Podcasts about compare

It doesn't always seem fair, does it? When you look around the world and see faithful believers in Christ struggling in life's circumstances, while those who deny God seem to succeed. The lives of those who cherish the things of this world can appear so full, right up to death. Compare this to the life of a believer, who, in the pit of their despair, can come to fear what plans the Lord has in store for them next, even as he brings them into his holiness. This week in Job 20-24, we will consider four things from the comments of Job and his friends Zophar and Eliphaz. First, the success of the wicked is temporary and ultimately ends in destruction. Second, suffering can lead to impatience with the timing of God's judgment of the wicked. Third, it is easy to judge a person's favour with God based on their circumstances. Fourth, a faithful person can become afraid of God's plans for their future.

9-10am Hour 4 - Jeremy White and Joe DiBiase talk about how differently the MVP race will look this year for Bills fans and what it means for Josh Allen's legacy that he has one, but still lacks a Super Bowl appearance. Also, the guys have discovered a strange side of the internet that creates fake stories about the Buffalo Bills and want to make sure everyone knows what's really going on with the team.

About 70% of dentists will be embezzled during their careers. In fact, it may be happening to you now! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back David Harris, embezzlement expert and CEO of Prosperident, to continue with part two of how to stop embezzlement from happening in your practice. To learn the best monitoring framework to stop future thieves in their tracks, listen to Episode 927 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About David:Give David a call: (888) 398-2327Email David for the monthly monitoring spreadsheet: requests@prosperident.com Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidharris9406Join David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidharrisprosperidentLearn more about Prosperident: https://www.prosperident.comMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT's BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT's BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT's To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 927: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosWatch Episode 926 with David Harris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_yuHXQA-TkMain Takeaways:Ensure your day-end report matches up with what you remember from that day.Review your day-end report and ask yourself if what you see makes sense.Have other providers sign off on their day-end reports for accountability.Print your own reports. Don't open the doors for selective reporting.Make a habit of initialing and putting away reports that you review.Compare day-end and month-end numbers for each month.Confirm that your collections and deposits add up.Learn to trust systems, not just people.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:36 David's background.4:20...

We drove the 1750HP SSC Tuatara! What a thing it was! How's it feel? Compare to a Bugatti or a Pagani or a Koenigsegg? Is it worth the money? And what about that record thing...Plus, Mercedes stops selling EVs in CA; fuel economy standards end: what does it mean?; and we answer Patreon questions including:Why do old cars have "patina" and newer cars "look rough"?Should I replace my tired suspension with aftermarket or OEM?Are mild performance cars a good value?How do we feel about Detroit?Has the G80 M3 grown on us?Best T-tops for summer?Which generation of Audi TT RS is best?Why we haven't talked about Subaru EVsGlock watchesBest snow super SUVAnd more!Recorded Friday, August 1, 2025  Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/tire #rulapod DeleteMeGet 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/TIRE and use promo code TIRE at checkout. New merch! Grab a shirt or hoodie and support us! https://thesmokingtireshop.com/ Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! For a 10% discount on your first case go to https://www.offtherecord.com/TST Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast Instagram:https://www.Instagram.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Instagram.com/therealzackklapman   Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to http://www.offtherecord.com/TST. Watch our car reviews: https://www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire Tweet at us!https://www.Twitter.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Twitter.com/zackklapman Instagram:https://www.Instagram.com/thesmokingtirehttps://www.Instagram.com/therealzackklapman

Willard and Dibs debate if it's fair to compare Brock Purdy to Jared Goff.

Henry talks with Fox 9 News Anchor Kelsey Carlson about comparing the Minnesota State Fair to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, having a routine, the concern of Amber Alerts and more.

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Episode Guest:Jane Kielty is the CEO of Aon across the UK, Ireland, and South Africa, bringing over 20 years of experience in insurance, pensions, and reinsurance. She is passionate about early careers, client service, and inspiring purpose-driven work.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:45 First meeting Jack & flipping the duvet (literally)2:00 From fish & chips to the boardroom4:10 Early lessons in customer service and hard work6:05 The RAF dream that shaped her resilience8:15 Pivoting from law to insurance10:30 Building a 20-year career at Aon13:05 Positivity, energy and choosing happiness15:25 What makes someone great in client service17:40 The 2004 career plan that changed everything19:50 Learning AI as a CEO — and what it taught her22:05 Why curiosity and listening are critical soft skills24:15 What schools don't teach (but should)26:40 How to think about money and avoid regrets29:00 Why Aon's early careers programme stands out31:10 Making insurance, pensions & reinsurance exciting33:15 Purpose, impact and working with clients35:00 Her invisible success: treating every pound as her own37:10 What flips her duvet every morningEpisode Partners✈️ easyJetExplore exciting career opportunities at easyJet, one of Europe's leading airlines. Whether you're passionate about aviation, customer service, engineering, or corporate roles, easyJet offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and growth.https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

Send us a text“The Battle for Biblical Truth: Light in the Darkness” — Psalm 119:105 | Daily Devotional with Reverend Ben CooperThe battle for truth is real—and silence is no longer an option. While Christian leaders grow quiet, the Bible speaks louder than ever, with over 8 billion copies sold worldwide and another 3 billion given freely. Compare that to Harry Potter's 600 million or the Qur'an's 800 million, and the numbers testify: God's Word is unmatched in influence.In this bold and confronting episode of the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast, Reverend Ben Cooper takes you straight into the spiritual heart of the issue—why we must return to the authority, power, and truth of Scripture. Based on Psalm 119:105:“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)This devotional examines how modern church culture has drifted—replacing the Word with performance, entertainment, and compromise. But Jesus never commissioned us to build empires or denominations—He called us to walk in the light of His Word.Psalm 119:105 — God's Word lights our path in a dark worldGenesis 1:3 — "Let there be light" began both physical and spiritual creationJohn 1:14 — "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us"Mark 8:38 — Do not be ashamed of the gospel in a wicked generationActs 2:46 — Early believers broke bread and lived Scripture everywhereMatthew 5:14–16 — You are the light of the world—don't hide itLife Application:The message is clear: If you don't carry the light, you can't push back the dark."Pick up your mat and pray in the street—no problem. Pick up your cross—and you're in trouble."Reverend Ben challenges the cultural double standard where other belief systems are welcomed openly in public, while Christians are pressured into silence. Yet the Bible calls us to bold proclamation, not quiet compliance.This isn't about being controversial—it's about being faithful.Are you hiding your light to stay comfortable?Are you seeking Scripture as your main source—or are you leaning on culture?Would you still love God's Word if it cost you everything?The persecuted church is risking their lives for a single Bible page, while many of us let our copies gather dust.Call to Action:If you're struggling to stand strong in your faith, this episode is your wake-up call. The Word of God is still the most powerful, transformative force in the world.Need a Bible? We'll get one to you—no matter where you live. Contact us today via www.RBChristianRadio.netSpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsYouTubeSupport this listSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

คอลัมน์ “สดแต่เช้า”ปีที่5 (ตอนที่129) คิดดีแล้วหรือ ที่จะเย่อหยิ่ง? “แต่พระองค์ก็ประทานพระคุณมากยิ่งขึ้น เพราะฉะนั้นพระคัมภีร์จึงกล่าวว่า “พระเจ้าทรงต่อสู้คนที่หยิ่งจองหอง แต่ประทานพระคุณแก่คนที่ถ่อมใจ””‭‭ ~ยากอบ‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭THSV11‬‬ “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.””‭‭ ~James‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ สิ่งที่คนเย่อหยิ่งมักกระทำก็คือ1.Conceit(อวดดีหรือถือดี)2.Close Ears Eyes& Heart(ปิดหูปิดตาและปิดใจ ไม่ฟัง)3.Compare(ชอบเปรียบเทียบและข่ม)4.Criticize (ชอบวิพากษ์วิจารณ์)5.Condemn (ชอบดูถูกและตัดสินประณาม)6.Cause Pains(มักสร้างความเจ็บปวดและตัดผู้อื่นทิ้งง่ายๆ)7.Can't apologize (ไม่ยอมรับผิดและขอโทษไม่เป็น) การกระทำอย่างนั้น จะทำให้คนเย่อหยิ่งตกต่ำลง!เพราะในพระคัมภีร์มีคำตอบอย่างชัดเจนว่า “ความหยิ่งของคนนำเขาให้ต่ำลง แต่คนถ่อมตัวจะได้รับเกียรติ”‭‭ ~สุภาษิต‬ ‭29‬:‭23‬ ‭THSV11‬‬ และใครล่ะ จะเป็นผู้ทำให้พวกเขาต่ำลง? คำตอบคือ ผู้ที่จะทำให้พวกเขาตกต่ำก็คือ พระเจ้านั่นเอง!“พระองค์ทรงช่วยประชาชนที่ถ่อมตัวให้รอด แต่ดวงตาที่หยิ่งยโสนั้น พระองค์ทรงทำให้ต่ำลง” ~‭‭2 ซามูเอล‬ ‭22‬:‭28‬ ‭THSV11‬‬ ดังนั้นถ้าใครอยากตกต่ำลง จงทำตัวเยอะ และเย่อหยิ่งยโสไว้เสมอๆ! สิ่งที่พระเจ้าจะทรงกระทำกับคนเย่อหยิ่งก็คือ พระองค์จะทรง1.Challenge พวกเขา(ท้าทายและต่อสู้กับพวกเขา)2.Chasten พวกเขา(ตีสอนพวกเขาให้สำนึกตัว)3.Calm down พวกเขา(ทำให้พวกเขาถ่อมตัวและสงบลง) พระคัมภีร์มีตัวอย่างของผู้ที่เย่อหยิ่งที่ถูกพระเจ้า ทรงท้าทาย ตีสอน และทำให้ถ่อมตัวสงบลงหลายราย อาทิ 1.กษัตริย์ เนบูคัสเนสซาร์แห่งบาบิโลน~ดาเนียล.4 2.ฟาโรห์แห่งอียิปต์ ~อพยพ.7-12 3.ลูซิเฟอร์~อิสยาห์14;เอเสเคียล28 ด้วยเหตนี้ ถ้าหากว่าเราไม่อยากเป็นศัตรูกับพระเจ้า และ มีบั้นปลายเหมือนคนเย่อหยิ่งทั้งหลาย ก็อย่าหยิ่งยโสเลย แต่เราควรทำตรงกันข้าม นั่นคือ จงถ่อมตัวลง เพื่อทำให้พระเจ้าทรงพอพระทัยแล้วพระองค์จะทรง1.ช่วยเหลือ และ2.ประทานพระคุณ ที่นำ 1).ความรอด และ 2).เกียรติยศ มาให้แก่เรา … จะดีมั้ยครับ?~~~~~~~~~~~~~ธงชัย ประดับชนานุรัตน์ 7สิงหาคม2025 (ตอนที่129 ของปีที่5)#YoutubeCJCONNECT#คริสตจักรแห่งความรัก #Churchoflove #ShareTheLoveForward #ChurchOfJoy #คริสตจักรแห่งความสุข #NimitmaiChristianChurch #คริสตจักรนิมิตใหม่ #ฮักกัยประเทศไทย #อัลฟ่า #หนึ่งล้านความดี

8:30am Hour 3 - Jeremy White and Joe DiBiase talk about other contract disputes around the NFL and how they compare with James Cook's contract situation.

