Podcasts about Concentration

Today we're sharing the tax loss selling secrets you need to know before 2026! We also talk understanding personal strengths and psychological limits in investing. It's good to avoid shiny-object strategies like day trading and prioritize risk management through diversification. We explore how market structure, valuations, and historical data suggest future returns may be lower and more volatile, making stress-testing portfolios and aligning risk with temperament essential. Remember long-term success comes from discipline, education, adaptability, and thoughtful strategy rather than chasing returns in overheated markets. We discuss...  Successful goal-setting focuses on small, repeatable actions over time rather than unrealistic short-term outcomes. Investors must design strategies that align with their psychological makeup, risk tolerance, and time availability rather than copying what appears profitable for others. Stop-loss orders can be dangerous in volatile or less-liquid markets due to slippage and market maker behavior, often leading to worse-than-expected exits. Markets can remain expensive longer than expected, making flexibility and balanced positioning more important than precise market timing. Concentration in high-performing assets like AI stocks or precious metals can lead to severe losses if momentum reverses sharply. Historical examples showed that long periods of weak or flat equity returns are normal following valuation extremes. Diversification across asset classes, regions, and styles was highlighted as essential for retirement sustainability and long-term wealth preservation. Static portfolios such as traditional 60/40 allocations were questioned, with an emphasis on active monitoring and adjustment as conditions change. Precious metals typically move in sequence, with gold leading, followed by silver and then platinum, often ending in unsustainable parabolic moves. Misuse of statistics, such as confusing average with median net worth, can distort perceptions of wealth and financial reality. Investment performance should be evaluated using geometric averages rather than arithmetic means to reflect true compounded returns. Emotional states like greed and fear often peak near market extremes and should signal the need for reevaluation rather than increased risk-taking. Political, macroeconomic, and election-cycle dynamics can temporarily suppress or amplify commodity prices, particularly in energy markets. Long-term success in investing depends less on prediction and more on preparation, adaptability, and disciplined execution of a well-structured plan. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/tax-loss-selling-secrets-777 

New Year's Day is often considered a time for resolving, correcting, directing, redoubling. What if instead, it was a day of still point — a moment when the last year is over, and we can let go of those efforts, those judgements, those conceptions? And pause. And breathe.Peter talks with Wendy Newton about their New Years Day class at ISHTA Yoga. Join in person or on line here.Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.Happy New Year!

Hello to you, Marilyn, listening in Hancock, New Hampshire!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington, this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey—this final day of the old year—and your host, Diane Wyzga.      Shoveling Snow With Buddha by Billy Collins"In the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wokyou would never see him doing such a thing,tossing the dry snow over the mountainof his bare, round shoulder,his hair tied in a knot,a model of concentration. Sitting is more his speed, if that is the wordfor what he does, or does not do. Even the season is wrong for him.In all his manifestations, is it not warm and slightly humid?Is this not implied by his serene expression,that smile so wide it wraps itself around the waist of the universe? But here we are, working our way down the driveway,one shovelful at a time.We toss the light powder into the clear air.We feel the cold mist on our faces.And with every heave we disappearand become lost to each otherin these sudden clouds of our own making,these fountain-bursts of snow. This is so much better than a sermon in church,I say out loud, but Buddha keeps on shoveling.This is the true religion, the religion of snow,and sunlight and winter geese barking in the sky,I say, but he is too busy to hear me. He has thrown himself into shoveling snowas if it were the purpose of existence,as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear drivewayone you could back the car down easilyand drive off into the vanities of the worldwith a broken heater fan and a song on the radio. All morning long we work side by side,me with my commentaryand he inside the generous pocket of his silence,until the hour is nearly noonand the snow is piled high all around us;then, I hear him speak. After this, he asks,can we go inside and play cards? Certainly, I reply, and I will heat some milkand bring cups of hot chocolate to the tablewhile you shuffle the deck,and our boots stand dripping by the door. Aaah, says the Buddha, lifting his eyesand leaning for a moment on his shovelbefore he drives the thin blade againdeep into the glittering white snow."My New Year wish for you: As the old year folds onto itself and the new year dawns I wish for you that your everyday activities, even the very simple tasks, bring humor, contemplation, and a sense of magic in the ordinary. May you find your way on the path following a compass heading of True North. May the love you seek wend its way to you. May you dream well, journey far, and be sustained in hope that what you're looking for is looking for you.You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Bonus Episode: Are You Relying Too Heavily on Your Employer for Financial Security? This bonus episode of Clear Money Talk features Tim Clairmont, MSFS™, LACP™, Wealth Advisor, and Tyler Andrews, CFP®, Wealth Advisor, tackling an important question many people overlook: how dependent are you on your employer for long-term financial stability? Employer-sponsored benefits such as 401(k) plans, pensions, stock compensation, group life insurance, disability coverage, and health insurance can play an important role in a financial plan. However, Tim and Tyler discuss how job changes, layoffs, early retirement, health events, or corporate decisions can expose gaps if those benefits are the foundation of your entire strategy. This educational conversation walks through how financial resilience often requires diversification beyond your employer and a clearer understanding of what happens when employment ends, whether by choice or circumstance. Topics discussed include: Concentration risk tied to employer stock and equity compensation Why pensions and Social Security typically replace only a portion of income The limitations of relying solely on employer-sponsored retirement plans What happens to health, life, and disability insurance after leaving a job The role of emergency savings and liquidity planning Why having a financial "Plan B" can reduce uncertainty and stress

Bonus Episode: Are You Relying Too Heavily on Your Employer for Financial Security? This bonus episode of Clear Money Talk features Tim Clairmont, MSFS™, LACP™, Wealth Advisor, and Tyler Andrews, CFP®, Wealth Advisor, tackling an important question many people overlook: how dependent are you on your employer for long-term financial stability? Employer-sponsored benefits such as 401(k) plans, pensions, stock compensation, group life insurance, disability coverage, and health insurance can play an important role in a financial plan. However, Tim and Tyler discuss how job changes, layoffs, early retirement, health events, or corporate decisions can expose gaps if those benefits are the foundation of your entire strategy. This educational conversation walks through how financial resilience often requires diversification beyond your employer and a clearer understanding of what happens when employment ends, whether by choice or circumstance. Topics discussed include: Concentration risk tied to employer stock and equity compensation Why pensions and Social Security typically replace only a portion of income The limitations of relying solely on employer-sponsored retirement plans What happens to health, life, and disability insurance after leaving a job The role of emergency savings and liquidity planning Why having a financial "Plan B" can reduce uncertainty and stress

In this episode, we explore Form Sphere Consciousness (Rūpāvacara Citta)—the refined states of mind that arise through deep concentration meditation. The talk explains how practicing one of the forty subjects of samatha (tranquility) meditation leads to the development of jhana and rebirth in the form-sphere Brahma realms.You will learn about the fifteen types of form-sphere consciousness—five wholesome, five resultant, and five functional—and how each relates to jhana attainment. The episode clarifies the difference between fourfold and fivefold jhana systems, explains why some meditators experience four jhanas while others experience five, and describes how jhana factors are gradually refined and eliminated.A detailed overview of the forty meditation objects is also presented, including kasina meditation, contemplation of impurity, mindfulness practices, the four divine abidings (brahmavihāras), breath meditation, and formless meditations. Each object is explained in terms of which jhanas it can produce and which mental defilements it counteracts.This episode offers a comprehensive map of samatha meditation, showing how concentration leads to higher states of consciousness—while also reminding listeners that liberation (Nibbāna) ultimately comes through vipassanā insight.YouTube Video LinkYouTube Channel Link Website:www.satipatthana.caDonations and Memberships

La plupart des gens ne manquent pas d'objectifs.Ils manquent de systèmes pour les atteindre.Dans cette vidéo, je vous partage 3 protocoles ultra simples que j'utilise sur toute l'année pour rester motivé, discipliné et aligné… sans forcer, sans me brutaliser, et surtout sans lutter contre moi-même.Ces 3 systèmes sont faits pour vous si vous en avez marre de :prendre de bonnes résolutions en janvier et tout lâcher en févriervous fixer des objectifs… sans jamais aller au boutculpabiliser parce que vous “manquez de discipline”Vous allez découvrir :Pourquoi les objectifs seuls ne suffisent jamaisLe système de récompense qui conditionne votre cerveau à avancerLe système de gage (le “bâton”) pour rester engagé intelligemmentComment choisir des gages utiles et non culpabilisantsComment définir 1 à 3 actions quotidiennes qui rendent votre journée “gagnée”Comment faire en sorte que votre année repose sur des routines concrètes, pas sur la volontéJe vous parle aussi de mon Journal New Year Flow, un outil d'introspection guidée (gratuit) pour faire le bilan de l'année et préparer la suivante avec clarté, intention et sens : https://academy.jyangting.com/journal-new-year-flow

