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It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: It's World Diabetes Day and we have a LOT of news to get to! Daily oral insulin tested to prevent T1D, mothers and sons and a T1D link, stem cell updates, Tandem Android news, Omnipod's workplace campaign and more! Find out how to submit your Community Commercial Find out more about Moms' Night Out Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com) Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Twitter Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.com Episode transcription with links: Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I'm Stacey Simms and every other Friday I bring you a short episode with the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. It's world diabetes day! It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. WDD was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization and became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225. There will be a ton of stuff in your feeds today and that's great! I'm going to keep this to a pretty normal in the news episode.. although I do have my own World Diabetes Day announcement – I want YOUR community commercials. You could have an ad for your event or your blog or your project right here! There's a post on the website explaining it all and I'll come back at the end of the episode and tell you more. XX The Primary Oral Insulin Trial (POInT) is the first large-scale clinical trial to test whether giving at-risk children daily oral insulin could prevent or delay type 1 diabetes (T1D). Conducted by researchers from Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich across five European countries, the study enrolled more than 1,000 children with a genetic risk for T1D. Results published in The Lancet show that while oral insulin did not prevent the development of islet autoantibodies—an early sign of diabetes—it was safe and well tolerated. Importantly, researchers found that some children who received oral insulin developed diabetes more slowly than those given a placebo, suggesting potential protective effects in certain genetic subgroups. Further analysis revealed that the response to treatment depended on the child's insulin gene variant. Children with genetic versions that raise diabetes risk appeared to benefit, showing delayed onset of the disease, while those without the risk variant did not. These findings point toward a future of personalized prevention, where genetic screening could help identify which children might benefit most from oral insulin. Researchers will continue following the participants until age 12 to assess long-term effects. The study marks a major milestone in decades of diabetes prevention research, highlighting both the promise and complexity of developing tailored, early interventions against type 1 diabetes. XX Joint US-Chinese research looking at generating new beta cells from stomach cells. Upon turning on the "genetic switch," the human stomach cells were converted to insulin-secreting cells within the mice and resembled pancreatic beta cells with respect to gene and protein expression. Encouragingly, when those experiments were done with diabetic mice, insulin secreted from the transformed human cells helped control blood sugar levels and ameliorated diabetes. The scientists hope that a similar approach can be taken to convert cells from a patient's own stomach into insulin-secreting cells directly within the body. Importantly, additional studies are needed to address if this approach is safe and effective to be used in patients. https://www.technologynetworks.com/cell-science/news/human-stomach-cells-tweaked-to-make-insulin-406694 XX A new study in Nature Metabolism may help explain why children born to mothers with type 1 diabetes are less likely to develop the disease early in life compared to those whose fathers or siblings have it. Researchers looked at nearly 2,000 mothers and their children and found that kids whose moms have type 1 diabetes show changes in their DNA that may actually help protect them. These aren't genetic mutations, but epigenetic changes — chemical tags that turn certain genes on or off. The study found these changes in genes tied to the immune system and type 1 diabetes risk, suggesting that a mother's condition during pregnancy can shape her child's immune response in a protective way. Scientists identified more than 500 areas of DNA where these changes occurred, many in regions that control how the body's immune system works. Most of the changes appeared to calm down the kind of overactive immune response that leads to type 1 diabetes. Researchers even created a "methylation score" to help measure this protective effect. They say the next step is to confirm these results in more diverse groups and figure out exactly how these DNA changes help prevent early diabetes. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20251110/Maternal-type-1-diabetes-may-protect-children-from-developing-the-disease.aspx XX A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University reveals that sons born to mothers with type 1 diabetes may develop early vascular dysfunction—independently of metabolic health. The finding may help shape future strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease early in life. Children of women with type 1 diabetes are known to be at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This new study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, is the first to show that the risk is linked to early dysfunction in blood vessel cells in sons, even before any metabolic issues arise. The team is now investigating the long-term effects of maternal diabetes, with a particular focus on why sons seem to be affected earlier than daughters. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11-sons-mothers-diabetes-early-vascular.html XX A new study presented at Kidney Week 2025 has shown that the drug finn-uh-near-own a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist, significantly reduced albuminuria—a key marker of kidney damage—in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is the first major breakthrough for this population in more than 30 years. Researchers found that patients taking finerenone saw a 25% average reduction in albuminuria compared to placebo, an improvement that suggests a lower long-term risk for dialysis or kidney transplant. The phase 3 FINE-ONE trial involved 242 adults with T1D and CKD, and results showed benefits as early as three months. The drug was generally well tolerated, with side effects similar to those seen in patients with type 2 diabetes, though mild hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) was slightly more common. Experts say the findings could change the way doctors treat kidney complications in type 1 diabetes, an area that hasn't seen new therapies since the early 1990s. Currently, treatment options rely on blood pressure and blood sugar management, along with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. Finerenone, which is already approved for type 2 diabetes-related CKD, targets overactivation of a receptor that drives kidney damage. Based on these results, Bayer plans to seek FDA approval in 2026 for use in people with T1D and CKD. Researchers and clinicians alike are calling the study "groundbreaking," noting that it opens the door to future research on how finerenone might not just slow kidney decline—but possibly prevent it altogether. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/finerenone-offers-hope-kidney-disease-type-1-diabetes-2025a1000uzi?form=login XX This week, Tandem Diabetes Care (Nasdaq:TNDM) announced a major milestone for its Mobi miniature durable insulin pump system. San Diego-based Tandem revealed that it received FDA approval for the Android version of its Mobi mobile app. Clearance brings Mobi — which the company describes as the world's smallest, durable automated insulin delivery system — to more users. The pump, which pairs with Tandem's Control-IQ+ algorithm, previously worked with iOS software. Tandem — one of the largest diabetes tech companies in the world — expects to begin a limited rollout next month, followed by full commercial availability in early 2026. This marks the latest milestone for the company, which continues to expand its offerings and widen its reach within the diabetes patient population. We had a great interview with Tandem on our previous episode, but as I said at the time, it was coming before their earnings call. So here's an update: The company plans to submit the tubeless mobi to the fda before the end of this year.. possible approval and shipping date is hoped for by middle of 2026. Trials for their fully closed loop next-generation algorithm which we tlkaed abou ton the show should be launched in 2026 The Sigi patch pump will be developed and launched as a next-generation version of the Mobi Great job by Dr. David ? Ahn – he posted on IG after getting a message from tandem CEO John Sheridan? 1. First, the Tandem X3 *is* still absolutely in development, contrary to my speculation In yesterday's video. As many of you appropriately pointed out, there is definitely a market for a 300 unit pump, a pump with a screen, and a pump that does not require smartphone control. So from our brief chat, the sense I got that is that the X3 would be more of a refresh of the X2 with newer components, such as a USB-C connector and better memory, rather than a total redesign from the ground up. In terms of timing, all I could get was that it was "not too far distant in the future," which could mean anything I guess, but at least it's still on the way! 2. Next up, he also reassured me that they are working closely with Dexcom to support the G7 15 Day sensor within the next few months. I suspected as much, but it's always good to hear confirmation. 3. Lastly, he did confirm that Tandem is far along in developing a Caregiver/Follow app to allow the remote viewing of glucose and insulin data from a Tandem pump. He explained that it will be based on Sugarmate, the popular diabetes data dashboard app that Tandem acquired back in Jun 2020. While I don't know if every feature will make it into the Tandem caregiver app, Sugarmate is well-liked for its highly customizable dashboard and highly configurable alerts. Sugarmate even has the option to send a text message or phone call for urgent lows. Regardless, a true follow/Caregiver app will be welcomed with open arms by all caregivers and Tandem users who use Libre 3 Plus. https://time.com/7318020/worlds-top-healthtech-companies-2025/ XX Senseonics submits Eversense 365 – their year long implantable CGM for a CE mark, European Approval and expect to launch there soon. Eversense will be integrated with the sequel twist pump – again I'm hearing soon but no timeline. Intersting to note that one year inseration was approved in the US just about a year ago, so the first patients will be having their CGMs changed out – for the first time – pretty soon. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/senseonics-q2-2025-sales-beat-ce-mark/ XX A confusing study out of Rutgers - these researcher say metformin reduces some of the key benefits normally gained from regular physical activity. These include improvements in blood vessel health, physical fitness, and the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. Since 2006, doctors have typically encouraged patients with elevated blood sugar levels to combine metformin with exercise, expecting that the two proven treatments would produce stronger results together. However, the new research suggests this may not be the case. In this study, Exercise alone improved vascular insulin sensitivity, meaning blood vessels responded better to insulin and allowed more blood flow to muscles. This matters because insulin's ability to open blood vessels helps shuttle glucose out of the bloodstream and into tissues, lowering blood sugar after meals. But when metformin was added, the improvements shrank. The drug also diminished gains in aerobic fitness and reduced the positive effects on inflammation and fasting glucose. The findings don't mean people should stop taking metformin or exercising, Malin said. Instead, it raises urgent questions for doctors about how the two treatments can be combined and the need for close monitoring. Malin hopes future research will uncover strategies that preserve the benefits of both. https://scitechdaily.com/popular-diabetes-drug-metformin-may-cancel-out-exercise-benefits-study-warns/ XX XX https://www.medtechdive.com/news/Revvity-Sanofi-diabetes-test-Kihealth-seed-round/802133/ XX Dexcom recalled an Android app for its G6 glucose sensor due to a software problem that could cause the app to terminate unexpectedly. The issue could cause users to miss alarms, alerts or notifications related to estimated glucose values, according to a Food and Drug Administration database entry posted Oct. 30. The glucose sensor and the app are still available, but Dexcom required users to update the app to a new version. Dexcom began the recall on Aug. 28. The FDA designated the event as a Class 1 recall, the most serious kind. Dexcom sent a notification to customers in September about the software bug, which applies to version 1.15 of the G6 Android app. To use the app, customers must update it to a new version, according to the entry. