Podcasts about Chinese

Most Chinese nationals at Stanford never intended to be intelligence assets. But under Chinese law, if the government demands information, they must comply. Two student journalists investigate the sprawling espionage campaign taking place on their own campus. For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 1796 - brought to you by our incredible sponsors: Better Help - Our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp dot com slash HARDFACTOR Lucy- Let's level up your nicotine routine with Lucy.  Go to ⁠⁠Lucy.co/HARDFACTOR⁠⁠ and use promo code (HARDFACTOR) to get 20% off your first order. Must be of age-verified. Hydrow- Go to Hydrow.com and use code HARDFACTOR to save up to $450 off your Hydrow Pro Rower! DaftKings- Download the DraftKings Casino app, sign up with code HARDFACTOR, and spin your favorite slots! The Crown is Yours - Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred GAMBLER Poncho- If you've been looking for the perfect shirt—give Poncho a try.  Go to ponchooutdoors.com/HARDFACTOR for $10 off your first order. Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Story Lineup (00:03:05) - Police officer busted for getting head to let people off DUIs (00:12:20) - Two men arrested for trying to kill the President of Zambia via witch craft (00:21:40) - Cheaters at the World Stone Skimming (skipping) championships (00:28:40) - NASA denies the alien spaceship headed to earth to kill us is a spaceship (00:32:20) - Two Florida trouble making kids caused destroy elementary school library (00:37:34) - Chinese kid who peed in restaurant hot pot fined 309k USD Thank you for listening! Join our community at Patreon.com/HardFactor for access to bonus pods, discord chat, and more - but Most importantly, HAGFD!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus  (NOT a Morning Mindset resource)   ⇒ TODAY'S DAILY SPONSOR: This episode sponsored by Morning Mindset listener Olyvia, In loving memory of her grandmother Ruby Johnson who always reminded her to keep God first.   You can sponsor a daily episode of the Morning Mindset too, by going to https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/DailySponsor ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:3–7 - [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, [5] who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Underwrite one daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi Subscribe to the CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/   ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

On this episode of the Colin and Samir Show, we break down the microdramas, the 1-minute movies that are making billions. Check out Epidemic Sound: https://share.epidemicsound.com/colinandsamirSEP25 Use code COLINANDSAMIR for 50% your first two months Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Sinica Podcast, I chat with well-known author and public intellectual Yascha Mounk about his recent fascination with China, his approach to learning about the country and learning Chinese, and his thoughts on how China fits into the current crisis of Western liberal democracy.7:15 – Yascha's experience of living in China and learning Chinese12:18 – Yascha's perspective on China's strengths and weaknesses20:12 – China in a global comparative perspective: Generational aspirations and demographic decline29:45 – China's Soft Power vs. Japan, Korea, and the U.S.45:30 – Media narratives on China: have they shifted?54:20 – Western Liberalism confronts China01:07:07 – Backlash & criticism01:11:35 - Polarization and “China as enemy” narrativesRecommendations: Yascha: The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (book), The Leopard (1963) (movie)Kaiser: A Thousand Small Sanities: The Moral Adventure of Liberalism by Adam Gopnik (book)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 17 September 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show. Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily LEAPMOTOR TO BUILD CARS IN SPAIN https://evne.ws/4mgfwEX SK ON OPENS SOLID-STATE BATTERY PILOT PLANT https://evne.ws/4poDxws RIVIAN BREAKS GROUND ON GEORGIA PLANT https://evne.ws/3VWurJG RENAULT 4 EV GETS A CARGO VAN VARIANT https://evne.ws/4nDkCwo UK GEELY EX5 CUSTOMERS GET FREE ANDERSEN A3 HOME CHARGER INSTALLED https://evne.ws/47G1wRs GAC AION V APPROVED FOR AUSTRALIA https://evne.ws/465ShsA TESLA MELBOURNE FSD TEST WAS NOT APPROVED  https://evne.ws/4nrNoQc TESLA ADDS 7‑YEAR WARRANTY TO SOME PARTS https://evne.ws/3IgdcQE NHTSA OPENS PROBE INTO 2021 TESLA MODEL Y DOORS https://evne.ws/465VwjM SUZUKI LAUNCHES E VITARA EV IN JAPAN IN JANUARY https://evne.ws/4prFSqo ID. TOUAREG COULD BE THE FIRST SSP MODEL https://evne.ws/3VkOLo4 VOLKSWAGEN DROPS FLUSH DOOR HANDLES FOR FUNCTION https://evne.ws/4gs1T4t NISSAN CUTS NEW LEAF OUTPUT OVER BATTERY SHORTAGE https://evne.ws/3VlzNya LEAPMOTOR TO BUILD CARS IN SPAIN Stellantis will enable Chinese automaker Leapmotor to assemble vehicles at a Spanish plant to bypass steep EU import tariffs, likely beginning with the B10 electric SUV next year. The €1.5 billion joint venture includes major investment in battery production at Zaragoza, positioning Leapmotor for broader European expansion under Stellantis's international partnership. SK ON OPENS SOLID-STATE BATTERY PILOT PLANT SK On has opened a Daejeon, South Korea pilot facility focused on sulphide- and polymer-oxide solid-state battery development, aiming for commercialization of sulphide-based cells in 2029—one year ahead of schedule. Backed by Solid Power's tech, the facility will produce prototype batteries featuring advanced lithium-metal and silicon anodes with targets up to 1,000 Wh/l energy density. RIVIAN BREAKS GROUND ON GEORGIA PLANT Rivian has started building a $5 billion EV plant in Georgia, aiming for 200,000 vehicles yearly by 2028, unaffected by the discontinuation of federal EV tax credits. The facility will support scale and lower costs for new models like the R2, following Tesla's profitability playbook as Rivian moves into higher-volume, lower-priced vehicles. RENAULT 4 EV GETS A CARGO VAN VARIANT Renault's new electric 4 is now offered as a cargo van with a load capacity of 1,045 litres and up to 254 miles of range, priced in France from €29,300 before VAT. The conversion is managed in-house by Renault at its Maubeuge plant, with multiple battery and power options for commercial customers. UK GEELY EX5 CUSTOMERS GET FREE ANDERSEN A3 HOME CHARGER INSTALLED Geely will provide buyers of the all-electric EX5 a free Andersen A3 home charger, featuring unique design and smart charging integration, for orders placed before October 23, 2025. The charger, which includes full installation and a seven-year warranty, is compatible with solar power and smart charging tariffs. GAC AION V APPROVED FOR AUSTRALIA Chinese automaker GAC's Aion V electric SUV has been cleared for sale in Australia, featuring a 75 kWh LFP battery for up to 374 miles of range and fast charging from 30% to 80% in 16 minutes. Pricing will start below $45,000 AUD, with deliveries and detailed specs announced closer to launch. TESLA MELBOURNE FSD TEST WAS NOT APPROVED Victorian authorities confirmed Tesla was not authorized to test "Full Self-Driving" on Melbourne's public roads after a viral video showed a Model Y performing an autonomous hook turn in the city center. Tesla says FSD is driver-supervised and not yet legal for autonomous use in Australia, where regulatory permits are required for such trials. TESLA ADDS 7‑YEAR WARRANTY TO SOME PARTS Tesla's 2026 model year vehicles in the US and Canada now carry a “High-Priced Propulsion-Related Part Warranty,” giving seven years' coverage for key electrical components like the power conversion system and high-voltage parts. This new warranty is separate from existing battery and drive unit terms, aimed at lowering costly repair risk for buyers. NHTSA OPENS PROBE INTO 2021 TESLA MODEL Y DOORS U.S. safety regulators have launched a probe into 174,000 Model Y vehicles from 2021 after reports the electronic door handles could fail, potentially trapping children inside. Preliminary findings suggest the issue is linked to low-voltage battery problems, and several parents broke windows to access their children during incidents. SUZUKI LAUNCHES E VITARA EV IN JAPAN IN JANUARY Suzuki's first battery-electric car, the e Vitara SUV, will go on sale in Japan in January 2026, produced in India for export and offering 267 miles per charge at around $27,000. It represents Suzuki's major push into global EVs with significant investments and ambitions for high-volume exports. ID. TOUAREG COULD BE THE FIRST SSP MODEL Volkswagen may transform its Touareg into the first fully electric SSP platform model, with combustion production ending in 2026 and SSP assembly possibly starting in Bratislava by 2029. The SSP platform promises cost savings and fast charging, with VW's wider rollout across brands and models to follow. VOLKSWAGEN DROPS FLUSH DOOR HANDLES FOR FUNCTION Volkswagen will move away from flush-mounted door handles in favor of traditional grab handles in response to customer frustration, as outlined by the brand's CEO at IAA Mobility. The company's next-gen ID. models will prioritize practicality to appeal to mainstream buyers over early adopters. NISSAN CUTS NEW LEAF OUTPUT OVER BATTERY SHORTAGE Nissan has halved production plans for its new Leaf due to shortfalls in battery supply, with revised output at the Tochigi plant being several thousand lower per month. The cutback delays a key launch for Nissan, which is betting on the new Leaf to reinvigorate its lagging EV business.

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: Chinese authorities have reportedly told the country's tech companies to stop buying chips from Nvidia, mortgage rates are dropping sharply ahead of today's highly anticipated Federal Reserve rate decision, Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield has quit his namesake company, Baidu shares are jumping, and Costco has recalled bottles of its house brand prosecco.  Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared introduces two new formulas from Vitality Nutrition: Liquid Yoga and Mind Fuel. Both blends are centered on lion's mane mushroom and shilajit, combined with carefully chosen herbs and mushrooms designed to either sharpen focus or encourage calm. Jared explains why he chose spagyric extraction—an ancient process that preserves the complete profile of plant compounds and minerals—and how this method enhances absorption and balance. You'll hear about the traditions of lion's mane in Chinese medicine, the role of shilajit in Ayurveda, and the unique contributions of additional ingredients like cordyceps, suma, gotu kola, reishi, ashwagandha, tulsi, and lemon balm. Whether the goal is mental clarity, natural energy, or emotional resilience, these formulas highlight the powerful synergy between mushrooms, herbs, and minerals, bridging time-honored wisdom with modern innovation.Products:Mind Fuel - Mushroom & Herb TinctureLiquid Yoga - Mushroom & Herb TinctureLife Seasons Fruit & Veggie Gummy (Vitality Radio POW! Product of the Week TWO bottles for $25.00, each additional bottle $12.50 with PROMO CODE: POW9)Visit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalitynutritionbountiful and @vitalityradio on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.

In episode 538 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers unpack the chaos of a rogue translator derailing Silksong's Chinese localization, the rollercoaster of post-launch game reviews, and the uphill climb of making sequels. They also share tips for finding trustworthy news, and drop the Overflow Update for Crashlands 2, pack with fresh content.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7fzLf59voSteam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bscotch.crashlands2Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crashlands-2/id152819933100:00 Introduction and Welcome01:03 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:11 Silksong Hype and Indie Game Success05:25 Localization Challenges and Translation Issues12:15 Game Launch Challenges and Community Feedback26:02 Review Scores and Post-Launch Adjustments29:40 Navigating Player Reactions to Game Sequels31:02 Balancing Expectations in Game Development32:43 The Challenge of Innovating While Retaining Core Fans35:08 Crashlands 2: Expanding and Innovating36:07 The Overflow Update: New Features and Enhancements38:27 Engaging with the Community and Gathering Feedback39:22 (Listener Question) Finding Reliable News Sources in a Click-Driven World46:48 The Importance of Expertise and Avoiding Misinformation01:01:23 Conclusion and Community EngagementTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, a political firestorm erupts on Capitol Hill. Rep. Nancy Mace introduces a resolution to strip Rep. Ilhan Omar of her committee assignments, accusing her of amplifying rhetoric that fuels “assassination culture.” Omar fires back on X, claiming Mace is fabricating quotes and attempting to censor her. This episode examines the rhetoric war in Congress, the role of influencers like Hasan Piker campaigning alongside far-left candidates, and the shocking calls for violence that surface in their circles. From chants of “kill landlords” to debates over free speech vs. incitement, the culture of political rage is laid bare. Meanwhile, new revelations surface about the FBI's Operation Arctic Frost, where 92 Republican entities — including Charlie Kirk's TPUSA and state attorneys general — were surveilled under the guise of “election threats,” even as whistleblower warnings of Chinese-backed absentee ballot fraud and fake IDs flooding U.S. airports were ignored. Add in hidden evidence from the so-called Clinton Annex and a Biden-linked $100 million Russian energy scheme, and the story becomes one of censorship, corruption, and control.

Was Charlie Kirk a terrorist? Was South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson a dangerous threat? According to the FBI's Operation Arctic Frost, they and 90 other Republican-linked individuals and groups were treated as if they were. This episode unpacks the explosive revelations about how the FBI allegedly spied on 92 Republican entities under the pretext of “election threats” — while ignoring or burying whistleblower evidence of Chinese-backed absentee ballot fraud and thousands of fake driver's licenses intercepted at Chicago O'Hare. We also dive into the Clinton Annex, a hidden cache of evidence that reportedly showed repeated felonies tied to Hillary Clinton's handling of classified information, and new documents naming Joe Biden directly in a $100 million Russian-linked scheme through Rosemont Seneca. While real crimes were classified and hidden, innocent Republicans were surveilled for questioning the 2020 election — raising the question: was the FBI protecting democracy, or manipulating it?

