its aftermathGeneral Maud's command and his superstitious beliefsThe Russian threat on the Persian frontierThe battle for Kut (December 1916 – February 1917)The breakthrough at Shumran BendThe Ottoman retreat and the naval pursuitThe symbolic recapture of KutBritish fears of Muslim insurrection in IndiaEugene Rogan's The Fall of the Ottomans is available from all good bookshops. Please consider buying from an independent retailer.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

//The Wire//2100Z September 2, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: SABOTAGE ATTACK TARGETS SECOND GERMAN ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION. SHOOTING REPORTED BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN UKRAINE. IRANIAN ATTACKS CONTINUE OVERNIGHT, TARGETING AMERICAN BASES.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----  -International Events-Middle East: Last night's attacks by Iran were somewhat successful, with strikes being reported at the airport in Erbil. An Iranian Shahed-type drone also took out the Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) balloon at this location, in addition to striking the fuel point. In Bahrain, several Shahed-type drones targeted the former headquarters of 5th Fleet in Manama and Sheikh Isa Airbase to the south. Several locations were also targeted in Kuwait, with unknown success. As of this report, the United States has not yet responded to the round of Iranian targeting conducted overnight.Ukraine: Overnight a small arms skirmish was reported in Kiev, which reportedly involved two different Ukrainian governmental agencies engaging each other in the street. Allegedly, the Security Service of Ukraine (the SBU, which is like a uniformed and militarized version of the FBI) detained Stepan Kaplunov who was the deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, a unit of ethnic Russians fighting on Ukraine's side during the war. Kaplunov was staying at a residential building in Kiev for Independence Day celebrations last week, when he was reportedly abducted for unknown reasons. After this kidnapping, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (the GUR, or the main military intelligence unit) launched an investigation into why the SBU took him, which resulted in a scuffle and subsequent shootout at the scene of the earlier abduction. One GUR officer is dead, and several others were wounded during the initial engagement.Analyst Comment: As one might expect, Ukrainian sources are downplaying this incident, and Russian sources are trying to amplify it, so determining the truth is challenging. However the incident did take place, and the small arms engagement in the street between these two agencies was captured on film.As it stands, video evidence from the time of the shooting indicates that tensions were high between the SBU and the GUR right before shots were fired. Both agencies were arguing with each other, with the SBU refusing to allow the GUR into the crime scene, and a standoff situation emerged. As the agencies continued arguing and fighting with each other, eventually the altercation became physical, and devolved into a shooting. After the shooting, the standoff situation continued throughout the night and the next morning. Eventually, the SBU ended up releasing Kaplunov, ending the incident. Several prominent Ukrainian leaders have called for an investigation into what happened, and for more details to be made public.Germany: Yesterday afternoon, another electrical substation was targeted by malign actors conducting sabotage operations. Locals observed an explosion and arcing at the Bergheim Power Station in western Germany, shortly before the power went out. Local authorities state that 6x rocket launch sites were located in a field near the second substation that was attacked, continuing the same attack vector as witnessed at a different power station yesterday.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: In Germany, the attacks on electrical substations over the past two days have been substantial. In short, these attacks were probably not carried out by amateurs. Locals report that upwards of twenty separate rockets were launched over the top of the substation near Berlin. These rockets were not fireworks, but specifically constructed devices built for the task. These rockets were also trailing thin copper wire, which was intended to cause electrical shorts.This is not entirely a new tactic, after all the United States pioneered this tactic of taking out enemy substations with "blackout bombs" that operate very similarly. Cruise missiles were used to deploy such devices over Baghdad