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-recall-g6-cgm-app/804630/ XX https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/automated-insulin-delivery-boosts-glycemic-control-youth-2025a1000ub3 XX Tidepool partners with smart ring maker OURA.. press release says: to support a groundbreaking dataset intended to be broadly available for diabetes research, with participation limited to individuals who opt in through Tidepool. Tidepool will pair biometric data from Oura Ring – sleep, activity, heart rate, temperature trends, and menstrual cycles – with diabetes device data, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps. The result will provide researchers with an unprecedented dataset to accelerate the development of new clinical guidelines, next-generation diabetes technology, and personalized care models. Recruitment is expected to launch in early 2026 through an IRB-approved study. By opting in to this study, participants consent to sharing their data with Tidepool's Big Data Donation Project, where data is de-identified and, with participant consent, shared with academics, researchers, and industry innovators to accelerate diabetes research. https://aijourn.com/tidepool-collaborates-with-oura-to-advance-inclusive-diabetes-research-through-wearables/ XX Eli Lilly launches two new clinical trials for baricitinib. These phase 3 trials will investigate whether the drug can delay T1D onset or progression and will open for recruitment soon. Baricitinib has the potential to extend the "honeymoon period" of T1D, meaning that it could preserve remaining insulin-producing beta cells earlier in disease progression. More beta cells mean better blood sugar management—and potentially reduced long-term complications. JAK inhibitors, including baricitinib, are already FDA-approved for other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia, and more. JAK signaling pathways are associated with overactive immune responses, so blocking this pathway may turn down the immune response. The phase 2 Breakthrough T1D-funded BANDIT study was key in showing that this drug is safe and effective in T1D. Importantly, baricitinib is a once-daily oral pill—meaning its use is simple and easy. https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/two-new-trials-baricitinib-to-delay-t1d/ XX Insulet is taking diabetes awareness into the workplace. Having found 79% of people with diabetes have faced bias or misunderstanding at work, the medtech giant is rolling out a range of resources intended to trigger changes in how workplaces approach the condition. Lots going on for Diabetes Awareness month.. some notables.. Insulet's "The Day Diabetes Showed up to Work" campaign. based on a survey of almost 10,000 people 79% of people with diabetes have faced bias or misunderstanding at work,. Almost 90% of people with diabetes surveyed reported experiencing barriers at work due to their condition, and more than 40% of people with diabetes and caregivers said they have workplace-related anxiety tied to the metabolic disease. Around one-quarter of respondents reported fears that diabetes could limit opportunities or lead to workplace discrimination and judgment, and a similar proportion of people said they conceal their condition. https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/widespread-workplace-challenges-people-diabetes-spark-insulet-campaign XX New directive issued by the Trump administration could mean people seeking visas to live in the U.S. might be rejected if they have certain medical conditions, including diabetes or obesity. The guidance, issued in a cable the State Department sent to embassy and consular officials and examined by KFF Health News, directs visa officers to deem applicants ineligible to enter the U.S. for several new reasons, including age or the likelihood they might rely on public benefits. The guidance says that such people could become a "public charge" — a potential drain on U.S. resources — because of their health issues or age. The cable's language appears at odds with the Foreign Affairs Manual, the State Department's own handbook, which says that visa officers cannot reject an application based on "what if" scenarios, Wheeler said. The guidance directs visa officers to develop "their own thoughts about what could lead to some sort of medical emergency or sort of medical costs in the future," he said. "That's troubling because they're not medically trained, they have no experience in this area, and they shouldn't be making projections based on their own personal knowledge or bias." Immigrants already undergo a medical exam by a physician who's been approved by a U.S. embassy. https://www.npr.org/2025/11/12/nx-s1-5606348/immigrants-visas-health-conditions-trump-guidance XX SAN DIEGO---Nov. 14, 2025—DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXCM), the global leader in glucose biosensing, today unveiled 16 new diabetes advocates to represent people living with diabetes globally as part of Dexcom's World Diabetes Day campaign. The advocates – ranging from ages six to 68, spanning various types of diabetes, and hailing from four continents and five countries – were selected from 1,000 open call submissions based on their experiences advocating for people with diabetes in their communities. While each person's experience with diabetes is unique, they share a common passion for advocacy – and use of Dexcom's glucose biosensing technology. "Through advocacy, I strive to show others, especially children and newly diagnosed patients, that diabetes is not a limitation but an opportunity to grow stronger, inspire resilience and pursue ambitious goals," said Maria Alejandra Jove Valerio, one of Dexcom's new advocates. "What began as a diagnosis at age seven has grown into a lifelong mission to uplift others." This effort represents the first time Dexcom has sourced voices from the broader diabetes community specifically for its World Diabetes Day campaign, reinforcing Dexcom's history of and commitment to giving real people with diabetes a platform to share their story on a global stage. Through engaging, editorial-style portraits and deeply personal stories, the campaign highlights each advocate's personal experience with diabetes, what misconceptions about diabetes they'd like to dispel and how they want to inspire others with diabetes to discover what they're made of. To prepare for the spotlight, the group of advocates met in Los Angeles for a World Diabetes Day photoshoot which included a surprise visit from Grammy-nominated artist, actor, producer and Dexcom Warrior Lance Bass and author, producer, actress and Stelo*Ambassador Retta. This visit offered the advocates an opportunity to exchange stories and personal perspectives on the meaning of diabetes advocacy and how they live it each day. Behind the lens at the shoot was another member of the diabetes community—photographer Tommy Lundberg who lives with Type 1 diabetes. "Directing this photoshoot was nothing short of inspiring. Each of these advocates has a unique an XX On what would have been the 100th birthday of its visionary founder Alfred E. Mann, MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), in partnership with Alfred E. Mann Charities and The Diabetes Link, announced the launch of the Centennial Al Mann Scholarship. The new program will distribute $100,000 in scholarship funds to support at least 10 young adult students living with diabetes as they pursue higher education in life sciences. Launched in Diabetes Awareness Month, the scholarship program honors Alfred E. Mann's enduring legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and his lifelong commitment to improving the quality of human life through medical advancement. Deeply passionate about giving back, Mr. Mann believed that his success should continue to serve humanity long after his passing, a belief that lives on through this initiative. Each scholarship recipient will be awarded up to $10,000, distributed in annual installments of $2,500 throughout the course of their studies. Depending on the length of their degree program, recipients may receive between two and four installments (up to the full $10,000 per student). The first awards will be made for the 2026 academic year. "Al Mann dedicated his life to helping people with serious medical conditions live longer, healthier lives. This scholarship is a reflection of that spirit," said Michael Castagna, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of MannKind Corporation. "By supporting students living with diabetes who are pursuing careers in the life sciences and adjacent fields, we're honoring Al's legacy and investing in the future of innovation and care. This program is about giving back to the community we serve and empowering the next generation to carry forward Al's mission of making a meaningful difference in people's lives." Alfred E. Mann Charities and MannKind will partner with The Diabetes Link to launch the program to serve young adults (aged 18-22) living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes with their higher education goals. Those eligible will include incoming freshmen and current students pursuing 2- or 4-year degrees. The application window will open in early 2026, and for those interested in receiving notifications, an early interest form is available. More information about the scholarship will be shared on thediabeteslink.org. "We're honored to partner with MannKind to expand access to higher education for young adults with diabetes," said Manuel Hernández, Chief Executive Officer of The Diabetes Link. "At a time when the cost of college continues to rise, this scholarship helps ease the financial burden and carries forward the spirit of Al Mann, whose vision and legacy continue to inspire us." Mr. Mann was MannKind's Chairman of the Board from 2001 until his passing in February 2016 and served as Chief Executive Officer from November 2003 until January 2015. Driven by a desire to improve lives and fill unmet medical needs, for more than six decades he founded 17 companies and developed breakthrough medical devices, including insulin pumps, cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers and retinal prostheses. In 1997, Mr. Mann saw the potential of a dry powder insulin formulation to change the way diabetes is treated and invested nearly $1 billion to help bring Afrezza® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder to market. About MannKind MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming chronic disease care through innovative, patient-centric solutions. Focused on cardiometabolic and orphan lung diseases, we develop and commercialize treatments that address serious unmet medical needs, including diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, and fluid overload in heart failure and chronic kidney disease. With deep expertise in drug-device combinations, MannKind aims to deliver therapies designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Learn more at mannkindcorp.com. About Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc. Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc. became active in 2016, following the passing of the organization's benefactor, Alfred E. Mann. Throughout his life, Al was passionate about philanthropy and was dedicated to prolonging and improving the quality of human lives through innovation in the fields of healthcare and the use of medical devices. It was important to Al that his success and assets continue to better human lives even after his own passing. Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc. (formerly known as Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation) has similarly placed its primary focus on healthcare and medical innovation, as our organization believes this is where we can have the greatest impact on humanity and human health throughout the world. Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc. is also dedicated to promoting arts, culture, education, and community development across Los Angeles and throughout the world in order to best serve people and this planet. Learn more at aemanncharities.org. About The Diabetes Link The Diabetes Link is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young adults living with diabetes. Founded by and for young adults, The Link serves this community through peer support, leadership opportunities, and practical, evidence-based resources designed for real life. Its network of campus and community chapters, active online community, and robust Resource Hub help young adults navigate the transitions of early adulthood while managing diabetes. The organization envisions a future where every young adult living with diabetes has
The Darkest Hour: No. 170 | (S8 E22) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
കഴിഞ്ഞ 30/35 വർഷങ്ങളായി മലയാളി പെന്തക്കൊസ്തു സമൂഹം ഉപദേശത്തിൽ അയഞ്ഞ് അയഞ്ഞ് ശക്തിരഹിതമായ ഒരു സമൂഹമായി മാറി , നടത്തിപ്പുകാരിൽ ഭൂരിപക്ഷവും മനുഷ്യരെ പ്രീതിപ്പെടുത്തുന്നവരായി മാറി !