Episode 1795 - brought to you by our incredible sponsors: Better Help - Our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp dot com slash HARDFACTOR Lucy- Let's level up your nicotine routine with Lucy.  Go to ⁠⁠Lucy.co/HARDFACTOR⁠⁠ and use promo code (HARDFACTOR) to get 20% off your first order. Must be of age-verified. Hydrow- Go to Hydrow.com and use code HARDFACTOR to save up to $450 off your Hydrow Pro Rower! DaftKings- Download the DraftKings Casino app, sign up with code HARDFACTOR, and spin your favorite slots! The Crown is Yours - Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred GAMBLER Poncho- If you've been looking for the perfect shirt—give Poncho a try.  Go to ponchooutdoors.com/HARDFACTOR for $10 off your first order. Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Story Lineup (00:01:10) - Air pump thefts in Old Station, CA (00:06:25) - Famous CA chef arrested for robbing 3 banks in one day (00:12:55) - Sinkhole swallows delivery truck in Mexico City (00:15:30) - You have to watch ads in Chinese bathrooms to get a ration of toilet paper (00:22:15) A Florida man used scuba gear to escape after robbing a waterfront restaurant (00:30:05) A deep look inside Europe's Cyber Brothels, where you can have sex with a sex doll prostitute  Thank you for listening! Join our community at Patreon.com/HardFactor for access to bonus pods, discord chat, and more - but Most importantly, HAGFD!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of China Decode, hosts Alice Han and James Kynge explore whether China's stock market rally marks the start of a true bull market—or just another round of state-driven froth. They then turn to Ethiopia's $5 billion Grand Renaissance Dam, built with Chinese expertise and financing, and ask what it reveals about Beijing's expanding influence in the Global South—and how tensions with Egypt could put that influence to the test. Finally, they look at the global rise of Labubu, the sharp-toothed plush toy embraced by celebrities from Rihanna to Naomi Osaka, and what this craze says about China's growing role as a cultural exporter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HEADLINE: South Korea's President Accused of Aligning with CCP and North Korea GUEST AND TITLE: Morse Tan, former US Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice; Gordon Chang, author and geopolitical analyst SUMMARY: Morse Tan and Gordon Chang discuss South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's policies, including a visa waiver for Chinese tourists, which Tan likens to CCP tactics. Tan claims Yoon aligns with the Chinese Communist Party and North Korea, dismantling counterintelligence and attending parades with Putin and Kim Jong-un. He reports Chinese nationals, pro-Yoon, illegally voted, and a third of South Korean police are reportedly CCP operatives. Yoon'sapproval is low, with most Koreans distrusting the CCP and prioritizing the US alliance. 1940

    CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE 1957 9-15-25 GOOD EVENING.  THE SHOW BEGINS IN TROUBLED AMERICA... FIRST HOUR 9-915 HEADLINE: Global Allies Worry About US Division, Adversaries Exploit Weakness GUEST AND TITLE: Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Director of Eurasia Project; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Ambassador Husain Haqqani states US allies are "very worried" by American internal division and extreme rhetoric, unlike past unity. Bill Roggio notes similar European issues, but the US now seems to lead in domestic disorder. Adversaries like China, Russia, and Islamist extremists exploit this polarization, using social media manipulation and citing Western decline. Both emphasize leaders must reduce aggressive rhetoric, promote bipartisan cooperation, and control social media to heal divisions, advocating for unity to counter external exploitation and domestic radicalization. 915-930 HEADLINE: Global Allies Worry About US Division, Adversaries Exploit Weakness GUEST AND TITLE: Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Director of Eurasia Project; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies 930-945 HEADLINE: Political Crises Deepen in Brazil and Venezuela Amidst US Pressure GUEST AND TITLE: Alejandro Peña Esclusa, Venezuelan writer and thinker; Ernesto Araújo, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Brazil SUMMARY: Ernesto Araújo discusses former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for an alleged assassination plot, calling it a "show trial" despite a dissenting judge's opinion. He notes Bolsonaro's failed anti-system movement. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports a US military buildup near Venezuela, fostering internal military discussions about turning in Maduro. Both believe their countries' fates are linked; Venezuela's liberation could expose a crime network, potentially delegitimizing Lula's regime and fostering broader Latin American freedom 945-1000 HEADLINE: Political Crises Deepen in Brazil and Venezuela Amidst US Pressure GUEST AND TITLE: Alejandro Peña Esclusa, Venezuelan writer and thinker; Ernesto Araújo, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Brazil SUMMARY: Ernesto Araújo discusses former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for an alleged assassination plot, calling it a "show trial" despite a dissenting judge's opinion. He notes Bolsonaro's failed anti-system movement. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports a US military buildup near Venezuela, fostering internal military discussions about turning in Maduro. Both believe their countries' fates are linked; Venezuela's liberation could expose a crime network, potentially delegitimizing Lula's regime and fostering broader Latin American freedom SECOND HOUR 10-1015 HEADLINE: Houthis Remain Undeterred Despite Israeli Strikes and US Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Houthi Watcher; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey reports Houthis continue daily drone and missile launches towards Israel, with Israeli Iron Dome defenses proving effective. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi military and media infrastructure in Sana'a, causing civilian casualties. US Treasury sanctioned 32 Houthi-affiliated individuals/entities for supporting Iranian-backed smuggling networks. Toomey confirms Iran absolutely provides weapons, mostly via ship routes, despite interdiction efforts. She notes Houthis are undeterred, fueled by past attacks, and will likely continue unless Iran is held accountable. Bill Roggio critiques a recent, unsuccessful Israeli strike in Doha. 1015-1030 HEADLINE: Houthis Remain Undeterred Despite Israeli Strikes and US Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Houthi Watcher; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey reports Houthis continue daily drone and missile launches towards Israel, with Israeli Iron Dome defenses proving effective. Israel responded with strikes on Houthi military and media infrastructure in Sana'a, causing civilian casualties. US Treasury sanctioned 32 Houthi-affiliated individuals/entities for supporting Iranian-backed smuggling networks. Toomey confirms Iran absolutely provides weapons, mostly via ship routes, despite interdiction efforts. She notes Houthis are undeterred, fueled by past attacks, and will likely continue unless Iran is held accountable. Bill Roggio critiques a recent, unsuccessful Israeli strike in Doha. 1030-1045 HEADLINE: South Korea's President Accused of Aligning with CCP and North Korea GUEST AND TITLE: Morse Tan, former US Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice; Gordon Chang, author and geopolitical analyst SUMMARY: Morse Tan and Gordon Chang discuss South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's policies, including a visa waiver for Chinese tourists, which Tan likens to CCP tactics. Tan claims Yoon aligns with the Chinese Communist Party and North Korea, dismantling counterintelligence and attending parades with Putin and Kim Jong-un. He reports Chinese nationals, pro-Yoon, illegally voted, and a third of South Korean police are reportedly CCP operatives. Yoon'sapproval is low, with most Koreans distrusting the CCP and prioritizing the US alliance. 1045-1100 HEADLINE: China's Advanced Weapon Systems and Global Asteroid Defense Ambitions GUEST AND TITLE: Rick Fisher, Senior Fellow, International Assessment and Strategy Center; Gordon Chang, author and geopolitical analyst SUMMARY: Rick Fisher discusses China's new DF-26D ballistic missile, capable of intercepting aircraft carriers up to 4,000 km, and other advanced unmanned weapon systems surpassing US capabilities. Gordon Chang questions US defense against these hypersonic threats. Fisher notes Russia's Energia space program faces financial distress due to the Ukraine war. China proposes an international asteroid defense, inviting global participation. Fisher warns this PLA-controlled initiative could be a front to develop anti-satellite capabilities and challenge the US in future conflicts. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 HEADLINE: Ukraine Advances in Sumy, NATO Urged to Boost Russia Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: John Hardie, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesSUMMARY: John Hardie discusses Ukrainian advances in the Sumy border area, noting Russia has redeployed better units to other regions like Donetsk, focusing on areas near Pokrovsk. He suggests Ukraine's counterattacks are part of an active defense, and their focus on Pokrovsk is strategically sound despite manpower shortages. Hardie highlights recent massive Russian drone barrages, including one into Poland, as a "wake-up call" for NATO to improve cost-effective air defenses. He advocates for stronger US secondary sanctions on Russian oil revenue and untying Ukraine's hands for long-range strikes. 1115-1130 HEADLINE: Ukraine Advances in Sumy, NATO Urged to Boost Russia Sanctions GUEST AND TITLE: John Hardie, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies130-1145 HEADLINE: MIT Professor Explains the Discovery of Ionic Liquid, Expanding Search for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David Livingston, Dr. Space of the Space Show SUMMARY: Professor Sara Seager discusses the accidental lab discovery of ionic liquids, a non-evaporating liquid salt potentially sustaining life on planets without water, expanding the traditional "habitable zone" concept. She envisions future missions like a Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope. For her lifetime, Professor Seager prioritizes privately funded "Morning Star missions" to Venus, beginning with Rocket Lab in 2026, to directly study its cloud particles for signs of life in this overlooked sister planet.1145-1200 HEADLINE: MIT Professor Explains the Discovery of Ionic Liquid, Expanding Search for Extraterrestrial Life GUEST AND TITLE: Professor Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David Livingston, Dr. Space of the Space Show SUMMARY: Professor Sara Seager discusses the accidental lab discovery of ionic liquids, a non-evaporating liquid salt potentially sustaining life on planets without water, expanding the traditional "habitable zone" concept. She envisions future missions like a Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope. For her lifetime, Professor Seager prioritizes privately funded "Morning Star missions" to Venus, beginning with Rocket Lab in 2026, to directly study its cloud particles for signs of life in this overlooked sister planet FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 HEADLINE: US Diplomat Addresses Failed Doha Strike Amidst Iranian Defiance GUEST AND TITLE: Mary Kissel, Executive Vice President, Stephens Incorporated, former Senior Advisor for the Secretary of State SUMMARY: Mary Kissel discusses Secretary of State Marco Rubio's diplomatic shuttle after an unsuccessful Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leadership. Despite the failure, she believes Israel's defense capabilities and past decapitation efforts were incredible, fostering public resolve against terrorism. Kissel notes Qatar's role as a money-laundering center and host of terror groups, despite its strategic importance to the US. She emphasizes that Iran, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, remains defiant regarding its nuclear and missile programs, posing an ongoing challenge for Israel and the US.1215-1230 Guest Names: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio discuss Al-Sharaa, the self-named president of Syria, who was appointed by militia leaders. His loyalist-drafted constitution grants him extensive powers, with key ministries held by former HTScommanders, and minority representatives serving as mere tokens. Formal Name: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies 1230-1245 HEADLINE: Genocide Allegations Against Israel Debunked by Expert Analysis GUEST AND TITLE: Peter Berkowitz, Tad and Diane Taube Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University SUMMARY: Peter Berkowitz debunks genocide allegations against Israel, emphasizing the UN definition requires intent to destroy a group. He questions the credibility of the International Association of Genocide Scholars. Berkowitz highlights the absurdity, noting the Palestinian population tripled since the 1980s despite such claims. He attributes propaganda success to Hamas's use of human shields, shifting responsibility for civilian casualties. A comprehensive report systematically refutes claims of deliberate starvation, civilian targeting, and infrastructure bombing, demonstrating Israel's precautions.1245-100 AM HEADLINE: Genocide Allegations Against Israel Debunked by Expert Analysis GUEST AND TITLE: Peter Berkowitz, Tad and Diane Taube Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University SUMMARY: Peter Berkowitz debunks genocide allegations against Israel, emphasizing the UN definition require

j To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus  (NOT a Morning Mindset resource)   ⇒ Get a copy of the MM Companion Journal: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/journal ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:3-5  - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, [5] who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Underwrite one daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi Subscribe to the CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/   ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.  