during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, with thin graphite wires being trailed over the top of exposed substation transformers and electrical connectors. More recently, an unidentified malign actor also attempted to target an electrical substation in Pennsylvania back in 2020, which resulted in widespread media coverage at the time.Malign actors using almost thirty rockets to achieve the same effect in Germany is a substantial escalation that is not likely to have been undertaken by non-state actors. Germany is infamous for having some of the more serious ecoterrorists around the world, who have conducted IED attacks, train derailings, and other similar attacks on electrical infrastructure. However, since no ecoterrorist organization has claimed credit yet, right now the leading theory is that these sabotage operations could be sleeper cells conducting attacks around the German countryside.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground NomadNet: 5fa68c88be727a0e1a250a75e5e79269 Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//

The Torah in Parashat Nisavim foresees the time when Beneh Yisrael would be banished into exile on account of their breach of their covenant with G-d, describing, "Va'yashlichem Be'eretz Aheret" – Hashem's casting the nation into a different land (29:27). Those who look carefully at the Torah scroll will notice that the letter Lamed in the word "Va'yashlichem" is written larger than the other letters of the Torah. Enlarged letters in the Torah function like bolded text, or capitalized letters, in modern-day writing, denoting emphasis. What might the Torah have sought to emphasize with the enlarged Lamed in this word? Perhaps we can answer this question by understanding the unique significance of this letter. Several great Rabbis taught that as the word "Lamed" means "learn," this letter is associated with Torah study. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) explains on this basis the unique shape of the letter Lamed, which is drawn with a vertical line on top, followed by a horizontal line, and then another vertical line dropping down. This shape, the Ben Ish Hai writes, represents the process of Torah tradition. The top vertical line represents the transmission of Torah wisdom as it "descends" from the scholar to his disciple. The horizontal line represents the learning that takes place among peers, how the students – who are generally on the same level, like points on a horizontal line – learn and gain from another. The line descending from that horizonal line symbolizes the students' then transmitting their knowledge and wisdom down to their offspring and students. If, indeed, the letter Lamed represents Torah learning, then we can perhaps explain the significance of the enlarged letter Lamed in the word "Va'yachlichem." As mentioned, this word speaks of the Jews leaving into exile, where they would live amidst, and under the authority of, foreign nations. The Torah is alluding to us that when this happens, when we are driven to exile, the Lamed – Torah learning – must be our central point of focus. Living among foreign cultures, we face two potential challenges: persecution, and assimilation. In some exiles, the primary hardship involved the foreign governments' attempts to ban Jewish learning and practice, to pull us away from our faith and our traditions by force. But in other eras, such as in our current exile here in the United States, the challenge is assimilation. We are, thank G-d, free to practice our religion without any restrictions, but with all the freedoms we enjoy come the lures and pressures of our society. Its beliefs are not our beliefs, its values are not our values, and its lifestyle is not our lifestyle. As a small minority, we face the constant pressure to accept the beliefs, values and lifestyle of our surroundings. This is why the Lamed is enlarged. The most effective and most important weapon we have in our arsenal with which to defend ourselves against the unrelenting cultural pressure to which we are subject in exile is Torah learning. When we learn Torah, we submerge ourselves in our faith, in our values, in our traditions, in our laws and customs. Torah learning of course is and always was a vitally important part of Jewish life, for several reasons, but in exile – and especially in our current reality – it serves the function of anchoring us to our spiritual core, and fortifying us against the hostile spiritual influences of general society. Let us, then, redouble our commitment to Torah learning, so we will survive this exile both physically and spiritually, and be worthy of our final redemption, speedily and in our time, Amen.