Lleyton, Peter & Kristin go through it all:

Is ChatGPT about to disrupt the real estate giants?

Bump and Stacy are joined by FTN Fantasy’s Aaron Schatz to preview the 2025 NFL Season, including what he expects to see from the Seahawks and some surprise teams to keep an eye on, they answer your questions about the NFL Hall of Fame Game and what they’ve seen at Seahawks Training Camp this week in Four Down Territory, they bring you the latest on Seahawks LT Charles Cross' dislocated finger and Mariners Pitcher Bryce Miller’s rehab start in The Timeline, and they break down what they hope to see from the Seahawks new offense in 2025. 

In this third installment of our series on the Jinshin no Ran, we are covering the battles that took place in the Nara basin.   Of course, while the fighting focuses on the generals, most of it was done by conscripts--farmers and other common people called up to fight. For more, check out of podcast webpage:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-131   Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua, and this is episode 131: The Jinshin no Ran, Part 3: Fighting in the Nara Basin   Maro stood under the tsuki tree and gazed at the walls of the great temple.  The gates and tiled roof were truly an incredible sight.  Maro's home wasn't that far away, but until he'd been called up for service to the government, he hadn't thought much beyond the valley where he and his family tilled the land.  Their life had been largely spent in the village, tucked up in the valley, farming rice, hunting in the mountains, and gathering firewood.   He remembered how, years ago, his brothers had been the ones to go and do their service.  They had been called up to build some kind of giant fortress on the top of a mountain.  The stories they  brought back were incredible—it was one thing to hear tales of the outside world from merchants and itinerant priests, but it was different to hear them from someone you actually knew.  Now, it was Maro's turn.  But he hadn't been called up for labor—he was going to have to fight.  He tried to psych himself up.  Many of the men and, frankly, young boys who were there with him were in a similar boat.  Some were old hands, having served multiple times.  Others were new and, like Maro, there for the first time.  None of them were professional soldiers, though you wouldn't know that by the way some of them swaggered through the camp.  They had been called up quickly, with only a little information.  Apparently Prince Ohoama, they were told, had rebelled against the government.  He and his men were gathering in the east and at any moment they could attack the capital in Ohotsu, and from there they would swing down and attack the ancient capital.  So here they were, several hundred conscripts, pulled from households around the ancient capital, gathered and waiting for their weapons and armor so that they could then get their marching orders—quite literally. Suddenly, Maro heard a commotion in the north.  He couldn't see what was happening, but the murmurs turned to shouting.  Prince Takechi, the son of the demonic rebel, Ohoama, was here, coming from the north with hundreds of expert soldiers on horseback!  Panic set in, and even though a few of the officers tried to quell the disturbance, it wasn't enough.  Afraid for what might come, Maro and those like him broke ranks and fled.  Maro gave little thought to what might happen to his family and friends if he deserted—he was no longer thinking rationally.  Along with his compatriots—his would-be brothers-in-arms if they had been given any—he hoped that he could hide, and that, if he survived, maybe, just maybe, he could somehow make it back home in one piece.   Welcome back.  Content warning for this episode—we are going to be talking about war, including death, fighting, and suicide. As I noted at the start, this is part three of our look at the Jinshin no Ran, the Jinshin War—sometimes translated as a “Disturbance” or a “Rebellion”.  This was the war between the supporters of Prince Ohoama, also known as Temmu, and Prince Ohotomo, aka Koubun.  Ohoama's side is sometimes called the Yoshino or even the Yamato court, as he had quote-unquote “retired” from the world and become a monk at a temple in Yoshino, south of Asuka, in the old area of Yamato.  Meanwhile, Ohotomo's supporters were the Afumi court—including most of the ministers running the state from the capital in Ohotsu, on the shores of lake Biwa, the area known as Afumi.  So let's take a look at what has happened so far, and then we can get into the events we are talking about today: a look at the soldiers who were fighting, their gear, and then some of the fighting that went on—specifically the fighting that happened in the Nara Basin.  I'll do my best to organize things based on the rough timeline that they seem to have occurred. Now previously, we had covered how Ohoama, brother to Naka no Oe aka Tenchi Tennou, had given up his title as Crown Prince and retired, supposedly to prevent any concerns that he might rebel and try to take the throne, but this wasn't enough for Ohotomo and the Court, who had begun to raise forces against him.  And so Ohoama and his supporters had just made a desperate dash eastwards, across the mountain roads to Ise.  From there they secured the Fuwa and Suzuka passes, two of the main routes to the East Countries.  Ohoama had then sent out requests for assistance to those same countries, hoping to find allies who would support him against the apparently legitimate government in Ohotsu. We are told that Ohoama was joined at this time by two of his sons: Prince Takechi and Prince Ohotsu. And here I want to pause to note something that I didn't point out last episode: These princes were not quite as old as you might think from the way they are portrayed in the Chronicle.  Prince Takechi, who had been given command of the troops at Fuwa Barrier, was only 19 years old.  Granted, that is only 4 years younger than their rival, Prince Ohotomo, and only a couple of years younger than the famous Minamoto Yoshitsune would be when he joined his brother in the Genpei Wars, over 500 years later.  Prince Ohotsu, however, was a bit younger, as he is believed to have been about 10 years old at this time, which likely explains why he is not so prominent in the narrative.  I mention this because the Nihon Shoki often omits details like age and can make it seem like these were all seasoned adult men and women, when it may have been that they were simply of high enough status to be mentioned, even though others were likely running their affairs for them.  In Prince Takechi's case, while he was likely old enough to take charge of the forces at Fuwa, it is also clear that his father was nearby and overseeing things, so everything didn't rest solely on his son's shoulders. Meanwhile, the Afumi court was raising its own soldiers.  While their delegation to the East was stopped at the captured Fuwa Pass, they also had sent word to the west.  Kibi and Tsukushi are specifically mentioned, but we know that they were raising troops elsewhere, including in the home province regions of Yamato and Kawachi. Here it should be noted that the Nihon Shoki is pretty clearly pro-Temmu, in other words pro-Ohoama.  There is some evidence from textual analysis, however, that the Temmu portions of the narrative differ from the Tenchi portions.  Torquil Duthie, in his book, “Man'yōshū and the Imperial Imagination in Early Japan”, recounts how scholarship has identified at least two—possibly three—different groups of compilers who managed different reigns.  The Tenchi narrative is more neutral, while the Temmu narrative provides a bit more of an accusatory tone, and both narratives provide slightly different accounts of the same events—notably the death of Naka no Oe, Prince Ohoama taking vows, and Prince Ohotomo succeeding his father.  On the other side, Duthie mentions  the Kaifusou, a collection of Sinitic style poetry created in 751, just 31 years after the Nihon Shoki, where in the introduction, the author seems to be much more sympathetic to Prince Ohotomo and his cause, implying that Oama was the one rising up against the legitimate government. I mention this just to help us remember that our primary source is not exactly neutral about all of this, and we should keep that in mind as we are trying to sort out what was going on.  The narrative also often makes it seem as though the outcome was inevitable, but we should remember that at the time all of these events were going down, the people involved couldn't have known how they were going to turn out— in the moment, anything could have happened, especially in times of war. Speaking of which, we know that the two sides were raising troops, so let's talk about what we know about those troops and what combat may have looked like at this time.  While we don't exactly have detailed accounts, there is a lot we can piece together through the archaeological record and other sources.  To that end we have evidence of armor and weapons, as well as shields, and we can also look at haniwa through the 6th and even early 7th century to give us an idea of local armor styles.  Let's first look back on how soldiers were conscripted.  Each household seems to have been responsible for supplying a soldier, when required.  They were also to supply their equipment.  This included a sword, armor, bows and arrows, as well as a flag and drum. In historical parades, today, we often see row upon row of soldiers kitted out in matching clothing, appearing relatively cohesive and well-regimented.  In truth it is hard to know just how similar any one group might have been.  Based on later historical examples, it is safe to assume that many of the soldiers may not have had much armor, if any, and even if they did it might have been made of wood or leather, which were unlikely to survive to the modern day. Of course, I would also question just how often they were able to afford everything mentioned.  And since we are told that as the government was gathering soldiers it was also opening up storehouses of weapons and armor, I suspect that indicates that not everyone had their own.  And even if they did, it may have been of questionable quality. That said, if a warrior did have armor, it was likely one of two types, variations of which were both found on the continent. The first type is characterized by a solid, circular cuirass, often called a “tankou”, or short armor.  These were made of strips of iron that were shaped on a wooden form and then riveted or tied together into a solid cuirass, which is why it is also called a type of “plate” armor.  One side of the armor was hinged and could open so that the wearer could get in.  There are some tankou with a hanging skirt of tassets that flare out as well, protecting the legs, and even examples of pieces that also go around the neck, shoulder guards, and arm guards.  The tankou seems to date from at least the 3rd or 4th century, with changes in design over time, and we know that it continued through at least the 6th century. Compare this to the keikou, or hanging armor.  Keikou was a kind of lamellar armor, made of individual scales, later known as “sane”.  These metal scales, also known as lamellae, were held together with lacing, and made for a much more flexible, and presumably comfortable, armor.  The tradeoff for this comfort was that keikou likely took a lot more labor to make, and thus were considered a more elite armor, possibly used by men on horseback or at least by those leading the troops.  Looking into the future a bit, we know that in the 8th century there were “tankou” and “keikou” being donated to the Shousouin repository at Toudaiji.  However, it isn't clear that “tankou” and “keikou” in the 8th century referred to exactly this kind of armor, and we may have been dealing with something else entirely, because there is a lacuna in our understanding of armor on the archipelago between the end of the Asuka period and the appearance of the more familiar yoroi in the Heian period comes about.  There are conjectured transitional armors, based on continental models, which are thought to have been used.  Still, at this very point in time, when Ohoama is mounting his rebellion against Ohotomo, the Keikou and Tankou are generally thought to have still been in use, and this is generally how you will see the two sides represented. As for weapons, perhaps the most common that we see is the bow and arrow.  Archery is extremely practical, not only for its ability to be used from a distance, but also because in times of peace people can use the same bows to hunt, thus making hunting prowess a kind of stand-in for military prowess.  The way of the bow—in fact the way of the horse and bow, or Kyuuba no Michi—would be the main pillar of martial prowess in the archipelago for centuries.  The iconic sword, while important—it was, after all, one of the three sacred regalia—was more of a side-arm, deployed in close quarters combat.  It was still important, as it could be easily carried with you.  However, it is more likely that massed troops might have had spears and various types of polearms, providing reach.  Those are harder to just casually carry around, however, especially if you are mainly using a bow.  Perhaps that is part of the reason that we don't hear as much about such weapons, and most of the focus seems to be on the archers and on swords. There were also at this time shields.  We know that the Hayato of southern Kyushu were particularly known for them, but there evidence that they were more widely used.  After all, a shield made of wood would have made an important defense against a rain of arrows coming from the enemy. As for the horses, some of them may have even had their own barding, or armor, though I suspect, again, that was rare, and reserved for elites.  All of this together gives us some idea of what it may have looked like when Ohoama and Ohotomo's forces engaged in battle, though it is still conjecture.  We know that they had spears, and swords, and bows.  We know that some of the first men that Prince Ohoama picked up on his journey was to conscript archers to his service, who then were pressed into taking a government post station.    We also don't necessarily see a lot of individual fighting described in the records, though there are exceptions. Later on, there was a tradition of individual warriors calling out challenges in the midst of battle, that became an accepted practice in the early culture of the bushi, or samurai, but we don't see that in the Chronicles.    Certainly we see moments of individual valor which are remembered, likely because of the benefits that the hero's descendants could then claim for themselves.   But for the most part it seems that the people actually doing the fighting were groups of conscripted soldiers, not the hired warriors of later periods.  Even among groups like the Mononobe, the Be of the Warriors, it isn't clear that they would have been the ones on the front lines—not if they could help it, anyway.  Most of these were farmers and similar commoners, who were called up to fight as necessary.  Some of them may have seen action over on the Korean peninsula, or even in local skirmishes.  Others would have been fresh out of the fields, joining the ranks for the first time.  They were not exactly volunteers, but also didn't have much of a choice.  It was the draft on steroids. I also suspect that the act of conscription, where a soldier was offered up by a household, or family,, meant that desertion would mean that their family would be punished. While the elite generals providing the men were no doubt gauging how this would affect their own political and economic fortunes, I imagine that the average soldier had much less agency and could look forward to many fewer rewards.  In fact, I suspect his main goal would have been one of survival.  Perhaps if one fought well, they could earn something more for themselves, and perhaps there were cultural concepts of loyalty to one's local elites and leadership.  And maybe there were leaders who inspired them to do great things.  However, works like the Nihon Shoki were rarely concerned with the lives of the common people, except when it shined a light on the sovereigns and their court.   It was much more concerned with how this affected the upper caste of society. There is also the question about just what kind of fighting this system led to.  Again, these are not the bushi—a warrior class who prided themselves on their martial prowess.  And neither were they standing armies.  While there were likely some who regularly served and trained and found they had a skill at war, how many were simple farmers who were now holding a spear instead of a spade?  These are things to keep in mind as we follow along with tales of glorious victory or ignoble defeat. So, that's a glimpse at who was actually doing the fighting.  As for the timeline of the battle, let's get into it.  But first, a caveat:  as we should be used to by now, the exact chronology of the events listed in the Nihon Shoki is not entirely clear.  The Nihon Shoki provides a narrative, but often it includes actions that took several days or even weeks on a single date where the events apparently culminated.  Using cues, such as “one day later” or such things, we can piece together a narrative, but I may not have it 100% accurate.  It doesn't help that the Nihon Shoki seems to focus on different campaigns separately, even though much of it was happening at the same time.  That's compounded by the fact that all of this was being recorded much later, and so there is also a great possibility that even some of the seemingly clear dates were also wrong, or were adjusted to make for a better flow in the narrative.  So I'm going to do my best to piece together what I roughly feel was the chronological order, but just be aware that dates may not be all that precise.    In the coming conflict we see several main arenas.  First, there is the area around Lake Biwa, from the Fuwa pass towards Ohotsu.  This was Ohoama's main path to try and put an end to this whole affair—to make his way to Ohotsu, the capital, and cut off the head of the snake.  To do that he would have to leave his defensive position and venture out around the lake, where Afumi forces no doubt lay in wait.  At the same time, there was also fierce fighting in the Nara Basin, with Yoshino and Afumi forces clashing there across the plains.  And we cannot forget the Kafuka, or Kouka, pass over to Suzuka.  If the Afumi forces could push through to Suzuka, then they could march along the coastal plains of Mie up through Owari and come at Ohoama's forces from behind. In previous episodes we covered the leadup to this part of the conflict, and while there had been some fighting at the post stations on the road to Suzuka, as well as captured envoys at Fuwa Pass, so far we haven't seen any major fighting.  If the timeline in the Nihon Shoki is to be believed, the first serious clashes seem to have occurred in the Yamato region and the Nara basin. In general, however, there seems to have been two main campaigns.  There was the fighting in the Nara Basin, and then there was the fighting along the shores of Lake Biwa. Everything started off at the end of the 6th month with Ohoama's mad dash to capture the passes at Suzuka and Fuwa, where he waited while he gathered up men from the Eastern countries.  While that was happening, the Afumi court was out recruiting men for their own war.  This would lead to some of the earliest formal battles between the two sides taking place in the Nara Basin, originally a recruitment center, it turned into a battle zone.  