Imagine for a second that Eckhart Tolle wasn't a spiritual teacher, but a deep cover operative with a gun to his head. And just for a second, pretend that Tolle’s Power of Now wasn't a way to find peace, but a survival mechanism used to slow down time when your reality is collapsing. And your memory has been utterly destroyed by forces beyond your control. Until a good friend helps you rebuild it from the ground up. These are the exact feelings and sense of positive transformation I tried to capture in a project I believe is critical for future autodidacts, polymaths and traditional learners: Vitamin X, a novel in which the world’s only blind memory champion helps a detective use memory techniques and eventually achieve enlightenment. It’s also a story about accomplishing big goals, even in a fast-paced and incredibly challenging world. In the Magnetic Memory Method community at large, we talk a lot about the habits of geniuses like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. We obsess over their reading lists and their daily routines because we want that same level of clarity and intellectual power. But there's a trap in studying genius that too many people fall into: Passivity. And helping people escape passive learning is one of several reasons I’ve studied the science behind a variety of fictional learning projects where stories have been tested as agents of change. Ready to learn more about Vitamin X and the various scientific findings I’ve uncovered in order to better help you learn? Let’s dive in! Defeating the Many Traps of Passive Learning We can read about how Lincoln sharpened his axe for hours before trying to cut down a single tree. And that's great. But something's still not quite right. To this day, tons of people nod their heads at that famous old story about Lincoln. Yet, they still never sharpen their own axes, let alone swing them. Likewise, people email me every day regarding something I've taught about focus, concentration or a particular mnemonic device. They know the techniques work, including under extreme pressure. But their minds still fracture the instant they're faced with distraction. As a result, they never wind up getting the memory improvement results I know they can achieve. So, as happy as I am with all the help my books like The Victorious Mind and SMARTER have helped create in this world, I’m fairly confident that those titles will be my final memory improvement textbooks. Instead, I am now focused on creating what you might call learning simulations. Enter Vitamin X, the Memory Detective Series & Teaching Through Immersion Because here's the thing: If I really want to teach you how to become a polymath, I can't just carry on producing yet another list of tips. I have to drop you into scenarios where you actually feel what it's like to use memory techniques. That's why I started the Memory Detective initiative. It began with a novel called Flyboy. It’s been well-received and now part two is out. And it’s as close to Eckhart Tolle meeting a Spy Thriller on LSD as I could possibly make it. Why? To teach through immersion. Except, it's not really about LSD. No, the second Memory Detective novel centers around a substance called Vitamin X. On the surface, it's a thriller about a detective named David Williams going deep undercover. In actuality, it's a cognitive training protocol disguised as a novel. But one built on a body of research that shows stories can change what people remember, believe, and do. And that's both the opportunity and the danger. To give you the memory science and learning research in one sentence: Stories are a delivery system. We see this delivery system at work in the massive success of Olly Richards’ StoryLearning books for language learners. Richards built his empire on the same mechanism Pimsleur utilized to great effect long before their famous audio recordings became the industry standard: using narrative to make raw data stick. However, a quick distinction is necessary. In the memory world, we often talk about the Story Method. This approach involves linking disparate pieces of information together in a chain using a simple narrative vignette (e.g., a giant cat eating a toaster to remember a grocery list). That is a powerful mnemonic tool, and you will see Detective Williams use short vignettes in the Memory Detective series. But Vitamin X is what I call ‘Magnetic Fiction.’ It's not a vignette. It's a macro-narrative designed to carry the weight of many memory techniques itself. It simulates the pressure required to forge the skill, showing you how and why to use the story method within a larger, immersive context. So with that in mind, let's unpack the topic of fiction and teaching a bit further. That way, you'll know more of what I have in mind for my readers. And perhaps you'll become interested in some memory science experiments I plan to run in the near future. Illustration of “Cafe Mnemonic,” a fun memory training location the Memory Detective David Williams wants to establish once he has enough funds. Fiction as a Teaching Technology: What the Research Says This intersection of story and memory isn't new territory for me. Long before I gave my popular TEDx Talk on memory or helped thousands of people through the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass, live workshops and my books, I served as a Mercator award-winning Film Studies professor. In this role, I often analyzed and published material regarding how narratives shape our cognition. Actually, my research into the persuasion of memory goes back to my scholarly contribution to the anthology The Theme of Cultural Adaptation in American History, Literature and Film. In my chapter, “Cryptomnesia or Cryptomancy? Subconscious Adaptations of 9/11,” I examined specifically how cultural narratives influence memory formation, forgetting, and the subconscious acceptance of information. That academic background drives the thinking and the learning protocols baked into Vitamin X. As does the work of researchers who have studied narrative influence for decades. Throughout their scientific findings, one idea keeps reappearing in different forms: When a story pulls you in, you experience some kind of “transportation.” It can be that you find yourself deeply immersed in the life of a character. Or you find your palms sweating as your brain tricks you into believing you're undergoing some kind of existential threat. When such experiences happen, you stop processing information like you would an argument through critical thinking. Instead, you start processing the information in the story almost as if they were really happening. As a result, these kinds of transportation can change beliefs and intentions, sometimes without the reader noticing the change happening. That's why fiction has been used for: teaching therapy religion civic formation advertising propaganda Even many national anthems contain stories that create change, something I experienced recently when I became an Australian citizen. As I was telling John Michael Greer during our latest podcast recording, I impulsively took both the atheist and the religious oath and sang the anthem at the ceremony. All of these pieces contain stories and those stories changed how I think, feel and process the world. Another way of looking at story is summed up in this simple statement: All stories have the same basic mechanism. But many stories have wildly different ethics. My ethics: Teach memory improvement methods robustly. Protect the tradition. And help people think for themselves using the best available critical thinking tools. And story is one of them. 6 Key Research Insights on Educational Fiction Now, when it comes to the research that shows just how powerful story is, we can break it down into buckets. Some of the main categories of research on fiction for pedagogy include: 1) Narrative transportation and persuasion As these researchers explain in The Role of Transportation in the Persuasiveness of Public Narratives, transportation describes how absorbed a reader becomes in a story. Psychologists use transportation models to show how story immersion drives belief change. It works because vivid imagery paired with emotion and focused attention make story-consistent ideas easier to accept. This study of how narratives were used in helping people improve their health support the basic point: Narratives produce average shifts in attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and sometimes behavior. Of course, the exact effects vary by topic and the design of the scientific study in question. But the point remains that fiction doesn't merely entertain. It can also train and persuade. 2) Entertainment-Education (EE) EE involves deliberately embedding education into popular media, often with pro-social aims. In another health-based study, researchers found that EE can influence knowledge, attitudes, intentions, behavior, and self-efficacy. Researchers in Brazil have also used large-scale observational work on soap operas and social outcomes (like fertility). As this study demonstrates, mass narrative exposure can shape real-world behavior at scale within a population. Stories can alter norms, not just transfer facts from one mind to another. You’ll encounter this theme throughout Vitamin X, especially when Detective Williams tangles with protestors who hold beliefs he does not share, but seem to be taking over the world. 3) Narrative vs expository learning (a key warning) Here's the part most “educational fiction” ignores: Informative narratives often increase interest, but they don't automatically improve comprehension. As this study found, entertainment can actually cause readers to overestimate how well they understood the material. This is why “edutainment” often produces big problems: You can wind up feeling smarter because you enjoyed an experience. But just because you feel that way doesn't mean you gain a skill you can reliably use. That’s why I have some suggestions for you below about how to make sure Vitamin X actually helps you learn to use memory techniques better. 4) Seductive details (another warning) There's also the problem of effects created by what scientists call seductive details. Unlike the “luminous details” I discussed with Brad Kelly on his Madness and Method podcast, seductive details are interesting but irrelevant material. They typically distract attention and reduce learning of what actually matters. As a result, these details divert attention through interference and by adding working memory demands. The research I’ve read suggests that when story authors don't engineer their work with learning targets in mind, their efforts backfire. What was intended to help learners actually becomes a sabotage device. I've done my best to avoid sabotaging my own pedagogical efforts in the Memory Detective stories so far. That's why they include study guides and simulations of using the Memory Palace technique, linking and number mnemonics like the Major System. In the series finale, which is just entering the third draft now, the 00-99 PAO and Giordano Bruno's Statue technique are the learning targets I’ve set up for you. They are much harder, and that’s why even though there are inevitable seductive details throughout the Memory Detective series, the focus on memory techniques gets increasingly more advanced. My hope is that your focus and attention will be sharpened as a result. 5) Learning misinformation from fiction (the dark side) People don't just learn from fiction. They learn false facts from fiction too. In this study, researchers found that participants often treated story-embedded misinformation as if it were true knowledge. This is one reason using narrative as a teaching tool is so ethically loaded. It can bypass the mental posture we use for skepticism. 6) Narrative “correctives” (using story against misinformation) The good news is that narratives can also reduce misbelief. This study on “narrative correctives” found that stories can sometimes decrease false beliefs and misinformed intentions, though results are mixed. The key point is that story itself is neither “good” or “bad.” It's a tool for leverage, and this is one of the major themes I built into Vitamin X. My key concern is that people would confuse me with any of my characters. Rather, I was trying to create a portrait of our perilous world where many conflicts unfold every day. Some people use tools for bad, others for good, and even that binary can be difficult for people to agree upon. Pros & Cons of Teaching with Fiction Let’s start with the pros. Attention and completion: A good story can keep people engaged, which is a prerequisite for any learning to occur. The transportation model I cited above helps explain why. The Positive Side of Escapism Entering a simulation also creates escapism that is actually valuable. This is because fiction gives you “experience” without real-world consequences when it comes to facing judgment, ethics, identity, and pressure-handling. This is one reason why story has always been used for moral education, not just entertainment. However, I’ve also used story in my Memory Detective games, such as “The Velo Gang Murders.” Just because story was involved did not mean people did not face judgement. But it was lower than my experiments with “Magnetic Variety,” a non-narrative game I’ll be releasing in the future. Lower Reactance Stories can reduce counterarguing compared with overt persuasion, which can be useful for resistant audiences. In other words, you’re on your own in the narrative world. Worst case scenario, you’ll have a bone to pick with the author. This happened to me the other day when someone emailed to “complain” about how I sometimes discuss Sherlock Holmes. Fortunately, the exchange turned into a good-hearted debate, something I attribute to having story as the core foundation of our exchange. Compare this to Reddit discussions like this one, where discussing aspects of the techniques in a mostly abstract way leads to ad hominem attacks. Now for the cons: Propaganda Risk The same reduction in counterarguing and squabbling with groups that you experience when reading stories is exactly what makes narratives useful for manipulation. When you’re not discussing what you’re reading with others, you can wind up ruminating on certain ideas. This can lead to negative outcomes where people not only believe incorrect things. They sometimes act out negatively in the world. The Illusion of Understanding Informative narratives can produce high interest but weaker comprehension and inflated metacomprehension. I’ve certainly had this myself, thinking I understand various points in logic after reading Alice in Wonderland. In reality, I still needed to do a lot more study. And still need more. In fact, “understanding” is not a destination so much as it is a process. Misinformation Uptake People sometimes acquire false beliefs from stories and struggle to discount fiction as a source. We see this often in religion due to implicit memory. Darrel Ray has shown how this happens extensively in his book, The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture. His book helped explain something that happened to me after I first started memorizing Sanskrit phrases and feeling the benefits of long-form meditation. For a brief period, implicit memory and the primacy effect made me start to consider that the religion I’d grown up with was in fact true and real. Luckily, I shook that temporary effect. But many others aren’t quite so lucky. And in case it isn’t obvious, I’ll point out that the Bible is not only packed with stories. Some of those stories contain mnemonic properties, something Eran Katz pointed out in his excellent book, Where Did Noah Park the Ark? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhQlcMHhF3w The “Reefer Madness” Problem While working on Vitamin X, I thought often about Reefer Madness. In case you haven’t seen it, Reefer Madness began as an “educational” morality tale about cannabis. It's now famous largely because it's an over-the-top artifact of moral panic, an example of how fear-based fiction can be used to shape public belief under the guise of protection. I don’t want to make that mistake in my Memory Detective series. But there is a relationship because Vitamin X does tackle nootropics, a realm of substances for memory I am asked to comment on frequently. In this case, I'm not trying to protect people from nootropics, per se. But as I have regularly talked about over the years, tackling issues like brain fog by taking memory supplements or vitamins for memory is fraught with danger. And since fiction is one of the most efficient way to smuggle ideas past the mind's filters, I am trying to raise some critical thinking around supplementation for memory. But to do it in a way that's educational without trying to exploit anyone. I did my best to create the story so that you wind up thinking for yourself. What I'm doing differently with Vitamin X & the Memory Detective Series I'm not pretending fiction automatically teaches. I'm treating fiction as a delivery system for how various mnemonic methods work and as a kind of cheerleading mechanism that encourages you to engage in proper, deliberate practice. Practice of what? 1) Concentration meditation. Throughout the story, Detective Williams struggles to learn and embrace the memory-based meditation methods of his mentor, Jerome. You get to learn more about these as you read the story. 2) Memory Palaces as anchors for sanity, not party tricks. In the library sequence, Williams tries to launch a mnemonic “boomerang” into a Memory Palace while hallucinatory imagery floods the environment. Taking influence from the ancient mnemonist, Hugh of St. Victor, Noah's Ark becomes a mnemonic structure. Mnemonic images surge and help Detective Williams combat his PTSD. To make this concrete, I've utilized the illustrations within the book itself. Just as the ancients used paintings and architectural drawings to encode knowledge, the artwork in Vitamin X isn’t just decoration. During the live bootcamp I’m running to celebrate the launch, I show you how to treat the illustrations as ‘Painting Memory Palaces.’ This effectively turns the book in your hands into a functioning mnemonic device, allowing you to practice the method of loci on the page before you even step out into the real world. Then there’s the self-help element, which takes the form of how memory work can help restore sanity. A PTSD theme runs throughout the Memory Detective series for two deliberate reasons. First, Detective Williams is partly based on Nic Castle. He's a former police officer who found symptom relief for his PTSD from using memory techniques. He shared his story on this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast years ago. Second, Nic's anecdotal experience is backed up by research. And even if you don't have PTSD, the modern world is attacking many of us in ways that clearly create similar symptom-like issues far worse than the digital amnesia I've been warning about for years. We get mentally hijacked by feeds, anxiety loops, and synthetic urgency. We lose our grip on reality and wonder why we can't remember what we read five minutes ago. That's just one more reason I made memory techniques function as reality-tests inside Vitamin X. 3) The critical safeguard: I explicitly separate fiction from technique. In Flyboy's afterword, I put it plainly: The plot is fictional, but the memory techniques are real. And because they're real, they require study and practice. I believe this boundary matters because research shows how easily readers absorb false “facts” from fiction. 4) To help you practice, I included a study guide. At the end of both Flyboy and Vitamin X, there are study guides. In Vitamin X, you'll find a concrete method for creating a Mnemonic Calendar. This is not the world's most perfect memory technique. But it's helpful and a bit more advanced than a technique I learned from Jim Samuels many years ago. In his version, he had his clients divide the days of the week into a Memory Palace. For his senior citizens in particular, he had them divide the kitchen. So if they had to take a particular pill on Monday, they would imagine the pill as a giant moon in the sink. Using the method of loci, this location would always serve as their mnemonic station for Monday. In Vitamin X, the detective uses a number-shape system. Either way, these kinds of techniques for remembering schedules are the antidote to the “illusion of understanding” problem, provided that you put them to use. They can be very difficult to understand if you don't. Why My Magnetic Fiction Solves the “Hobbyist” Problem A lot of memory training fails for one reason: People treat it as a hobby. They “learn” techniques the way people “learn” guitar: By watching a few videos and buying a book. While the study material sits on a shelf or lost in a hard drive, the consumer winds up never rehearsing. Never putting any skill to the test. And as a result, never enjoying integration with the techniques. What fiction can do is create: emotional stakes situational context identity consistency (“this is what I do now”) and enough momentum to carry you into real practice That's the point of the simulation. You're not just reading about a detective and his mentor using Memory Palaces and other memory techniques. You're watching what happens when a mind uses a Memory Palace to stay oriented. And you can feel that urgency in your own nervous system while you read. That's the “cognitive gym” effect, I'm going for. It's also why I love this note from Andy, because it highlights the exact design target I'm going for: “I finished Flyboy last night. Great book! I thought it was eminently creative, working the memory lessons into a surprisingly intricate and entertaining crime mystery. Well done!” Or as the real-life Sherlock Holmes Ben Cardall put it the Memory Detective stories are: …rare pieces of fiction that encourages reflection in the reader. You don’t just get the drama, the tension and the excitement from the exploits of its characters. You also get a look at your own capabilities as though Anthony is able to make you hold a mirror up to yourself and think ‘what else am I capable of’? A Practical Way to Read These Novels for Memory Training If you want the benefits without the traps we've discussed today: Read Vitamin X for immersion first (let transportation do its job). Then read it again with a simple study goal. This re-reading strategy is important because study-goal framing will improve comprehension and reduce overconfidence. During this second read-through, actually use the Mnemonic Calendar. Then, test yourself by writing out what you remember from the story. If you make a mistake, don't judge yourself. Simply use analytical thinking to determine what went wrong and work out how you can improve. The Future: Learning Through Story is About to Intensify Here's the uncomfortable forecast: Even though I’m generally pro-AI for all kinds of outcomes and grateful for my discussions with Andrew Mayne about it (host of the OpenAI Podcast), AI could make the generation of personalized narratives that target your fears, identity, and desires trivial. That means there’s the risk that AI will also easily transform your beliefs. The same machinery that can create “education you can't stop reading” can also create persuasion you barely notice. Or, as Michael Connelly described in his novel, The Proving Ground, we might notice the effects of this persuasion far more than we’d like. My research on narrative persuasion and misinformation underscores why this potential outcome is not hypothetical. So the real question isn't “Should we teach with fiction?” The question is: Will we build fiction that creates personal agency… or engineer stories that steal it? My aim with Flyboy, Vitamin X and the series finale is simple and focused on optimizing your ability: to use story as a motivation engine to convert that motivation into deliberate practice to make a wide range of memory techniques feel as exciting for you as they are for me and to give your attention interesting tests in a world engineered to fragment it. If you want better memory, this is your challenge: Don't read Vitamin X for entertainment alone. Read it to see if you can hold on to reality while the world spins out of control. When you do, you'll be doing something far rarer than collecting tips. You'll be swinging the axe. A very sharp axe indeed. And best of all, your axe for learning and remembering more information at greater speed will be Magnetic.