Superstars like Jannik Sinner and Mikaela Shiffrin wear a headset to train their minds and get in the zone. But a six-month investigation by Hunterbrook Media, in collaboration with PTFO, uncovered the technology's secret funding by entities linked to the Chinese government — plus partnerships with robotics companies helping to train super-soldiers of the future. Hunterbrook's Sam Koppelman examines the potential impact on AI, mind control, state surveillance, cognitive warfare... and one very surprised Super Bowl champion.Read the full Hunterbrook investigation into BrainCo at https://hntrbrk.com/brainco/ or listen to the Hunterbrook podcast, The Hunt, wherever you get your podcasts.(Pablo Torre Finds Out is independently produced by Meadowlark Media and distributed by The Athletic. The views, research and reporting expressed in this episode are solely those of Pablo Torre Finds Out and Hunterbrook Media and do not reflect the work or editorial input of The Athletic or its journalists.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The word דקירה can take us from a relaxing acupuncture treatment to the newsy mayhem of a stabbing attack. Guy explains the full gamut of uses provided to us by the root דקר. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon   New Words and Expressions: Pigu'ah – Terror attack – פיגוע Dkira – Stabbing – דקירה “Bo nikach dkira ktana” – Let's take a little sting/prick – בוא ניקח דקירה קטנה “Mashehu mukar et libi dakar” – Something familiar stung my heart – משהו מוכר את ליבי דקר Lidkor – To stab – לדקור Zeh doker – It prickles, it stings – זה דוקר Dakru oti be-machat – They pricked/stung me with a needle – דקרו אותי במחט Zo rak dkira ktana – It's just a little prick – זו רק דקירה קטנה “Mabata ha-chai haya doker oti la-bechi” – Her living stair used to pierce me to tears – מבטה החי היה דוקר אותי בלחי Be-afula emesh nidkar chayal – A soldier was stabbed in Afula yesterday evening – בעפולה אמש נדקר חייל Lehidaker – To be stabbed – להידקר Eich efshar lekalef, le'echol sabres bli lehidaker – How one can peel, eat cactus fruits without getting pricked – איך אפשר לקלף, לאכול סברס בלי להידקר Dikur – Acupuncture – דיקור Ledaker – To perform acupuncture – לדקר Yesh li dikur hayom – I've got an acupuncture session today – יש לי דיקור היום Dikur sini – Chinese acupuncture – דיקור סיני Dikur yapani – Japanese acupuncture – דיקור יפני “Medukar” – An acupuncture patient – מדוקר Medaker – Acupuncturist – מדקר Dokranim – Spike strips – דוקרנים Ke-madkerot cherev – “Like a dagger in the heart” – כמדקרות חרב Zeh hirgish kmo dkira ba-lev – It felt like a sting in your heart – זה הרגיש כמו דקירה בלב   Guy's parting monologue: לא פשוט לגור כאן בימים האחרונים, תחושה קשה של חידלון, של חוסר תקווה, אלימות. אבל לאט לאט שומעים יותר ויותר על יוזמות אזרחיות של אנשים פרטיים, יהודים וערבים, שלא רוצים להיות אוייבים ומבינים שאנחנו הולכים לגור כאן ביחד בארץ הזו, לא משנה מה יהיה. בסוף השבוע היה מסיק זיתים משותף לערבים ויהודים בצפון הארץ. היו הפגנות משותפות שקראו לשלום וברדיו מדברים ילדים ערבים ויהודים שלומדים ביחד בבתי ספר משותפים, ויודעים עברית וערבית. אז יש תקווה   Playlist and Clips: Tofa'at Dopler – Lipol al Gan Eden (lyrics) Riki Gal – Tokyo Gdola (lyrics) Corinne Alal – Te'una (lyrics) Meir Ariel – Shir Ke'ev (lyrics) Eich le'echol sabres bli lehidaker Dikur bayit Ehud Banai – Al Tifchad (lyrics)

Looks like we're going to be getting new Meta smartglasses later this week. OpenAI wants to up its AI for coding game. Is the whole TikTok saga finally coming to a conclusion? Almost half a billion people use Spotify for free? And how to use the best feature of the new iOS. 'Meta Ray-Ban Display' Glasses Design & HUD Clips Leak Ahead Of Connect (Upload) OpenAI upgrades Codex with a new version of GPT-5 (TechCrunch) Beijing says TikTok's US app will use Chinese algorithm (Financial Times) Spotify will now let free users pick and play tracks (TechCrunch) iOS 26 Review: A New Look I'll Be Happy With for the Next 12 Years (CNet) Podcast Listener Survey: https://www.morningbrewbreakroom.com/c/r/Tech-Brew-Ride-Home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded live at RE+, Sylvia Leyva Martinez, Research Director at Wood Mackenzie, hosts Ryan Chen and Neil Bradshaw from Hithium to unpack the true costs of OB3, the constraints on innovation and fire safety as result of the bill, and the future possibilities for AIDC.Neil Bradshaw is Director of Global Applications Engineering, and takes the view that even US manufacturers aren't immune from the OBBA's sweeping impact on supply chains: “imagine you are a manufacturer based in the US but you're importing parts, and all of a sudden you have a policy that comes through that changes how you bring in parts and maybe you can't find local cells or you can't find a certain component,” he says. How are manufacturers responding to this uncertainty? How are they planning for the next few years, never mind decades?Ryan Chen is Chief of Staff to the Chairman at Hithium, and he shares with Sylvia how Hithium is betting big on Texas manufacturing, investing before they even had offtake agreements in place. You'll hear how they're importing not just equipment but full-scale Chinese manufacturing practices - down to autonomous container movers - and why true scale is the only way to compete.Plus, hear how AI is driving new demand for storage, how bankruptcies are shaking up the talent market, and why even something as small as a paint colour change can cost millions in safety testing.Got power? At Hithium Energy Storage, we make sure the answer is always yes. Ranked 7 times as a BNEF Tier 1 provider with the Top 2 global battery shipments in 2025, Hithium delivers safe, reliable, profitable energy solutions that keep the clean energy transition moving forward. Let green energy benefit all. Trusted worldwide, built to last.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 16 September 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show. Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily CUPRA TINDAYA IS VW'S ANSWER THE CHINESE RANGE EXTENDERS https://evne.ws/3KopUgD GEELY LAUNCHES EX5 ELECTRIC SUV IN UK https://evne.ws/4n4e0ae VW DELAYS ID. GOLF AND ID. ROC TO 2030 https://evne.ws/4pH14Jp TESLA BERLIN PLANT RAISES OUTPUT DESPITE SALES DROP https://evne.ws/3IdI1p2 ALL-ELECTRIC AUDI RS6 E-TRON FUTURE UNCLEAR https://evne.ws/3I32pJw HONG KONG PURSUES LOCAL EV ASSEMBLY BASE https://evne.ws/41RwmTA LUCID TO EXPAND IN ASIA, BUT NOT CHINA https://evne.ws/41UAceF EXTENDING AUSTRALIAN EV TAX EXEMPTION ADDS 1.5 MILLION TO ROADS https://evne.ws/3JXn5mR NISSAN AND CHARGESCAPE LAUNCH V2G PILOT https://evne.ws/464rMUm FORD'S MOVE TO LFP BATTERIES https://evne.ws/46ofcy6 TOYOTA UK PROFIT FALLS TO £462,000 https://evne.ws/4goz5K1 USED EV CREDIT WORTH $4,000 ENDING SOON https://evne.ws/4mfAZxS UK REQUIRES LOCK UPGRADES FOR CHINESE CARS https://evne.ws/3K58IN8 CUPRA TINDAYA PREVIEWS EV FORMENTOR REPLACEMENT AND RANGE EXTENDER PLANS Cupra unveiled the Tindaya concept at the Munich motor show, hinting at a Formentor successor and showcasing Volkswagen Group's SSP platform with range-extender EV capability for increased market flexibility, especially in China. The sporty, composite-bodied SUV pairs dual motors and a petrol engine for 300 km range, with a production debut expected around 2027 or 2028. GEELY LAUNCHES EX5 ELECTRIC SUV IN UK Geely has launched its EX5 electric SUV in the UK, starting at £31,990 and offering up to 267 miles of range on a lithium-iron-phosphate battery with rapid charging. Featuring trims up to £36,990, the EX5 targets fleet buyers, includes a six-year warranty, and will begin deliveries in late October. VW DELAYS ID. GOLF AND ID. ROC TO 2030 Volkswagen has postponed production of its ID. Golf and ID. Roc EVs to 2030, with the ID. Roc debuting first on the new SSP platform, followed by the ID. Golf. The delay triggers a reshuffle of its plant allocations, with related internal combustion and EV model moves now set for clarification in annual planning later in the year. BERLIN PLANT RAISES OUTPUT DESPITE SALES DROP Tesla's Berlin Grünheide factory is increasing its production targets in response to anticipated market strength, despite ACEA reporting a 44% sales drop in the EU and a 39% decline in German registrations through August. Tesla attributes the downturn to Model Y design updates disrupting sales, with Norway showing strong growth and production revised upwards for Q3 and Q4. ALL-ELECTRIC AUDI RS6 E-TRON FUTURE UNCLEAR The fully electric Audi RS6 e-tron may be canceled, even as prototypes continue road testing, with Audi expected instead to launch a plug-in hybrid RS6 alongside its traditional combustion model. Both vehicles were planned to share RS6 design cues but sit on different platforms, and initial plans had the EV debuting before the plug-in hybrid's 2026 arrival. HONG KONG PURSUES LOCAL EV ASSEMBLY BASE Hong Kong is negotiating with multiple Chinese carmakers, including FAW Group, to establish local EV production facilities as part of a push for strategic industry and international expansion. High local costs and China's overcapacity drive suppliers to Hong Kong's financial sector, with major players like Contemporary Amperex Technology already setting up headquarters and listing on the city's stock exchange. LUCID TO EXPAND IN ASIA, BUT NOT CHINA Lucid Motors plans expansion into Asian markets but will avoid China, citing heavy subsidies and overcapacity as reasons for staying out. Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff expressed confidence in Lucid's technology and competitiveness while focusing future models on the $50,000 segment and higher, not the low-cost market. EXTENDING AUSTRALIAN EV TAX EXEMPTION COULD ADD 1.5 MILLION TO ROADS Extending Australia's EV fringe-benefits tax exemption to 2035 could add 1.5 million electric cars to Australian roads, according to Electric Vehicle Council modelling. The policy has driven over 100,000 additional EV sales since 2022, with further benefits possible for plug-in hybrids and the second-hand market. NISSAN AND CHARGESCAPE LAUNCH V2G PILOT Nissan and ChargeScape have launched a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot in Silicon Valley, using Nissan EVs and Fermata Energy bidirectional chargers to support grid demand for local data centers. The project aims to set a model for broader V2G integration through California's virtual power plant network and beyond. FORD TOUTS MOVE TO LFP BATTERIES Ford will manufacture lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at its BlueOval Michigan plant from 2026, using CATL technology for future vehicles including a mid-size pickup. LFP batteries offer lower cost and better safety, though less energy density, and Ford remains open to evolving battery chemistry based on market needs and possible new plants. TOYOTA UK PROFIT FALLS TO £462,000 Toyota Motor UK's pre-tax profits fell sharply to £462,000 with revenues down over £135m, attributed to fleet mix management and compliance with tighter ZEV mandates. Despite a drop in market share, Toyota will expand its EV offering next year, including the all-electric Urban Cruiser SUV debuting in late 2025. USED EV CREDIT WORTH $4,000 ENDING SOON The U.S. federal Used Clean Vehicle Credit, worth up to $4,000 for electric or plug-in hybrid cars priced under $25,000, expires September 30. The credit drove significant price declines and saw models like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt become notably affordable, making immediate purchases attractive for eligible buyers. UK REQUIRES LOCK UPGRADES FOR CHINESE CARS UK insurers have required Chinese car manufacturers to improve their vehicles' anti-theft devices and locking systems to better meet local standards amid rising theft rates, now at 102,000 annually. Brands like BYD have worked with regulators and added advanced technology to boost security as Chinese car sales surge in Britain.

Joe and Nathan are back with a voicemail-heavy edition of The Rumor Mill. Listeners from around the world check in — from Cleveland to Kentucky, from Australia to Finland — to share feedback, stories, and a few zingers. Along the way, Joe reflects on the show's evolution from its spoiler-days roots, teases the possibility of a hiatus when Nathan heads off on his world trip, and even slips into character as a “Chinese spy” mid-call. Highlights include: Anonymous callers asking for more “planned bits” and reminding Joe of long-forgotten show gags. A deep dive into listener Brendan's hot-take on Sasha vs. Shea, sparking debate about queens who've aged well — or not. Matt from Michigan explaining how Afterthought Media helped him through a rough tinnitus flare, and throwing some unexpected shade Nathan's way. Sean, Chloe, Halle, Allie, and James all chiming in with appreciation, questions, and stories — including a shoutout to classic Afterthought shows like Fat Camp, Hallmark Homo's, Fighting Prince Charming, and Murder House Flip. A quick look at RuPaul's DJ set with fracking imagery in the background — not exactly headline news, but worth a mention. A sneak peek at possible new theme songs for the “news” segment, complete with AI-generated lyrics that sound more Hunger Games opening ceremony than drag gossip. It's an episode that blends community, comedy, and camp — a reminder that The Rumor Mill thrives as much on listener voices as it does on Joe and Nathan's banter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some things can't be seen—only felt. The texture of presence, the quiet shifts in atmosphere, the way the body speaks before words arrive. In the clinic, it's not always the protocols or point prescriptions that lead the way, but something quieter. Something more fluid.In this conversation with Felix de Haas, we meander through the tactile world of East Asian medicine—through pulse, palpation, and the subtle feedback that unfolds when you listen with your hands. Felix shares how Chinese medicine didn't just appear in his life—it found him. And how the most meaningful parts of practice often live in the places we're still learning to trust.Listen into this discussion as we explore the idea of 通 tong as communication and opening, the felt shape of qi, why protocols eventually fall away, and how clinical insight often begins with not knowing.Felix brings a lifetime of experience, sense of history, and a willingness to stay curious. This conversation is for anyone who's ever wondered if the body might be whispering more than we're used to hearing.