On today's Zero Limits Podcast Matt Morris chats with Shaun Preston former 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and succesful businessman.Enlisting in the Australian Army in 2005, he completed his infantry training before being posted to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). He went on to deploy to Baghdad, Iraq, with SECDET X, supporting the Australian mission in a complex and dangerous environment, before later deploying to Timor-Leste following the 2008 assassination attempts on the country's leadership. After leaving the Army, he struggled with the transition back into civilian life and bounced between different jobs before finding his way into the pest-control industry. After gaining experience in the trade, he took the gamble of starting his own company, which he spent the next 12 years building into a highly successful business before eventually selling it to global pest-control company.Send us a text however note we cannot reply through these means. Please message the instagram or email if you are wanting a response. Support the showWebsite - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisFor the new Zero Limits Pre workout and creatine supplements head to link belowZero Limits Supplements - www.zerolimitssupplements.comSponsorsInstagram - @3zeroscoffee3 Zeros Coffee - www.3zeroscoffee.com.au10% Discount Code - 3ZLimitsInstagram - @getsome_auGetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10% Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

When does one recite the Beracha "Al Netilat Yadayim" over the morning hand-washing? The Tashbatz (Rav Shimshon Ben Sadok, Germany, 13 th century) relates that the Maharam Me'Rutenberg (Germany, 1215-1293) would recite the Beracha over the morning washing in the synagogue, well after he washed his hands. He would wash his hands at home, after waking, but he recited the Beracha "Al Netilat Yadayim" later, together with the other Birkot Ha'shahar (morning blessings) upon arriving in the synagogue. Rabbenu Peretz (France, 13 th century), in his glosses to the Tashbatz, writes that although this was the custom in German communities, in his region the custom was to recite Birkot Ha'shahar at home, when washing one's hands. The Rambam, in one of his responsa, addresses a report that the Jews of Damascus would recite the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim" in the synagogue, well after the morning washing, and he writes that the blessing recited at that point unquestionably constitutes a Beracha Le'batala – a blessing recited in vain. A well-established rule requires reciting a Beracha "Ober La'asiyatan" – before performing the Misva, and thus once a person completes the Misva, he cannot then recite the blessing over that Misva. Hence, the Rambam writes, the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim" cannot be recited after one washes his hands. He adds that even if a community has a long-standing tradition to follow this practice, it must be discontinued, as this practice is incorrect. The Rambam rules that the Beracha must be recited before one begins the performance of the Misva – meaning, before he pours water over his hands. Maran (Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch), in Bet Yosef, offers an explanation for the custom of reciting the Beracha upon arriving in the synagogue. He notes the view of the Rashba (Rav Shlomo Ben Aderet, Spain, 1235-1310) that the morning washing was instituted as an expression of gratitude to Hashem for restoring our souls in the morning. In response to the return of our souls, we wash our hands like Kohanim who wash their hands before entering the Bet Ha'mikdash to serve – showing that we are prepared to serve Hashem like the Kohanim. According to this understanding of the Misva, one could perceive the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim" as a blessing of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude to Hashem for restoring one's soul. If so, then this Beracha indeed resembles the Birkot Ha'shahar, which give praise to Hashem for the gifts we receive each morning, such as the ability to open our eyes, to stand up straight, and to put on clothing. As such, the custom to recite "Al Netilat Yadayim" together with the other blessings in the synagogue is perhaps valid. This explanation given by the Bet Yosef appears already in the commentary of the Maharam Halawa (Spain, 14 th century) to Masechet Pesahim (7b), who supports the custom of reciting "Al Netilat Yadayim" together with the Birkot Ha'shahar in the synagogue. However, the Bet Yosef concludes his discussion by noting that the general custom among Sephardic Jewry does not follow this practice, and the more correct custom is to recite the Beracha at the time the Misva is performed. Hacham Ovadia Yosef noted that this issue could hinge on the fundamental question regarding the nature of the Birkot Ha'shahar. The Rambam maintained that each of