Episode Title: Relaxing Rainfall for Concentration and SleepDescription:In this episode, we immerse ourselves in the gentle sounds of rainfall and explore how they can boost concentration and improve sleep quality. Discover the calming effect of rain as a natural backdrop to your work or relaxation time. We'll share tips on using rainfall sounds to create a peaceful environment, helping you focus better during the day and unwind effortlessly at night.Remember to carve out moments for yourself each day—whether it's a few minutes listening to soothing rain or simply pausing to breathe deeply. These small practices can bring much-needed calm into our busy lives.Tune in next time as we continue sharing ways to nurture your peace and relaxation.DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Calm Rainfall Sounds for Meditation and ConcentrationDescription:In this episode, we immerse ourselves in the soothing sounds of gentle rainfall and explore how these natural rhythms can enhance meditation and boost concentration. Discover the science behind why rain sounds help calm the mind, reduce stress, and create a peaceful environment for focus. We'll also share practical tips on incorporating rainfall audio into your daily mindfulness practice and work sessions to improve both relaxation and productivity.Take a moment today to pause and listen to the tranquil patter of rain—it might be just what you need to reset and recharge amidst a busy day.Join us again on the next episode as we continue to bring you calming experiences to support your well-being.DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Soft Rain Ambience for Concentration and CalmDescription:In this episode, we invite you to experience the gentle, soothing sounds of soft rain—a perfect backdrop to help you focus and find inner calm. Discover how rain ambience can enhance your concentration during work or study sessions, while also easing stress and promoting relaxation. We'll share tips on using these natural sounds to create peaceful moments in your daily routine, helping you stay centered amid life's busyness.Take a moment for yourself today—let the quiet rhythm of rain wash over your mind and bring a sense of calm and clarity.Stay tuned for our next episode as we keep exploring ways to nurture your well-being through simple, calming experiences.DISCLAIMER