Yoshino aligned forces would push north, only to be blocked by armies coming down from the capital at Ohotsu, as well as forces coming through the gap between Yamato and Kawachi, where the Yamato river leaves the basin through the western mountains.  The fighting happened largely over the course of a week or so.  It started around the 29th day of the 6th month, and seems to have ended between the 4th or 6th day of the 7th month.  So keep that in mind. As you may recall from last episode, two brothers, Ohotomo no Muraji no Makuda and Ohotomo no Muraji no Fukei, upon hearing that Ohoama was rising up, both feigned illness, using that as an excuse to leave the court at Ohotsu and return to their family compounds in the Yamato region.  From there, Makuda made haste to catch up with Ohoama and his men, but his brother, Fukei, stayed behind to see what he could do in Yamato. Originally, Fukei's success was limited.  He started calling various allied families together and tried to drum up support for Ohoama, but he could only gather a few tens of men.  Not the hundreds, let alone thousands, that would be needed.  At the same time, the Afumi court was conscripting men of the Yamato region into service.  This was being organized by Hodzumi no Obito no Momotari and his younger brother, Hodzumi no Obito no Ihoye, along with Mononobe no Obito no Hiuga, who had all been sent to Yamato on the orders of the Afumi court, apparently arriving shortly after Fukei.  This group set up their base of operations at the Wokamoto palace—it was, after all, the official government presence and they were the official government representatives —and they used the grounds west of Houkouji, aka Asukadera, as their assembly grounds. Ohotomo no Fukei knew that something would have to be done.  If those conscripted Yamato soldiers were formed into a proper army and sent out, it could cause a lot of trouble for Ohoama and his men.  And fortunately, Fukei had a man on the inside: apparent ally, Sakanouhe no Atahe no Kumage, the officer in charge of the Wokamoto Palace, working for Prince Takazaka who resided there.  And so Fukei had a plan—he would impersonate the Royal Prince Takechi, son of Ohoama, and pretend to lead a force of cavalry to attack the camp at Asukadera.  To strengthen the illusion, Fukei would come in from the north, which is where Prince Takechi and his men would presumably be coming from.  Now remember, Fukei only had tens of people that were actually on his side at this point, and the camp was presumably much larger.  If they didn't fall for his ruse, Fukei would be marching straight to his death. Fukei marshalled his troops at the house of Kudara, which is to say “Baekje”, and then left out of the south gate.  He then had an accomplice, Hada no Miyatsuko no Kuma, dressed in nothing but a loincloth, mount a horse and gallop as fast as he could towards the camp.  You can imagine the confusion in the camp as this wild, naked man gallops up to them in a panic and starts telling them that Prince Takechi and his men were on their way with a huge force. When the conscripted soldiers heard this, they panicked.  While the men were gathered, it seems that they hadn't yet been outfitted with weapons and armor, so the entire camp broke and fled.  And so Fukei was able to waltz in with his tens of men and take the camp at Asukadera, capturing Prince Takazaka and those sent from Ohotsu to levy troops.  Fukei's ally, Kumage, the man on the inside, helped with this, along with the soldiers under the command of him and the Aya no Atahe.  And so they were able to disperse the conscripted Yamato forces before they were even assembled.  However, it turned out that someone was missing.  Hodzumi no Omi no Momotari, who had been appointed leader of the operation, was not at Asukadera.  It turns out that he was over at the Woharida Palace, where he was reviewing the armory, taking out the weapons and armor for the troops that he thought were still over at Asukadera. And so Fukei continued the ruse: he sent a messenger to summon Momotari, claiming to be a summons from Prince Takechi himself. Momotari, hearing this, likely knew that he had lost, but he apparently maintained his dignity.  He didn't run away or rush to the camp.  Instead he approached on horseback in a leisurely fashion.  When he reached the encampment, now under Fukei's command, one of the soldiers shouted at Momotari to get off his horse, but Momotari, likely trying to keep what remained of his dignity, was slow in doing so.  The men around him didn't care one whit for his dignity, however.  They grabbed his collar and pulled him off of the horse, dragging him to the ground.  He was shot with an arrow and then a man drew his sword and struck him and killed him.  We aren't even told who did this deed, just how it was done. As for the others, Momonatari's brother, Hodzumi no Ihoye and Mononobe no Hiuga were bound, but eventually they were released amongst the troops, where they were no doubt watched carefully.  Princes Takazaka no Ou and Wakasa no Ou, the representatives of the Afumi court in Asuka, were made to follow behind the army.  With this victory under his belt, Ohotomo no Fukei sent messengers to Prince Ohoama, at the Fuwa pass, to let him know what had happened.  When the messengers finally reached Ohoama we are told that he was quite pleased with the result.  After all, it meant that his rearguard was that much more secure. We are told that these events took place on or about the 29th day of the 6th month, around the same time that Ohoama was overseeing the troops at Wazami, only a few days after he and the real Prince Takechi had made their way to that camp.  Things were evolving quickly.  Fukei's success drew others to his banner.  Miwa no Kimi no Takechimaro, Kamo no Kimi no Yemishi, and othes all joined Fukei's forces, “like an echo”.  With a now more sizeable force, it seems that Fukei believed he was ready to take the fight to the Afumi court.  He and his advisors drew up plans for invading Afumi, selecting men to be deputy commanders and military commanders, providing a hierarchy and some organization.  From there, a few days later, he began to march north from Asuka, towards Nara. Now Nara at this point was just a name for the northwest area of the basin—they probably didn't even think of it as the Nara basin back then.  But it was along the road that led north, through the mountains, and from there through Yamashiro and eventually on to Afumi.  As Fukei was headed north, however,  he received word that there was another force coming from the Kawachi in the west.  And so he split his forces.  Sakamoto no Omi no Takara and others were sent with some 300 troops to take a defensive position at Tatsuta.  Sami no Kimi no Sukunamaro was also sent with another several hundred men to Ohosaka… no, not that Ohosaka.  Afusaka in modern Kashiba, in western Nara Basin.  This area would have been a strategic defensive point for any troops taking the road from Kawachi, so if anyone got past Sakamoto no Takara, Sukunamaro and his troops would be waiting. The now General Fukei also sent Kamo no Yemishi with another several hundred men to guard the Iwate road, to defend that approach as well.  Now Sakamoto no Takara, who had been sent to engage the troops coming from Kawachi, reached the area of Hiraishi when he heard that Afumi forces were occupying the nearby castle of Takayasu mountain.  You may recall that Takayasu was one of the Korean style fortresses that had been built in anticipation of a possible invasion from the continent, and it had even been repaired a few times.  Now it was being used not against an outside enemy, but in an internal conflict. Takara and his men marched up the mountain, intending to attack the castle, and here we should probably give a better idea of just what this castle was like.  If you think of a modern Japanese castle the thing that likely stands out, no pun intended, is the Tenshukaku, or donjon; the multi-storied tower located somewhere inside the walls and moats of the castle proper.  This would be an ideal location to spy over the walls and see where the enemy were, as well as an area from which one could make a last ditch stand. The castles of the Asuka period were not like this.  They were built off of a continental model, and their defining feature was not the donjon—though they likely did have gate and guard towers set up so that one could see attacking forces.  No, the defining feature was really the walls.  Long, compacted-earth walls, possibly lined with stone, which snaked around the top of a mountain.  This castle style leveraged the natural contours of existing mountain tops to provide its defense.  It didn't hurt that they also provided clear views of what was happening on the plains below, and required attacking troops to march up a steep mountain climb and then attack uphill.  The tradeoff was that these weren't the kind of places that people would live, when most of the infrastructure of the state was in the fertile plains and surrounding areas.  So these castles had granaries to keep troops fed, and perhaps some basic buildings erected within the walls, but they were largely a practical design. You can still go see the Takayasu ruins, today, and you don't have to hike up the mountain as Takara and his men did.  Instead you can take a cable car up to the top, or even a regular car on the roads that drive up to the old castle site, though how much you can see I'm not sure.  There are also other castle ruins and even old kofun on the mountain, as its prominence has been recognized as important in many different centuries. There likely weren't a lot of troops manning the castle, certainly not enough that they felt they had much chance of defending it.  So when Takara and his men made it up to the top, they Afumi forces burned the granaries, so as to deny him any supplies, and then took off, discretion being the better part of valor.  Takara and his men spent the evening at the castle, no doubt recovering from their hike up.  Remember, this wasn't just a leisurely stroll—they were no doubt fully kitted out for war.  When they woke the next morning they looked out over the surrounding countryside, of which they now had fantastic views, and   Takara noticed a large army coming down along the Ohotsu-Tajihi road.  They carried flags, which I don't know how Takara could have seen at that point, which identified them as being the enemy - troops of the Afumi general, Iki no Fubito no Karakuni. And so Takara and his men descended from Takayasu, crossed the Ega River—now known as the Ishi river, and engaged Karakuni's army.  They were only 300 men, however, and Karakuni had a much larger forcem so  Takara was unable to maintain a defense.  And so they made a strategic withdrawal—in other words retreated—back to Kashikosaka, apparently a part of Afusaka, where Ki no Omi no Oho'oto had been set to guard.  So Ohotomo and the Afumi court finally scored a win. Besides his victory against Takara and his men, we are also told that Karakuni had come upon Kume no Omi no Shihoko, the governor of Kawachi.  Shihoko had been gathering troops to go fight for Ohoama, but he was found out by Karakuni.  Karakuni captured him and was going to execute him, but before he could, Shihoko took his own life, instead. As Takara was retreating and setting up a new defensive position, Fukei had his own problems to worry about.  As he was camped with his troops on Mt. Narayama, one of his men, Aradawo no Atahe no Akamaro, addressed him and suggested that they should make sure to fortify Asuka, just in case.  Fukei agreed, and sent Akamaro as well as Imbe no Kobito to guard the Okamoto Palace in Asuka.  They also made sure to remove the planks from any bridges, using them to setup fortifications along the road.  Now any army that wished to cross would either have to swim or they would need to come across the narrow beams that were all that was left of the bridges.  This was not ideal at the best of times, but you can imagine doing it as troops on the other side were shooting arrows at you.  And yet this has become a near classic trope in Japanese war stories and it won't be the only time it comes up in various historical contexts.  It wouldn't even be the only time it shows up in this current conflict. A day later, Fukei found himself engaged with an Afumi general, Ohono no Kimi no Hatayasu, on Mt. Narayama itself.  Despite Fukei having had time to set up a defensive position, the Afumi forces overwhelmed Fukei's men.  They were defeated and Fukei himself barely escaped with his life.  Fukei fled south with only one or two men, also on horseback, with Hatayasu hot on his heels, only stopping when they reached Hatta and the Yamato river.  At that point the fortifications were in place, and Hatayasu likely knew that any trying to cross the river after Fukei would likely not go nearly as well as it did at Narayama. As for General Fukei he kept going all the way until he reached Sumizaka, which appears to be in Uda.  There he fell in with Okizome no Muraji no Usagi, at the head of several tens of thousands of men.  Usagi had been with Ohoama , but upon hearing of the fighting in Yamato, Ohoama had sent him  and others to go back through the Suzuka pass to provide reinforcements.  One can only imagine how happy Fukei was at this point to see Usagi and all of thise men.  Fukei turned back around and encamped at Kanatsunawi—possibly modern Imai-cho, Kashihara city.  There he was able to gather many of the dispersed troops back into a force once again. About this time, Fukei heard that the Afumi forces were also approaching along the Afusaka road.  So now they were approaching from both the north and the west.  They were also taking several different roads—inside the largely flat area of the Nara Basin, they likely had several choices.  Takara and Oho-oto had been unable to meet the enemy and had kept retreating, likely seeking a defensible position.  As they did this, Fukei came from the east with his reinforcements.  He made it to where the roads branched at Tahema—modern Taima—where he fought with Iki no Karakuni nearby Ashi-kie pond, possibly somewhere near modern Chimata.  During the battle, one of Fukei's men, a brave warrior known to us only as “Kume”, drew his sword and rushed straight into the midst of the enemy army.  Of course one lone man wasn't likely to do much, but he inspired a cavalry charge, and men on horseback followed closely at his heels.  Seeing this force bearing quickly down on them, the Afumi troops broke, and soon it was a rout.  Fukei's men pursued, cutting down the Afumi soldiers as they fled, until Fukei finally reined them in. At this point, Fukei then admonished his troops that their goal was to take out the ringleaders, not to just indiscriminately murder the common people.  Remember, which side of the battlefield you ended up fighting on was largely a function of who had conscripted you, and Fukei evidently knew this.  As the men were still retreating, though, Fukei noticed that the Afumi general, Karakuni – one of those ringleaders - had gotten himself separated from his men.  Fukei ordered Kume—presumably the same one who had charged the army in the first place—to shoot at him, but Kume's arrow missed, and Karakuni made his escape.  Rather than pursuing, Fukei returned back to his headquarters. Once there, Fukei now learned that there were enemy forces approaching from the East, as well.  So Fukei took the army and divided it into three, defending the Upper, Middle, and Lower roads, and he took personal charge of the forces on the middle road, likely so that he could easily keep in touch with the other forces.  He was also waiting for the next challenge, and he didn't have to wait for long: the Afumi general Inukai no Muraji no Isogimi approached along the Middle Road.  He halted at Muraya, but his deputy commander, Ihoriwi no Miyatsuko no Kujira, attacked Fukei's camp with 200 specially picked soldiers.  Now it turns out that when they reached the camp, there were only a few people actually there at the time, including one Tokumaro, described as a slave of Ohowidera temple, and four “people following the army” – in other words, these might not have been actual soldiers.  .  Nevertheless, together this small group rallied, formed an advance guard and went forward, shooting arrows at Kujira's forces.  Kujira, not knowing that Fukei's camp was all but empty, halted his advance. Meanwhile, over on the Upper Road, Miwa no Takechimaro and Okizome no Usagi, who had been sent by Ohoama from Fuwa, fought with the Afumi army at the Hashi Misasagi—which is assumed to be the Hashihaka kofun, and they overwhelmingly defeated the Afumi army there, such that they was able to pivot from there and swing their forces over to the Middle road.  There they slammed into the flank of Kujira's army, who had stopped to trade blows with Fukei's camp.  Many of the common soldiers were killed, and the general, Kujira, ran off, mounted on a white horse.  Unfortunately for him, the horse took a misstep and tumbled into a muddy-rice field. Kujira was bogged down in the mud and having trouble getting out.  General Fukei, seeing this, sent a brave soldier of Kahi to shoot at Kujira, but as the soldier came up to the edge of the rice paddy, Kujira whipped his horse vigorously, and got it to extricate itself and Kujira, who galloped off and escaped.  Fukei, for his part, returned again to his headquarters and camped with his men there.  Though they were ready for another conflict, nothing ever came.  The Afumi forces had withdrawn.  The battle for the Nara basin was over, and the Yoshino forces were victorious. General Fukei, however, was anything but finished.  Remember, he had planned to take the fight to the Afumi court, and so, having subdued the enemy forces in Yamato—which is to say the Nara basin—Fukei marched out through Afusaka to Naniwa, and then marched on Yamazaki, where he set up camp.  From there, he sent messengers to all the governors of the Western Provinces.  He forced them to give up their keys, their posting-bells, and their posting tallies—basically he had them formally submit to the Yoshino faction, and thus to Ohoama. Meanwhile, Ohoama had his own campaign to conduct, and it kicked off in the middle of Fukei's defense of the Yamato Home Province.  He also would engage various generals in battle, but we'll save that campaign for Part Four. But before we go I do want to point out, once again: this wasn't a simple and straightforward matter of attack and defense.  Notice that generals on both sides sometimes were victorious and sometimes had to flee.  You can only imagine how, after the defeat at Narayama, General Fukei must have felt that all hope was lost, only to run into a force ten thousand strong come to relive him and his paltry troops.  But it could just as easily have been that he didn't make it.  In fact, how many warriors died?  Heroically, perhaps, but still died.  And if there were no descendants to carry on their name and remember their deeds, then who knows how many people just didn't get written about at all.  And then there are all of those common soldiers.  Individuals without any recorded name, but who nonetheless were there and who fought. They may not have been the people that later authors cared to write about, and yet they were all someone's child, and possibly their sibling or parent.  They loved and laughed, and certainly died.  All to determine who would sit next upon the Yamato throne.  One has to wonder if winning or losing really changed anything for them, or perhaps they won simply by surviving. And on that cheerful thought, I'll take my leave.  Until next time, thank you once again for listening and for all of your support. If you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website,  SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  Thank you, also, to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  