the morning blessings must be recited at the time of the phenomenon for which it praises Hashem. For example, according to the Rambam, only if and when one hears the rooster crow does he recite "Ha'noten La'sechvi Bina." Likewise, one recites the Beracha "Poke'ah Ivrim" immediately upon opening his eyes, and one recites "Malbish Arumim" immediately when he puts on his clothes. In the Rambam's view, these blessings are recited over the personal experience of these phenomena. Others, however, viewed these blessings as expressions of praise for the general phenomena, and not of personal gratitude. This was the view of the Arizal, who maintained that one recites "Ha'noten La'sechvi Bina" even if he did not hear the rooster's crow in the morning. This is the basis for the accepted practice to recite all the morning blessings together, and not as one experiences each phenomenon. Hacham Ovadia observed that the Rambam, who viewed these blessings as expressions of personal gratitude, also argued that "Al Netilat Yadayim" must be recited at the time one washes his hands. Even if the Rambam would agree that "Al Netilat Yadayim" is recited over the gift of the soul's restoration in the morning, he requires reciting it at the time of the washing, just as he requires reciting all the morning blessings at the time one experiences each phenomenon. On the other hand, Hacham Ovadia added, the Arizal agreed that one does not recite "Al Netilat Yadayim" in the morning unless he washed his hands (and that one does not recite "Asher Yasar" in the morning unless he performed his bodily functions). And thus if one remained awake throughout the night, he does not recite "Al Netilat Yadayim" in the morning. Hence, it seems that the Arizal viewed "Al Netilat Yadayim" in the morning as a typical Birkat Ha'misva (Beracha recited over a Misva), in which case it must be recited at the time one fulfills the Misva, and not later. However, there are – surprisingly – those who require reciting "Al Netilat Yadayim" after the morning hand-washing, despite viewing this Beracha as a classic Birkat Ha'misva. The rationale behind this opinion is the fact that one cannot recite a Beracha while his hands are contaminated by the spirit of impurity that descends upon them during the night. Rabbenu David Bonafede (Spain, 13 th century), in his commentary to Masechet Pesahim (7b), draws a comparison between the Beracha over the morning hand-washing and the Beracha recited by a convert over his immersion in a Mikveh. The convert cannot recite the blessing before immersing, because he is at that point still a gentile. Therefore, the ordinary rule of "Ober La'asiyatan" is suspended, and the Beracha is recited after the fulfillment of the Misva – meaning, after the immersion. By the same token, since we cannot recite a Beracha in the morning until we dry our hands to eliminate the impurity, the rule of "Ober La'asiyatan" is suspended, as the Beracha must be recited afterward. And once the Beracha in any event cannot be recited before performing the Misva, it may be recited later, in the synagogue, together with the other morning blessings. (This brings to mind the Beracha of "Ga'al Yisrael" which we recite at the end of the Maggid section at the Seder, which many have viewed as the Beracha over the Misva to tell the story of the Exodus. When we begin the Seder, we are to see ourselves as slaves, and slaves have no Misva obligation. Hence, we cannot recite the Beracha before performing this Misva. Through the process of Maggid, we experience Yesiat Misrayim, and at that point we are then able to recite the Beracha which were unable to recite before performing the Misva.) Indeed, the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) cites the Maharam Nigrin (16th century) as stating that the impure forces remain on the hands until after they are dried, implying that the Beracha should be recited only after one dries his hands. This is the ruling of several Sephardic Poskim, including Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868), the Hesed La'alafim (Rav Eliezer Papo, 1785-1828), and the Zechor Le'Abraham (Rav Abraham Alkalai, 1750-1811). Rav Eliyahu Mani (Hebron, d. 1899) wrote that the prevalent practice was to recite the Beracha only after drying the hands, though his custom was to recite the Beracha before drying his hands. By contrast, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) brings the Arizal's teaching that the forces of impurity leave the hands after the water is poured on them, even before they are dried, and so the Beracha should be recited at that point – right before they are dried. As this is the Arizal's opinion, this is the practice that should be followed. If, however, one is unable to recite the Beracha before drying them, then he may recite it later, relying on the opinion that the Beracha should be recited after drying. This can happen if there is a foul odor in the area where one washes – such as