Carl Quintanilla, Sara Eisen, and David Faber began the show with a look at the big Fed meeting on deck, a day after an appeals court ruled that President Trump cannot fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook before the FOMC Meeting. David Faber also had a new Faber report on TikTok, saying that the framework agreement for the social media platform will include new investors as well as existing investors in the platform's Chinese parent company ByteDance. Later in the hour, CNBC's Phil LeBeau brought an exclusive interview with the CEO of Rivian on the company's new $5B EV assembly plant in Georgia. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does balance really mean in fertility care? Can Eastern medicine like acupuncture and herbs truly support reproductive health? And how can Western and Eastern approaches come together for better outcomes?  In this episode of Brave and Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine leans into these big questions in a conversation that bridges two worlds of medicine. Joining Dr. Shahine is Dr. Lorne Brown, acupuncturist and host of the Conscious Fertility podcast, who brings a holistic perspective rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.  Together, they explore how Eastern practices—like acupuncture, nutrition, and stress reduction—align with Western science and treatments such as IVF, IUI, and recurrent miscarriage care. This integrative dialogue sheds light on how patients can benefit from both evidence-based medicine and time-honored approaches. In this episode you'll hear: [1:37] Welcome Dr. Lorne Brown and Dr. Lora Shahine [3:15] Men's role in fertility and miscarriage [6:10] Integrating Eastern and Western medicines in fertility care [9:20] Myths & realities with age and fertility [14:07] Optimizing fertility through lifestyle and health [19:24] Embryo transfers: fresh vs. frozen [26:49] The importance of sperm health [33:18] The role of stress in fertility [41:44] Nutritional guidance for fertility [47:22] Recommended supplements for fertility [49:09] Final thoughts and resources Resources mentioned:  Resolve.org acubalance.ca   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

“My book is called Empire of AI because I'm trying to articulate this argument and illustrate that these companies operate exactly like empires of old. I highlight four features that essentially encapsulate the three things you read. However, I started talking about it in a different way after writing the book.The four features are: they lay claim to resources that are not their own, which is the centralization of resources; they exploit an extraordinary amount of labor, both in the development of the technology and the fact that they're producing labor-automating technologies that then suppress workers' ability to bargain for better rights; they monopolize knowledge production, which comes when they centralize talent.”In this episode of the Speaking Out of Place podcast, Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with investigative journalist Karen Hao. She explains that OpenAI is anything but “open”—very early on, it left behind that marketing tag to become increasingly closed and elitist. Her massive study, Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI had a rather different subtitle in its UK edition: Inside the reckless race of total domination. She fleshes out the overlap between these two points of emphasis. Hao argues that in general, the AI mission “centralizes talent around a grand ambition” and “centralizes capital and other resources while eliminating roadblocks, regulation, and dissent.” All the while, “the mission remains so vague that it can be interpreted and reinterpreted to direct the centralization of talent, capital, resources, however the centralizer wants.” Karen explains that she chose the word “empire” precisely to indicate the colonial nature of AI's domination: the tremendous damage this enterprise does to the poor, to racial and ethnic minorities, and to the Global South in general in terms of minds, bodies, the environment, natural resources, and any notion of democracy. This is a discussion everyone should be part of.Karen Hao is a bestselling author and award-winning reporter covering the impacts of artificial intelligence on society. She was the first journalist to profile OpenAI and wrote a book, Empire of AI, about the company and its global implications, which became an instant New York Times bestseller. She writes for publications including The Atlantic and leads the Pulitzer Center's AI Spotlight Series, a program that trains thousands of journalists worldwide on how to cover AI. She was formerly a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, covering American and Chinese tech companies, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. Her work is regularly taught in universities and cited by governments. She has received numerous accolades for her coverage, including an American Humanist Media Award, an American National Magazine Award for Journalists Under 30, and the TIME100 AI. She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from MIT.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

The U.S. version of TikTok may continue to use the Chines version of the Algorithm, a U.S. Court of Appeals denied Google’s request to pause Play Store reforms, and Microsoft is integrating Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4 into Visual Studio Code for GitHub Copilot. MP3 Please SUBSCRIBE HERE for free or get DTNS Live ad-free. AContinue reading "The US Version of TikTok May Continue To Use The Chinese Algorithm – DTH"

Denmark may be a small country, but it produces world-class athletes in cycling, tennis, handball, badminton, and golf. How do they do it? And how does the tax-financed effort to create athletic champions fit with the culture code of "Jante Law", the idea is that no one should think themselves better than anyone else?  September is when fall sports season starts in Denmark. The badminton league begins, so does volleyball and basketball and hockey. Most importantly, the handball season kicks off, and while I'm not a handball fan myself, I always know when that season is underway because my otherwise mild-mannered downstairs neighbor begins screaming at his flatscreen, cheering on or scolding Denmark's handball girls or handball boys, the teams are equally popular in Denmark.  Team handball was invented in Denmark – and like design, it's a national passion. Danish teams have won several World Championships and many Olympic Gold Medals. Football, otherwise known as soccer, is popular too, although given the international competition, it's a bit harder for little Denmark to win championships. The Danish national team did win a European championship in 1992, something any Danish man over 40 will be happy to discuss with you in great detail. Right now there are more than 300,000 registered football players in Denmark if you count amateur, pro, and semi-pro teams. The population of Denmark is 6 million. That means one out of every 20 Danes is on a football team. Danish athletes are not particularly rich, and the ones who do make big money have tapped into markets outside of Denmark. The most famous is badminton player Viktor Axelsen. Since badminton is most popular in Asia, Viktor Axelsen learned fluent Mandarin Chinese. There are lots of endorsements in the Chinese market. The golfing Højgaard twins, Rasmus and Nicolai, make their money on the international golf circuits, in particular the PGA.  Both of them also have endorsement deals. And Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard makes his money not just in France, but also via international endorsements.   Many Danes do sports in their spare time. A bike ride through Copenhagen wouldn't be complete without a middle-aged Lycra lout cyclist who thinks he's Jonas Vingegaard speeding past you in the bike lanes, sometimes screaming “Bagfra!” or “I'm coming up behind you!” Besides criminals and welfare cheats, these are the least liked men in Denmark. And many Danes are involved with what's often described as hygge sports, where the win or the loss isn't as important as the beers with your buddies or pasta with your girls afterwards. These leagues cover the entire lifespan – old boys football clubs or old girls rowing teams can keep you fit long past retirement age – and they often start in childhood. Schools in Denmark have physical education classes – under the old Viking word idraet – but they rarely have school sports teams. Sports are played through clubs, mostly amateur clubs, which is nice for the kids, because if they don't have many friends at school they can make different friends at their sports club. These clubs are part of a huge network connected to Team Denmark, which is a government project to create Denmark's future sports stars. It's always funny to me that there is so much support for elite sport development in a country so keen on Jante Law. Under the Jante Law, the idea is that no one should think themselves better than anyone else. You see this in Danish working culture, and you also see it in the educational system. Smart kids in Denmark don't get a boost – they're expected to just attend ordinary classes and help their slower classmates. There are very few gifted and talented programs, and unlike Germany or the UK, Denmark doesn't academically track children when they're 10 or 11, sending some to more challenging academic programs. In Denmark, you can get away with messing around and doing very little in school until your second year of high school – gymnasium – around age 17 or 18, and then buckle down and end up finding yourself in med school or international business, two of the most sought-after university programs. But, in sport, Denmark begins looking for talent very early. The local sports clubs work with Team Denmark to create a pipeline of talented kids. Team Denmark, which is part of the culture ministry, has been around for forty years, but it constantly updates which sports it supports. Being practical Danes, they aim for sports in which little Denmark has a good chance of big success. Right now, that's badminton, handball, cycling, plus the various sports played on or in the water – sailing, kayaking, swimming, rowing. Denmark has a long tradition of sports that involve boats or water. With all its little islands and fjords, it has more coastline than India. By age 13, these kids are offered places in talent centers or elite sports schools, and when they're 15 and ready for secondary schools, there will be an elite sport track that gives them flexibility to train and compete. Danish universities offer flexibility for the athletes of Team Denmark when it comes to papers and exams. Some companies even offer part-time internships for Denmark's elite athletes, so they can keep their civilian career on track while pursuing their sport. Of course, once they've succeeded at that sport, Jante Law kicks in again. Danish athletes who win things are expected to give credit to their teammates, to their trainers, to the collective effort. To say things like, well, “I was third, I got the bronze, but I could have easily been fourth.” They're also expected to stay in Denmark and pay Danish taxes. Viktor Axelsen found himself rather unpopular when he moved to Dubai. His excuse was the better flight connections to badminton matches Asia, as well as the dry weather being good for his asthma, but everyone knew the difference between 56% income tax on top earners in Denmark and 0% in Dubai probably weighed in his decision. The ideal Danish elite athlete is probably Michael Laudrup, who played football at the highest levels throughout Europe in the 1990s, but was always very humble about his skills. After he retired he came back to Denmark, where he now runs a wine business, does some Danish TV commentary, and no doubt pays substantial Danish taxes. This is sporting success in one of the most egalitarian countries in the world. And that's the How to Live in Denmark podcast for this week. You can read all our of episodes of the Danish Year series at howtoliveindenmark.com, or book me, Kay Xander Mellish, for a speech to your group or organization, anywhere in the world. I love to travel; make me an offer. You can also get our books at books.howtoliveindenmark.com. See you next time!  

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1147: Today we're covering a first-of-its-kind Stellantis store acquisition backed by Ellenae Fairhurst's trust, a new AI tool that negotiates car deals for shoppers, and the latest U.S.-China framework over TikTokThe late Ellenae Fairhurst's legacy lives on as a Stellantis store in Virginia has new owners, in a new approach to dealership ownership.Fairhurst Automotive, backed by the Ellenae Fairhurst Entrepreneurial Trust, acquired and rebranded the South Richmond CDJR store.Ellenae Fairhurst was the first Black woman to own Infiniti and Lexus stores in the US and her trust, formed in 2024, funds and mentors first-time Black dealers with a path to majority ownership and wealth creation.New co-owners Ken Banks and Chris Justice navigated regulatory hurdles and surprise costs, including a $50,000 business license and $40,000 in IT upgrades.Adviser Stuart McCallum and the team at Biltmore Automotive guided the operators through everything from DMS installation to state licensing.“They took two people who knew nothing about ownership… and just walked us through it,” said co-owner Chris Justice.Many customers dread negotiating a car price, so CarEdge thinks AI should do it for you. The startup's new “AI Negotiator” lets customers pay $40 to have an AI agent haggle with dealers on their behalf.CarEdge launched its AI Negotiator app in July; over 2,000 customers have already paid to try it.Users set a target price, and the AI contacts dealers directly via email and text — without revealing it's not a human.The system tracks 150+ data points per interaction, building a database of doc fees and add-ons nationwide.Founder Zach Shefska says dealers and OEMs are already taking notice, calling CarEdge “the tip of the spear.”“There's still going to be people that walk up to the dealership [to negotiate], but there's a percentage of sales that can happen without the incumbent cost infrastructure, and everyone can win. That's what I'm passionate about,” Shefska said.The U.S. and China have struck a framework deal over TikTok's ownership, potentially shifting control from ByteDance to a U.S. company.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the framework during trade talks in Madrid; Trump and Xi are expected to discuss final details Friday.The deal addresses U.S. demands for local control of user data and oversight of TikTok's proprietary algorithm.China insists it won't compromise on principles or allow “politicization” of technology and trade.Broader issues remain unresolved, including fentanyl chemical exports, sanctions on Chinese firms, and new U.S. export controls.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

“My book is called Empire of AI because I'm trying to articulate this argument and illustrate that these companies operate exactly like empires of old. I highlight four features that essentially encapsulate the three things you read. However, I started talking about it in a different way after writing the book.The four features are: they lay claim to resources that are not their own, which is the centralization of resources; they exploit an extraordinary amount of labor, both in the development of the technology and the fact that they're producing labor-automating technologies that then suppress workers' ability to bargain for better rights; they monopolize knowledge production, which comes when they centralize talent.”In this episode of the Speaking Out of Place podcast, Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with investigative journalist Karen Hao. She explains that OpenAI is anything but “open”—very early on, it left behind that marketing tag to become increasingly closed and elitist. Her massive study, Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI had a rather different subtitle in its UK edition: Inside the reckless race of total domination. She fleshes out the overlap between these two points of emphasis. Hao argues that in general, the AI mission “centralizes talent around a grand ambition” and “centralizes capital and other resources while eliminating roadblocks, regulation, and dissent.” All the while, “the mission remains so vague that it can be interpreted and reinterpreted to direct the centralization of talent, capital, resources, however the centralizer wants.” Karen explains that she chose the word “empire” precisely to indicate the colonial nature of AI's domination: the tremendous damage this enterprise does to the poor, to racial and ethnic minorities, and to the Global South in general in terms of minds, bodies, the environment, natural resources, and any notion of democracy. This is a discussion everyone should be part of.Karen Hao is a bestselling author and award-winning reporter covering the impacts of artificial intelligence on society. She was the first journalist to profile OpenAI and wrote a book, Empire of AI, about the company and its global implications, which became an instant New York Times bestseller. She writes for publications including The Atlantic and leads the Pulitzer Center's AI Spotlight Series, a program that trains thousands of journalists worldwide on how to cover AI. She was formerly a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, covering American and Chinese tech companies, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. Her work is regularly taught in universities and cited by governments. She has received numerous accolades for her coverage, including an American Humanist Media Award, an American National Magazine Award for Journalists Under 30, and the TIME100 AI. She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from MIT.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

“My book is called Empire of AI because I'm trying to articulate this argument and illustrate that these companies operate exactly like empires of old. I highlight four features that essentially encapsulate the three things you read. However, I started talking about it in a different way after writing the book.The four features are: they lay claim to resources that are not their own, which is the centralization of resources; they exploit an extraordinary amount of labor, both in the development of the technology and the fact that they're producing labor-automating technologies that then suppress workers' ability to bargain for better rights; they monopolize knowledge production, which comes when they centralize talent.”In this episode of the Speaking Out of Place podcast, Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with investigative journalist Karen Hao. She explains that OpenAI is anything but “open”—very early on, it left behind that marketing tag to become increasingly closed and elitist. Her massive study, Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI had a rather different subtitle in its UK edition: Inside the reckless race of total domination. She fleshes out the overlap between these two points of emphasis. Hao argues that in general, the AI mission “centralizes talent around a grand ambition” and “centralizes capital and other resources while eliminating roadblocks, regulation, and dissent.” All the while, “the mission remains so vague that it can be interpreted and reinterpreted to direct the centralization of talent, capital, resources, however the centralizer wants.” Karen explains that she chose the word “empire” precisely to indicate the colonial nature of AI's domination: the tremendous damage this enterprise does to the poor, to racial and ethnic minorities, and to the Global South in general in terms of minds, bodies, the environment, natural resources, and any notion of democracy. This is a discussion everyone should be part of.Karen Hao is a bestselling author and award-winning reporter covering the impacts of artificial intelligence on society. She was the first journalist to profile OpenAI and wrote a book, Empire of AI, about the company and its global implications, which became an instant New York Times bestseller. She writes for publications including The Atlantic and leads the Pulitzer Center's AI Spotlight Series, a program that trains thousands of journalists worldwide on how to cover AI. She was formerly a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, covering American and Chinese tech companies, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. Her work is regularly taught in universities and cited by governments. She has received numerous accolades for her coverage, including an American Humanist Media Award, an American National Magazine Award for Journalists Under 30, and the TIME100 AI. She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from MIT.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "philosophy" in Chinese.