Today, we're diving into a condition that's as fascinating as it is complex: Achalasia—where the esophagus stops playing nice, and swallowing becomes a daily challenge. We're breaking down the latest evidence, comparing POEM, pneumatic dilation, and Heller myotomy, and digging into what actually matters when deciding how to treat each achalasia subtype. Join show hosts Drs. Jake Greenberg, Dana Portenier, Zach Weitzner, and Joey Lew as they discuss the past, present, and future of Achalasia management. Whether you're a medical student or a seasoned attending, this episode will arm you with the tools to think critically about diagnosis, tailor your treatment strategy, and stay ahead of the curve on the future of achalasia care. Hosts:  ·      Jacob Greenberg, MD, EdM, MIS Division Chief and Vice Chair for Education, Duke University ·      Dana Portenier, MD, MIS Fellowship Director, Duke University ·      Zachary Weitzner, MD, Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Fellow, Duke University, @ZachWeitznerMD ·      Joey Lew, MD, MFA, Surgical resident PGY-3, Duke University, @lew__actually Learning Goals:  By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to: ·      Describe the pathophysiology and key diagnostic criteria for achalasia, including the role of manometry, EGD, and esophagram. ·      Differentiate between the three subtypes of achalasia based on the Chicago Classification and understand the clinical significance of each. ·      Compare treatment options for achalasia—pneumatic dilation, Lap Heller myotomy, and POEM—including indications, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. ·      Interpret landmark studies (e.g., European Achalasia Trial, JAMA POEM trial) and their impact on treatment decision-making. ·      Recognize patient-specific factors (age, comorbidities, achalasia subtype) that influence the choice of therapy. ·      Discuss evolving technologies and future directions in achalasia management, including endoluminal robotics, ARMS, and combined anti-reflux strategies. ·      Outline a basic treatment algorithm for newly diagnosed achalasia, incorporating diagnostic steps and tailored interventions. ·      Appreciate the multidisciplinary approach to achalasia care, including the roles of MIS surgeons, gastroenterologists, and emerging procedural skillsets. References: ·      Boeckxstaens G, Elsen S, Belmans A, Annese V, Bredenoord AJ, Busch OR, Costantini M, Fumagalli U, Smout AJPM, Tack J, Vanuytsel T, Zaninotto G, Salvador R; European Achalasia Trial Investigators. 10‑year follow-up results of the European Achalasia Trial: a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing pneumatic dilation with laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Gut. 2024 Mar;73(4):582‑589. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl‑2023‑331374. PMID: 38050085 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38050085/ ·      He J, Yin Y, Tang W, Jiang J, Gu L, Yi J, Yan L, Chen S, Wu Y, Liu X. Objective Outcomes of an Extended Anti‑reflux Mucosectomy in the Treatment of PPI‑Dependent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (with Video). J Gastrointest Surg. 2022 Aug;26(8):1566–1574. doi:10.1007/s11605‑022‑05396‑9. PMID: 35776296 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35776296/ ·      Modayil RJ, Zhang X, Rothberg B, et al. Peroral endoscopic myotomy: 10-year outcomes from a large, single-center U.S. series with high follow-up completion and comprehensive analysis of long-term efficacy, safety, objective GERD, and endoscopic functional luminal assessment. Gastrointest Endosc. 2021;94(5):930-942. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2021.05.014. PMID: 33989646. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33989646/ ·      Ponds FA, Fockens P, Lei A, Neuhaus H, Beyna T, Kandler J, Frieling T, Chiu PWY, Wu JCY, Wong VWY, Costamagna G, Familiari P, Kahrilas PJ, Pandolfino JE, Smout AJPM, Bredenoord AJ. Effect of peroral endoscopic myotomy vs pneumatic dilation on symptom severity and treatment outcomes among treatment-naive patients with achalasia: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2019 Jul 9;322(2):134–144. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.8859. PMID: 31287522. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31287522/ ·      Vaezi MF, Pandolfino JE, Yadlapati RH, Greer KB, Kavitt RT; ACG Clinical Guidelines Committee. ACG clinical guidelines: Diagnosis and management of achalasia. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020 Sep;115(9):1393–1411. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000731. PMID: 32773454; PMCID: PMC9896940 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32773454/ ·      West RL, Hirsch DP, Bartelsman JF, de Borst J, Ferwerda G, Tytgat GN, Boeckxstaens GE. Long term results of pneumatic dilation in achalasia followed for more than 5 years. Am J Gastroenterol. 2002;97(6):1346-1351. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2002.05771.x. PMID:12094848. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12094848/ Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://app.behindtheknife.org/listen