if there is a sewage blockage – and it is thus forbidden to recite a Beracha at that spot. Likewise, if somebody forgot to recite a Beracha before he dried his hands, he recites the Beracha afterward. If one washes his hands and cannot remember whether or not he recited the Beracha, he does not recite the Beracha, as we follow the famous rule of "Safek Berachot Le'hakel" – a Beracha is not recited when there is some uncertainty about whether it is required. The proper text of the Beracha is "Al Netilat Yadayim." If somebody mistakenly recited "Li'tol Yadayim," he does not repeat the Beracha. If one does not have a towel available for drying his hands, he may use a hot-air machine, like those stationed in many public restrooms. If one slept with gloves, then he washes his hands in the morning without reciting the Beracha. The Rosh (Rabbenu Asher Ben Yehiel, Germany-Spain, d. 1327) understood the morning washing as resulting from the fact that a person's hands likely touched unclean parts of the body during the night. Therefore, according to the Rosh, one who wore gloves during the night does not bear an obligation to wash his hands in the morning. Although Halacha requires the individual to wash his hands due to the other reasons given for the morning hand-washing, he should not recite a blessing, in deference to the view of the Rosh. Summary: Some Poskim maintained that in the morning, the Beracha "Al Netilat Yadayim" should be recited only after one dries his hands following the morning hand-washing, and some have the custom to recite this Beracha together with the Birkot Ha'shahar in the synagogue. The more correct practice, however, is to recite the Beracha immediately after the washing, before drying the hands. If, however, one did not recite the Beracha at that point, then he recites the Beracha afterward. One who cannot remember whether or not he recited the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim" does not recite it. One who slept with gloves must wash his hands in the morning, though he does not recite the Beracha.

An astrologer told Bhai Bahadar Singh's family that he would live only until the age of 9. Now 87+, he shares the blessing he received from Baba Nand Singh Ji and his rare personal memories of Baba Isher Singh Ji of Nanaksar Kaleran.In this special BoS TV Gurmukh Series conversation, Bhai Bahadar Singh takes us from village Bagh in pre-Partition Punjab to Nanaksar, Baghdad and Britain.He recounts his family's close relationship with Baba Nand Singh Ji, the years in which he received the darshan and Sangat of Baba Isher Singh Ji, and three unforgettable occasions when he was able to meet Baba Ji personally.Bhai Bahadar Singh recalls how his grandfather brought him before Baba Nand Singh Ji after an astrologer predicted that he would not live beyond nine. When the family later approached Baba Isher Singh Ji, he told them that the elder Baba Ji had already granted him the gift of life.Now, at 87+, Bhai Bahadur Singh preserves memories belonging to those blessed generations. In this conversation, he shares:• What it truly means to become a Gurmukh• How Baba Nand Singh Ji first came to village Bagh• The blessing Baba Ji gave to the families of the village• Baba Nand Singh Ji's extraordinary reverence for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji• Why his father was made to recite five Sukhmani Sahib Paaths• The blessing Bhai Bahadar Singh received as a young child• How Baba Isher Singh Ji confirmed that blessing when he turned 9• His personal meetings with Baba Isher Singh Ji from 1950 to 1963• What Baba Ji taught him when he was reciting Gurbani “like a machine”• His memories of Baba Isher Singh Ji's final journey to Harike Pattan• Escaping the violence of Partition on a refugee train• The importance of Sukhmani Sahib, Gurbani and Amrit Vela• Working as a civil engineer in Baghdad• Crawling beneath restricted wire to reach the historic Gurdwara in Baghdad• How daily Kirtan brought the Sikh Sangat together in Iraq• Arriving in Britain in 1967 with only £2• Life as the only turbaned Sikh in Blackpool• His 40-year connection with Nanaksar Cape Hill• Teaching Punjabi to hundreds of children• Sharing Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message through interfaith work• His advice for young Sikhs struggling to connect with GurbaniThis is not simply another biography. It is a record of lived memory, inherited testimony and a life shaped by Gurbani, Kirtan, seva and faith.Which of Bhai Bahadur Singh Ji's memories touched you most? Share your thoughts respectfully below.Continue watching the Gurmukh Series:Baba Nand Singh Ji—Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bx0ItMAgsoBaba Nand Singh Ji—Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHkAWQEUAFgBaba Isher Singh Ji Nanaksar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVJbeizncDASubscribe to BoS TV for more Sikh podcasts, rare historical accounts and conversations about the lives of Gurmukhs.#BabaNandSinghJi #BabaIsherSinghJi #Nanaksar