Welcome back to Intellicast! On today's episode, Brian is joined by Henry LeGard, CEO and founder of the fraud detection company Verisoul, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving state of data quality and fraud detection in market research. We kick off the podcast by having Henry share how Verisoul, a company built initially to stop banking and fintech fraud, has quickly become one of the most talked-about new players in market research. He details how the company came to be, and how they entered the market research industry in 2025 with zero clients and are now protecting nearly 100 million survey clicks per month across the industry. Henry explains how Verisoul's advanced fraud detection platform has had such a rapid impact on the industry. He shares how the team applied financial-grade fraud-prevention techniques to survey data collection, enabling them to detect and block the most sophisticated forms of digital fraud, including device spoofing, cross-continental proxy traffic, and bot farms operating at scale. From there, Brian and Henry dive into Verisoul's newly released Market Research Quality Report, which Henry describes as the largest fraud analysis ever published in the industry. For the report, the team analyzed more than 50 million sessions across 3,700 mobile apps in 190 countries, using a new proprietary technology that can identify the exact app where each respondent originated. Henry explains how this innovation was crucial in uncovering real patterns of fraud across the ecosystem, revealing which app categories generate the cleanest and riskiest respondent traffic. Brian and Henry also discuss how Verisoul's findings challenge many long-held assumptions about data quality. While larger apps and panels tend to have lower fraud rates, older respondent sources didn't necessarily perform better. The study also found that just five mobile apps accounted for more than 10% of all detected fraud, underscoring how small clusters of bad respondent sources can distort large portions of the industry's data. Later in the episode, Henry offers a perspective on the evolving sophistication of fraud, explaining that much of today's market research fraud is human-driven rather than automated. Organized groups in low-income countries are using SIM card farms, aged burner domains, proxy networks, and more to appear as legitimate U.S. or European respondents. Henry and Brian also talk about how Verisoul's recently launched transparency initiative — a “fraud or not” ranking, complete with a lighthearted tomato-throwing Easter egg for bottom performers, is designed to help the industry recognize who's getting data quality right. Rather than shaming providers, the goal is to encourage progress, reward transparency, and strengthen collaboration around fraud prevention. To close out the episode, Brian and Henry discuss Verisoul's creative marketing campaign, “We Smoke Fraud,” which debuted at the ESOMAR Congress in Prague. What started as a marketing stunt ended up earning the company some serious attention from venture capital investors. For those who live and breathe data quality, this episode is for you. Want to get a copy of Verisoul's Market Research Quality Report? Download here: https://reports.verisoul.ai/mr-qualityreport-25 Want to check out the Fraud or Not Ranking list? Take a look here: https://rankings.verisoul.ai/ If you want to learn more about Verisoul, visit their website at www.verisoul.ai You can connect with Henry on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrylegard/ Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD joined Microsoft Ireland to unveil research on the use of digital technologies and AI in Irish classrooms, and to announce the expansion of the Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy, a free programme designed to empower teachers with the skills to effectively and responsibly use AI and digital technologies in the classroom. Powering new teaching models The research entitled, 'Digital Learning in the Era of AI', reveals how AI and digital technologies are helping to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom. Conducted by 3Gem for Microsoft, the survey of 201 educators across Ireland found that: · 87% use digital technologies to improve productivity and optimise classroom time · 86% say apps and platforms help personalise teaching to meet students' needs · 81% report stronger student engagement when digital tools are used · 72% support increased use of AI tools in the classroom · 83% say they lack formal training in AI While AI is one of the key technologies that teachers are embracing to enhance education and 64% of teachers believe it will positively transform education, adoption varies across the island of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, 74% of teachers report rapid uptake of generative AI, compared to 33% in the Republic. Digital Tools and AI in Classrooms: Opportunities and Challenges When asked about ways to bring technology and AI into the classroom, the top three suggestions agreed on by teachers include collaborative learning (49%), student-led initiatives (47%), and project-based learning (41%), approaches that are at the centre of the approach taken by the Microsoft Dream Space team. The research also highlights a growing integration of digital tools in classrooms, from online worksheets to interactive quizzes, with more experienced teachers using a broader range of tools compared to newer teachers. However, adoption is uneven, especially in schools slower to embrace AI. While 83% of surveyed teachers agree they have not received adequate training to use tech and AI tools effectively, this issue is more pronounced in schools slower to embrace AI, where 67% cite insufficient training as a major barrier, compared to just 32% in faster-adopting schools. Most educators report student use of laptops, tablets, or computers during lessons. In digitally advanced schools, 40% say devices are used in most teaching, compared to just 15% in slower-adopting schools. Overall, 26% of teachers report high usage (over 75% of teaching), while 51% report moderate use. Generative AI has seen the fastest growth among digital tools in the past year, marking a shift in teaching approaches. Adoption also varies by location: 64% of urban educators describe their school's digital transformation as fast or very fast, compared to 45% in suburban and 34% in rural schools. Teachers who use digital tools extensively are more likely to report rapid adoption (74%) than those who use them rarely (30%). Despite these advances, confidence gaps remain, particularly among non-STEM teachers - only 18% feel fully equipped to use digital technology effectively in the classroom. Even among STEM educators, many report that a lack of ongoing support has limited the impact of their training. In fact, 81% of teachers say they are lacking formal training in AI, and there is strong consensus among school leaders (92%) that AI training should be a mandatory part of both initial teacher education (ITE) and continuing professional development (CPD). Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy To help address the research findings and support teachers to leverage AI and digital technologies to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom, Microsoft today announced the expansion of its Dream Space Teacher Academy for the 2025/2026 academic year. This free, multi-week programme is designed to help primary and post-primary teachers begin their journey with AI in education. I...
Transforming a Family Garden for Biodiversity and Joy: A Chat with Nikki ShepherdIn this unique episode of the Biodiversity Podcast by Teases, we deviate from our usual format of interviewing industry professionals to have an engaging chat with Nikki Shepherd, a former client. Conducted from Nikki's own garden, we delve into the transformative journey of turning a neglected football pitch into a thriving, biodiversity-rich garden. Nikki shares insights on the project's inception in early spring 2023, the challenges faced, and the heartwarming community contributions, like using neighborhood brambles and rubble. They also discuss the evolving landscape's impact on mental well-being, family bonding through DIY efforts, and the joy of reconnecting with creativity and nature. This episode captures the essence of personalized garden design and its profound effects on lifestyle and environment.00:00 Introduction to the Biodiversity Podcast00:36 Meet Nikki Shepherd: A Client's Journey01:03 Transforming the Garden: From Football Pitch to Biodiverse Haven02:20 Designing for Wildlife and Family03:39 The Evolution of the Garden06:16 Embracing Creativity and Play in Garden Design15:34 The Emotional Connection to the Garden17:32 Hands-On Garden Transformation: A Family Effort28:42 Theater Studies and Creative Background41:33 Neighborly Fence Project42:28 Creative Reuse of Materials43:17 Cognitive Dissonance in Sustainability44:17 Reviving Old Furniture45:17 Power Washing Adventures45:41 Kids and Reuse Lessons46:14 Wildlife in the Garden46:48 The Great Sand Debate50:35 Insect Mimicry and Observations58:18 Seasonal Changes and Garden Design01:06:38 Reflections on Seasons and Productivity01:17:49 Design Process and Visualization01:21:54 Conclusion and Farewell
The Darkest Hour: No. 169 | (S8 E21) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
ആവർത്തനം 23:14 നിന്റെ ദൈവമായ യഹോവ നിന്നെ രക്ഷിപ്പാനും ശത്രുക്കളെ നിനക്കു ഏല്പിച്ചുതരുവാനും നിന്റെ പാളയത്തിന്റെ മദ്ധ്യേ നടക്കുന്നു; നിങ്കൽ വൃത്തികേടു കണ്ടിട്ടു അവൻ നിന്നെ വിട്ടകലാതിരിപ്പാൻ നിന്റെ പാളയം ശുദ്ധിയുള്ളതായിരിക്കേണം
The Conservation of Charge and the Practical Genius of the Lightning Rod. Richard Munson discusses how Benjamin Franklin was an endlessly busy experimenter who began his famous work by studying the Leiden jar, a rudimentary battery. Franklin conducted fundamental research and developed the law of the conservation of charge: the idea that positive and negative electrical charges always seek balance. On Christmas Day 1750, he exposed himself to danger by touching the terminals of two Leiden jars, which violently threw him across the room. In 1751, Franklin published his pamphlet, Experiments and Observations on Electricity Made in Philadelphia, America, which generated international fame before the kite experiment. Franklin sought a practical solution to the danger posed by lightning, and his experiment confirmed the connection between lightning and electricity, leading to the invention of the lightning rod, which became a great practical discovery saving lives and buildings. Franklin also invented the Franklin stove and refused a patent, viewing the invention as a public benefit. He pursued observation and experimentation with "joyfulness," viewing unexpected results as new possibilities.