Think you might be richer than you realize? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine realistic benchmarks and practical frameworks for retirement planning. • Define what the “rich ratio” means and consider how it may reframe your retirement outlook. • Compare your savings habits to U.S. medians to understand the broader landscape. • Acknowledge that building wealth typically occurs over long periods and that consistency can be meaningful. • Discuss research on how happiness and financial confidence often plateau beyond certain savings levels. • Evaluate the roles of traditional and Roth IRAs, 457(b)s, pensions, and brokerage accounts to support flexibility. • Identify scenarios where a standalone brokerage account may be unnecessary for certain savers. • Consider a target date fund allocation approach that may better align with your stated risk tolerance. • Weigh convenience, costs, and tax features of index mutual funds versus ETFs, including changes following a major fund industry patent expiration. • Clarify how the Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) rule for company stock in 401(k)s works and where tax treatment can differ. • Review key factors when choosing between a state pension plan and a self directed plan for teachers and public employees. • Position specialized pension income, including Railroad Retirement, as part of a base income layer within an overall plan, subject to program rules. • Incorporate year round tax planning as a component of a well documented retirement strategy, noting that individual circumstances vary. Listen and SUBSCRIBE to the Retire Sooner Podcast for weekly educational conversations that can inform more confident financial decision making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the top 7 handheld ham radios under $150 in 2025! Our expert-curated list highlights affordable, high-performance transceivers perfect for beginners and seasoned operators. Compare features, range, and durability to find the best ham radio for your needs. Watch now for detailed reviews and tips to enhance your communication experience!Today's video is sponsored by Ham.Live - take your Net to the next level with this FREE online logging platform for Ham Radio Nets - https://www.ham.live/views/introhttps://amzn.to/4kTko2V - https://www.gigaparts.com/explorer-qrz-1-5w-vhf-uhf-handheld-transceiver.htmlhttps://amzn.to/4kXdcmIhttps://amzn.to/3ZNW4Hvhttps://baofengtech.com/product/bf-f8hp-pro/ref/hamradio2/ COUPON: hr2-f8hpprohttps://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-ft-4xr-dual-band-transceiver.htmlhttps://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-ft-65r-5w-vhf-uhf-handheld-transceiver.htmlhttps://baofengtech.com/product/uv-pro/ref/hamradio2/COUPON: hr2-uvproAffiliate links can earn commission and are used where available.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

We kick off with Trump's uncanny ability to make you feel like the only person in the room, even when the room's a circus. This isn't some focus-grouped charm offensive—it's raw, unfiltered presence. When you meet him, it's not just a handshake; it's a moment where you're convinced he's actually hearing you, not mentally drafting a tweet. Compare that to the average politician, whose eyes glaze over like they're scanning a PowerPoint slide titled “How to Fake Empathy.” Trump's gift is his instinct for connection, a middle finger to the scripted platitudes of D.C.'s talking heads. Take his media scrums: no teleprompter, no handlers whispering in his ear. He's out there, raw-dogging questions with answers that land like a stand-up comic's punchline. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Why does being left on read trigger you?Why do you feel drained after “just five minutes” of scrolling?And why do you compare your real life to someone else's filtered highlight reel?This isn't just another episode about social media—it's an emotional intelligence wake-up call.In this episode, we break down:The emotional impact of being unfollowedThe grip of comparison cultureThe cycle of doomscrollingThe silent weight of needing to be seenIf your sense of worth is tied to likes, follows, or digital validation—you're not alone.But it's time to unplug from the algorithm and reconnect with your real value.

529 plans aren't just for college anymore. Robert Brokamp speaks with Martha Kortiak Mert of Savingforcollege.com about the newly expanded uses of 529s and how to choose the right plan for you. Also in this episode: -How does your 401(k) compare to the average worker's? -Is it time to buy small-cap stocks? -What you should do with the “raise” you'll receive from the One Big Beautiful Bill Companies discussed: VTWO, IJR Host: Robert Brokamp Producer: Anand Chokkavelu Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A relative valuation model is a financial tool that helps investors assess a company's worth by providing a clearer picture of whether a stock may be fairly priced within its industry. Today's Stocks & Topics: J - Jacobs Solutions Inc., Market Wrap, Interest Rates, How Investors Compare Companies to Find True Value, AZO - AutoZone Inc., Energy Sector, PSC - Principal U.S. Small-Cap ETF, RNMBY - Rheinmetall AG ADR, Private Equity.Our Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out Mint Mobile: https://mintmobile.com/INVESTTALK* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, we're continuing our Know Your Numbers series by unpacking one of the most overlooked but critical metrics in retail: Initial Markup (IMU). Your IMU isn't just a pricing formula—it's your profit ceiling. And if you're not tracking it monthly, you could be limiting your growth without even realizing it.

As the country slowly begins to turn its attention towards the next incumbent of Áras an Uachtaráin, how does our presidential system compare to others around the world? Reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating this and why exactly was our current model chosen?

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Think you know the rules of thumb for retirement and investing? Think again. On this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine common money myths and respond to listener questions that may reshape how you approach your financial future. What you'll explore in this episode: • Begin investing at any income level by seeing how access to markets has evolved. • Focus on long-term participation instead of trying to perfectly time the market. • Revisit the role of cash in your strategy and reflect on whether “cash is king” still holds. • Understand why not all bonds carry the same level of risk, despite common assumptions. • Consider how long-term investing differs from gambling based on historical probabilities. • Explore modern tools and AI platforms that can support your portfolio analysis. • Avoid the comparison trap by staying grounded in your personal financial goals. • Compare the potential uses of whole life insurance versus long-term investing in special needs planning. • Remember that market declines only become losses when assets are sold. • Recognize the limitations of using past performance to estimate future outcomes. • Examine whether real estate consistently appreciates by looking at real-life exceptions and patterns. • Shift your perspective from outperforming the market to maintaining a long-term plan. • Emphasize the importance of hobbies and social connections alongside financial readiness in retirement. • Track your accounts and consider when changes to a managed portfolio may be appropriate. • Reassess how supplemental funds—like vacation accounts—fit into your broader plan and tax picture. • Simplify charitable giving by analyzing options such as donor-advised funds and intentional planning.