This timely collection of essays examines Sino-American relations during the Second World War, the Chinese Civil War and the opening of the Cold War. Drawing on new sources uncovered in China, Taiwan, the UK and the US, the authors demonstrate how 'grassroots' engagements - not just elite diplomacy - established the trans-Pacific networks that both shaped the postwar order in Asia, and continue to influence Sino-US relations today. In these crucial years, servicemen, scientists, students, businesspeople, activists, bureaucrats and many others travelled between the US and China. In every chapter, this innovative volume's approach uncovers their stories using both Chinese and English language sources. By examining interactions among various Chinese and American actors in the dynamic wartime environment, Uneasy Allies: Sino-American Relations at the Grassroots, 1937–1949 (Cambridge UP, 2024) reveals a new perspective on the foundations of American power, the brittle nature of the Sino-American relationship, and the early formation of the institutions that shaped the Cold War Pacific. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Hello Youtube Members, Patreons and Pacific War week by week listeners. Yes this was intended to be an exclusive episode to join the 29 others over on my Youtube Membership and Patreon, but since we are drawing to the end of the Pacific War week by week series, I felt compelled to make some special episodes to answer some of the bigger questions. Why did Japan, or better said, why did Emperor Hirohito decide to finally surrender? It seems obvious on the face of it, but there is actually a lot more to it than bombs or Soviet invasions. I guess you can call this episode a teaser or a shameless plug for going over to my Youtube Membership or Patreon. There's honestly a lot of interesting subjects such as ‘why was the japanese army so brutal”, “Hirohito's war time responsibility”, “the 4 part Kanji Ishiwara series”. Thus if you liked this one please show some love and check out my other stuff on my Youtube Membership or over at www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel.   Stating all of that lets just jump right into it.   We first need to start off briefly looking at Emperor Hirohito.    Upon taking the throne, Emperor Hirohito in 1926 Hirohito inherited a financial crisis and a military that was increasingly seizing control of governmental policies. From the beginning, despite what many of you older audience members may have been told, Hirohito intensely followed all military decisions. Hirohito chose when to act and when not to. When the Kwantung Army assassinated Zhang Zuolin, he indulged their insubordination. This emboldened them to invade Manchuria in 1931, whereupon Hirohito was furious and demanded they be reigned in. Attempts were made, but they were heavily undermined by radicals. Hirohito could have put his foot down, but he chose not to. On September 22nd, at 4:20pm Hirohito said to the IJA Chief of General staff, Kanaya Hanzo “although this time it couldn't be helped, the army had to be more careful in the future”. Thus Hirohito again acquiesced to the military, despite wanting them to stop or at least localize the conflict. The military had disregarded his wishes, they should have been severely punished. Why did Hirohito not take a firmer stance?    Again for older audience members you may have heard, “hirohito was a hostage at the whim of his own military”. This narrative made it seem he was some sort of hostage emperor, but this is not the case at all. In fact Hirohito was instrumental in many military decisions from 1931-1945. The reason this, I will call it “myth” , went on was because after Japan's surrender, the US basically rewrote the Japanese constitution and covered up the Emperor's involvement in all the nasty stuff, to maintain control over Japan. Yeah it sounds a bit conspiracy esque, but I assure you it was indeed the case. This narrative held firm all the way until Hirohito's death, when finally meeting notes and personal accounts from those close to him came out, illuminating a lot. Though to this day, many records are still red -tapped.   The reason Hirohito did not stamp his foot down has to do with the Kokutai.    The Kokutai   So before I carry on, I have to explain what exactly is the Kokutai.    The Kokutai, loosely translated as "national essence," refers to the qualities that distinguish the Japanese identity. However, this concept is remarkably vague and poorly defined; even Japanese historians acknowledge this ambiguity. In contrast to Kokutai is seitai, or "form of government." While the Kokutai embodies the eternal and immutable aspects of Japanese polity—rooted in history, traditions, and customs centered around the Emperor—Japan's seitai has evolved significantly throughout its extensive history. For instance, shoguns governed for over 700 years until 1868, when the Meiji Restoration reinstated direct imperial rule.   Nevertheless, Emperor Meiji's direct authority came to an end with the adoption of the Meiji Constitution in 1889, which established a constitutional monarchy, introducing significant complexities into the governance system.   Article 4 of the constitution declares: “The Emperor is the head of the Empire, combining in Himself the rights of sovereignty, uniting the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, although subject to the consent of the Imperial Diet.” Under this framework, the Emperor alone possessed the power to appoint or dismiss ministers of state, declare war, negotiate peace, conclude treaties, direct national administration, and command the army and navy.   A glaring flaw in this arrangement is the inherent ambiguity of the Meiji Constitution. While it established a democratic parliament, it simultaneously afforded the Emperor absolute authority to usurp it. The document failed to clearly define the relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its language was intentionally vague. Most critically, the military—the army and navy—were not directly accountable to the civilian government.    So with the kokutai, the Emperor is a divine figure who embodies the state's sovereignty. It was not necessarily the Emperor's job to surrender on behalf of the official government of Japan, but he most certainly could do so, given the Japanese people still remained faithful to the kokutai.    Now Hirohito did not live an ordinary life. According to the imperial custom, Japanese royals were raised apart from their parents, at the age of 3 he was placed in the care of the Kwamura family who vowed to raise him to be unselfish, persevering in the face of difficulties, respectful of the views of others and immune to fear. One thing that was absolutely indoctrinated into him was to defend the kokutai. It became his top mission as a monarch, it was the only mission in many ways. At the very core of how he saw the world and how he acted, it was always to protect the kokutai.    So when the Japanese military began these insubordinate acts, Hirohito's primary concern was to the kokutai, ie: anything that threatened his imperial authority and the imperial institution itself. Although the military usurped his authority, the operations had been successful. Hirohito was not at all opposed to seeing his empire expand. He understood the value of manchuria, he was fully onboard with the military plans to eventually seize control over it, but these radicals were accelerating things to quickly for everyone's liking. He turned a blind eye, dished light punishments and carried on. However the local conflict escalated. It traveled to Shanghai by 1932 and here Hirohito took action. He understood Shanghai was full of western powers. Nations like Britain and America could place economic sanctions on Japan if things were allowed to get out of hand here. So he ordered General Yoshinori Shirakawa to bring the Shanghai expedition to a close.    During this period, two factions emerged within the Japanese military: the Kodoha, or “Imperial Way,” and the Toseiha, or “Control” faction. The Kodoha was founded by General Sadao Araki and his protégé, Jinzaburo Masaki. Their primary objective was a Shōwa Restoration aimed at purging Japan of corrupt politicians and businessmen, especially those associated with the zaibatsu. Composed mainly of young army officers, the Kodoha espoused a romanticized and radical interpretation of Bushido, idealizing pre-industrial Japan, which Araki believed had been tainted by Western influences. To achieve their goals, they resorted to assassinations and planned a coup d'état.   In response, the Toseiha faction was formed, initially led by Lt. General Tetsuzan Nagata and later by Hideki Tojo. Like the Kodoha, the Toseiha sought a Shōwa Restoration but adopted a more moderate and conservative approach. They recognized the importance of preserving traditional values while integrating Western ideals, advocating for a balanced perspective. The Toseiha promoted pragmatic military strategies to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. Although they acknowledged the existence of corrupt politicians and zaibatsu, they preferred to work within the existing political system, anticipating that future total wars would necessitate a strengthened industrial and military capacity. Their ranks primarily included promising graduates from the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Academy, Army Staff College, and select naval members. The most significant distinction between the two factions was that the Toseiha explicitly rejected the use of a coup d'état in pursuit of their goals.   Between 1932-1936 radical officers, mostly of the Kodoha faction assassinated politicians and military leaders trying to usher in a showa restoration. You might be led to believe this was in the interest of Hirohito, you would be mistaken. Hirohito did not want a military dictatorship at the whim of the cult of the emperor. Ironic to say, given how WW2 turns out mind you. This really would have been a hostage situation. Hirohito wanted to maintain the exact ambiguous situation that was Showa Era Japan pre 1945. He saw this as the most ideal structure to defend the kokutai, because blame could not be placed solely upon his shoulders. He always maintained a get out of jail free card one could say.    The February 26 incident of 1936, was the climax of the Kodoha faction. They performed a mutiny trying to usher in a SHowa restoration. They assumed when their messenger came to the emperor he would join them and take direct rule. Instead Hirohito was furious. His first thought was the mutineers were trying to enlist his brother Chichibu to overthrow him. He dragged his brother who was a fraternizer amongst the kodoha members mind you, into a meeting, demanding he never associate with them again nor attempt to challenge him. Then Hirohito furious demanded the mutineers be dealt with. At one point he even threatened to lead the imperial guards to put them down. The coup failed, the kodoha faction was destroyed. Ironically the toseiha faction were the ones to do it and thus they became the defacto ruling clique.    The military, especially the kwantung army did not stop with their insubordination.    On July 8th of 1937 the Kwangtung army performed the Marco Polo Bridge incident, ushering in the second sino-japanese war. This was one of many false flag operations they had pulled off over the years. Upon being told about this Hirohito's first response was whether the USSR would invade Manchukuo over the matter. This is what he said to Prime Minister Konoe and army minister Sugiyama “What will you do if the Soviets attack us from the rear?” he asked the prince. Kan'in answered, “I believe the army will rise to the occasion.” The emperor repeated his question: “That's no more than army dogma. What will you actually do in the unlikely event that Soviet [forces] attack?” The prince said only, “We will have no choice.” His Majesty seemed very dissatisfied. Hirohito furious demanded to know what contingency plans existed and his advisors told him before he gave his red seal of approval to invade northern china.   Henceforth he micromanaged a lot of the military decisions going forward and he oversaw the forming and dissolving of numerous cabinets and positions when things went his way or did not in the military and political scene.  Emperor Hirohito was presented with several opportunities to cause cease-fires or peace settlements during the war years. One of the best possible moments to end it all came during the attack on Nanking when Chiang Kai-sheks military were in disarray. On July 11 of 1938, the commander of the 19th division fought a border clash with the USSR known to us in the west as the battle of Lake Khasan. It was a costly defeat for Japan and in the diary of Harada Kumao he noted Hirohito scolded Army minister Itagaki “Hereafter not a single soldier is to be moved without my permission.” When it looked like the USSR would not press for a counter attack across the border, Hirohito gave the order for offensives in China to recommence, again an example of him deciding when to lay down the hammer.   By 1939 the US began threatening sanctions for what Japan was doing in China. Hirohito complained to his chief aide de camp Hata Shunroku on August 5th “It could be a great blow to scrap metal and oil”. Hirohito was livid and scolded many of his top officials and forced the appointment of General Abe to prime minister and demanded of him “to cooperate with the US and Britain and preserve internal order”.   Fast forward a bit, with war raging in Europe Hirohito, on June 19th of 1940 Hirohito asked if chief of staff Prince Kan'in and Army Minister Hata “At a time when peace will soon come in the European situation, will there be a deployment of troops to the Netherlands Indies and French Indochina?” This question highlighted Hirohito's belief at that time that Germany was close to achieving victory, which led him to gradually consider deploying troops to French Indochina and the Dutch East Indies since neither of those parent nations was in a position to protect their territories and vital resources. Regarding the war in China, the Japanese aimed to stop the flow of materials entering China from places like Hong Kong. Hirohito received reports indicating that Britain would not agree to block the shipment of materials into China via Hong Kong. The military recognized that an invasion of Hong Kong might be necessary, which would mean declaring war on Britain. When this was communicated to him, Hirohito responded, “If that occurs, I'm sure America will enforce an embargo, don't you think?” In response, Kido, the lord of the privy seal, reassured him by stating, “The nation must be fully prepared to resist, proceeding with caution and avoiding being drawn into events instigated by foreign interests.”   Hirohito went through countless meetings, but eventually signed order number 458 authorizing the invasion of French Indochina, knowing full well the consequences. The US,UK and Netherlands began embargoes of oil, rubber and iron. In the words of Admiral Takagai “As time passes and this situation continues, our empire will either be totally defeated or forced to fight a hopeless war. Therefore we should pursue war and diplomacy together. If there is no prospect of securing our final line of national survival by diplomatic negotiations, we must be resolved to fight.” Hirohito understood the predicament full well, that each day Japan was wasting its oil reserves, if they were to strike it had to be quickly.   On October 13th Hirohito told his closest advisor Koichi Kido “In the present situation there seems to be little hope for the Japan–U.S. negotiations. If hostilities erupt this time, I think I may have to issue a declaration of war.”   The reason I am bringing up all this stuff is to solidify, Hirohito had agency, he was micromanaging and forming decisions. After the war broke out with the west, Hirohito did have the ability to stamp his foot down. Of course there could have been wild repercussions, his military could have usurped him with Chichibu, it was definitely possible. But you need to keep this mind set, as far as why Hirohito acts or doesn't, its always to protect the Kokutai. Thus one of the levers for peace, solely rested on Hirohito's perception if the kokutai could be retained or not.    From the outset of the Pacific War, Hirohito believed Germany was going to defeat the USSR. In line with his military leaders, they all believed Japan had to seize everything they could in the asia-pacific and thwart off the US until a negotiated peace could be met. Hirohito committed himself to overseeing the war, determined to achieve victory at any cost. He was a very cautious leader, he meticulously analyzed each campaign, anticipating potential setbacks and crafting worst-case scenario predictions. He maintained a skeptical view of the reports from his senior officials and was often harshly critical of high commanders.   While he did not frequently visit the front lines like other commanders in chief, Hirohito wielded significant influence over theater operations, shaping both planning and execution whenever he deemed necessary. Similar to his approach during the war in China, he issued the highest military orders from the Imperial Headquarters, conducted audited conferences, and made decisions communicated under his name. He regularly welcomed generals and admirals to the imperial palace for detailed briefings on the battlefront and visited various military bases, battleships, and army and naval headquarters. His inspections encompassed military schools and other significant military institutions, adding to his comprehensive involvement in the war effort.   Now the war went extremely well for Japan until the battle of Midway. This was as major setback, but Japan retained the initiative. Then the Guadalcanal campaign saw Japan lose the initiative to the Americans. Upon receiving the initial report of the Ichiki detachment's destruction, Hirohito remarked, “I am sure it [Guadalcanal] can be held.” Despite the numerous reports detailing the devastating effects of tropical diseases and starvation on his troops, he persistently demanded greater efforts from them. Hirohito exerted continuous pressure on his naval and land commanders to retake the island. On September 15th, November 5th, and November 11th, he requested additional Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) troops and aircraft to be allocated to the cause.   General Sugiyama expressed concerns about dispatching more IJA pilots due to their inexperience in transoceanic combat, preferring to reinforce the North China Army for an attack on Chongqing instead. Hirohito pressed the issue again, but Sugiyama responded that the IJA had diverted its air resources to New Guinea and Rabaul. Undeterred by the objections from senior commanders, Hirohito persisted in his demands. By late November, it became evident that Guadalcanal was a lost cause.   At an Imperial Headquarters conference on December 31st, 1942, the chiefs of staff proposed canceling the attempts to recapture Guadalcanal. Hirohito sanctioned this decision but stated, “It is unacceptable to just give up on capturing Guadalcanal. We must launch an offensive elsewhere.” He insisted on this point, leading to the selection of new strategic targets in the Solomons, north of New Georgia, and in the Stanley Range on New Guinea. Hirohito even threatened to withhold authorization for withdrawing troops from Guadalcanal until a new plan was established. He later opposed the withdrawal from Munda Airfield, as it contradicted the newly defined defensive line.   As the defensive perimeter in the central and northern Solomons began to crumble, Hirohito continued to insist that the navy engage in decisive battles to regain the initiative, allowing for the transport of supplies to the many soldiers trapped on various islands. When he learned of the navy's failure to reinforce Lae on March 3rd, he asked, “Then why didn't you change plans immediately and land at Madan? This is a failure, but it can teach us a good lesson and become a source of future success. Do this for me so I can have peace of mind for a while.” The phrase “Do this for me” would come to be his signature rallying cry.   After Guadal canal, it was loss after loss for Japan. By February of 1944, Hirohito forced Sugiyama to resign so Hideki Tojo could take his position as chief of the general staff, note Tojo was prime minister and army minister at this point. Hirohito worked alongside Tojo to plan some last ditch efforts to change the war situation. The most significant one was Operation Ichi-Go. As much damage as they did to China with that, Chiang Kai-Shek's government survived. Hirohito watched as island by island fell to the Americans. When the Americans were poised to take Saipan he warned Tojo “If we ever lose Saipan, repeated air attacks on Tokyo will follow. No matter what it takes, we have to hold there.” Saipan fell, so Hirohito stopped supporting Tojo and allowed his rivals to take down his cabinet by june 18th of 1944.    Hirohito remained resolute in his determination to wrest victory from the Allies. On October 18th, the Imperial Headquarters ordered a decisive naval engagement, leading to the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, Hirohito publicly stated, "Contrary to the views of the Army and Navy General Staffs, I consented to the showdown battle at Leyte, believing that if we launched an attack and America hesitated, we might find an opportunity to negotiate." Leyte Gulf didnt work. The military began the kamikaze program. On new years day of 1945 Hirohito inspected the special last meal rations given to departing kamikaze units. Iwo Jima fell. Okinawa remained, and Hirohito lashed out “Is it because we failed to sink enemy transports that we've let the enemy get ashore? Isn't there any way to defend Okinawa from the landing enemy forces?” On the second day of Okinawa's invasion Hirohito ordered a counter landing by the 32nd army and urged the navy to counterattack in every way possible. It was a horrible failure, it cost the lives of up to 120,000 Japanese combatants, 170,000 noncombatants. The Americans lost 12,500 killed and 33,000 wounded. An absolute bloodbath.    The Surrender time   Now we come to the time period where Japan seriously began looking for ways to surrender. In Europe Germany was heading to its defeat and Japan knew this. As for Japan, their army in Burma had been annihilated. Their forces in China were faring better after Operation Ichi-go, having opened up a land corridor along the main railway from Beiping to Wuhan and from throughout Guangdong but still stuck in a deadlock stalemate, facing a guerrilla war that was costing them 64% of their military expenditures. They deeply feared once the Soviets finished up with Germany, they would undoubtedly turn east against Manchuria. With the Soviets attacking from the north, the US would attack from the south, perhaps landing in Shanghai and the home islands. The Kamikaze tactics were proving formidable, but not nearly enough. By 1945, 43% of the IJA were now stationed in Japan, Korea and Formosa, bracing for the final stand. Former prime minister Reijiro Wakatsuki came out of retirement in may of 1945, having heard Germany collapsed, to urge Hirohito and the Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki to open negotiations with the US as soon as possible. However he also said “the enemy must first be made to see the disadvantages of continuing the war”. To this Hirohito's chief counselor Makino Nobuaki said that “the ultimate priority is to develop an advantageous war situation.” Advisor admiral Kesiuke Okada said Japan should wait for “a moment favorable for us,” then make peace. Advisors Kiichiro Hiranuma and Koki Hirota advised the emperor to fight on until the end.   Now I want to bring in a key player to the surrender decision, that of Prince Konoe. Konoe was very close to Hirohito and understood the emperors mentality, especially how he viewed things in relation to the kokutai.    The senior statesman Prince Konoe had been consulting with Hirohito for over 18 months at this point trying to convey the message that if the war continued it would threaten the kokutai. Many months prior, he confided in the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, that the army was suffering from “a cancer” in the form of the Toseiha faction. However, he noted that “Kido and others” did not share his perspective, while “his Majesty is relatively unconcerned with ideological issues.” For the past four years, he continued, the emperor had been advised and still believed that “the true extremists are the Kodoha faction.” In reality, the greater threat to the kokutai arose from the Toseiha faction. Konoe further asserted that if the war escalated, they would attempt to alter the kokutai.   Konoe speculated that whether the threat originated from communists within the nation, primarily referring to left-wing radicals in the Toseiha faction, or from the “Anglo-American enemy,” both would seek to preserve the emperor while pushing towards the country's communization.In his written report to the emperor on February 14, which Kido listened to attentively, Konoe elaborated on his conspiracy theory. He asserted that the Soviet Union regarded Japan as its primary threat in East Asia. The Soviets had allied with the Chinese Communists, the largest and most formidable Communist party in Asia, and were collaborating with the United States and Britain to drive Japan out of China. He warned that they would enter the war when the opportunity arose.   Defeat, he cautioned the emperor, was inevitable if the conflict persisted. However, he emphasized that a far greater fear was the potential destruction of the kokutai. The ongoing war was eroding the domestic status quo, unleashing forces that threatened Japan and its imperial institution from within as much as from external adversaries. The real danger lay in the emperor's and Kido's trust in the generals of the Toseiha faction, who were unintentionally facilitating the communization of Japan. Konoe implored for a swift peace settlement before a Communist revolution emerged, making the preservation of the kokutai impossible. Hirohito agreed with Konoe but stated “ To end the war would be “very difficult unless we make one more military gain.” Konoe allegedly replied, “Is that possible? It must happen soon. If we have to wait much longer, . . . [a mere battle victory] will mean nothing.” Hirohito replied “If we hold out long enough in this war, we may be able to win, but what worries me is whether the nation will be able to endure it until then.”   On February 15th of 1945, Hirohito's intelligence warned the Soviet Union would likely abrogate its Neutrality Pact with Japan. Even Tojo conceded there was a 50/50 chance the USSR would invade Manchuria. In March, the US began B-29 incendiary bombing raids over Tokyo, turning 40% of the capital into ash. On March 18th, Hirohito with some aides drove around the capital to witness the devastation. The civilians looked exhausted and bewildered to Hirohito. Factory production was collapsing, absenteeism was rising, instances of lese majeste were running rampant. For the next 5 months imperial family members and senior statesmen all began speaking to Hirohito about the “crises of the kokutai”. The threat Konoe had warned about for months was becoming the main talking point. It seemed like the Japanese people within the countryside and urban areas remained steadfast in the resolve to obey their leaders, work and sacrifice for their nation, but for how long would they feel so?    It was only after the battle for Okinawa was lost and 60 Japanese cities had been leveled by American incendiary bombs that Hirohito openly indicated he wanted to negotiate a surrender.   Kido's diary reveals the first clear indication that the emperor might be urged to consider an early peace on June 8, 1945, when Kido drafted his “Draft Plan for Controlling the Crisis Situation.” This marked a pivotal moment. It followed the unintentional bombing of the Imperial Palace, the complete loss of hope for saving Okinawa, and coincided with the day the Supreme War Leadership Council adopted the “Basic Policy for the Future Direction of the War.” With the fighting in Europe concluded, Japan found itself entirely isolated. Kido's plan, although vague, proposed seeking the Soviet Union's assistance as an intermediary to help Japan gain leverage in negotiations with its adversaries. By drafting this plan, Kido signaled the end of his long alliance with the military hard-liners. Hirohito's acceptance of it indicated his readiness for an early peace.   Hirohito was moved to an underground bunker in the mountains of Matsushiro in Nagano prefecture where upon those around him noted he fell into a deep depression. On June 22nd  Hirohito informed the Supreme War Leadership Council he wanted them to open diplomatic maneuvers to end the war. In early July Soviet Ambassador Jacob Malik broke off inconclusive talks with Hirota. Hirohito stepped in immediately and ordered a new special envoy be sent to Moscow. However Hirohito nor the Suzuki government had concrete plans on how to mediate a surrender through the Soviets. The only things they did prioritize was a guarantee of the emperors political position and retainment of the imperial system, ie the kokutai. This was taken into consideration rather than ending the war as quickly as possible to save the lives of millions.    From April 8, 1945, until Japan's capitulation, the Suzuki government's chief war policy was “Ketsugo,” an advanced iteration of the “Shosango” (Victory Number 3) plan for defending the homeland. The hallmark of this strategy was a heavy reliance on suicide tactics, including deploying a massive number of kamikaze “special attack” planes, human torpedoes launched from submarines, dynamite-stuffed “crash boats” powered by truck engines, human rocket bombs carried by aircraft, and suicide assaults by specially trained ground units.   While preparations for Operation Ketsu progressed, the Imperial Diet convened on June 9 to pass a Wartime Emergency Measures Law, along with five additional measures aimed at mobilizing the entire nation for this final battle. On the same day, the emperor, who had yet to initiate efforts to end the war, issued another imperial rescript in conjunction with the Diet's convocation, instructing the nation to “smash the inordinate ambitions of the enemy nations” and “achieve the goals of the war.” Concurrently, the controlled press launched a daily die-for-the-emperor campaign to foster gratitude for the imperial benevolence and, from around mid-July onward, initiated a campaign to “protect the kokutai.”   The Americans countered with their own propaganda aimed at breaking Japan's will to fight. B-29 bombers dropped millions of leaflets written in Japanese, announcing the next scheduled targets for bombing raids and urging surrender, while using the emperor to challenge the militarists. Leaflets bearing the chrysanthemum crest criticized the “military cliques” for “forcing the entire nation to commit suicide” and called on “everyone” to “exercise their constitutional right to make direct appeals [for peace] to the Emperor.” They asserted that “even the powerful military cliques cannot stop the mighty march for peace of the Emperor and the people.” One notable batch of seven million leaflets conveyed the terms of the “joint declaration” issued by the United States, Great Britain, and China. “Today we come not to bomb you,” they stated. “We are dropping this leaflet to inform you of the response from the United States government to your government's request for conditions of surrender.... Whether the war stops immediately depends on your government. You will understand how to end the war if you read these two official notifications.”   Amid pressures from imperial edicts to continue preparations for a final battle and focus solely on victory, the Japanese people were also subjected to an intense American psychological warfare campaign in addition to aerial bombardment. During late July and August, prefectural governors, police chiefs, and officers of the “special higher police” submitted reports to the Home Ministry detailing the rapidly deteriorating national morale.    Now on the other side, Roosevelt made it known back in January of 1943 at the Casablanca conference, the allies would only accept unconditional surrender. By 1945, the allies understood the predicament this left Japan with. On May 8th of 1945, Truman added “Japan's surrender would not mean the extermination or enslavement of the Japanese people” trying to indicate a non vindictive spirit. However the Kokutai question always remained ambiguous. State Department Joseph Grew, the former ambassador to Japan, began arguing to Truman they needed to make public a clear definition of the terms to persuade Japan to surrender. As he argued to Truman: Emperor Hirohito was seen as the key figure in Japan's surrender, likened to a "queen bee in a hive... surrounded by the attentions of the hive." Throughout the war, he was characterized in various ways—as a “puppet” of the militarists, a constitutional monarch, and a pacifist. Grew had immense faith in the influence exerted by what he referred to as the “moderates” surrounding the Japanese throne.    However many of Grew's colleagues argued the future existence of the monarchy was intolerable as it was akin to fascism. Many wanted to punish the emperor. Truman was in a tug of war. The Potsdam declaration issued on July 26th of 1945 came in the form of a ultimatum aiming to quicken japans surrender. Truman clarified the terms for the unconditional surrender at the end of its terms: "We call upon the government of Japan to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction." Zero mention of the emperor. Grew had argued to add “this may include a constitutional monarchy under the present dynasty.” But it was deleted from the article. The status of the emperor was not guaranteed, the kokutai was thus up in the air.    The next day, the Suzuki cabinet rejected the terms. The Japanese leadership and Hirohito were still banking and awaiting Soviet replies to their terms.    Lets talk about the Soviet talks now   Back on July 12th ambassador Naotake Satō sent this message to the Soviets: “His Majesty the Emperor, mindful of the fact that the present war daily brings greater evil and sacrifice upon the peoples of all the belligerent powers, desires from his heart that it may be quickly terminated. But so long as England and the United States insist upon unconditional surrender, the Japanese Empire has no alternative but to fight on with all its strength for the honor and existence of the Motherland”.  However the Soviets had made commitments to their allies, promising in fact to invade Japan to aid them.    As for the Soviets their primary objective was to ensure unrestricted access to the Pacific Ocean. The year-round ice-free areas of the Soviet Pacific coastline, particularly Vladivostok, could be blockaded by air and sea from Sakhalin Island and the Kurile Islands. Securing these territories to guarantee free access to the Soya Strait was their main goal. Secondary objectives included acquiring leases for the Chinese Eastern Railway, the Southern Manchuria Railway, as well as gaining control over Dairen and Port Arthur.   To achieve these aims, Stalin and Molotov prolonged negotiations with the Japanese, creating a false sense of hope for a Soviet-mediated peace. Simultaneously, in their discussions with the United States and Britain, the Soviets insisted on strict adherence to the Cairo Declaration, which had been reaffirmed at the Yalta Conference. This declaration stipulated that the Allies would not accept a separate or conditional peace with Japan; thus, the Japanese would need to surrender unconditionally to all the Allies. The Soviets aimed to prolong the war by opposing any efforts to dilute this requirement. This approach would provide the Soviets with the necessary time to complete the transfer of their troops from the Western Front to the Far East and to conquer Manchuria, Inner Mongolia, northern Korea, South Sakhalin, the Kuriles, and potentially Hokkaidō, starting with an assault on Rumoi. AUGUST 1945   Thus we come to at last the critical point, August of 1945.    The Americans prepared for the deployment of atomic bombs and for an invasion of southern Kyushu, known as Operation Olympic, scheduled to commence on November 1. At 8:15 A.M. on August 6, a single B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay dropped little boy, devastating much of the undefended city of Hiroshima, instantly killing an estimated 100,000 to 140,000 people and leading to the deaths of possibly another 100,000 over the next five years. At the epicenter of the explosion, “a light appeared 3,000 times brighter than the sun,” creating a fireball that emitted thermal radiation capable of “instantly scorching humans, trees, and houses.” As the air heated and rushed upward, cold air surged in to ignite a firestorm. Hours later, a whirlwind escalated the flames to their peak until more than eight square miles were virtually reduced to cinders. Subsequently, black, muddy rain filled with radioactive fallout began to fall. Two days later, using Japan's rejection of the Potsdam Declaration as a pretext, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Then on August 9, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, resulting in the immediate deaths of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 people and injuring more than 60,000.   Meanwhile, in Tokyo, during the critical period between the Potsdam Declaration and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Emperor Hirohito remained silent about accepting the Potsdam terms. However, on July 25 and 31, he explicitly conveyed to Kido that the imperial regalia must be defended at all costs. The three sacred objects—a mirror, a curved jewel, and a sword—symbolized the legitimacy of his rule through the northern court and were integral to his identity as the divine sovereign. Hirohito's focus was on protecting these symbols of office, as he insisted on having them brought to the palace. This fixation on maintaining his symbols occurred during a pivotal moment when the pressing issue was whether to accept immediate capitulation. Reflecting on this, he was unprepared to seize the opportunity to end the war himself.   Prime Minister Suzuki, following his initial rejection of the Potsdam ultimatum, also saw no need for further action. His Cabinet Advisory Council, which included the president of Asano Cement, the founder of the Nissan consortium, the vice president of the Bank of Japan, and other representatives from the nation's leading business interests that had profited significantly from the war, convened on the morning of August 3. They recommended accepting the Potsdam terms, arguing that the United States would permit Japan to retain its non-military industries and continue participating in world trade.    Here are some reactions to the two bombs and invasion of Manchuria.    Yonai Mitsumasa said to admiral Takagi Sokichi, on August 12, that “I think the term is perhaps inappropriate, but the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war are, in a sense, gifts from the gods [tenyu, also “heaven-sent blessings”]. This way we don't have to say that we quit the war because of domestic circumstances. I've long been advocating control of our crisis, but neither from fear of an enemy attack nor because of the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war. The main reason is my anxiety over the domestic situation. So, it is rather fortunate that we can now control matters without revealing the domestic situation”.    Konoe's characterized the Soviet involvement in the war as “a godsend for controlling the army,”. Kido viewed of both the atomic bombings and the Soviet entry into the conflict as “useful” elements for ensuring a smooth transition. A nascent power struggle was unfolding, rendering the potential death toll—whether one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand—immaterial to those involved, as long as their desired outcome was achieved: an end to the war that would leave the monarchy intact and capable of managing the discontent that defeat would inevitably provoke. Throughout the final acts of this wartime drama, the Japanese “moderates” found it easier to capitulate to external pressures than to take decisive action on their own to conclude the war.   Another illuminating looks at Japan's elite's perspective on surrender terms was the document titled “Essentials of Peace Negotiations” (wahei kosho no yoryo). Drafted by Konoe and his adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Sakai Koji, after Konoe had reluctantly accepted a mission to Moscow, this document, stipulated the preservation of the emperor system, along with most of the imperial prerogatives, as the absolute minimum condition for peace. It defined the “original” or “essential homeland” as including the southern half of the Kurile Islands but showed a willingness to concede all overseas territories to the enemy, including Okinawa and the American-occupied Bonin Islands, as well as the southern half of Sakhalin. The “Essentials” also accepted complete disarmament for an unspecified period, thereby compromising on the issues of demobilizing and disarming the armed forces. More significantly, an “explanation” attached to the “Essentials” emphasized that “the main aim is to secure the imperial line and maintain the political role of the emperor.”    Why Japan surrendered   We come to it atleast after a long podcast. Why did Japan ultimately surrender?   The twin psychological shocks of the first atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war, combined with Kido's and the emperor's concern over escalating public criticism of the throne and its occupant, fueled an almost paranoid fear that, sooner or later, the populace would react violently against their leaders if the war persisted much longer. These factors ultimately led Hirohito to accept, in principle, the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.   At the first meeting of the six member constituents of the Supreme War Leadership Council, held from 10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on August 9, Army Minister Anami Korechika, Chiefs of Staff Umezu Yoshijiro, representing the army, and Yonai, representing the navy, along with Tōgō, from the Foreign Ministry, were expected to discuss the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. Instead, the conversation revolved around whether to attempt a conditional surrender—specifically, should they insist on one condition, the preservation of the kokutai, or four?   After Suzuki addressed the assembly regarding the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the Soviet attack, Yonai, as recounted by Navy Chief of Staff Toyoda, was the first to speak, framing the issue in terms of four conditions. “Let's start to talk, Do we accept the Potsdam Declaration with no conditions? If not, and we wish to insist on attaching hopes and conditions, we may do so this way. First, preservation of the kokutai; then for the rest, the main items in the Potsdam Declaration: treatment of war criminals, method of disarmament, and the matter of sending in an army of occupation.” Thus, the participants identified what they perceived to be the ambiguous points within the Potsdam Declaration and used them as the foundation for their discussions.   The army insisted on four conditions: First, the preservation of the kokutai, which they considered distinct from the Potsdam Declaration itself. The other conditions proposed were, second, that the Imperial Headquarters assume responsibility for disarmament and demobilization; third, a prohibition on occupation; and fourth, the delegation of the punishment of war criminals to the Japanese government. The army equated the kokutai with the emperor's right of supreme command. Their self-serving desire for autonomous war crimes trials was based on the belief that the Allies would use such trials to politically indict the military. Consequently, army leaders aimed to preempt the activities of any international tribunal by conducting their own trials—similar to the approach taken by the uninvaded and unrepentant Germans after World War I.   Supporting the military's views during cabinet meetings that day were three civilian members of the Suzuki cabinet: Justice Minister Matsuzaka Hiromasa, Home Minister Yasui Toji, and Minister of Health Okada Tadahiko. At the imperial conference that night, which extended into the early hours of the tenth, Foreign Minister Tōgō's interpretation of the “preservation of the kokutai” referred solely to the safeguarding of the Imperial House or dynasty, rather than the continuation of Hirohito's reign.   Hiranuma, another advocate for the single condition, interpreted the kokutai as the “emperor's sovereign right to rule the state [not] deriving from national law. Even if the entire nation is sacrificed to the war, we must preserve both the kokutai and the security of the imperial house.” This discrepancy illustrated that there was no completely unified understanding of what the kokutai entailed; the debate over one condition versus four represented conflicting visions for the future of the Japanese state and masked the competition for political power that was already unfolding.   It remains doubtful whether the emperor and Kido initially sided with Tōgō against the four conditions proposed by the senior military leaders. A more likely inference is that both men retained sympathies for the hardliners, both military and civilian, who preferred to continue the futile war rather than surrender immediately and unconditionally. This may explain why, on August 9, Konoe had Hosokawa Morisada approach Navy General Headquarters to urge the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, to pressure Hirohito (through Kido) to accept the Potsdam terms. Later that afternoon, Konoe enlisted the help of diplomat Shigemitsu Mamoru to persuade Kido to reconsider his stance on the four conditions. Ultimately, at the urging of Takamatsu and Shigemitsu, Kido did shift to support Tōgō's position.   At the end of the war, as at its beginning and throughout every stage of its progression, Emperor Hirohito played a highly active role in supporting the actions carried out in his name. From the very beginning of the Asia-Pacific war, the emperor played a significant role in the unfolding events around him. Prior to the Battle of Okinawa, he consistently advocated for a decisive victory. Afterward, he acknowledged the necessity of pursuing an early peace, although he did not favor an immediate cessation of hostilities. Instead, he wavered, steering Japan toward ongoing warfare rather than direct negotiations with the Allies. When the final crisis fully unfolded, the only option left was unconditional surrender. Even then, he continued to procrastinate until the atomic bomb was dropped and the Soviets launched their attack. The wartime emperor ideology that once sustained morale made it exceedingly difficult for Japan's leaders to accept the act of surrender. Aware of their objective defeat, yet indifferent to the suffering the war inflicted on their own people—as well as on the populations of Asia, the Pacific, and the West whose lives they had disrupted—the emperor and his military leaders sought a means to lose without appearing to lose. They aimed to mitigate domestic criticism following surrender while preserving their power structure.   Blinded by their fixation on the fate of the imperial house and committed to an overly optimistic diplomacy toward the Soviet Union, Japan's leaders missed several opportunities to end their lost war. Would Japan's leaders have surrendered more promptly if the Truman administration had “clarified” the status of the emperor before the cataclysmic double shocks of the atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war? Probably not. However, it is likely they would have surrendered to prevent the kokutai from being destroyed from within. The evidence suggests that the first atomic bomb and the Soviet declaration of war led Hirohito, Kido, and other members of the court to believe that continuing the war would inevitably result in that destruction. They recognized that the populace was war-weary and despondent, with rising hostility toward the military and the government, accompanied by increasing criticism of the emperor himself. More specifically, Kido and Hirohito were privy to Home Ministry reports, which contained information from governors and police chiefs nationwide. These reports indicated that citizens were beginning to label the emperor as an incompetent leader responsible for the deteriorating war situation.   This is the third variable, never spoken about. Many first look at the atomic bombs. Bigger brain people turn to the Soviet Invasion of Manchuria. But hardly anyone reads about how the collapse of Japan's social fabric, scared the shit out of the Emperor and his closest advisors. You can't have a kokutai, without a populace that worshiped you.    When the emperor expressed in February, “What worries me is whether the nation [could] endure” long enough to achieve victory, he was not merely voicing concern for the suffering of his subjects; rather, he feared that such suffering could lead to social upheaval—in short, revolution. At that time, he referred to the ordinary, war-related hardships of food shortages, air raids, devastated cities, destruction of homes, and the omnipresent grief from the loss of loved ones. The atomic bomb escalated death, pain, and suffering to unimaginably higher levels, intensifying the threat from within. After the bombings of Japan and two atomic bombs, Hirohito was in a dark way, given a golden get out of jail free card. Hirohito could now save his suffering people from further anguish by surrendering, allowing him to deflect responsibility for leading them into misery while adopting an air of benevolence and care. Indeed, Hirohito did care—though not primarily for the Japanese people, but rather for the survival of his own imperial house and throne.   After the bombing of Hiroshima, Hirohito delayed for a full two days before instructing Kido, shortly before 10 A.M. on August 9, to “quickly control the situation” because “the Soviet [Union]” had declared war. Kido immediately communicated with Prime Minister Suzuki, who began arrangements for an Imperial Conference scheduled for later that night. Following the seidan of August 10, Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakomizu took charge of drafting the “Imperial Rescript Ending the War” based on Hirohito's directives. Assisted by two scholars of the Chinese classics, Kawada Mizuho and Yasuoka Masahiro, Sakomizu worked tirelessly for over three days before submitting a version of the rescript to the Suzuki cabinet. After six hours of contentious discussion on the night of August 14, the cabinet modified and approved the document. Hirohito promptly signed it, and Shimomura and Kido persuaded him to record a suitably opaque final version for broadcast to the nation.   On the night of August 14, the Suzuki government notified the United States and other Allied nations that it had accepted both the Potsdam Declaration and the Byrnes letter of August 11. Accelerating the emperor's actions during this climactic moment of the unconditional surrender drama was the American psychological warfare campaign. When a leaflet dropped from B-29 bombers came into Kido's possession on the night of August 13 or the morning of the fourteenth, he conferred with the emperor and explained the gravity of the situation. The latest enemy leaflets were informing the Japanese people of the government's notification of surrender under one condition, along with the full text of Byrnes's response. If this continued, it would undermine the imperial government's reliance on secrecy to obscure the true nature of the lost war and the reasons for the prolonged surrender delay.   Given Kido's and the emperor's concerns about rising signs of defeatism, including criticism of the throne, immediate action was necessary to prevent the populace from acting on their own initiative. Thus, the second seidan was convened. At noon on August 15, the Japanese people gathered around their radio receivers and heard, for the first time, the high-pitched voice of their emperor telling them:    “After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration. To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors and which lies close to Our heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone—the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people—the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers... The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all of you, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is unsufferable”.   Clearly Hirohito sought to justify his decision to surrender by citing the dropping of the atomic bombs. He wanted to become the saviour of the Japanese people. Hirohito wanted to obfuscate the issue of accountability, to prevent expressions of strife and anger and to strengthen domestic unity around himself, to protect and raise the kokutai.  Interestingly, the surrender declaration to the civilian population was not the same one sent to the military. On August 17th Hirohito issued a second “rescript to soldiers and sailors” throughout the asia-pacific.   “ Now that the Soviet Union has entered the war against us, to continue . . . under the present conditions at home and abroad would only recklessly incur even more damage to ourselves and result in endangering the very foundation of the empire's existence. Therefore, even though enormous fighting spirit still exists in the Imperial Navy and Army, I am going to make peace with the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union, as well as with Chungking, in order to maintain our glorious national polity”.   The lesser-known August 17 rescript to the army and navy specified Soviet participation as the sole reason for surrender, while maintaining the kokutai as the primary aim. Dissembling until the end—and even beyond—it was noted that the emperor presented two different justifications for his delayed surrender. Both statements were likely true.   Months later Hirohito's said this about his decision to surrender “The main motive behind my decision at that time was that if we . . . did not act, the Japanese race would perish and I would be unable to protect my loyal subjects [sekishi—literally, “children”]. Second, Kido agreed with me on the matter of defending the kokutai. If the enemy landed near Ise Bay, both Ise and Atsuta Shrines would immediately come under their control. There would be no time to transfer the sacred treasures [regalia] of the imperial family and no hope of protecting them. Under these circumstances, protection of the kokutai would be difficult. For these reasons, I thought at the time that I must make peace even at the sacrifice of myself.”    There exists this sort of childish argument today whether it was the atomic bombs or the Soviet Invasion that caused Japan to surrender. However, this overlooks as I think I've explained in 9000 words jeez, the influence of the kokutai. Defending the kokutai was Hirohito's number one priority. The Soviets threatened it. Communism threatened it. What Japan perceived to be “democracy” threatened it. American victory threatened it. And the destruction of Japan's social fabric threatened it. I love this one piece of history, that I have only come across in one book, that being the main one I am using here.   On August 12th, Hirohito came to the imperial family to tell them he had made the decision to surrender. His uncle Prince Yasuhiko Asaka asked him whether the war would be continued if the kokutai could not be preserved. Hirohito replied “of course”.