The Darkest Hour: No. 168 | (S8 E20) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
Nuclear Testing and Proliferation Concerns Guest: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski discusses President Trump's comments on resuming nuclear testing, suggesting Trump may favor a full yield test, last conducted in 1992, over current subcritical testing protocols. The United States maintains a formal moratorium on explosive nuclear testing. Sokolski also addresses proliferation risks associated with the United States potentially helping South Korea build nuclear-powered submarines and enabling South Korea to manufacture its own nuclear fuel. Such action would place Korea weeks away from building nuclear weapons, a development likely to provoke a strong response from Japan and destabilize the region. 1951 LAS VEGAS
Nuclear Testing and Proliferation Concerns Guest: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski discusses President Trump's comments on resuming nuclear testing, suggesting Trump may favor a full yield test, last conducted in 1992, over current subcritical testing protocols. The United States maintains a formal moratorium on explosive nuclear testing. Sokolski also addresses proliferation risks associated with the United States potentially helping South Korea build nuclear-powered submarines and enabling South Korea to manufacture its own nuclear fuel. Such action would place Korea weeks away from building nuclear weapons, a development likely to provoke a strong response from Japan and destabilize the region 1953. VRV
The Darkest Hour: No. 167 | (S8 E19) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
BUY CAST BREW COFFEE TO SUPPORT THE SHOW - https://castbrew.com/ Become A Member And Protect Our Work at http://www.timcast.com Host: Tate Brown @realTateBrown (everywhere) Guest: Eric Teetsel @EricTeetsel (X) My Second Channel - https://www.youtube.com/timcastnews Podcast Channel - https://www.youtube.com/TimcastIRL
The Darkest Hour: A Collection of True Scary Halloween StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 166 | (S8 E18) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
"Manufacturers and the government have a duty to us as the amateur gardener, to really try and help us with this transition to peat-free." Horticulturist Scott Smith returns to the Scotland Grows Show to share the results of his hands-on trial comparing three peat-free composts with a traditional peat-based mix. Conducted in real-world home conditions in the northeast of Scotland, Scott's project demystifies the challenges and surprises of switching to peat-free growing media, revealing what works, and what doesn't, for everyday gardeners. Whether you're struggling to get your tomatoes thriving, confused by the ever-changing labels in the garden centre, or keen to help protect Scotland's precious peatlands, Scott offers practical advice and data-backed recommendations you won't want to miss. Tune in for honest insights on watering and feeding plants growing in peat-free compost, which composts delivered the best yields, and why clearer packaging and guidance matter more than ever for home gardeners. Plus, learn about Scott's new book (OUT NOW)! If you're ready to get reliable results from peat-free gardening, this episode is packed with tips, discoveries, and stories that will make your next growing season your greenest yet! -------------------------------------------- The Scotland Grows Show is the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way. Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so we can let you know when new episodes are published. Scotland Grows Magazine celebrates Scottish gardening, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to receive a copy, just follow this LINK. You can follow Scotland Grows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, we'd love to have your company there! And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com. -------------------------------------------- This series of the Scotland Grows Show is sponsored by Dedicate a Tree, a special opportunity from the National Trust for Scotland to help breathe new life into Scotland's woodlands. You can dedicate a tree from £7.50 and choose from three planting projects happening across places in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. They'll send you a certificate and information leaflet, as well as regular updates about the progress of your chosen woodland project, and your tree dedication can be shared on their virtual woodland. Whether you dedicate a tree for yourself or for a loved one, in celebration or in memory, you'll help nurture and protect Scotland's wonderful woodlands for generations to come. Dedicate a tree today at nts.org.uk/trees
The Darkest Hour: No. 165 | (S8 E17) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
ആവർത്തനം 23:14 നിന്റെ ദൈവമായ യഹോവ നിന്നെ രക്ഷിപ്പാനും ശത്രുക്കളെ നിനക്കു ഏല്പിച്ചുതരുവാനും നിന്റെ പാളയത്തിന്റെ മദ്ധ്യേ നടക്കുന്നു; നിങ്കൽ വൃത്തികേടു കണ്ടിട്ടു അവൻ നിന്നെ വിട്ടകലാതിരിപ്പാൻ നിന്റെ പാളയം ശുദ്ധിയുള്ളതായിരിക്കേണം.
How are Australians walking and cycling in 2025? The National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey is Australia's most comprehensive source of data on how people move through their communities. Conducted every two years since 2011 and commissioned by Cycling and Walking Australia and New Zealand (CWANZ), the 2025 survey was delivered by Painted Dog Research and captures a nationally representative view of walking, cycling, and emerging micromobility behaviours. This year's study engaged over 12,000 Australians through a dual-mode approach (online and phone) and included several methodological enhancements. It sheds light on how often people walk or cycle, for what purposes, and how this is evolving - including increased use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other rideables. In this webinar, the Painted Dog team walks through the key findings from the 2025 survey across Australia and each state/territory. Calvin Lim from Painted Dog Research presents the results from the research, alongside representatives from CWANZ. The session also includes a Q&A Panel discussion featuring Michelle Prior, Chair of CWANZ, Kirsty Kelly, CEO of Transport Professionals Association and Dr Ingrid Johnston, CEO of Australasian College of Road Safety.
The Darkest Hour: No. 164 | (S8 E16) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 163 | (S8 E15) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 162 | (S8 E14) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 161 | (S8 E13) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
Please, share, rate, and review our show to support the value and visibility of our episodes.Watch Us & Subscribe on YouTube. We're grounding into Season 2 with The Earth Element! In this episode, Tanya and Sabrina explore what it means to embody Earth energy—the qualities that keep us steady, grounded, and dependable when life gets chaotic.Building on last week's episode about Air (and the unskillful energy of lying), Tanya and Sabrina unpack how Earth brings structure, trust, and stability back into our relationships—especially between moms and teens. They share a real-life moment where trust was tested and how grounding practices, honesty, and consistency helped rebuild it.Tanya explains how Earth represents the physical world, structure, and stability—and how too much of it can make us rigid, while too little leaves us scattered. Sabrina shares her take on what it feels like when things get too “earthy” (stubbornness, guilt, or control), and how we can soften that energy with awareness and compassion.Together, they reflect on how Earth energy helps us navigate “the juggle” of modern family life—work, school, friendships, and responsibilities—with more patience, steadiness, and connection.Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to The Juggle Is Real00:18 – Element Recap: From Air (Lies) to Earth (Truth & Trust)01:00 – What Is the Earth Element? Structure, Stability & Grounding02:00 – Skillful Earth: Practical, Dependable & Productive03:00 – Unskillful Earth: Stubborn, Rigid & Unyielding04:00 – Real-Life Moment: Rebuilding Trust After a Lie06:00 – Grounding Lessons for Moms & Teens08:00 – How Energy Becomes Physical: From “Abstract” to Real09:00 – The Power of Structure: Boundaries, Routines & Planning10:00 – Reflections: Bringing Earth Energy Into Daily Life11:00 – Closing Thoughts & Preview: Next Up—The Water Element
The Darkest Hour: No. 160 | (S8 E12) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
NASA Research Suggests Mars Ice Contains Best Chance for Finding Ancient Life. John Batchelor and Bob Zimmerman discuss NASA's search for signs of past organic life on Mars. A research team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center conducted a simulated test to see how long microbiological remnants could survive Martian radiation conditions. The test exposed E. coli samples in simulated Martian sediment and pure water ice to radiation equivalent to a 50-million-year span. Results showed the samples rapidly decayed in the sediment. However, the E. coli samples survived the entire time span when encased in the ice. This research strongly suggests that searching for ancient microbiology should not occur in the dry tropics where current rovers operate. Instead, NASA must search above 30 degrees latitude where substantial near-surface ice exists. Finding living life is highly unlikely, but discovering fossilized corpses of past life in the ice is the most probable outcome.
Cultural Issues Define MAGA Voter Motivations Over Economic Concerns. John Batchelor speaks with Ryan Streeter about his work examining the motivations of the MAGA voter. Survey analysis conducted through the 2020 election revealed specific motivational patterns among Donald Trump's supporters. Streeter found that higher-income and higher-educated supporters were more motivated by Trump's core issues. Working-class supporters were primarily concerned with "bread-and-butter issues." However, the core activists (those who wrote checks and organized votes) were mainly driven by cultural issues. Survey data indicated minimal support for economic policies associated with Trumpism, like protectionism or tariffs. Instead, supporters valued Trump saying things about the left that other conservative leaders avoided. Motivations also included concerns about border issues and urban chaos, which were prominent during the 2020 era. Overall, cultural issues are considered much more defining of the MAGA voter than economic ones. 1900 VALDEZ ALASKA
NASA Research Suggests Mars Ice Contains Best Chance for Finding Ancient Life. John Batchelor and Bob Zimmerman discuss NASA's search for signs of past organic life on Mars. A research team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center conducted a simulated test to see how long microbiological remnants could survive Martian radiation conditions. The test exposed E. coli samples in simulated Martian sediment and pure water ice to radiation equivalent to a 50-million-year span. Results showed the samples rapidly decayed in the sediment. However, the E. coli samples survived the entire time span when encased in the ice. This research strongly suggests that searching for ancient microbiology should not occur in the dry tropics where current rovers operate. Instead, NASA must search above 30 degrees latitude where substantial near-surface ice exists. Finding living life is highly unlikely, but discovering fossilized corpses of past life in the ice is the most probable outcome.