Compare what Obama did to Nixon...what is the difference? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew 25 commenced with the parable of the ten virgins. Five were WISE and five were foolish. It illustrates the wisdom of being always prepared. Procrastination invariably catches up with those who are prone to it. That all ten virgins slept tells us that at the time of the end comparatively few of our Lord Jesus Christ's followers will be ready. Then follows the parable of the talents, and the keynote of the parable is faithfulness. We each have been given abilities and responsibilities that differ. What is important is that we fully utilise what we have been given; according to the principle to whom much is given, much is expected. Interestingly it was the one talent individual who totally misjudged our Lord Jesus Christ believing that he/she was not good enough for the Kingdom. What an entirely wrong perception for we are all only saved by grace and are no way worthy (of course there will be vast numbers of multi-talented individuals who have failed also). We must understand the gracious gift that is the good pleasure of our Heavenly Father to give His children the Kingdom. Perception is important and we must judge matters according to God's Word. The final judgment will be on the basis of our understanding of our Omnipotent Creator and his inestimable Son and so living. It is love-based rather than mere academic head knowledge. Read verses 34-46 aloud and consider if our actions measure up. Compare also Jeremiah's comments on what Josiah demonstrated in the knowing of his God in chapter 22 verses 15-16 of that prophecy.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. WQA is the leading voice of the residential, commercial and industrial water treatment industry. Find us at https://wqa.org. This episode is sponsored by Corro-Protec powered anode rods for water heaters. With a 20-year warranty, Corro-Protec eliminates sulfur smell in hot water within 24 hours and prevents tank corrosion without any maintenance. A must-have for homes with softened water. Enjoy hassle-free hot water with Corro-Protec! Visit https://corroprotec.com/wqa/ to learn more. In this episode, we'll dive into the world of business insights with the WQA Business Operations Report. This powerful tool is transforming how water quality dealers understand and enhance their business performance. We'll talk with Ryan Shanahan from Sharpwater Culligan and WQA's Bryanna Poczatek, who manages the program. Compare your business with others for things like revenue and expenses, operations and sales as well as employee beneifts. Whether you're a seasoned dealer or new to the industry, this episode is packed with valuable information. Plus, we'll have our WQA Tip. You can watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/pWoEVenOyRs

Let's get real for a moment. Not “do you feel overwhelmed?” but how overwhelmed are you… right now? If your answer is “way more than I used to be,” you're not alone. In fact, that's the norm for so many women I speak to—feeling maxed out, overstimulated, and constantly on edge. And here's the wild thing: most of us don't even realize how deep into burnout we've gotten until our bodies shut down.  Think about it: every day you juggle thousands of decisions, from “What's for dinner?” to managing family schedules, careers, social commitments, and digital overload. Our brains weren't designed for this 24/7 flood of input. Yet, here we are—expected to handle it all with a smile.  Compare that to 60 years ago: a black-and-white TV, a single daily paper, and meal plans based on “meat of the day.” Simpler? Yes. Less overwhelming? Definitely. Fast forward to today: social media, constant notifications, and a culture of doing more with less time have pushed us past our biological limits. And the effects are showing up in our nervous systems, hormones, and health. What Overwhelm Actually Does to Your Body That lingering fog, the irritability, the weight that won't budge? It's not in your head. It's in your hormones. Chronic stress triggers a cortisol rollercoaster that can derail your entire endocrine system. Over time, this shows up as: Fatigue and brain fog Irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances Poor sleep Skin and gut issues Immune dysfunction Weight gain and insulin resistance Mood swings or anxiety Here's the truth: you can't fix chronic overwhelm by pushing harder, working out more, or “trying to be positive.” You need the right tools for the job—and that starts with data. That's why I love the DUTCH Hormone Test. It gives a detailed view of what's actually happening in your system, so we can target your healing accurately. No more guessing. No more trying every supplement under the sun. In the Female Hormone Solution Program, we walk you step-by-step through this process: Test your hormones (Dutch Test) Interpret your body's stress and hormone story Build a personalized, science-backed plan to heal with meal guides and coaching Get ongoing support from me and my expert team Most women wait until they're absolutely fried before they reach out. I get it. We're taught to just keep swimming. But if you haven't had six months of calm, uneventful life in the last few years? It's no wonder you feel stuck. Your body is not broken. It just needs time, support, and the right conditions to heal. That's what we do. We match the right tools to your situation.  Get on the waitlist now for the next round of the Female Hormone Solution Program. We only work with a limited number of women so we can give you the hands-on attention and results you deserve. Click here to join the waitlist: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/  

Sunday, July 20th, 2025 ~ Sermon by Pastor Brett JenkinsGeneral podcast introduction using "Be Thou My Vision." General podcast outro using "Be Thou My Vision."

On July 13, 1985 the world experienced a television super concert that has never been replicated. Live Aid was a famine relief effort for Africa, which began with a Bob Geldof song and a "Feed The World" mantra that returns every Christmas. On the 40th Anniversary of a day made famous by so many bands and artists over the years, Nestor gathered his two brotherly pals, Richard and David Abrahams, who traveled to London to see the show at Wembley Stadium while he was in Philadelphia at JFK Stadium, writing a long-forgotten review of the concert that was unearthed. Let them share memories and show and tell pictures and mementos of their experiences four decades later... The post On the 40th Anniversary of Live Aid, lifer Nestor pals David and Richard Abrahams compare Wembley and JFK Philly notes and memories first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Text: Matthew 13:44-46 View this week's bulletin. View this week's discussion notes.

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With voter bases from both parties making it known that they want younger, more vibrant, and authentic elected officials, we're wondering if the reign of Boomers in American Politics is over? Well...probably not yet, but candidates like Zohran Mamdani and JD Vance might be a good place to start the conversation.Then, we examine and push back against the age-old adage that "money can't buy you happiness" because research shows that it can... sort of! Maybe it has less to do with how much $ you have and more to do with how you spend it.Finally, do you have a favorite author, or do you read whatever comes your way? Compare your answer to Americans from nearly a century ago in this week's fun fact!

Take the next step in your retirement planning. Tune in to the latest episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase, where you'll hear thoughtful, real-world insights designed to help you make informed financial decisions and pursue a more confident, purposeful retirement. • Explore ways to optimize Social Security benefits, including timing strategies, spousal considerations, and personalized withdrawal approaches. • Understand common sources of retirement anxiety, even among high-net-worth individuals, and consider approaches for managing emotional and financial uncertainty. • Learn how trusts can support estate planning goals, from avoiding probate to managing real estate assets within your long-term financial plan. • Consider retirement account strategies such as the Rule of 55, Roth conversion timing, and prioritizing tax-efficient cash flow. Review your investment mix by comparing target date funds and balanced funds, and evaluate which may better align with your risk tolerance and retirement timeline. • Weigh different withdrawal strategies by comparing the timing of distributions from retirement accounts versus claiming Social Security. • Examine how 529 plans and Roth IRAs may fit into your education and retirement planning—especially if you're part of a high-income household navigating recent tax law changes. Compare the structure and features of S&P 500 mutual funds and ETFs to help determine which may be more appropriate for your investment preferences.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.”With those words, Warren Buffett reminded us that character and integrity matter—especially in the world of money. Now, after more than sixty years of market-shaping moves and famous one-liners, Buffett is calling it a career. Today, Matt Bell joins us to reflect on his legacy and share what timeless lessons every investor can learn from it.Matt Bell is the Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. A Track Record That's Hard to IgnoreIf you had invested $100 in Berkshire Hathaway back in 1965, that single investment would have grown to over $5.5 million by the end of last year. Compare that with the S&P 500 over the same period, which would have turned $100 into just $39,000. Clearly, Buffett did something different.One unconventional move? He never issued dividends for Berkshire Hathaway, instead reinvesting profits to increase share value. That patient, long-view approach paid off—and it hints at biblical principles like delayed gratification and wise stewardship (Proverbs 21:20).Buffett famously said, “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” While Christians would rightly reject greed and fear as motivations, the deeper principle here is about remaining steady and disciplined in volatile times—echoing Proverbs 14:15: “The simple believe everything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”Buffett often waited with cash on hand until the right opportunities appeared, especially during downturns. That patience and discernment mirrors biblical instruction to avoid impulsiveness and instead seek wisdom in decision-making.Investing Lessons With Biblical ParallelsOver the years, Buffett offered dozens of pithy insights that mirror biblical truth. Here are a few standouts:“If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you'll work until you die.”—This speaks to the wisdom of putting money to productive use—earning a return through thoughtful investing, a principle echoed in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25). “Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing.”—In Proverbs 15:22, we're reminded that “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Financial ignorance creates risk, but biblical stewardship calls for wisdom and learning. Diversification, emotional control, and long-term vision—Buffett emphasized all three. These align with a measured, prudent approach to money that Scripture continually encourages.Buffett never let global turmoil shake his confidence in long-term investing. He wrote, “In the 20th century, the U.S. endured world wars, recessions, a depression, oil shocks, and more—yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.” His takeaway: “It's been a terrible mistake to bet against America.”While our hope as Christians isn't rooted in any one nation's economy, Buffett's long view reminds us of the value of endurance and not making decisions based on fear or short-term noise (see James 1:5–6).Generosity and LegacyPerhaps most inspiring is Buffett's commitment to give away 99% of his wealth. He plans to direct his Berkshire Hathaway shares toward philanthropic causes within ten years of his estate being settled. While we may differ on where those funds go, the posture of open-handed generosity reflects Jesus' teaching: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).Buffett's success wasn't just about intellect—it was about character: discipline, patience, and generosity. These are values every believer is called to cultivate. As you manage your resources, consider how biblical principles—often echoed in even the most unlikely places—can shape a wise, faithful financial life.To explore these ideas further, read Matt Bell's full article, The Wisdom of Warren Buffett at SoundMindInvesting.org.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I've never had a credit card before, but I recently received a pre-qualified offer from Capital One. They mentioned they've reviewed my credit and noticed I'm keeping up with my bills. Should I consider applying for this card, and how can I verify that the offer is legitimate?As a grandmother, I'm concerned that my grandchildren aren't learning essential financial skills from their parents. I'd love to step in and help, especially with my 20-year-old grandchild. What is the best way to encourage them to save money and manage their finances wisely?Over the past couple of years, God has really blessed me with increased income, and I'm incredibly grateful. I live simply, help my parents, and avoid lifestyle inflation—but I want to make sure I'm handling this increase in a way that honors God. How can I manage this money with biblical stewardship in mind?I'm in a strong financial position—no debt, and I tithe faithfully. I just received $15,000 from selling off some business assets and want to invest it wisely. I'd like it to earn a good return, but I also want it to remain accessible if needed. What are some smart options that fit my situation?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Sound Mind InvestingThe Wisdom of Warren Buffett by Matt Bell (Sound Mind Investing Article)Bankrate | NerdwalletOpen Hands FinanceChristian Community Credit UnionWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Send us a textDid you know your retirement account could be used to invest in real estate, private businesses, cryptocurrency, or virtually any other asset class? Most Americans don't, and it's costing them millions in potential wealth.In this eye-opening conversation with Adam Bergman, founder of IRA Financial Group and tax attorney, we explore the hidden power of self-directed IRAs and how they're revolutionizing retirement planning. Adam reveals that despite what most financial institutions tell you, IRAs have remarkably few limitations—you can't buy collectibles like art, you can't purchase life insurance, and you can't engage in self-dealing transactions. Everything else? Fair game.The wealth-building potential is staggering. Adam shares how investing just $5,000 annually from age 25 to 70 with an 11% return (achievable through alternative investments) could yield nearly $5 million tax-free. Compare that to a taxable account, which would only generate about $2 million with the same contributions and returns. The system is literally "rigged in our favor," as Adam puts it, yet most Americans never take full advantage.What's particularly concerning is the concentration risk in traditional retirement accounts. The S&P 500, where most Americans have their retirement funds, is heavily weighted toward just ten companies that make up approximately 80% of its value. Meanwhile, over 80% of companies with revenues exceeding $100 million are privately held—meaning they're completely inaccessible to traditional retirement accounts. Self-directed IRAs solve this problem.Beyond investment strategies, Adam shares his personal philosophy on balancing business success with family life, physical health, and philanthropy. His advice on career transitions is particularly valuable: rather than abruptly quitting your job to pursue a passion, find ways to leverage your existing expertise while building something new on the side.Whether you're just starting your retirement planning journey or looking to diversify an existing portfolio, this conversation provides actionable insights that could transform your financial future. Check out IRAFinancial.com to learn more about self-directed retirement options.To Learn more about Adam: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambergman1 To Reach Jordan:Email: Jordan@Edwards.Consulting Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ejFXH1_BjdnxG4J8u93Zw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.edwards.7503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfedwards/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanedwards5/ Hope you find value in this. If so please provide a 5-star and drop a review.Complimentary Edwards Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/jordan-555/intro-call

Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/Watcher F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code WATCHER15 at theperfectjean.nyc/WATCHER15 #theperfectjeanpod In the first Get Scared! recorded in front of a live audience we are joined by Detune, and talk about our favorite pieces of evidence. Follow Detune https://twitch.tv/detune https://https://www.youtube.com/detune HOSTED BY Ryan Bergara & Shane Madej & Steven Lim PRODUCER & COHOST Matt Real INTRO BY Anthony De Vera Matt Real EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Steven Lim Ryan Bergara Shane Madej For ad free, live streams, and cut content join us at https://watchertv.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/getscaredpod http://www.instagram.com/wearewatcher http://www.instagram.com/ryanbergara http://www.instagram.com/shanemadej http://www.instagram.com/stevenkwlim https:/youtube.com/wearewatcher https://instagram.com/mattyistalking https://www.youtube.com/@mattyistalking https://twitch.tv/mattyistalking Business Inquiries: hello@watcherentertainment.com Ask Watcher Pods! AskWatcherPods@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (818) 275-4585 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WhoRon Schmalzle, President, Co-Owner, and General Manager of Ski Big Bear operator Recreation Management Corp; and Lori Phillips, General Manager of Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, PennsylvaniaRecorded onApril 22, 2025About Ski Big BearClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Property owners of Masthope Mountain Community; operated by Recreation Management CorporationLocated in: Lackawaxen, PennsylvaniaYear founded: 1976 as “Masthope Mountain”; changed name to “Ski Big Bear” in 1993Pass affiliations:* Indy Pass – 2 days, select blackouts* Indy+ Pass – 2 days, no blackoutsClosest neighboring ski areas: Villa Roma (:44), Holiday Mountain (:52), Shawnee Mountain (1:04)Base elevation: 550 feetSummit elevation: 1,200 feetVertical drop: 650 feetSkiable acres: 26Average annual snowfall: 50 inchesTrail count: 18 (1 expert, 5 advanced, 6 intermediate, 6 beginner)Lift count: 7 (4 doubles, 3 carpets – view Lift Blog's inventory of Ski Big Bear's lift fleet)Why I interviewed themThis isn't really why I interviewed them, but have you ever noticed how the internet ruined everything? Sure, it made our lives easier, but it made our world worse. Yes I can now pay my credit card bill four seconds before it's due and reconnect with my best friend Bill who moved away after fourth grade. But it also turns out that Bill believes seahorses are a hoax and that Jesus spoke English because the internet socializes bad ideas in a way that the 45 people who Bill knew in 1986 would have shut down by saying “Bill you're an idiot.”Bill, fortunately, is not real. Nor, as far as I'm aware, is a seahorse hoax narrative (though I'd like to start one). But here's something that is real: When Schmalzle renamed Masthope Mountain to “Ski Big Bear” in 1993, in honor of the region's endemic black bears, he had little reason to believe anyone, anywhere, would ever confuse his 550-vertical-foot Pennsylvania ski area with Big Bear Mountain, California, a 39-hour, 2,697-mile drive west.Well, no one used the internet in 1993 except weird proto-gamers and genius movie programmers like the fat evil dude in Jurassic Park. Honestly I didn't even think the “Information Superhighway” was real until I figured email out sometime in 1996. Like time travel or a human changing into a cat, I thought the internet was some Hollywood gimmick, imagined because wouldn't it be cool if we could?Well, we can. The internet is real, and it follows us around like oxygen, the invisible scaffolding of existence. And it tricks us into being dumb by making us feel smart. So much information, so immediately and insistently, that we lack a motive to fact check. Thus, a skier in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania (let's call him “Bill 2”), can Google “Big Bear season pass” and end up with an Ikon Pass, believing this is his season pass not just to the bump five miles up the road, but a mid-winter vacation passport to Sugarbush, Copper Mountain, and Snowbird.Well Bill 2 I'm sorry but you are as dumb as my imaginary friend Bill 1 from elementary school. Because your Ikon Pass will not work at Ski Big Bear, Pennsylvania. And I'm sorry Bill 3 who lives in Riverside, California, but your Ski Big Bear, Pennsylvania season pass will not work at Big Bear Mountain Resort in California.At this point, you're probably wondering if I have nothing better to do but sit around inventing problems to grumble about. But Phillips tells me that product mix-ups with Big Bear, California happen all the time. I had a similar conversation a few months ago with the owners of Magic Mountain, Idaho, who frequently sell tubing tickets to folks headed to Magic Mountain, Vermont, which has no tubing. Upon discovering this, typically at the hour assigned on their vouchers, these would-be customers call Idaho for a refund, which the owners grant. But since Magic Mountain, Idaho can only sell a limited number of tickets for each tubing timeslot, this internet misfire, impossible in 1993, means the mountain may have forfeited revenue from a different customer who understands how ZIP codes work.Sixty-seven years after the Giants baseball franchise moved from Manhattan to San Francisco, NFL commentators still frequently refer to the “New York football Giants,” a semantic relic of what must have been a confusing three-decade cohabitation of two sports teams using the same name in the same city. Because no one could possibly confuse a West Coast baseball team with an East Coast football team, right?But the internet put everything with a similar name right next to each other. I frequently field media requests for a fellow names Stuart Winchester, who, like me, lives in New York City and, unlike me, is some sort of founder tech genius. When I reached out to Mr. Winchester to ask where I could forward such requests, he informed me that he had recently disappointed someone asking for ski recommendations at a party. So the internet made us all dumb? Is that my point? No. Though it's kind of hilarious that advanced technology has enabled new kinds of human error like mixing up ski areas that are thousands of miles apart, this forced contrast of two entities that have nothing in common other than their name and their reason for existence asks us to consider how such timeline cohabitation is possible. Isn't the existence of Alterra-owned, Ikon Pass staple Big Bear, with its hundreds of thousands of annual skier visits and high-speed lifts, at odds with the notion of hokey, low-speed, independent, Boondocks-situated Ski Big Bear simultaneously offering a simpler version of the same thing on the opposite side of the continent? Isn't this like a brontosaurus and a wooly mammoth appearing on the same timeline? Doesn't technology move ever upward, pinching out the obsolete as it goes? Isn't Ski Big Bear the skiing equivalent of a tube TV or a rotary phone or skin-tight hip-high basketball shorts or, hell, beartrap ski bindings? Things no one uses anymore because we invented better versions of them?Well, it's not so simple. Let's jump out of normal podcast-article sequence here and move the “why now” section up, so we can expand upon the “why” of our Ski Big Bear interview.Why now was a good time for this interviewEvery ski region offers some version of Ski Big Bear, of a Little Engine That Keeps Coulding, unapologetically existent even as it's out-gunned, out-lifted, out-marketed, out-mega-passed, and out-locationed: Plattekill in the Catskills, Black Mountain in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Middlebury Snowbowl in Vermont's Greens, Ski Cooper in Colorado's I-70 paper shredder, Nordic Valley in the Wasatch, Tahoe Donner on the North Shore, Grand Geneva in Milwaukee's skiing asteroid belt.When interviewing small ski area operators who thrive in the midst of such conditions, I'll often ask some version of this question: why, and how, do you still exist? Because frankly, from the point of view of evolutionary biologist studying your ecosystem, you should have been eaten by a tiger sometime around 1985.And that is almost what happened to Ski Big Bear AKA Masthope Mountain, and what happened to most of the dozens of ski areas that once dotted northeast Pennsylvania. You can spend days doomsday touring lost ski area shipwrecks across the Poconos and adjacent ranges. A very partial list: Alpine Mountain, Split Rock, Tanglwood, Kahkout, Mount Tone, Mount Airy, Fernwood - all time-capsuled in various states of decay. Alpine, slopes mowed, side-by-side quad chairs climbing 550 vertical feet, base lodge sealed, shrink-wrapped like a winter-stowed boat, looks like a buy-and-revive would-be ski area savior's dream (the entrance off PA 147 is fence-sealed, but you can enter through the housing development at the summit). Kahkout's paint-flecked double chair, dormant since 2008, still rollercoasters through forest and field on a surprisingly long line. Nothing remains at Tanglwood but concrete tower pads.Why did they all die? Why didn't Ski Big Bear? Seven other public, chairlift-served ski areas survive in the region: Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Elk, Jack Frost, Montage, and Shawnee. Of these eight, Ski Big Bear has the smallest skiable footprint, the lowest-capacity lift fleet, and the third-shortest vertical drop. It is the only northeast Pennsylvania ski area that still relies entirely on double chairs, off kilter in a region spinning six high-speed lifts and 10 fixed quads. Ski Big Bear sits the farthest of these eight from an interstate, lodged at the top of a steep and confusing access road nearly two dozen backwoods miles off I-84. Unlike Jack Frost and Big Boulder, Ski Big Bear has not leaned into terrain parks or been handed an Epic Pass assist to vacuum in the youth and the masses.So that's the somewhat rude premise of this interview: um, why are you still here? Yes, the gigantic attached housing development helps, but Phillips distills Ski Big Bear's resilience into what is probably one of the 10 best operator quotes in the 209 episodes of this podcast. “Treat everyone as if they just paid a million dollars to do what you're going to share with them,” she says.Skiing, like nature, can accommodate considerable complexity. If the tigers kill everything, eventually they'll run out of food and die. Nature also needs large numbers of less interesting and less charismatic animals, lots of buffalo and wapiti and wild boar and porcupines, most of which the tiger will never eat. Vail Mountain and Big Sky also need lots of Ski Big Bears and Mt. Peters and Perfect Norths and Lee Canyons. We all understand this. But saying “we need buffalo so don't die” is harder than being the buffalo that doesn't get eaten. “Just be nice” probably won't work in the jungle, but so far, it seems to be working on the eastern edge of PA.What we talked aboutUtah!; creating a West-ready skier assembly line in northeast PA; how – and why – Ski Big Bear has added “two or three weeks” to its ski season over the decades; missing Christmas; why the snowmaking window is creeping earlier into the calendar; “there has never been a year … where we haven't improved our snowmaking”; why the owners still groom all season long; will the computerized machine era compromise the DIY spirit of independent ski areas buying used equipment; why it's unlikely Ski Big Bear would ever install a high-speed lift; why Ski Big Bear's snowmaking fleet mixes so many makes and models of machines; “treat everyone as if they just paid a million dollars to do what you're going to share with them”; why RFID; why skiers who know and could move to Utah don't; the founding of Ski Big Bear; how the ski area is able to offer free skiing to all homeowners and extended family members; why Ski Big Bear is the only housing development-specific ski area in Pennsylvania that's open to the public; surviving in a tough and crowded ski area neighborhood; the impact of short-term rentals; the future of Ski Big Bear management, what could be changing, and when; changing the name from Masthope Mountain and how the advent of the internet complicated that decision; why Ski Big Bear built maybe the last double-double chairlift in America, rather than a fixed-grip quad; thoughts on the Grizzly and Little Bear lifts; Indy Pass; and an affordable season pass.What I got wrongOn U.S. migration into cities: For decades, America's youth have flowed from rural areas into cities, and I assumed, when I asked Schmalzle why he'd stayed in rural PA, that this was still the case. Turns out that migration has flipped since Covid, with the majority of growth in the 25-to-44 age bracket changing from 90 percent large metros in the 2010s to two-thirds smaller cities and rural areas in this decade, according to a Cooper Center report.Why you should ski Ski Big BearOK, I spent several paragraphs above outlining what Ski Big Bear doesn't have, which makes it sound as though the bump succeeds in spite of itself. But here's what the hill does have: a skis-bigger-than-it-is network of narrow, gentle, wood-canyoned trails; one of the best snowmaking systems anywhere; lots of conveyors right at the top; a cheapo season pass; and an extremely nice and modern lodge (a bit of an accident, after a 2005 fire torched the original).A ski area's FAQ page can tell you a lot about the sort of clientele they're built to attract. The first two questions on Ski Big Bear's are “Do I need to purchase a lift ticket?” and “Do I need rental equipment?” These are not questions you will find on the website for, say, Snowbird.So mostly I'm going to tell you to ski here if you have kids to ski with, or a friend who wants to learn. Ski Big Bear will also be fine if you have an Indy Pass and can ski midweek and don't care about glades or steeps, or you're like me and you just enjoy novelty and exploration. On the weekends, well, this is still PA, and PA skiing is demented. The state is skiing's version of Hanoi, Vietnam, which has declined to add traffic-management devices of any kind even as cheap motorbikes have nearly broken the formerly sleepy pedestrian city's spine:Hanoi, Vietnam, January 2016. Video by Stuart Winchester. There are no stop signs or traffic signals, for vehicles or pedestrians, at this (or most), four-way intersections in old-town Hanoi.Compare that to Camelback:Camelback, Pennsylvania, January 2024. Video by Stuart Winchester.Same thing, right? So it may seem weird for me to say you should consider taking your kids to Ski Big Bear. But just about every ski area within a two-hour drive of New York City resembles some version of this during peak hours. Ski Big Bear, however, is a gentler beast than its competitors. Fewer steeps, fewer weird intersections, fewer places to meet your fellow skiers via high-speed collision. No reason to release the little chipmunks into the Pamplona chutes of Hunter or Blue, steep and peopled and wild. Just take them to this nice little ski area where families can #FamOut. Podcast NotesOn smaller Utah ski areasStep off the Utah mainline, and you'll find most of the pow with fewer of the peak Wasatch crowds:I've featured both Sundance and Beaver Mountain on the podcast:On Plattekill and Berkshire EastBoth Plattekill, New York and Berkshire East, Massachusetts punched their way into the modern era by repurposing other ski areas' junkyard discards. The owners of both have each been on the pod a couple of times to tell their stories:On small Michigan ski areas closingI didn't ski for the first time until I was 14, but I grew up within an hour of three different ski areas, each of which had one chairlift and several surface lifts. Two of these ski areas are now permanently closed. My first day ever was at Mott Mountain in Farwell, Michigan, which closed around 2000:Day two was later that winter at what was then called “Bintz Apple Mountain” in Freeland, which hasn't spun lifts in about a decade:Snow Snake, in Harrison, managed to survive:The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast is a sustainable small business directly because of my paid subscribers. To upgrade, please click through below. Thank you for your support of independent ski journalism. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