Analog Jones loves reviewing Canon Films, and this week Steve picks a crazy one in Ninja III: The Domination (1984). Quick Facts Directed by Sam Firstenberg Written by James R. Silke Distributed by Cannon Film Released on September 14, 1984 Budget of $2 million Box Office: $7,610,785 Rotten Tomatoes: 33% Tomatometer / 53% Popcornmeter Starring Sho Kosugi (Japanese) as Goro Yamada Lucinda Dickey as Christie Ryder Jordan Bennett as Billy Secord James Hong (an American born to Chinese immigrants) as Miyashima David Chung (a Korean-American) as Black Ninja Hanjuro How to listen and reach Analog Jones and the Temple of FilmDiscuss these movies and more on our Facebook page. You can also listen to us on iTunes, iHeartRADIO, Podbean, Spotify, and Youtube! Please email us at analogjonestof@gmail.com with any comments or questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“My book is called Empire of AI because I'm trying to articulate this argument and illustrate that these companies operate exactly like empires of old. I highlight four features that essentially encapsulate the three things you read. However, I started talking about it in a different way after writing the book.The four features are: they lay claim to resources that are not their own, which is the centralization of resources; they exploit an extraordinary amount of labor, both in the development of the technology and the fact that they're producing labor-automating technologies that then suppress workers' ability to bargain for better rights; they monopolize knowledge production, which comes when they centralize talent.”In this episode of the Speaking Out of Place podcast, Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with investigative journalist Karen Hao. She explains that OpenAI is anything but “open”—very early on, it left behind that marketing tag to become increasingly closed and elitist. Her massive study, Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI had a rather different subtitle in its UK edition: Inside the reckless race of total domination. She fleshes out the overlap between these two points of emphasis. Hao argues that in general, the AI mission “centralizes talent around a grand ambition” and “centralizes capital and other resources while eliminating roadblocks, regulation, and dissent.” All the while, “the mission remains so vague that it can be interpreted and reinterpreted to direct the centralization of talent, capital, resources, however the centralizer wants.” Karen explains that she chose the word “empire” precisely to indicate the colonial nature of AI's domination: the tremendous damage this enterprise does to the poor, to racial and ethnic minorities, and to the Global South in general in terms of minds, bodies, the environment, natural resources, and any notion of democracy. This is a discussion everyone should be part of.Karen Hao is a bestselling author and award-winning reporter covering the impacts of artificial intelligence on society. She was the first journalist to profile OpenAI and wrote a book, Empire of AI, about the company and its global implications, which became an instant New York Times bestseller. She writes for publications including The Atlantic and leads the Pulitzer Center's AI Spotlight Series, a program that trains thousands of journalists worldwide on how to cover AI. She was formerly a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, covering American and Chinese tech companies, and a senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. Her work is regularly taught in universities and cited by governments. She has received numerous accolades for her coverage, including an American Humanist Media Award, an American National Magazine Award for Journalists Under 30, and the TIME100 AI. She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from MIT.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