When one washes Netilat Yadayim upon waking in the morning, he should use enough water that it covers both sides of each hand, until the wrist. One should move his hand somewhat as he pours the water on it, to ensure that the water covers both sides, the back and the palm. If one has a limited amount of water for Netilat Yadayim, which does not suffice to cover the entire hand, then he should wash the back of the fingers, until the knuckles where the fingers meet the wrist. When one cannot wash the entire hand, this minimum amount suffices to fulfill the Misva, and he recites the Beracha as usual. The Ish Masliah (Rav Masliah Mazuz, Tunisia, 1912–1971) writes that one may – and in fact should – rely on this leniency even if he can go to a different house to bring more water. It is preferable to wash one's hands promptly in the morning with the minimum amount of water than to delay the washing until one goes elsewhere to bring the preferred amount. On Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Ab, when washing is forbidden, one washes his hands with the minimum required amount, washing only the back of the hand, until the knuckles. The Kabbalists explain that although the forces of impurity generally cling to the entirety of the hand, on these two days – Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Ab – they cling only to the fingers. On Yom Kippur, due to the high level of sanctity that a person attains, the forces of impurity are incapable of extending beyond the fingers. And on Tisha B'Ab, the forces of impurity feel overconfident in their ability to cause harm that they are content remaining on the fingers. This explanation is brought by the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad- Jerusalem, 1870-1939) and the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909). If one has a limited amount of water for Netilat Yadayim before a meal, and must wash only until his knuckles, then, according to the Ben Ish Hai, he does not recite the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim" over this washing. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, however, disagreed, and maintained that the Beracha may be recited in such a case, since the person satisfies the obligation, albeit on the minimum standard.

The accepted practice when washing Netilat Yadayim in the morning is to pour water on each hand three times, in alternating fashion. Meaning, one first pours water on the right hand, then the left, a second time on the right, a second time on the left, and then a third time on the right and then the left. The Seder Ha'yom (Rav Moshe Ben Machir, Sefat, 16 th century) maintained that one should pour three times consecutively on the right hand, and then three times consecutively on the left hand. Due to the difference of opinion, there were those who washed their hand twice, once in each sequence, in order to satisfy both views. However, the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939) writes that the Arizal taught that one should wash in alternating fashion, and this is the accepted practice. The Zohar explains that each hand must be washed three times because the impurity that descends upon the hands during the night is particularly difficult to remove. It has a way of "jumping" from one hand to the next, and the only way to remove it is by causing it to "tire," so-to-speak. We therefore wash three times in alternating fashion to eliminate this impurity. It is proper to use a copious amount of water for Netilat Yadayim, to ensure that water covers the entire hand with each pouring. Maran (Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulhan Aruch), in Bet Yosef, notes a seeming contradiction between two passages in the Zohar regarding Netilat Yadayim. In Parashat Vayesheb, the Zohar writes that one first washes the right hand, before washing the left, and this is, indeed, the accepted practice, as mentioned. Elsewhere, however, in Parashat Teruma, the Zohar instructs washing the left hand first. The Bet Yosef initially suggests reconciling these two passages by distinguishing between the washing in the morning, and the washing before eating bread. In the morning, when we seek to eliminate the Tum'a (impurity) from the hands, it would be improper to begin with the left, as the forces of Tum'a are associated with the left – which is the side of Din, judgment – and giving it precedence would have the effect of empowering those forces. We therefore begin with the right, the side associated with Hesed (kindness). When washing for bread, however, the Zohar instructs starting with the left hand. But the Bet Yosef then presents a different way to reconcile the two passages in the Zohar, which he felt was more correct, and according to which one begins with the right hand for both the morning washing and Netilat Yadayim before eating bread. He explains that in Parashat