The Darkest Hour: No. 159 | (S8 E10) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 158 | (S8 E08) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 158 | (S8 E09) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
Say hello to Charlie, the lovable therapy dog and Sue Grundfest, founder of Pet Partners of Las Vegas. On this episode of #FilipiNARS presented by the Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada—we're exploring the healing power of animal-assisted therapy (AAT).AAT is a structured, goal-oriented intervention that integrates animals—like dogs, cats, horses, and even birds—into treatment plans to support emotional and psychological well-being. Conducted by licensed professionals, it helps clients achieve specific therapeutic outcomes through guided interaction with animals.To give us a deeper understanding of how this works in practice, we've invited Ms. Grundfest and Charlie to share their journey and impact with Pet Partners.Tune in and discover how compassion comes in all forms—sometimes with four paws and a wagging tail.Presented by the Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada (PNANV). For more info: www.pnanv.org.#FilipinoNurses #PetPartnersLV #AnimalAssistedTherapy #FilipinoAmericanHeritage #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyAnimals #FilipiNARS #PNANevada #CommunityCare #HealingWithHeart #phlvradio #filamradio #filipinoradio #pinoyradio #filammedia #filipinopodcast #pinoypodcast
Please share, rate, and review our show to support the value and visibility of our episodes.Watch Us & Subscribe on YouTube. We're floating into Season 2 with The Air Element!
The Darkest Hour: No. 157 | (S8 E07) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 155 | (S8 E06) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 154 | (S8 E05) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 153 | (S8 E04) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 152 | (S8 E03) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 114 | (S6 E21) | A Collection of True Scary Halloween StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 150 | (S8 E01) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 150 | (S8 E01) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 149 | (S7 E31) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
The Darkest Hour: No. 159 | (S8 E10) | A Collection of True Scary StoriesJoin me, Amanda Jane, for The Darkest Hour. New Episodes Every Friday Night, at 10PM/PST only on The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel!The Darkest Hour YouTube Channel Conducted by Forget Me Not | Forget Me Not MusicDo you have stories like these? I would love to share them! Send them to me: amandadarkesthour@gmail.com, check out The Darkest Hour subreddit r/thedarkesthouryt and find me on instagram @thedarkesthouryt #stayspookyWant to watch & listen on YouTube? Click here!*original music and score Conducted by Forget Me Not* www.conductedbyforgetmenot.com*
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Last time we spoke about the crossing of Nanjing's Rubicon. By November 1, Shanghai had become a lost cause, the Chinese were forced to retreat. In the wake of this turmoil, the Japanese set their sights on Nanjing, keenly aware that its fall would spell disaster for Chiang Kai-Shek's government. Despite the desperate situation, guerrilla fighters began fortifying the city as civilians rallied to support the defense, preparing for the inevitable assault that loomed. However, political divisions plagued the Chinese leadership, with some generals advocating for abandoning the city. After intense discussions, it was decided that Nanjing would be a hill worth dying on, driven largely by propaganda needs. As November 12 approached, Japanese troops rapidly advanced west, capturing towns along the way and inflicting unimaginable brutality. On November 19, Yanagawa, a commander, took the initiative, decreeing that pursuing the retreating Chinese forces toward Nanjing was paramount. #164 The Battle of Lake Tai 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. As the Chinese troops fled westwards, at 7:00 am on November 19th, Yanagawa issued instructions to his troops in the field. “The enemy's command system is in disarray, and a mood of defeat has descended over their entire army. They have lost the will to fight. We must not miss the opportunity to pursue the enemy to Nanjing.” The order went out to the 10th Army, sending, the 6th, 18th, and 114th Divisions west along the southern shore of Lake Tai, passing through Huzhou before turning right towards Nanjing. The Kunisaki Detachment, trained for rapid movement by water and land, was ordered east along the Yangtze River near Wuhu city and, if possible, cross the river to cut off the Chinese Army's retreat from Nanjing. Yanagawa envisioned an operation unlike any other conducted by the Japanese Army in recent history. He believed this could not only end the war but also surpass previous victories, such as the defeat of tsarist Russia more than three decades earlier. Confident in a swift victory, he wrote in a follow-up message to his commanders, “The day is near when the banner of the Rising Sun will fly over Nanjing's city wall.” However, Yanagawa's order elicited panic in Tokyo once it became known. His superiors viewed it as an outrageous attempt to entirely change the war focus away from the north. They understood that taking Nanjing was primarily a political decision rather than a strategic one. There was still hopes of finding terms through the Germans to end the conflict, thus carving up more of China. The Japanese did not want to become bogged down in a real war. Major General Tada was particularly opposed to increasing efforts on the Shanghai front. He belonged to a faction that believed the best way to avoid a quagmire in China was to deliver a swift, decisive blow to the Chinese Army. This mindset had turned him into a major advocate for landing a strong force in Hangzhou Bay in early November. Nevertheless, he had initially resisted expanding operations to the Suzhou-Jiaxing line, only relenting on the condition that this line would not be crossed under any circumstances. Tada's immediate response was to halt the 10th Army's offensive. Shimomura Sadamu, Ishiwara Kanji's hardline successor as chief of operations, strongly disagreed, arguing that field commanders should have the authority to make significant decisions. Undeterred, Tada insisted on restraining the field commanders, and at 6:00 pm on November 20th, the Army General Staff sent a cable to the Central China Area Army reprimanding them for advancing beyond Order No. 600, which had established the Suzhou-Jiaxing line. The response from the Central China Area Army arrived two days later whereupon the field commanders argued that Nanjing needed to be captured to bring the war to an early conclusion. To do otherwise, they argued, would provide the enemy with an opportunity to regain the will to fight. Moreover, the officers claimed that delaying the decisive battle would not sit well with the Japanese public, potentially jeopardizing national unity. On the same day it responded to Tokyo, the Central China Area Army instructed the 10th Army to proceed cautiously: “The pursuit to Nanjing is to be halted, although you may still send an advance force towards Huzhou. Each division is to select four or five battalions to pursue the enemy rapidly”. The remainder of the troops were instructed to advance towards Huzhou and prepare to join the pursuit “at any time.” Meanwhile Chiang Kai-shek officially appointed Tang Shengzhi as the commandant of Nanjing's garrison. Born in 1889, Tang embodied the era of officers leading China into war with Japan. They straddled the line between old and new China. During their youth, they lived in a society that had seen little change for centuries, where young men immersed themselves in 2,000-year-old classics to prepare for life. Like their ancestors across countless generations, they were governed by an emperor residing in a distant capital. Following the 1911 revolution, they embraced the new republic and received modern military training, Tang, for instance, at the esteemed Baoding Academy in northern China. Yet, they struggled to fully relinquish their traditional mindsets. These traditional beliefs often included a significant distrust of foreigners. Before his appointment as garrison commander, Tang had led the garrison's operations section. During this time, Chiang Kai-shek suggested that he permit the German chief advisor, General Alexander von Falkenhausen, to attend staff meetings. Tang hesitated, expressing concern due to Falkenhausen's past as a military official in Japan and the current alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan. “That's not good, is it?” he asked. Chiang reassured him that Falkenhausen was an experienced officer who remembered earlier loyalties despite political shifts in Berlin. “It's all right,” Chiang insisted, “we can trust him.” Reluctantly, Tang acquiesced but never fully trusted the German officer. Tang also faced issues with morale. He was Hunanese, the majority of his troops were locals, many from Nanjing. Tang also suffered from many ongoing illnesses. While he put on a bravado face, its unlikely he expected to be able to defend the capital for very long. On November 19th, the IJA 16th division and Shigeto Detachment conquered Changshu, a crucial point along the Wufu defense line, spanning from Fushan on the Yangtze to Suzhou and then to Wujiang sitting on the shores of Lake Tai. The fight for Changshu had surprised the Japanese. As they approached they ran into a network of interlocking cement pillboxes that had to be taken individually, resulting in heavy casualties. Frequently, when the Japanese believed they had finally destroyed a position and advanced, they were dismayed to discover that some defenders remained alive, continuing to fire at their flanks. Another obstacle facing them was Chinese artillery. During the night's capture of the city, the Japanese makeshift camps were hit relentlessly by bombardment. That same day further south, the IJA 9th division captured Suzhou , reporting to the press they did so without firing a single shot. General Matsui wrote in his diary “The enemy troops near Suzhou have completely lost their morale. Some soldiers are discarding their equipment and surrendering, while others flee westward in utter chaos. Our forces have not encountered the resistance we anticipated. So far, the Shanghai Expeditionary Force has achieved all its objectives. I am thrilled by this.” In reality, this was mere propaganda. The IJA 9th Division actually had to overpower a series of Chinese pillboxes outside the city. Once they entered through the medieval walls, they faced the task of eliminating pockets of resistance one by one. According to Japanese sources, over 1,000 Chinese soldiers were killed during these clearing operations. The Japanese found a wealth of spoils in Suzhou. Among the booty were 100 artillery pieces and other military equipment. Historically known as one of China's wealthiest cities, Suzhou still contained an abundance of loot even after months of conflict. Many Japanese soldiers had their pockets filled with cigarettes after raiding a tobacco factory, while others transported barrels filled with coins after robbing a bank. Meanwhile the government had officially moved