In this episode of Lead-Lag Live, I sit down with Kai Wu, Founder and CIO of Sparkline Capital, to break down how the AI investment cycle is evolving as scrutiny rises and market enthusiasm becomes more selective.From hyperscaler spending and data center economics to market concentration and fading euphoria, Wu explains why investors need to rethink where real AI returns may come from and why the next winners may not be the obvious names.In this episode:– Why massive AI capex is starting to worry investors– How market concentration amplifies downside risk– The productivity debate behind AI adoption– Why AI adopters may outperform AI infrastructure plays– How to position portfolios for the next phase of AI investingLead-Lag Live brings you inside conversations with the financial thinkers who shape markets. Subscribe for interviews that go deeper than the noise.#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #StockMarket #MarketRisk #TechStocksStart your adventure with TableTalk Friday: A D&D Podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts!Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgB6B-mAeWlPM9KzGJ2O4cU0-m5lO0lkr&si=W_-jLsiREjyAIgEsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75YJ921WGQqUtwxRT71UQB?si=4R6kaAYOTtO2V Support the show

Pour recevoir votre cadeau : https://fl.ck.page/4ecd1cec8cHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

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Reflection and Practice Cultivate concentration this week by first preparing the “soil.” Notice the presence of the hindrances and work with them or through them. Once the hindrances recede, cultivate concentration through relaxation and reception instead of striving and pushing. Focus on the clear seeing that concentration allows, staying the course through the waves of resistance. In a direct, immediate way, see something that reorders you and your life. This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer John Stott.

2025 a été l'année la plus productive… mais aussi la plus ingrate de ma vie.Très peu de vacances, beaucoup de travail de fond, peu de résultats immédiats… mais des fondations essentielles pour la suite.Je partage en toute transparence ce que j'ai vraiment vécu cette année : les objectifs atteints, ceux qui ne l'ont pas été, les déceptions, les réussites “invisibles” et surtout les leçons stratégiques et humaines que j'en tire.Si vous avez l'impression d'avoir beaucoup travaillé en 2025 sans voir tout de suite les fruits, cette vidéo va vous rassurer et vous aider à remettre du sens sur ce que vous avez semé.

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Episode Title: Relaxing Natural Storm and Rain Sounds for ConcentrationDescription:In this episode, we immerse ourselves in the soothing sounds of natural storms and rain, perfect for enhancing focus and concentration. Discover how these calming audio landscapes can help block distractions, improve productivity, and create a peaceful atmosphere whether you're working, studying, or simply unwinding. We also share tips on integrating these sounds into your daily routine to support mental clarity and relaxation.Take a moment to breathe deeply and let the gentle rhythm of rain and distant thunder guide you into a calm, focused state. Remember, small pauses like these can bring balance to even the busiest days.Stay tuned for more peaceful moments with us on the next episode of Be Calm and Relax Podcast.DISCLAIMER

Spotify is adding even more ads. We're protecting your peace.Affirmations shouldn't be interrupted.

(00:00) Intro and Home Washing Mentality (01:37) Keeping Things TOO Cold (05:39) Water Quality and RO Filters (09:11) Ending STRONG During Freeze Dry (14:19) Revolutionizing Test Washing (19:20) Open Source Information, Final Thoughts Matt from Lowtemp Industries is back for the second part of his epic interview- in this installment Matt discusses some of the biggest tips, tricks, and secrets to making top quality concentrate at home. From temperature optimization to understanding yield analytics- Matt covers it all. Matt also teases and exciting new product drop coming soon from Lowtemp that will change the way we test wash plants... www.growcast.com/membership -  Join the BEST Community in Cultivation www.rimrockanalytical.com - For all your sex testing, pathogen testing, & more - use code GROWCAST www.acinfinity.com - The BEST Grow Gear in the game, use code GROWCAST15

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer Jim Matthews.

Episode Title: Relaxing Rain Sounds for Concentration and CalmnessDescription:In this episode of "Thunderstorm: Sleep and Relax in the Rain," we invite you to immerse yourself in the gentle, soothing sound of rain designed to help you focus and find calm. Whether you're working, studying, or simply seeking a peaceful moment, the steady rhythm of raindrops offers a natural backdrop that quiets the mind and boosts concentration.Picture yourself in a cozy space, surrounded by the soft patter of rain outside your window. The calming ambiance helps wash away distractions and stress, allowing your thoughts to flow more freely and your energy to reset. This episode is your perfect companion for moments when you need clarity, relaxation, or a mindful pause in your day.Let the tranquil rain sounds guide you into deeper focus and serenity. Tune in, breathe deeply, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere created just for you.DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Peaceful Rain and Thunder to Aid ConcentrationDescription: In this episode, we immerse ourselves in the soothing sounds of rain and distant thunder, perfect for boosting focus and creating a peaceful environment. Whether you're studying, working, or simply need a moment of calm, these natural rhythms can help clear your mind and enhance concentration. We'll also share tips on how to use rain and thunder sounds effectively in your daily routine to foster productivity and relaxation.Remember to take a pause during your busy day, letting the gentle patter of rain and the mellow rumble of thunder guide you into a state of calm focus.Join us next time as we explore more ways to bring tranquility into your everyday life.DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Concentration Boosted by Gentle Rain AtmosphereDescription:In this episode of "Thunderstorm: Sleep and Relax in the Rain," we invite you to enhance your focus with the calming sounds of a gentle rain. Whether you're working, studying, or engaging in a creative project, the steady rhythm of rain creates an ideal environment to clear your mind and improve concentration. Imagine yourself in a quiet room by the window, where soft raindrops fall steadily outside, bringing a sense of calm and clarity to your thoughts.As you listen, let the rain wash away distractions and help you maintain a steady flow of productivity. This soothing soundscape is designed to support your mental focus and keep stress at bay, making it easier to stay engaged in your tasks for longer periods.Plug in your headphones, find your comfortable spot, and let this gentle rain atmosphere guide you into a state of peaceful concentration. Perfect for those moments when you need a natural boost to power through your day.DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Soothing Rain Sounds for Work and ConcentrationDescription:In this episode, we dive into the relaxing world of rain sounds and how they can boost your focus and productivity. Discover why gentle rain is one of the best natural soundscapes for creating a peaceful work environment. We'll share tips on how to use rain sounds to reduce distractions, enhance concentration, and maintain calm during busy or stressful tasks.Take a moment to breathe and let the steady rhythm of rain help clear your mind, so you can work smarter and feel more relaxed throughout your day.Stay tuned for our next episode as we explore more ways to bring calm and balance into your daily routine.DISCLAIMER

Here we are in the heart of the holidays, and there's also so much else going on. For me it's crucial not to rely on finding moments of calm, but instead to remember to create them.We all probably do that when we can by settling into the couch with a good cup of whatever. Which is beautiful. But what about also cultivating a state of mind that's not couch-dependent? One way to do that is with a little concentration. Not the focused, bearing-down type that we use at work, but concentration as in relaxation: just breathing, gently, with ease and with love.With that kind of concentration, stress evaporates, at least for the moment. There's just presence, stillness, and rest. There's nothing sweeter than a nice comfy couch but when one just isn't available – like when we're in a courtroom or Zoom room or train – the breath and gentleness and ease and love always are.  _____________________________________________

No matter how prepared you are going into your normal day at the office, spending hours at your desk can get mundane and boring. Before you know it, your mind is wandering and you've lost focus... According to a study published by Economist Intelligence Unit in October 2020, a third of working time is lost to distractions. That's equivalent to a whopping 581 active hours per employee per year. But actually it doesn't take much to get that concentration back and make some progress on your to-do list. What are some tips for refocusing? Do we have to focus on one task at a time to be more efficient? What about the internal environment? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Why is generative AI set to explode in 2024?⁠ ⁠Is being delulu a good thing?⁠ ⁠Should you be reducing salt in your diet?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 09/10/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, recorded live at TSAE's New Ideas Annual Conference in San Antonio, hosts Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, and Katy Markert sit down with Christian Malesic, MBA, CAE, CMP, IOM, an eight-time CEO with more than 28 years of leadership experience. Christian shares his remarkable path from Air Force officer to association executive, highlighting the strategies and mindset that have guided his success in organizational turnarounds. He discusses the critical role of strong governance, financial discipline, and relationship-building in driving meaningful change, while also reflecting on his passion for nonprofit work and lifelong learning. Packed with practical insights and real-world experience, this conversation offers valuable guidance for both emerging and seasoned association leaders. Better by Association is produced by Association Briefings.   Show Notes Christian D. Malesic, MBA, CAE, CMP, IOM is an eight-time CEO with over 28 years of experience. He motivates audiences as a speaker, trainer, & lecturer and moves needles as a Turnaround CEO, consultant, and recognized expert in Association Management. His peers continue to recognize his servant's heart with numerous national and state awards from various organizations for many and varied industry accomplishments. Most notably, he was heralded in 2012 as the nation's Best New Executive Officer and is the 2024 Dallas / Fort Worth Association (DFWAE) Executive of the Year and the 2025 CAE of the Year. With over two dozen nationally published “business-best-practices” articles to his name, Christian is also a resourceful & accomplished executive. He has served on 22 different local, regional, and national Boards himself. He received his MBA with distinguished honors from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania plus three bachelor's degrees in: Electrical Engineering & Government from Lehigh University and Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from Elizabethtown College. Christian is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), and is a graduate of the prestigious Institute for Organizational Management (IOM), the most highly respected program nationwide for Association Management. He is a current member in good standing of the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) and the Dallas / Fort Worth Society of Association Executives (DFWAE).