Since 1951, when Tibet was formally annexed into the People's Republic of China, Tibet has been a battleground between China's efforts to assert control and the Tibetan people's struggle to preserve their cultural and religious identity. This past August, Xi Jinping made a surprise visit to Tibet, his second since becoming China's top leader in 2012. Less than two months earlier, the Dalai Lama, now 90 years old, announced that his office, not China, would choose his successor when he passes. A few months before that, the Dalai Lama revealed in a memoir that he would reincarnate outside of China. The PRC insists that the next incarnation – the 15th Dalai Lama – will be born inside PRC territory and approved by the Chinese government. What are Beijing's interests in Tibet and how has Xi Jinping pursued them since coming to power? What is likely to occur after the Dalai Lama's passing? I'm delighted to have as my guest today Tendor Dorjee. Tendor is an adjunct assistant professor of political science at Columbia University, a senior researcher at the Tibet Action Institute, and the inaugural Stephanie G Neuman Fellow at the Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies. He recently co-authored an article in Foreign Affairs titled Beijing's Dangerous Game in Tibet”.Timestamps[00:00] Start [02:08] Beijing's Key Interests in Tibet [04:06] Xi Jinping's Approach to Tibet [07:00] Internal and External Drivers of Tibet Policy [08:08] Xi's Recent Visit to Tibet [11:34] Infrastructure Developments and Expansionism  [15:27] Beijing's Succession Plans and Tibetan Reactions to a Future Dalai Lama [20:27] Risk of Unrest and Crackdowns [25:43] Implications for Neighboring States 