from Nanjing to Chongqing. Chongqing was an unusual choice for the new capital as it was historically something of a backwater, not very cosmopolitan such as the great coastal cities in the east. However it was distant enough to be out of reach from the Japanese land forces, but not so distant that it would make governing China impossible. Not all the governmental agencies moved to Chongqing at once. The foreign ministry first moved to Wuhan, as did most of the foreign diplomats. Yet out of some several hundred foreign nationals, 30 American and 19 British did stay behind in Nanjing. Tang Shengzhi met with the remaining foreign community and began promising them guarantees of their lives and property would be protected to the fullest. In turn the foreign community were thinking up ways to help defend the city's civilian population. They formed a special demilitarized district, akin to the one in Shanghai. They named it the Jacquinot Safety Zone after its founder, French Jesuit Robert Jacquinot de Besange. An international committee for establishing a neutral zone for noncombatants in Nanjing was formed on November 19th and famously John Rabe chaired it. The committee knew their neutral zone depended solely upon Japan respecting it, thus Rabe was an ideal pick for chairman. Meanwhile Chiang Kai-Shek was determined to stay for as long as possible in Nanjing, and remain in the public view to maintain morale. Song Meiling also went around touring the capital by automobile to raise public spirit. Preparations for battle were being dished out in haste. Du Yuming, the commander of Nanjing's armored regiment was called up to the headquarters of He Yingqin, then chief of staff. There Du was briefed on Chiang Kai-Shek's war plans and how his tiny armored force would fit in. He Yingqin said “It has been decided that Tang Shengzhi is to defend Nanjing. Chairman Chiang wants the German vehicles to stay in Nanjing and fight.” This was referring to their Leichter Panzerspahwagen or “sd KFZ 221” armored cars. These were recent purchases from Germany. Du questioned using them however “The German vehicles are the best armor we have at the moment, but they have no cannon, only machine guns, so their firepower is limited. We just have 15 of them. And they are not suited for the terrain around Nanjing, with all its rivers and lakes.” Du instead argued for using the British-made Vickers Carden Lloyd tanks. Of these China had recently purchased the amphibious variants. Du said “Those tanks both have machine guns and cannon, and they can float. They are much more useful for the Nanjing area.” He further suggested the tanks might even make it to the other side of the Yangtze once all hope was out. To this He replied “No, don't even think about crossing the Yangtze. The chairman wants the tank crews to fight to the death.” As far as war strategy was concerned, China had actually developed one against Japan decades prior. Ever since the nasty conflicts between the two nations had broken out back during the Great War days, China sought an answer to Japan's aggression. One man rose to the occasion, a young officer named Jiang Baili. In 1922 Jiang wrote “The only way to prevail over the enemy, will be to do the opposite of what he does in every respect. It will be to his advantage to seek a quick resolution; we should aim for protracted warfare. He will try to focus on a decisive blow at the front line; we should move to the second line of defense and rob him of the opportunity to concentrate his forces in one place.” Soon Jiang became the forefather in China for theories involving protracted war. One could also call it a war of attrition, and it was the type of war suited to China. In the words of Jiang “We should thank our ancestors. China is blessed with two major advantages, a vast land area and a huge population. Abstaining from fighting will be enough. And if we do fight, we should drag it out. We should force the front to move west, and turn our weakness into strength, while allowing the enemy to overstretch himself”. China's geography significantly influenced Jiang's military strategy. In his works titled Organization of Mechanized Forces, Jiang wrote “The flat North Chinese plain offers ideal conditions for a large mechanized army. In contrast, the agricultural regions further south, characterized by their mix of rice paddies and waterways, are far less suitable.” Faced with a technologically superior enemy, China had no option but to draw the opponent away from the north, where their armored units would dominate the battlefield, to the Yangtze River area, where their mobility would be severely restricted. Jiang served as the director of the prestigious military academy at Baoding, near Beijing, where he could instill his philosophies in the minds of upcoming leaders of the Chinese armed forces, including Tang Shengzhi. Tang was able to put Jiang's theories into practice. In the autumn of 1935, he played a crucial role in planning and executing the decade's largest military maneuver. Conducted south of the Yangtze, between Nanjing and Shanghai, this drill involved over 20,000 troops, allowing for a realistic simulation of battle conditions. Its primary objective was to test the strategy of "luring the enemy in deep." Upon concluding the maneuver, Tang described the location as exceptionally well chosen, a tank commander's nightmare. The area consisted of steep hills alongside rivers, with very few robust roads and virtually no bridges capable of supporting tanks. Countless small paddy fields were divided by dikes that rarely exceeded a few feet in width, perfectly suited for swift infantry movements but utterly inadequate for tracked vehicles. It appeared to be a graveyard for any mechanized army. As the war broke out with Japan, Jiang's ideas initially seemed validated. Chiang Kai-shek deliberately refrained from deploying his best troops to the northern Beijing area. Instead, he chose to instigate a significant battle in and around Shanghai, where the terrain presented the exact disadvantages for Japanese armor that Jiang had anticipated. Although the Japanese gradually introduced tactical innovations that allowed them to navigate the partly submerged paddy fields north and west of Shanghai, their tanks often found themselves forced along elevated roads, making them vulnerable targets for hidden Chinese infantry. For several weeks during September and October, the Shanghai area indeed resembled a quagmire, seemingly poised to ensnare the Japanese forces until they were utterly depleted. However, the successful Japanese landings in early November, first in Hangzhou Bay and then on the south bank of the Yangtze, dramatically changed things. The stalemate was broken, allowing the Japanese Army to advance despite the persistent challenges posed by the local geography. What would happen next would determine whether Jiang's theories from a decade earlier could work or if Japan's tanks would ultimately triumph even in the river terrain south of the Yangtze. The Japanese field commanders' decision to shift their focus from defeating Chinese forces near Shanghai to pursuing them all the way to Nanjing, sent ripples throughout the ranks. Every unit had to reconsider their plans, but none felt the impact more acutely than the 6th Division. As one of the first contingents of the 10th Army to come ashore in Hangzhou Bay in early November, its soldiers had advanced with remarkable ease, cutting through the defenses like a knife through butter. Now, with orders to drive west towards Nanjing, they were required to make a huge U-turn and head south. Geography hurt them greatly, specifically the presence of Lake Tai. The original Shanghai Expeditionary Force, bolstered by the 16th Division and other newly arrived units, was set to advance north of the lake, while the 10th Army was tasked with operations to the south of it. This situation implied that the 6th Division had to hurry to catch up with the rest of the 10th Army. Upon turning south, they reached Jiashan on November 21, only to face a brutal outbreak of cholera among their ranks, which delayed their advance by three days. Meanwhile the other elements of the 10th Army, including the Kunisaki Detachment and the 18th and 114th Divisions advanced rapidly, entering Huzhou on November 23. To speed up their advance they had commandeered every vessel they could grab and tossed men in piece meal across the southern bank of Lake Tai to its western shore. However the 10th army was unaware that they would soon face a brutal fight. As the Chinese government evacuated Nanjing, fresh troops from Sichuan province in southwest China were being unloaded at the city's docks and marched toward imminent danger. Starting to disembark on November 20, these soldiers formed the Chinese 23rd Group Army. They presented an exotic sight, sporting broad straw hats typical of southern China, often adorned with yellow and green camouflage patterns. While some appeared freshly uniformed, many were ill-prepared for the colder central Chinese winter, dressed in thin cotton better suited for subtropical climates. A number looked as ragged as the most destitute coolie. Nearly all wore straw shoes that required repairs every evening after a long day of marching. Their equipment was rudimentary and often quite primitive. The most common weapon among the newly arrived soldiers was a locally produced rifle from Sichuan, yet many had no firearms at all, carrying only “stout sticks and packs” into battle. Each division had a maximum of a dozen light machine guns, and radio communication was available only at the brigade level and above. The absence of any artillery or heavy equipment was quite alarming. It was as if they expected to be facing a warlord army of the 1920s. They were organized into five divisions and two brigades, supplied by Liu Xiang, a notable southern warlord. Remarkably, Liu Xiang had been one of Chiang Kai-shek's worst enemies less than a year prior. Now, Liu's troops fought alongside Chiang's against Japan, yet their loyalties remained fiercely provincial, listening to Liu Xiang rather than Chiang Kai-shek. China's warlord era never really ended. Chiang Kai-Shek was actually doing two things at once, meeting the enemy but also getting warlord troops away from their provincial powerbase. This in turn would reduce the influence of regional warlords. Now the Chinese recognized the had to stop the Japanese from reaching Wuhu, a Yangtze port city due south of Nanjing, basically the last escape route from the capital. If it was captured, those in Nanjing would be effectively stuck. General Gu Zhutong, who personally witnessed the chaotic evacuation of Suzhou, had already dispatched two divisions from Guangxi province to block the Japanese advance. However, they were quickly routed. Liu Xiang's troops were then sent to fill the gap on the battlefield. By the last week of November, the Japanese 10th Army and the newly arrived Sichuan divisions, were converging on the same area southwest of Lake Tai. Marching as quickly as possible, they were fated to clash in one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Nanjing campaign. As the Sichuanese troops reached the battlefield at the end of November, they quickly realized just how ill-equipped they were to confront the modern Japanese Army. The Sichuan divisions hurried towards Lake Tai, primarily marching after sunset to avoid harassment