Matt Barkley discusses AI valuations, the role of energy in the AI boom, Bitcoin's long-term investment case, and how his NFL mindset has influenced his trading decisions.

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer Nikhil Natarajan.

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna gives guidance on how we can train in the skill of equanimity. He gives many valuable perspective shifts that help us engage with people who harm us or harm others. Equanimity is the baseline for cultivating Bodhicitta, which is the only motivation that will lead us to the Enlightenment of a Buddha. This episode was recorded on October 15th, 2025.Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to make a donation to support the center, please visit www.wocdc.org.  May you flourish in your practice and may all beings swiftly be free of suffering.

Episode Title: Gentle Rain with Low Rumble to Aid ConcentrationDescription:In this episode, we bring you the soothing sounds of gentle rain paired with a soft, low rumble designed to help improve focus and concentration. Whether you're working, studying, or simply need to clear your mind, these calming rain sounds can create the perfect background atmosphere to enhance productivity and promote relaxation.Take a few moments to breathe deeply, listen, and let the natural rhythm wash away distractions. These peaceful sounds are here to support your daily routine and help you find calm amid the busyness.Stay tuned for more relaxing audio experiences in upcoming episodes.DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Steady Rain Tapping Rhythmically Alongside Whispered Words Promoting ConcentrationDescription:In this episode, we invite you to immerse yourself in the soothing sound of steady rain paired with gentle whispered words designed to boost your focus and concentration. Discover how the natural rhythm of rain can create the perfect backdrop for productivity, meditation, or simply finding a moment of calm in your busy day. We'll guide you through techniques to harness these calming sounds and words to sharpen your attention and enhance mental clarity.Take a few minutes to press pause, breathe deeply, and let the rhythmic tapping of rain and soft whispers guide you toward a more centered and concentrated mind.Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore peaceful soundscapes that nurture relaxation and well-being.DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Soft Ambient Rainfall Supporting Concentration During Demanding TasksDescription:In this episode, we dive into the gentle sounds of ambient rainfall and how they can help boost your focus during challenging tasks. Discover how the soothing patter of rain creates a peaceful environment, reducing distractions and promoting mental clarity. We'll also share tips on integrating rain sounds into your work or study routine to enhance productivity and calm your mind.Take a moment to breathe deeply and let the soft rain wash away stress, making space for concentration and calm in your busy day.Join us next time as we continue exploring simple ways to bring more peace and relaxation into your life.DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Rain Soundscapes Enhancing Concentration by Blocking Noise EffectivelyDescription:In this episode, we dive into the soothing world of rain soundscapes and how they can significantly boost your focus by masking distracting noises. Discover the science behind why rain sounds help sharpen concentration and create a peaceful atmosphere for work, study, or relaxation. We also share tips on incorporating these natural rhythms into your daily routine to enhance productivity and mental clarity.Take a moment to breathe, listen, and let the gentle patter of rain guide you to a calmer, more focused state of mind.Stay tuned for more calming insights in our next episode!DISCLAIMER

Episode Title: Rain Soundscapes Supporting Concentration Through Long Study HoursDescription:In this episode, we explore how rain soundscapes can enhance focus and support concentration during extended study sessions. Discover why the steady, gentle patter of rain helps drown out distractions and creates a soothing environment that boosts productivity. We also share tips on incorporating these natural sound backgrounds into your study routine to maintain calm and mental clarity for longer periods.Remember, taking breaks with calming sounds like rain can refresh your mind and improve your overall study effectiveness. Embrace these moments of peace to power through your tasks with ease.Join us next time as we continue to bring you simple ways to stay calm and relaxed in everyday life.DISCLAIMER

Is America ready for a woman president? Andrea and independent journalist Terrell Starr debate, and we want to hear where you stand. Let us know in the comments. Consider this: the two times Trump was elected president, he ran against a woman–but both of those women faced highly unusual, unprecedented elections for any candidate. In 2016, Hillary Clinton ran against a hostile foreign intelligence operation and an FBI director, James Comey, with a misogynistic track record. The FBI was successfully sued by 34 women who faced sexual descrimination as recruits, their complaints dismissed by Comey. The 2016 election wasn't politics as usual: it was an act of war–by the Kremlin and criminal negligence by Comey's abuse of power.  In 2024, Kamala Harris had a few short months to save global democracy. Again, a woman was handed a political grenade.  Will America's first woman president be Ivanka Trump?  Republicans elevate three types of women: Concentration camp Barbies like Kristi Noem, pedofile-defending child-looking brides like Karoline Leavitt, and Trump's personal favorite: the blond bombshell–like his daughter Ivanka. Trump once said he would date Ivanka if she wasn't his daughter. He told the porn star Stormy Daniels, who he had an affair with when Melania had just given birth to Barron, that Stormy reminded him of Ivanka. With Jared Kushner back in the White House, grifting and running Trump's shadow foreign policy, does that mean Ivanka is the likely candidate to break the glass ceiling by being a patriarchal blow-up doll? And how do we stop that?  Studies have shown countries led by women are more prosperous, resilient and environmentally friendly. A 2022 U.S. News Survey found that 70% of respondents believe women are better at leading countries than men. So why can't America have nice things? What will it take for us to finally elect a progressive woman president?  Want to hear Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chats, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit! Show Notes: FBI to pay $22 million to women who alleged sexual discrimination at training academy https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/fbi-to-pay-22-million-to-women-who-alleged-sexual-discrimination-at-training-academy Women Are Better at Leading Countries Than Men, Survey Respondents Say https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2022-10-05/women-are-better-at-leading-countries-than-men-survey-respondents-say How Women in Power Foster National Happiness https://esthinktank.com/2025/02/10/how-womens-leadership-shapes-happier-nations/ Women and girls around the world are leading the fight against climate change https://unsdg.un.org/latest/stories/women-and-girls-leading-fight-against-climate-change Countries with more female politicians pass more ambitious climate policies, study suggests https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2019/09/countries-with-more-female-politicians-pass-more-ambitious-climate-policies-study-suggests/ Terrell Starr Substack: https://terrellstarr.substack.com/

Concentration is critical in the journey toward greater life success – here are three ways to improve your level of concentrating and taking steps in the right direction.  ---------- JOIN THE AOS ACADEMY – top-tier, high-impact online courses designed to catalyze your success and satisfaction in life – learn more at https://aos.academy Join host Steve Wohlenhaus on the ANATOMY OF SUCCESS podcast and dig deep into what actions you can take to find success in health, work, and relationships. Expect transparent candor and challenges that require action, all to help you define success on your own terms. CONNECT ON SOCIAL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wohlenhaus/ Instagram: @stevewohlenhaus / https://www.instagram.com/stevewohlenhaus/ Facebook: stevewohlenhaus / https://www.facebook.com/stevewohlenhaus TikTok: @stevewohlenhaus / https://www.tiktok.com/@stevewohlenhaus More about Steve: https://weatherology.com/steve/ Steve's real-time audio weather company: https://weatherology.com/ Catch the latest episodes or binge the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon.

This recording was edited and prepared for publication by volunteer Alan Smith.

Episode Title: Rain Soundscapes Improve My Concentration and Reduce Distractions at WorkDescription:In this episode, we dive into how rain soundscapes can boost focus and minimize distractions during work hours. Discover why many find the gentle patter of rain to be the perfect backdrop for productivity and mental clarity. We'll share tips on using rain sounds effectively to create a calming work environment, helping you stay on task and reduce stress throughout your day.Take a moment to breathe and let the soothing rhythm of rain guide you toward better concentration and peace at work.Join us next time for more ways to bring calm and relaxation into your daily life.DISCLAIMER

For many owners, private equity feels like a black box: a buyer shows up with a multiple, some debt, and a term sheet, and it is hard to tell whether you are getting a fair shake or being set up for a painful re-trade later.  In this Inside the Mind of an Acquirer episode of Built to Sell Radio, John Warrillow sits down with Speyside Equity managing director Eric Wiklendt.

Episode Title: Rain Sounds for Working: Create My Perfect Concentration SpaceDescription:In this episode, we dive into how the gentle sound of rain can help build an ideal environment for focus and productivity. Discover why rain sounds are a popular choice for creating a distraction-free workspace and how they can improve your concentration. We also share tips on incorporating these soothing sounds into your daily work routine to stay calm, centered, and efficient.Take a moment to surround yourself with the peaceful ambiance of rainfall, and transform your work time into a refreshing, focused experience.Join us next time as we continue exploring simple ways to bring calm and relaxation into everyday life.DISCLAIMER

Settle into a long, distraction-free study session with 3 hours of brown noise. This steady, low-frequency sound creates a warm audio blanket that helps you stay focused, block out background noise, and stay locked in while reading, studying, or getting into your work flow. Stream Calming White Noise on your TV!