When Jesus spoke about being His disciple, it contained some pretty overwhelming requirements to even qualify for a shot at the position. It's not unusual to see the world of religion try to "Christianize" something Jesus said that was specifically intended for those to whom He was speaking ... Jewish people who were still under the Mosaic law, before the cross. It meant hating family by comparison, carrying your own cross, and giving up ALL possessions. Jesus wasn't speaking to you but was showing would-be followers that they would be unable to cover the cost of what was needed. Only He could carry that cross in order to bring redemption. Compare the rigorous conditions of being a disciple of Jesus with this: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Notice the difference between working through your dedication and commitment at trying to become more like Jesus by what you do ... compared to letting Him release you from such a burden. --Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

Mego and Greg compare Maye's and Daniels' sophomore seasons

Former big leaguer and current member of the Sportsnet LA broadcast crew Jerry Hairston Jr joins JD & Silver to compare and contrast the two greatest hitters perhaps of all time: Bonds and Ohtani.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's 2 a.m. The on-call resident's voice is shaky. The CT shows an 18cm abdominal aortic aneurysm with a Type 1B endoleak. There's gas in the sac, fluid in the belly, and the patient has a defibrillator on both sides of his chest. Is it a rupture? A graft infection? An aortoenteric fistula? All of the above? You're the vascular surgeon, what do you do?  This episode dives deep into decision-making when EVAR fails, when infection strikes, and when the patient might not survive a definitive repair. Let's talk about what happens when clinical textbooks meet real-world chaos. Hosts: ·      Christian Hadeed -PGY 4 General Surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center ·      Paul Haser -Division chief, Vascular Surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center ·      Andrew Harrington, Vascular surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center ·      Lucio Flores, Vascular surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center Learning objectives: · Understand the clinical implications and management of late EVAR complications, including Type 1B endoleak and aortoenteric fistula. · Explore the decision-making process in critically ill patients with multiple comorbidities and infected aortic grafts. · Compare endovascular vs open surgical approaches in the setting of infected AAA, and when each is appropriate. · Recognize the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in complex vascular cases. · Discuss the ethical considerations and goals-of-care planning in high-risk, potentially terminal vascular patients. · Highlight the importance of long-term surveillance after EVAR and the consequences of noncompliance. References ·       Karl Sörelius et al.Nationwide Study of the Treatment of Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Comparing Open and Endovascular Repair.Circulation. 2016;134(22):1822–1832. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27799273/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15researchgate.net+15 ·       PARTNERS Trial (OVER Trial).Outcomes Following Endovascular vs Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Randomized Trial.JAMA. 2009;302(14):1535–1542. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19826022/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6jamanetwork.com+6 ·       B.T. Müller et al.Mycotic Aneurysms of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta and Iliac Arteries: Experience with Anatomic and Extra-anatomic Repair in 33 Cases.J Vasc Surg. 2001;33(1):106–113. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11137930/ sciencedirect.com+5pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+5periodicos.capes.gov.br+5 ·       Chung‑Dann Kan et al.Outcome after Endovascular Stent Graft Treatment for Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm: A Systematic Review.J Vasc Surg. 2007 Nov;46(5):906–912. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17905558/ researchgate.net+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15 ·       Hamid Gavali et al.Outcome of Radical Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Graft and Endograft Infections Comparing Extra‑anatomic Bypass with In Situ Reconstruction: A Nationwide Multicentre Study.Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2021;62(6):918–926. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34782231/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6diva-portal.org+6  Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://app.behindtheknife.org/listen

Compare to the songs here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt18CfIuST4  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUT5rEU6pqM   LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/   You're here because you want to win—big. Brad Lea doesn't mess around. In this episode, he sits down with Charlie Walk to tear into how he shaped music history behind the scenes—crafting hits, building brands, and exposing the myths of overnight success, delivering the unfiltered truth you won't find anywhere else. No fluff, just real talk and actionable steps to crush it in business and life.   Charlie's links https://www.instagram.com/charliewalk/?hl=en https://www.charliesangels.vc/   Brad Lea is a self-made entrepreneur who turned small-town grit into a multi-million-dollar empire. With over 25 years dominating sales and leadership, he's mentored thousands to outsmart, outwork, and out win their competition. His top-rated podcast, Dropping Bombs, brings raw, game-changing insights from the biggest names in business.   LightSpeed VT is Brad's brainchild—the world's leading interactive training platform. It's built to make your team sharper, faster, and more effective, without wasting time or money. Whether you're a startup or a Fortune 500, LightSpeed VT is how you scale success and dominate your industry. Curious? Check it out: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/   Brad's also behind Closer School, the go-to program for mastering sales and closing deals like a pro. Want to 10x your income? This is where you start. His book, The Hard Way, lays out the brutal, honest lessons he learned building his empire—your blueprint to winning the game. Get it here: https://bradlea.com/product/the-hard-way/   This isn't just a video. It's a wake-up call. Watch it. Share it. Act on it. Closer School: https://www.closerschool.com/cs.

This Episode is Sponsored by BetterHelp Tickets for The Big Baby Tour https://www.whitneycummings.com SHOP: https://whitneycummings.com/index.html#store Thank you to our sponsors!

Mental strength isn't just about building good habits — it's about breaking the bad ones. In this powerful episode, Amy Morin reveals how to overcome the unhealthy beliefs that hold us back and how one small step can ignite life-changing transformation. Discover how to trade excuses for action and build the mental muscle to reshape your world — starting today.Source: The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong | Amy Morin | TEDxOcalaHosted by Sean CroxtonFollow me on Instagram Check out the NEW Black Excellence Daily podcast. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon.

This Episode is Sponsored by BetterHelp Tickets for The Big Baby Tour https://www.whitneycummings.com SHOP: https://whitneycummings.com/index.html#store Thank you to our sponsors!