from Japanese aircraft. A significant challenge for the soldiers was the condition of the roads, which were paved with gravel that wore down their straw shoes. Despite their best efforts to repair their footwear late at night, many soldiers found themselves entering battle barefoot. Along their route, they encountered numerous Chinese soldiers retreating. One particular column caught their attention; these troops were better uniformed and equipped, appearing as though they had not seen battle at all. They looked rested and well-nourished, as if they had just emerged from their barracks. This prompted unspoken doubts among the Sichuanese soldiers. Upon arriving in Guangde, the 145th Division quickly began fortifying its positions, particularly around a strategic airfield near the city and dispatched units towards the town of Sian. On November 25, skirmishes erupted throughout the day, and on the following day, the Chinese soldiers began facing the full force of the advancing enemy. Japanese planes bombed the Chinese positions near Sian, followed by rapid tank assaults from the 18th Japanese Division. Unaccustomed to combat against armored vehicles, they quickly routed. The Japanese forces rolled over the shattered Chinese defenses and advanced to capture Sian with minimal resistance. To make matters worse, amidst this critical moment when the Sichuan troops were engaged in their first battle against a foreign enemy, Liu Xiang, fell seriously ill. In his place, Chiang Kai-shek assigned one of his most trusted commanders, Chen Cheng. The Sichuanese soldiers were not happy with the new alien commander. Meanwhile, the Nine Power Treaty Conference in Brussels held its final session. The delegates concluded three weeks of fruitless discussions with a declaration that immediately struck observers as lacking any real substance. The decree stated “Force by itself can provide no just and lasting solution for disputes between nations,”. This was met with approval from all participants except Italy, one of Japan's few allies in Europe. They strongly urged that hostilities be suspended and that peaceful processes be pursued, but offered zero consequences for either belligerent should they choose not to comply. As they say today in politics, a nothing burger. China found itself resorting to shaming the international community into action, with barely any success. In Berlin, the evening following the conference's conclusion, diplomats gathered as the Japanese embassy hosted a dinner to mark the first anniversary of the Anti-Comintern Pact. Among the guests, though he probably really did not want to be there, was Adolf Hitler. The Japanese Communications Minister, Nagai Ryutaro, speaking via radio stated “The Sino-Japanese conflict is a holy struggle for us. The objective is to hold the Nanjing government accountable for its anti-Japanese stance, to liberate the Chinese people from the red menace, and to secure peace in the Far East.” By hosting such an event, Germany was basically signalling that she would abandon her old Chinese ally to forge a stronger partnership with Japan. This was driving the world into two camps that would emerge as the Axis and Allies. My favorite boardgame by the way, I make a lot of goofy videos on my youtube channel about it. Back at the front, a city sat midway along the Yangtze River between Shanghai and Nanjing, Jiangyin. By Chinese standards, Jiangyin was not a large city; its population numbered just 50,000, most of whom had already fled by the end of November. The city's military significance had considerably diminished after a naval battle in late September resulted in the sinking of half the Chinese fleet, forcing the remainder to retreat upriver. Nevertheless, the Chinese still maintained control on land. This became a pressing concern for the Japanese after the fall of Suzhou and Changshu led to the collapse of the Wufu defensive line. Consequently, the next line of defense was the Xicheng line, of which Jiangyin formed the northern end. The city stood directly in the path of the 13th Japanese Division, positioned at the far right of the front line. Jiangyin featured 33 partially fortified hills, and like many other cities in the region, its primary defense was a robust 10-mile wall constructed of brick and stone. Standing 30 feet high, the wall was reinforced on the inside by an earthen embankment measuring up to 25 feet in diameter. Defending Jiangyin alone was the 112th Division, comprising approximately 5,000 soldiers. Only in November did it receive reinforcements from the 103rd Division, which had previously participated in the brutal fighting in Shanghai and withdrew westward after the Japanese victory there. Like the 112th, the 103rd also consisted of around 5,000 soldiers from former warlord armies, though they hailed from the hot and humid southwest of China rather than the cold and arid northeast. Both divisions faced an adversary with far superior equipment and training. Just hours after Japanese observation balloons appeared on the horizon, their artillery opened fire. The initial shells fell at approximately 30 second intervals, but the pace quickly accelerated. Most of the shells landed near the river, obliterating the buildings in that area. The explosions tore up telephone wires, severing communication between the scattered Chinese units. As the first shells began to fall over Jiangyin, Tang Shengzhi gathered with Chinese and foreign journalists in Nanjing, openly acknowledging the monumental challenge ahead but resolutely vowing to defend Nanjing to the bitter end. “Even though it is lagging behind in material terms, China has the will to fight. Since the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, we have suffered defeats in various theaters, but we will continue to fight until we achieve final victory.” Tang then promised that Nanjing would be fought to the last man. As early as November 14, the central government had ordered the evacuation of women and children from Nanjing, calling for all means of transportation available to be dedicated to this purpose. However, this directive proved to be an empty proclamation. Almost all resources were directed toward relocating government officials westward. Moving office furniture and filing cabinets took precedence over evacuating people. The government commandeered 600 trucks and 220 boats and ships to aid in this effort, but once those means of transportation were exhausted, little remained for the common people. In the final days of November, Nanjing's mayor, Ma Chaojun, attempted to rectify this dire situation. He sent a cable to the Ministry of Communications requesting that the ships used to relocate government agencies be returned to Nanjing as soon as possible to assist with the evacuation. For most vessels, there wasn't enough time to make the journey back. The people of Nanjing were left to fend for themselves. Meanwhile the battles south and west of the Lake Tai continued to rage in late November. While the 18th Japanese Division advanced toward Guangde, aiming eventually for Wuhu and the Yangtze River, the 114th Japanese Division received different orders. It turned right along the western bank of Lake Tai, clearly intending to push onward to Nanjing. Awaiting them was the 144th Chinese Division, consisting primarily of Sichuanese soldiers. They dug in across the one viable road running west of the lake, with a large body of water on one side and rugged terrain on the other. This terrain forced the Japanese to attack over a narrow front, constraining the advantage they held due to their technological superiority. The Chinese were able to concentrate their limited artillery, primarily mountain guns that could be disassembled and transported by mules or even men, on the advancing Japanese attackers, and utilized it effectively. They allowed the Japanese to shell their positions without immediate retaliation, waiting until the infantry was within 1,000 yards before ordering their mountain guns to open fire. The result was devastating; the Japanese column became disorganized, and their advance stalled. However, just as the Chinese artillery appeared on the verge of achieving a significant victory, the decision was made to withdraw. The officers responsible for the mountain guns argued that the Japanese would soon overrun their positions, and it was preferable to take preemptive measures to prevent their valuable equipment from falling into enemy hands. The commanders of the 144th Division reluctantly concurred. The Chinese did their best to maintain the facade that their artillery remained in position, but the Japanese quickly noticed the weakened defense and attacked with renewed fervor. Despite this setback, Chinese soldiers found their morale boosted as their division commander, Guo Junqi, led from the front, issuing orders from a stretcher after sustaining a leg injury. However, deprived of their artillery, the Chinese faced increasingly dire odds, and they were pushed back along the entire front. As the Chinese front neared collapse, the officers of the 144th Division faced yet another challenge: Japanese infantry approached across Lake Tai in boats commandeered in previous days. With no artillery to defend themselves, the Chinese could only direct small arms fire at the vessels, allowing the Japanese to make an almost unimpeded landing. This was the final straw. Under pressure from two sides, the 144th Division had no choice but to abandon its position, retreating westward toward the main Chinese force around Guangde. Jiangyin endured two days of continuous shelling before the Japanese infantry attack commenced, but the city was fortified to withstand such a bombardment of this magnitude and duration. The 33 hills in and around the city had long served as scenic viewpoints and natural strongholds. The tallest hill, known as Mount Ding, rose 900 feet above the area, providing a commanding view and boasted over 100 artillery pieces. By late November, when the Japanese Army reached the area, most civilians had fled, but their homes remained, and the Chinese defenders effectively utilized them, converting them into concealed strongholds. The attack by the Japanese 13th Division on November 29 was led by the 26th Brigade on its right flank and the 103rd Brigade on its left. The advance proved challenging, constantly disrupted by Chinese ambushes. As a row of Japanese soldiers cautiously crossed an empty field, gunshots would erupt, striking down one of their ranks while the others scrambled for cover, desperately trying to identify the source of the fire. The Chinese launched frequent counterattacks, and on several occasions, individual Japanese units found themselves cut off from the main body and had to be rescued. Despite some setbacks, the 13th Division made satisfactory progress, bolstered by both land and ship-based artillery, and soon nearly encircled Jiangyin, leaving only a narrow corridor to the west of the city. However, the Chinese artillery was well-prepared, effectively targeting Japanese vessels on the Yangtze River. This led to an artillery duel that lasted three hours, resulting in several hits on Japanese ships; however, the Chinese batteries also suffered considerable damage. In the sector of the 103rd Chinese Division, the defenders had taken time to construct deep antitank ditches, hindering the advance of Japanese armored units. During the night of November 