What if narrowing your attention could make your daily life feel wider, calmer, and more vivid? We dive into the practical craft of concentration and show how a single, steady focus becomes the quiet engine behind reliable mindfulness. Rather than forcing the mind, we build a friendly runway—gladdening the mind with gratitude and warmth—so attention settles without strain and the nervous system knows it is safe to rest.We walk through concrete anchors that meet different temperaments: counting exhales in simple cycles, sensing breath at the belly or nostrils, receiving whatever sound arrives, or repeating short phrases of loving kindness. You'll hear why long stretches of silence matter during counting, how to restart at one without self-judgment, and what “relaxed steadiness” feels like when you're doing it right. Along the way, we unpack clear metaphors: the adjustable flashlight that moves from wide-open awareness to a narrow beam, the body scan as a midpoint on the spectrum, and breath mindfulness as a flexible practice that can widen for strong emotions before returning to the anchor.By the end, you'll understand when to choose pure concentration, when to lean into broader mindfulness, and how both interlock to create durable presence. Expect grounded tips on posture, effort, and self-talk, plus a compassionate take on distraction that turns each lapse into a cue to return. If you've struggled to keep attention from slipping, this conversation offers a simple blueprint you can use today to stabilize focus and carry that clarity into work, relationships, and rest.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who's building a practice, and leave a quick review—tell us which anchor worked best for you and why.Support the showCoupon code and the link are down below, but that will expire shortlyFeel free to text me at 415-939-1126 Certify To Teach Mindfulness & Meditation Since 2015, we've trained over 2,000 people to teach mindfulness in healthcare, business, education, yoga, sports teams, and the U.S. Government. ⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulnessExercises.com/certify⁠⁠⁠⁠ Certify At Your Own Pace: Just complete 40 hours of self-paced meditation + online workbook completion with lifetime access to personalized support. Deepen Your Own Mindful Presence: Whatever your starting place is, we will help you deepen your own embodied, experiential understanding. Teach With Integrity & Authenticity: We help you find your unique voice to make mindfulness relevant and practical for your own students or clients. Receive International Accreditation: Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, international healthcare centers, coaching schools, and the U.S. Government. Boost Your Career: Use our templates to quickly form your own paid mindfulness courses, workshops, keynotes or coaching packages. 20% BLACK FRIDAY COUPON CODE: PODCAST