Teruma, the Zohar refers to washing, but to lifting the cup, and teaches that one should not pick up the cup with the left hand. Instead, one should pick up the cup with the right hand, and then transfer it to the left, as though asking the left to serve the right, thus showing that the left side – the side of Din – is subservient to the right side, the side of Hesed. But as for the actual washing, one always begins by pouring water from the left hand onto the right hand. This sequence should be followed even by those who are lefthanded. Precedence is given to the right hand when washing Netilat Yadayim not because of the right hand's dominance – in which case we might distinguish between righthanded individuals and lefthanded individuals – but rather because of the association between the right and Hesed. This association is true regardless of whether one is righthanded or lefthanded, and so even a lefthanded person begins with the right hand when washing Netilat Yadayim. The Mishna Berura brings the opinion of the Gaon of Vilna (1720-1797) that one should wash both hands a fourth time. The Gaon maintained that the water that remains on the hands after the third washing contains impurity, and thus it should be washed off the hands. Many people follow this practice. The Yalkut Yosef writes that if one does not follow this practice, he should ensure not to touch his face with hands after the morning washing until his hands are dry. As mentioned, one should always lift the cup with his right hand and then transfer it to the left, in order to express the left's subservience to the right. One must avoid transferring the cup directly from the left hand to the right hand, as this would suggest the right's subservience to the left. Therefore, after one washes his right hand with the cup held by the left hand, he should not transfer the cup directly to the right hand, but should instead put it down, and then lift it with the right hand. The proper procedure, then, is to lift the cup with one's right hand, transfer it to the left, pour onto the right, place the cup down, lift it with the right, pour on the left, and then transfer to the left for the next washing. Of course, this should then be repeated a third time (and a fourth for those who wish to follow the Gaon of Vilna's practice.) The Seder Ha'yom maintained that while washing Netilat Yadayim, one must ensure not to touch a moist part of the cup's handle, as this would contaminate those drops of water, which will then contaminate the other hand. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), however, disagreed. He explained that according to the Arizal, the forces of impurity do not affect a small, negligible amount of moisture, such as the droplets on the handle of a cup. Therefore, while washing Netilat Yadayim, one can touch any part of the handle. It is not necessary to use a cup with handles for Netilat Yadayim. Such a cup offers the benefit of helping to ensure that the hands do not touch each other during the process of transferring to the cup, but it is not required, as long as one sees to it that his hands do not touch. Summary: When washing Netilat Yadayim in the morning, one must wash his hands three times in alternating fashion. The proper procedure is to lift the cup with one's right hand, transfer it to the left, pour onto the right, place the cup down, lift it with the right, pour on the left, and then transfer to the left for the second washing. This should then be repeated a third time. Some then wash both hands a fourth time. Those who do not should ensure not to touch their face after Netilat Yadayim until their hands are dry. This procedure should be followed by both righthanded individuals and lefthanded individuals. It is proper to use a copious amount of water for Netilat Yadayim, to ensure that water covers the entire hand with each pouring.

Marine Corps Sergeant Major Jean-Paul Corville served 22 years in the United States Marine Corps from 1991 to 2013, earning the Bronze Star with Valor and rising to the rank of Sergeant Major.In this episode of Urban Valor, Corville shares Marine Corps boot camp stories, infantry life, combat in Iraq, leadership lessons, disaster response in Japan, and the decision that ultimately changed the course of his career.He talks about growing up shy and overweight in Louisiana, transforming himself through training, choosing the Marines, becoming an 0331 machine gunner, serving at 29 Palms, deploying to Okinawa, becoming a drill instructor, and eventually reaching the highest enlisted levels of Marine Corps leadership.Corville also opens up about combat, loss, mistakes, consequences, and what happened when one decision cost him more than he ever expected.From hilarious Marine Corps stories to some of the darkest moments of his life, this is an unfiltered look at a 22-year military career from someone who lived it at every level.

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.