29-30, the Chinese organized suicide missions behind enemy lines to level the playing field. Armed only with a belt, a combat knife, a rifle, and explosives, the soldiers infiltrated Japanese positions, targeting armored vehicles. They quietly climbed onto the tanks, dropping hand grenades into turrets or detonating explosives strapped to their bodies. Though reducing Japanese armored superiority granted the Chinese some time, the attackers' momentum simply could not be stopped. On November 30, the Japanese launched a relentless assault on Mount Ding, the dominant hill in the Jiangyin area. Supported by aircraft, artillery, and naval bombardments, Japanese infantry engaged the entrenched Chinese company at the summit. After a fierce and bloody battle, the Japanese succeeded in capturing the position. The Chinese company commander, Xia Min'an, withdrew with his troops toward Jiangyin to report the loss to the regimental command post. When the deputy commander of the 103rd Division, Dai Zhiqi, heard the news, he was furious and wanted to execute Xia on the spot. However, Xia's regimental commander intervened, saving him from a firing squad. Instead, he insisted that Xia redeem himself by recapturing the hill from the Japanese. Xia was put in command of a company that had previously been held in reserve. What followed was a fierce battle lasting over four hours. Eventually, the Japanese were forced to relinquish the hill, but the victory came at a steep price, with numerous casualties on both sides, including the death of Xia Min'an. The last days of November also witnessed chaotic fighting around Guangde, where the unfamiliar terrain added to the confusion for both sides. For the Chinese, this chaos was exacerbated by their upper command issuing contradictory orders, instructing troops to advance and retreat simultaneously. Pan Wenhua, the Sichuanese commander of the 23rd Army, prepared a pincer maneuver, directing the 13th Independent Brigade to launch a counterattack against the town of Sian, which was held by the Japanese, while the 146th Division would attack from the south. Both units set out immediately. However, due to a lack of radio equipment, a common issue among the Sichuanese forces, they did not receive the new orders to withdraw, which originated not from Pan Wenhua but from Chen Cheng, the Chiang Kai-shek loyalist who had taken command after Liu Xiang fell ill and was eager to assert his authority. Fortunately, the officers of the 13th Independent Brigade were alerted to the general order for withdrawal by neighboring units and managed to halt their advance on Sian in time. The 146th Division, however, had no such luck and continued its march toward the Japanese-occupied city. It was joined by the 14th Independent Brigade, which had just arrived from Wuhu and was also unaware of the general retreat order. Upon reaching Sian, these Chinese troops engaged in intense close combat with the Japanese. It was a familiar scenario of Japanese technological superiority pitted against Chinese determination. The Japanese brought armor up from the rear, while the Chinese lay in ambush, tossing hand grenades into tank turrets before jumping onto the burning vehicles to kill any surviving crew members. As the fighting around the flanks slowed, the area in front of Guangde became the focal point of the battle. Japanese soldiers advanced toward the city during the day, passing piles of dead Chinese and numerous houses set ablaze by retreating defenders. At night, the situation became perilous for the Japanese, as Chinese forces infiltrated their positions under the cover of darkness. In the confusion, small units from both sides often got lost and were just as likely to encounter hostile forces as friendly ones. Despite the chaos along the front lines, it was evident that the Japanese were gaining the upper hand primarily due to their material superiority. Japanese artillery bombarded Guangde, igniting many structures, while infantry approached the city from multiple directions. The Chinese 145th Division, led by Rao Guohua, was nearing its breaking point. In a desperate gamble, on November 30, Rao ordered one of his regiments to counterattack, but the regimental commander, sensing the futility of the move, simply refused. This refusal was a personal failure for Rao, one he could not accept. Deeply ashamed, Rao Guohua withdrew from Guangde. As darkness enveloped the battlefield, he and a small group of staff officers found a place to rest for the night in a house near a bamboo grove. Overwhelmed with anguish, he penned a letter to Liu Xiang, apparently unaware that Liu had been evacuated to the rear due to stomach issues. In the letter, he apologized for his inability to hold Guangde. Telling his bodyguard to get some rest, he stepped outside, disappearing into the bamboo grove. Shortly thereafter, his staff heard a single gunshot. When they rushed out and searched the dense bamboo, they found Rao sitting against a tree, his service weapon beside him. Blood streamed thickly from a wound to his temple. He was already dead. 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. As the Japanese forces advanced on Nanjing, tensions escalated within the Chinese leadership. While Commander Tang Shengzhi fortified the city, some sought retreat. Japanese Commander Yanagawa, confident of victory, pushed his troops westward, disregarding high command's hesitations. Meanwhile, ill-equipped Sichuanese reinforcements hurried to defend Nanjing, braving cholera and disorganization. Intense battles unfolded around Lake Tai, marked by fierce ambushes and casualties.
Please, share, rate, and review our show to support the value and visibility of our episodes.Watch Us & Subscribe on YouTube. We're kicking off Season 2! After a much-needed pause to reconnect, Tanya and Sabrina return with fresh energy and a powerful conversation about relationships, values, and money. In this episode, we dive into the importance of understanding your personality (and your partner's) when it comes to money, and how those values are shaped by family history and belief systems. Tanya shares stories from past generations, Sabrina talks about her work and spending habits, and together they explore how positive neuroplasticity and the four elements can help strengthen relationships, build generational wealth, and create self-awareness. Whether you're a mom, a teen, or simply someone navigating love, life, and money—this episode offers insight you can apply right away.Timestamps:00:00 – Season 2 Kickoff: Why We Took a Pause01:00 – Revisiting Generational Wealth & Money Personality02:30 – The Link Between Relationships, Values & Money04:00 – Family Money Stories: Lessons from Grammy & Papa05:00 – Working, Earning & Spending: Sabrina's Perspective06:00 – The Book That Changed Tanya's Money Mindset07:00 – Integration: Balancing Different Belief Systems08:00 – Growing in Relationships & Keeping the Spark Alive09:00 – Life Coaching, Positive Neuroplasticity & Somatic Practices10:00 – The Four Elements as a Tool for Self-Awareness11:00 – Season 2 Focus: Breaking Down Each ElementIf this episode resonated with you, made you think, or sparked a conversation, share it with a friend or teen in your life. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show—it helps other moms and teens find us!
AI adoption in the tech sector has reached a tipping point, and the latest EY Technology Pulse poll offers a fascinating look at just how quickly things are moving. In this episode, I'm joined by Ken Englund, Partner at EY, to unpack the survey's findings and what they reveal about the next two years of AI in enterprise. Conducted with 500 senior tech executives from companies with more than 5,000 employees, the poll focuses on AI agents, autonomous deployments, and the shifting priorities that are shaping investment strategies. Ken shares why half of the respondents expect more than 50% of their AI deployments to be fully autonomous within 24 months, and why optimism around AI's potential remains high. He also explains a notable shift away from last year's heavy focus on large language models toward applied AI and agentic systems designed to handle real-world business workflows. While 92% of tech leaders plan to increase AI spending in 2026, the investment isn't solely about technology—it's about competitiveness, customer experience, and strategic alignment. One of the more surprising takeaways is the human side of the equation. Despite headlines predicting widespread job losses, only 9% of respondents anticipate layoffs in the next six months, down from 20% last year. Instead, companies are balancing upskilling existing staff with bringing in new AI talent, with roles emerging in areas like MLOps, AI product management, and forward-deployed engineering. Ken and I also dive into the growing weight of governance, data privacy, and security. With autonomous agents becoming more embedded in core operations, boards, CFOs, and audit teams are taking a closer look at trust frameworks without wanting to slow innovation. The conversation highlights a critical inflection point: most companies are still in the “automating existing workflows” phase, but the real breakthroughs will come when AI enables entirely new business models. This episode is a snapshot of a sector in rapid evolution—where enthusiasm is tempered by lessons learned, and where the road from pilot to production is still full of challenges. You can read the full EY Technology Pulse poll here.
In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Steve Corbesero, Jr., Senior Director of Products and Solutions at MachineQ, a Comcast Company, about the findings from their new Lab of the Future survey. Conducted with Censuswide, the study gathered insights from more than 400 U.S.-based lab professionals, revealing both the opportunities and persistent pain points shaping modern laboratory operations. Steve unpacks why nearly 60% of labs still face unplanned downtime from equipment failures, missed calibration schedules, and asset location issues. We discuss how manual monitoring remains the norm for over half of labs surveyed, and why 14% have no monitoring system in place at all. Despite these challenges, there's a clear appetite for change, with 85% planning to adopt IoT solutions and 87% intending to integrate AI and machine learning into their workflows over the next two years. Our conversation explores the operational impact of disconnected systems, the risks of relying on spreadsheets, and the role of real-time monitoring in preventing costly disruptions. Steve shares practical examples of how IoT and AI are already helping labs shift from reactive to proactive management, from anomaly detection that reduces alert fatigue to intelligent data summaries that give lab managers actionable insights without hours of manual analysis. We also talk about the barriers holding some labs back from adoption, including pilot purgatory, budget constraints, and integration challenges. Steve offers his perspective on how future-ready labs will differentiate themselves—by embracing connected infrastructure, unifying data, and embedding AI into both scientific and operational workflows. If you want to understand what's really happening inside modern labs, and how emerging technology can transform efficiency, productivity, and innovation, this episode offers a clear, data-backed view of the road ahead.