Last time we spoke about the Changkufeng Incident. In a frost-bitten dawn along the Chaun and Tumen rivers, a border notched with memory becomes the stage for a quiet duel of will. On one side, Japanese officers led by Inada Masazum study maps, mud, and the hill known as Changkufeng, weighing ground it offers and the risk of war. They glimpse a prize, high ground that could shield lines to Korea—yet they sense peril in every ridge, every scent of winter wind. Across the line, Soviet forces tighten their grip on the crest, their eyes fixed on the same hill, their tents and vehicles creeping closer to the border. The air hums with cautious diplomacy: Moscow's orders pulse through Seoul and Harbin, urging restraint, probing, deterring, but never inviting full-scale conflict. Yet every patrol, every reconnaissance, seems to tilt the balance toward escalation.   #177 The point of no return for the USSR and Japan Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Days passed and the local emissaries had not been released by the Russians. Domei reported from Seoul that the authorities were growing worried; the "brazen" actions of Soviet front-line forces infuriated the Manchurians and Japanese. From Seoul, too, came ominous news that villagers were preparing to evacuate because they feared fighting would soon begin in the Changkufeng area. While diplomatic activity continued in Moscow without effect, the Tokyo press continued to report intense military activity throughout the Soviet Far East—the greatest massing of troops in months, with planes, armored cars, and motorized equipment choking the Trans-Siberian railway. The press was dominated by commentary about the danger of war. One enterprising Tokyo publisher ran advertisements under the heading: "The Manchukuo-Soviet Border Situation Is Urgent—Ours Is the Only Detailed Map of the Soviet Far East: Newspaper-size, in seven clear colors, offset printed, only 50 sen." Although the Manchukuoan foreign office issued a statement on 20 July about the dire consequences the Soviets were inviting, it is probable that the next Russian actions, of a conciliatory nature, were reached independently. Either Moscow had taken almost a week to make the decision, or the diplomatic conversations there had had an effect. Local Japanese authorities reported inactivity on the Changkufeng front from the morning of 23 July. On the next day, word was received that the USSR proposed to return the two emissaries as "trespassers." At midday on 26 July, the Russians released the blindfolded agents at a border site along the Novokievsk road. After completing the formalities, the Japanese asked the Russians for a reply concerning local settlement of the incident. According to Japanese sources, the "flustered" Colonel Grebennik answered: "My assignment today was merely to turn over the envoys. As for any request about the Changkufeng Incident, our guard commander must have asked for instructions from the central government. I think this is the type of matter which must be answered by the authorities at Moscow through diplomatic channels." Grebennik's postwar recollection does not differ appreciably from the Japanese version. Soviet sources mention a second effort by the Japanese military to deliver a message under more forceful circumstances. On 23 July a Soviet border unit drove off a four-man party. Russian cavalry, sent to investigate, discovered that the Japanese had pulled down a telegraph pole, severed lines 100–150 meters inside Soviet territory, absconded with wire, and left behind a white flag and a letter. Undated, unsigned, and written in Korean, the message struck Grebennik as being substantively the same as the communication delivered formally by the emissaries on 18 July. Japanese materials make no reference to a second, informal effort by local forces, but there is little reason to doubt that such an attempt, perhaps unauthorized, was made. Although Japanese efforts at low-level negotiations came to naught, two observations emerged from the local authorities and the press. First, on-the-spot negotiations had broken down; it had been difficult even to reclaim the emissaries, and the Russians in the Posyet region were using various pretexts to refer matters to diplomatic echelons. Second, the Russians had released the men. Some interpreted this as the first evidence of Soviet sincerity; possibly, the USSR would even return Matsushima's body as a step toward settlement. Other Japanese observers on the scene warned the public that it was imperative to stay on guard: "All depends on how diplomacy proceeds and how the front-line troops behave." Yet the excitement in the Japanese press began to abate. It is difficult to ascertain the nature of the decision-making process on the Russian side after the Japanese attempted local negotiations. The Soviets contend that nothing special had been undertaken before the Japanese provoked matters at the end of July. Grebennik, however, admits that after receiving the two Japanese communications, "we started to prepare against an attack on us in the Lake Khasan area." He and a group of officers went to Changkufeng Hill and sent as many border guards there as possible. Although he personally observed Japanese troops and instructed his officers to do the same, he denied categorically that the Russians constructed trenches and fortifications. Only the observation of Manchurian territory was intensified while instructions were awaited from higher headquarters. For its part, the Korea Army was carrying out Imperial general headquarters first instructions while pursuing a wait-and-see policy. On 16 July, Korea Army Headquarters wired an important operations order to Suetaka. With a view toward a possible attack against intruders in the Khasan area, the army planned to make preparations. The division commander was to alert stipulated units for emergency dispatch and send key personnel to the Kyonghun sector to undertake preparations for an attack. Lt. Col. Senda Sadasue, BGU commander of the 76th Infantry Regiment, was to reconnoiter, reinforce nearby districts, and be ready for emergencies. Particular care was enjoined not to irritate the Soviet side. Maj. Gen. Yokoyama Shinpei, the Hunchun garrison commander, was to maintain close contact with the BGU and take every precaution in guarding the frontiers. Like Senda, Yokoyama was warned against irritating the Russians. Korea Army Headquarters also dispatched staff to the front and had them begin preparations, envisaging an offensive. Upon receipt of the army order, Suetaka issued implementing instructions from his Nanam headquarters at 4:30 A.M. on the 17th. The following units were to prepare for immediate alert: the 38th Infantry Brigade Headquarters, 75th Infantry Regiment, 27th Cavalry Regiment, 5th Antiaircraft Regiment, and 19th Engineer Regiment. The same instructions applied to the next units, except that elements organic to the division were designated: the 76th Infantry Regiment, 25th Mountain Artillery Regiment, and 15th Heavy Field Artillery Regiment. Another order enjoined utmost care not to irritate the Russians; Japanese actions were to be masked. Next came a directive to the forces of Senda and K. Sato. The former comprised mainly the 76th Infantry BGU and a cavalry platoon. The latter was built around the 75th Infantry Regiment, the Kucheng garrison unit, another cavalry platoon, two mountain artillery and one heavy field artillery battalion, and the 19th Engineers. Suetaka's idea about a solution to the border troubles had become concrete and aggressive. From the night of July 17, concentration would be accomplished gradually. The exact timing of the attack would be determined by subsequent orders; in Senda's area, there was no such restriction regarding "counteraction brought on by enemy attack." Division signal and intendant officers would conduct reconnaissance related to communications, billeting, food, and supplies. Sato and his subordinates were to reconnoiter personally. Having ordered the division to begin concentration and to stand by, Korea Army Headquarters was prepared the next morning, July 17, to direct the movement. Nevertheless, there was concern in Seoul that Suetaka's advance elements might cross the Tumen River into Manchurian territory, which could result in a clash with Soviet troops. Such an outcome might run counter to the principle established by Imperial general headquarters. Consequently, it was decided that "movement east of the river would therefore have to be forbidden in the Korea Army's implementing order." Nakamura transmitted his operational instructions to Suetaka at 6:00 on July 17: "No great change in latest situation around Lake Khasan. Soviet forces are still occupying Changkufeng area. Diplomaticlevel negotiations on part of central authorities and Manchukuoan government do not appear to have progressed. Considering various circumstances and with view to preparations, this army will concentrate elements of 19th Division between Shikai, Kyonghun, Agochi." Restrictions stipulated that the division commander would transport the units by rail and motor vehicle and concentrate them in the waiting zone in secret. Movement was to begin on the night of July 17 and to be completed the next day. Further orders, however, must govern unit advance east of the Tumen as well as use of force. The remainder of the division was to stay ready to move out. Troops were to carry rations for about two weeks.   Late that day, Suetaka received an order by phone for his subordinates in line with Seoul's instructions. Senda would handle the concentration of elements assembling at Kyonghun, and Sato would do the same for the main units arriving at Agochi. A communications net was to be set up quickly. Caution was to be exercised not to undertake provocative actions against the opposite bank of the Tumen, even for reconnaissance. The division would dispatch two trains from Hoeryong and four from Nanam. At 11:58 pm on 18 July, the first train left Hoeryong for Agochi. Concentration of units was completed by dawn. By that time, the Japanese had dispatched to the border 3,236 men and 743 horses. Past midnight on 20 July, Division Chief of Staff Nakamura wired headquarters that the division was ready to take any action required, having completed the alert process by 11 pm. Japanese scouting of the Changkufeng sector began in earnest after mid-July. Although the affair had seemed amenable to settlement, Sato took steps for an emergency from around the 14th. His thoughts centered on readiness for an attack against Changkufeng, which simultaneously required reconnaissance for the assault and preparation to pull the regiment back quickly to Hoeryong if a withdrawal was ordered. After arriving at Haigan on 18 July, Sato set out with several engineers. At Kucheng, the officers donned white Korean clothing, presumably the disguise directed by the division—and boarded native oxcarts for a leisurely journey southward along the Korean bank of the Tumen across from Changkufeng. The seemingly innocent "farmers" studied the river for crossing sites and Changkufeng Hill for the extent of enemy activity. On the hill's western slope, in Manchurian territory, three rows of Russian entanglements could be observed 300 feet below the crest. Only a handful of soldiers were visible, probably a platoon, certainly not more than a company. Infantry Captain Yamada Teizo conducted secret reconnaissance of the entire Changkufeng-Hill 52 sector for 314 hours in the afternoon of 18 July. Even after intense scanning through powerful binoculars, he could detect no more than 19 lookouts and six horsemen; camouflage work had been completed that day, and there were ten separate covered trench or base points. Barbed wire, under camouflage, extended about four meters in depth, yet even Yamada's trained eye could not determine whether there was one line of stakes or two. He jotted down what he could see and compared his information with that learned from local police. Artillery Colonel R. Tanaka shared the view that the Soviets had intruded. When he went reconnoitering along the Korean bank, he observed Russian soldiers entrenched around the hilltop, easily visible through binoculars at a range of two kilometers. Trenches had been dug 20 to 30 meters below the crest on the western slope. Eventually, there were three rows of barbed wire, the first just below the trenches and the lowest 100 meters under the summit. Tanaka estimated Soviet strength at two companies (about 200 men). Suetaka's intelligence officer, Sasai, recalls seeing barbed wire after Japanese units deployed to the front on 18–19 July; he had surmised then that the entanglements were being prepared out of fear of a Japanese assault.   To obtain first-hand information, the Gaimusho ordered a section chief, Miura Kazu'ichi, to the spot. Between 23 July and the cease-fire in August, Miura collected data at Kyonghun and transmitted reports from the consulate at Hunchun. On 28 July he visited Sozan on the Korean bank. He observed Soviet soldiers on the western slopes of Changkufeng, digging trenches and driving stakes. These actions were clearly on Manchukuoan territory even according to Soviet maps. Miura insisted that he saw no friendly troops on territory claimed by the Russians and observed no provocative actions by the Japanese. These statements are supported by a map drawn for him in early August by Division Staff Officer Saito Toshio, a sketch Miura retained as late as 1947. Miura's testimony is tempered by his assertion that he saw a red flag flying near the top of Changkufeng Hill. This contention conflicts with all evidence, as Russian lawyers at the International Military Tribunal for the Far East argued, it is improbable that a Soviet frontier post, highly interested in camouflage, would have hoisted a pennon so large that it could be seen from Sozan. Russian sources are unanimous in stating that no flag was put up until 6 August and that no trenches or entanglements were established by Soviet border guards in July, at least prior to the 29th. The two Army General staff consultants, Arisue and Kotani, arrived in Seoul on 16 July, the day Korea Army Headquarters was ordering an alert for the 19th Division "with a view toward a possible attack against enemy intruders." Inada dispatched them mainly to inspect the frontline situation; but he had not fully decided on reconnaissance in force. At Shikai, Arisue and Kotani donned Korean garb and traveled by oxcart on the Korean side of the Tumen, reconnoitering opposite the Shachaofeng sector. Kotani was convinced that hostile possession of Changkufeng posed a serious threat to the Korean railway. He agreed with the division's estimate that, if the Japanese did decide to seize Changkufeng, it ought not to be too difficult. Arisue, as senior observer, dispatched messages from Kyonghun to Tokyo detailing their analysis and recommendations. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, on 17 July the central military authorities received a cable from the Japanese envoy in Moscow, Colonel Doi Akio, reporting that prospects for a diplomatic settlement were nil. The USSR was taking a hard line because Japan was deeply involved in China, though there were domestic considerations as well. The Russians, however, showed no intention of using the border incident to provoke war. It would be best for Japan to seize Changkufeng quickly and then press forward with parleys. Meanwhile, Japan should conduct an intensive domestic and external propaganda campaign. There was mounting pressure in the high command that negotiations, conducted "unaided," would miss an opportunity. Based on reports from Arisue and Kotani, that army seemed to be contemplating an unimaginative, ponderous plan: an infantry battalion would cross the Tumen west of Changkufeng and attack frontally, while two more battalions would cross south of Kyonghun to drive along the river and assault Changkufeng from the north. Inada sent a telegram on 17 July to Arisue for "reference." Prospects had diminished that Soviet troops would withdraw as a result of negotiation. As for the attack ideas Arisue mentioned, Inada believed it necessary to prepare to retake Changkufeng with a night attack using small forces. To avoid widening the crisis, the best plan was a limited, surprise attack using ground units. The notion of a surprise attack drew on the Kwantung Army's extensive combat experience in Manchuria since 1931.  The next morning, after the forward concentration of troops was completed, Suetaka went to the front. From Kucheng, he observed the Changkufeng district and decided on concrete plans for use of force. Meanwhile, Nakamura was curbing any hawkish courses at the front. As high-command sources privately conceded later, the younger officers in Tokyo sometimes seemed to think the commander was doing too good a job; there was covert sentiment that it might be preferable if someone in the chain of command acted independently before the opportunity slipped away. This is significant in light of the usual complaints by responsible central authorities about gekokujo—insubordination—by local commands. An important report influencing the high command's view arrived from Kwantung Army Intelligence on 19 July: according to agents in Khabarovsk, the USSR would not let the Changkufeng incident develop into war; Russians also believed there would be no large-scale Soviet intrusion into their territory. By 19 July, the Tokyo operations staff was considering the best method to restore control of the lost hill by force, since Seoul appeared to maintain its laissez-faire stance. On 18 July, Arisue and Kotani were instructed by Imperial General headquarters to assist the Korea Army and the 19th Division regarding the Changkufeng Incident. What the Army general staff operations officers sought was an Imperial General headquarters order, requiring Imperial sanction, that would instruct the Korea Army to evict the Russian troops from Changkufeng the way the Kwantung Army would, using units already under Nakamura's command. The sense was that the affair could be handled locally, but if the USSR sought to escalate the incident, it might be prudent for that to occur before the Hankow operation began. The IGHQ and War Ministry coordinated the drafting of an IGHQ order on 19–20 July: "We deem it advisable to eradicate Soviet challenges . . . by promptly delivering blow on this occasion against unit which crossed border at Changkufeng. That unit is in disadvantageous spot strategically and tactically; thus, probability is scant that dispute would enlarge, and we are investigating countermeasures in any case. Careless expansion of situation is definitely not desired. We would like you people also to conduct studies concerning mode of assault employing smallest strength possible for surprise attack against limited objective. Kindly learn general atmosphere here [Tokyo] from [Operations] Major Arao Okikatsu." The 20th of July proved to be a hectic day in Korea, and even more so in Tokyo. The division had informed the Korea Army that it was finally "ready to go," a message received in Seoul in the early hours. Then Arisue received a wire from Inada presenting limited-attack plans and noting that Arao was on the way. By that day, Japanese intelligence judged there were 400 Soviet troops and two or three mountain guns south of Paksikori. Russian positions at Changkufeng had been reinforced, but no aggressive intentions could be detected. Soviet ground elements, as well as materiel, appeared to be moving from Vladivostok and Slavyanka toward Posyet. Suetaka headed back to the front. Sato told him that it was absolutely necessary to occupy Chiangchunfeng Hill across the Tumen in Manchurian territory. Upon reaching the Wuchiatzu sector and inspecting the situation, Suetaka agreed to send a small unit to Chiangchunfeng on his own authority.  Colonel Sato Kotoku had ordered one company to move across the Tumen toward Chiangchunfeng on 21 July, a maneuver that did not escape the Russians' notice. On 24 July, the same day another Japanese unit occupied Shangchiaoshan Hill, Marshal Blyukher ordered the 40th Rifle Division, stationed in the Posyet area to be placed on combat readiness, with a force of regulars assigned to back the Soviet border guards; two reinforced rifle battalions were detached as a reserve. According to Japanese records, Russian border patrols began appearing around Huichungyuan, Yangkuanping, and Shachaofeng from 26 July, but no serious incidents were reported at that stage. At about 9:30 am on 29 July, Captain Kanda, the 2nd Company commander of Lieutenant Colonel Senda's 76th Border Garrison Unit, was observing the Shachaofeng area from his Kucheng cantonments. Through his glasses, Kanda observed four or five Soviet soldiers engaged in construction on high ground on the west side of Shachaofeng. Kanda notified Senda, who was at BGU Headquarters inspecting the forward areas. Senda transmitted the information to Suetaka. Deciding to cross the Tumen for a closer look, Senda set off with Kanda. A little after 11 am, they reached Chiangchunfeng Hill, where the men from Captain Noguchi's company were already located. Senda verified, to his own satisfaction, that as many as 10 enemy infantrymen had "violated the border" to a depth of 350 meters, "even by the Soviets' contention", and were starting construction 1,000 meters south of Shachaofeng. Senda decided to oust the Russian force "promptly and resolutely," in light of the basic mission assigned his unit. He telephoned Suetaka, who was in Kyonghun, and supplied the intelligence and the recommendation. Subordinates recalled Suetaka's initial reaction when the BGU reported a Soviet intrusion about a mile and a half north of Changkufeng. "The arrogant Russians were making fools of the Japanese, or were trying to. At stake was not a trifling hill and a few invaders, but the honor of the Imperial Army. In the face of this insult, the general became furious. He insisted upon smashing the enemy right away."  Kanda phoned 2nd Lieutenant Sakuma, who was still at Kucheng, and told him to bring his 25-man platoon across the river by 2 pm Sakuma crossed by boat and arrived at 1:30. Kanda set out from Chiangchunfeng at 2:20, took over Sakuma's unit, bore east, and approached within 700 meters of the enemy. He ordered the men not to fire unless fired upon, and to withdraw quickly after routing the Russians. It is said that the Japanese troops were fired upon as they advanced in deployed formation but did not respond at first. In a valley, casualties were incurred and the Japanese finally returned fire. Sakuma's 1st Squad leader took a light machine gun and pinned down the Russians facing him. Sakuma himself pressed forward with his other two squads, taking advantage of the slope to envelop the enemy from the right. At the same time, he sent a patrol to the high ground on the left to cover the platoon's flank. Thanks to the 1st Squad's frontal assault, the Russians had no chance to worry about their wings, and Sakuma moved forward to a point only 30 meters from the foe's rear. Kanda was now 50 meters from the Russians. When the enemy light machine gun let up, he ordered a charge and, in the lead, personally cut down one of the foe. Sakuma also rushed the Soviets, but when about to bring down his saber he was stabbed in the face while another Russian struck him in the shoulder. Grappling with this assailant, Sakuma felled him. Other Japanese attackers sabered two more Russians and shot the rest. By 3:10 pm the eight enemy "trespassers" had been annihilated. The covering patrol reported that five Soviet horsemen, with a light machine gun, were galloping up from Khasan. Sakuma had his platoon fire grenade dischargers, which smashed the enemy. Seventy more Russian soldiers now came, attacking from northwest of the lake and supported by fire from the east side. Using light machine guns and grenade dischargers, Sakuma checked them. Meanwhile, Miyashita's platoon, part of Noguchi's company, had departed from Chiangchunfeng at 2:20 pm and swung right until it reached the crestline between Changkufeng and Kanda's company. One squad faced 200 Russians on Changkufeng; the other faced the enemy south of Shachaofeng. Soviet forces opened intense machine-gun fire from Changkufeng and from the high ground east of the lake. After 20 minutes, Kanda's unit charged, two or three Russians fled, and Miyashita's platoon shot one down. Senda, who had gone with Miyashita, directed the platoon's movements and proceeded north, under fire, to Kanda's unit. Once the Russians had been cleared out, Senda forbade pursuit across the boundary and gradually withdrew his forces to the heights line 800 meters southwest. It was 4:30 then. By 5 pm Soviet reinforcements, apparently brought up from the Changkufeng and Paksikori sectors, advanced anew. With 80 men in the front lines, the enemy pushed across the border to a depth of at least 500 meters, according to the Japanese, and began to establish positions. Several tanks and many troops could be observed in the rear. Senda had Noguchi's company hold Chiangchunfeng. Kanda's unit, reinforced by 33 men from Kucheng, was to occupy the heights southwest of Shachaofeng, while Imagawa's company of the 76th Regiment was to occupy other high ground to the west. Senda then reported the situation to Suetaka in Kyonghun and asked for reinforcements. In Seoul, Army headquarters understood the developments reported by Suetaka as a response to the hostile border violation, and about 20 men of the Kucheng BGU under Lt. Sakuma drove the enemy out between 2:30 and 3 pm. Afterward, Sakuma pulled back to high ground two kilometers south of Yangkuanping to avoid trouble and was now observing the foe. Although Seoul had heard nothing about Japanese losses, Corp. Akaishizawa Kunihiko personally observed that Kanda had been wounded in the face by a grenade and bandaged, that Sakuma had been bayoneted twice and also bandaged, and that the dead lay on the grass, covered with raincoats. According to Suetaka "the enemy who had crossed the border south of Shachaofeng suffered losses and pulled back once as a result of our attack at about 2:30 pm". By about 4:30, Suetaka continued, the Russians had built up their strength and attacked the platoon on the heights southwest of Shachaofeng. Behind the Russian counterattack, there were now several tanks. Earlier, Suetaka noted ominously that several rounds of artillery had been fired from the Changkufeng area; "therefore, we reinforced our units too, between 5 and 6 pm., and both sides are confronting each other." Details as to the fate of Sakuma's platoon are not given, but it is now admitted that casualties were incurred on both sides. The Korea Army Headquarters consequently reported to Tokyo in the evening that, according to information from the division, 20 Japanese had driven out the Russians near Shachaofeng; 25 men from Senda's unit were occupying the heights 600 meters west of Changkufeng; and another 16 men were deployed in ambush at Yangkuanping. Such an enumeration would have tended to suggest that only a few dozen Japanese were across the Tumen on the 29th. But a review of the numbers of combat troops committed and the reinforcements sent by Senda reveals that Japanese strength across the river was in the hundreds by nightfall. In Moscow, Tass reported that on 29 July detachments of Japanese-Manchukuoan intruders had attempted to seize high ground apparently located 0.5 miles north of a Russian position. The assailants had been "completely repelled from Soviet territory, as a result of measures taken by Russian frontier guards," and instructions had been sent to the embassy in Tokyo to protest strongly. Walter Duranty, the veteran American correspondent in Moscow, heard that the Japanese press had published reports, likely intended for internal consumption, that hours of furious fighting had occurred at the points in question. Since the dispatches were unsubstantiated and "failed to gain credence anywhere outside Japan," Duranty claimed this may have forced the Japanese to translate into action their boast of "applying force" unless their demands were satisfied. "Now, it appears, they have applied force, unsuccessfully." The Soviet communiqué on the Shachaofeng affair, despite its firm tone, appeared unostentatiously in the following day's Pravda and Izvestiya under the headline, "Japanese Militarists Continue Their Provocation." The Japanese Embassy in Moscow heard nothing about the Shachaofeng affray until the morning of the 30th, when a wire was received from the Gaimusho that ten Russian soldiers had occupied a position northwest of Changkufeng and had begun trench work until ejected by frontier guards. Since the Russian communiqué spoke of afternoon fighting, American correspondents concluded that Soviet troops must have counterattacked and driven off the Japanese. No additional information was available to the public in Moscow on the 30th, perhaps because it was a holiday. Nevertheless, in the afternoon, Stalin's colleague Kaganovich addressed an immense crowd in Moscow on "Railroad Day" and at the conclusion of a long, vigorous speech said:  "The Soviet Union is prepared to meet all enemies, east or west." It certainly was not a fighting speech and there is no reason to suppose the Soviet will abandon its firm peace policy unless Japan deliberately forced the issue. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Diplomacy flickered as Moscow pressed restraint and Tokyo whispered calculated bravado. As July wore on, both sides massed troops, built trenches, and sent scouts across the river. A tense, hidden war unfolded, skirmishes, patrols, and small advances, until a fleeting moment when force collided with restraint, and the hill's future hung in the frost.