In this week's episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest shifts across major trades.Asia–Europe: Spot rates dip below spring levels, but Lars explains why it's not yet a full collapse.Trans-Pacific: A striking bifurcation—rates out of Southeast Asia/China erode while Northeast Asia (Korea, Japan) surges by $500/FEU.Atlantic: After months of stability, head-haul rates slide from $1,800 to $1,500 per FEU.Capacity Updates: Carriers move beyond blank sailings, with Gemini canceling an entire service for Q1 2025.Tariff Watch: Mexico considers hikes on Chinese imports, raising the specter of retaliation.Safety & Compliance: Nearly 11% of cargo is misdeclared—new AI initiatives aim to reduce fires, accidents, and container losses.Get the latest maritime news here!

China's economic ties with Brazil are booming, and 2024 saw a stunning 113% jump in Chinese investment, totaling $4.2 billion across 39 projects, the highest number ever, according to a new report by the Brazil-China Business Council. From renewable energy and oil to mining and automotive manufacturing, Chinese companies are pouring capital into Brazil's economy. This investment boom, though, comes at a sensitive time as China is moving aggressively to reduce its reliance on the U.S., particularly in the food sector. Tulio Cariello, the Council's director of content and research, joins Eric to explain what's driving the surge of Chinese FDI in Brazil and whether this upswing is expected to continue. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth  

Lisa Martin gives her insight into all things tech, starting with clearing dialogue surrounding the TikTok trade talk conundrum and the U.S. goal to chip away Chinese ownership. She notes headwinds ahead for Nvidia (NVDA) as it tackles antitrust conflict in China, though CoreWeave's (CRWV) $6.3 billion contract with the chipmaking giant adds to its strength. On Tesla (TSLA), Lisa shares how the Mag 7 company is positioning itself as an A.I. and autonomous driving firm.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Isaiah 22:1-24:23, Gal 2:17-3:9, Ps 60:1-12, Pr 23:15-16

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Chinese News at 15:10 (JST), September 16

The Trump Administration has announced that a "framework of a deal" has been reached for Tik-Tok's parent company to divest from its Chinese owners. ABC Technology Reporter Mike Dobuski joined Arizona’s Morning News to talk about the purported TikTok deal and a preview of Meta’s new Smart Glasses.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!I hate cats. But I enjoy Chinese food. See, there's a blessing in every part of God's creation – especially the lessons they teach us. This week we'll deal with whether cats think they're better than you or just don't know you exist; some amazing poetry that somehow gave rise to some horrible acting; whether curiosity is actually deadly or if it will just give you hives; and whether it's appropriate to actually detonate a feline, even for a good cause.Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.

In this episode of the Radical Global Marketing Podcast, we sit down with Greg Savarese, founder and CEO of Sino Taste, a comprehensive food and beverage investment group shaping the future of coffee in China.Greg shares his remarkable 20-year journey in China, from co-founding a fast-casual restaurant group to pivoting back to his first passion: coffee. Today, Sino Taste operates across the entire coffee value chain, from sourcing and roasting to retail and wholesale, with bold plans to integrate even further by launching their own coffee farm in Yunnan.We explore how Greg balances his roles in strategy, business development, and marketing, and why brand storytelling is critical in China's fast-evolving coffee scene. From premium positioning with Ocean Grounds to expanding into traditional and instant coffee segments, Sino Taste's portfolio is designed to capture the diversity of Chinese coffee consumers.Greg also reflects on:The opportunities and challenges of building a vertically integrated F&B business in ChinaHow China's unique food culture shapes consumer expectationsWhy coffee in China is still in its early growth stage, and why the next few years will be criticalThe role of marketing and storytelling in driving both B2C and B2B growthWhether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or coffee lover, this episode offers fascinating insights into building a modern brand in one of the world's most dynamic markets.

WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports Canada is looking to drop tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and it could affect the Detroit Big Three.