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In his 2024 state-of-the-nation address, Vladimir Putin declared that the word “elite” had lost much of its credibility. Russia's “real elite,” he said, are those who serve their country: “the workers and warriors, reliable, trustworthy people who have proven their loyalty to Russia through their deeds.”  It's safe to assume that these words sent a chill through Russia's elite circles, where top officials, business leaders, and military figures have been jockeying to hold on to their positions for nearly four years of wartime.  With Putin laser-focused on winning the war against Ukraine, anyone who impedes that goal is at risk of finding themselves on the chopping block. Long-serving officials have fallen out of favor, while ultra-patriotic hardliners are rising to the top, leaving Putin surrounded by sycophants. But concentrating so much power in one 73-year-old man poses some obvious risks for Russia's political system. For more insight into how Putin's war effort has changed the rules for Russia's “old elites” and made them fear the prospect of peace, The Naked Pravda spoke to Farida Rustamova, an independent journalist who covers politics and power in Russia and writes the Substack newsletter Faridaily. Time stamps for this episode: (2:42 The Shift in Russian Political Dynamics04:54 Meduza's Daily Newsletter Plug05:41 Medvedev's Transformation and Elite Adaptation07:11 Fear and Repression Among Russian Officials11:59 High-Level Shakeups and Political Loyalty19:50 Concerns Over War's End and Future Chaos25:32 Skepticism About Peace Talks and Putin's Image27:56 Putin's Concentration of Power and Future of PutinismКак поддержать нашу редакцию — даже если вы в России и вам очень страшно

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