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Carey is radicalized by Fire Island and drops multiple Dorinda references in this very special, very chintzy episode. His magical tale of going septic and wearing a stent and purse of antibiotics and subsequent digestive woe. Toenail removal and a discussion of disturbing doctors. A lengthy analysis of sunflowers. Conversely, shocking caller opinions on roses. Carey shares dog perfume tips. An exploration of flat Christina Aguilera karaoke. Many helpful PSAs.

In this episode, Dr. RJ gives parents ideas on how to help their teenagers have a productive summer. There are certain experiences that will hinder the child's future success. Parents want to avoid those this summer. Conversely, there are activities that teenagers can do that will enhance their success in the Fall. Teenagers should do those this summer. If you are interested in Dr. RJ's life coaching program for the summer, schedule a consultation at www.drrjjackson.com/coaching

  Last time we spoke about the Xi'an Incident. In December 1936, tensions in China erupted as Nationalist General Chiang Kai-shek faced a revolt led by his commanders, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng. Disillusioned by Chiang's focus on battling communists instead of the Japanese invaders, the generals swiftly captured him in a coup. Confined in Xi'an, Chiang initially resisted their demands for a united front against Japan but eventually engaged in negotiation with Zhang and the Chinese Communist Party. As public sentiment shifted against him, Chiang's predicament led to urgent discussions, culminating in an unexpected alliance with the communists. This pact aimed to consolidate Chinese resistance against Japanese aggression, marking a critical turning point in the Second Sino-Japanese War. By December 26, Chiang was released, and this uneasy collaboration set the stage for a more unified front against a common enemy, though underlying tensions remained between the factions.   #152 China Prepares for War 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. Before we jump into the Second Sino-Japanese War of 1937-1945, which I honestly have no idea how long will take us, I thought it would be a good idea to dedicate two episodes to how both China and Japan prepared themselves for war.  Going all the way back to the 1910s, Chinese intellectuals began to view an outright conflict between Japan and China was inevitable. In the discussions about China's strategic options, Jiang Fangzhen pioneered a strategy of protracted warfare, a concept that would later shape China's approach during the Sino-Japanese War. Having studied in Japan during his youth, Jiang developed a keen understanding of the Japanese government and military. As early as 1917, he predicted that China and Japan would become embroiled in a long-term conflict, with the battleground likely to be west of the Peiping–Wuhan and Guangzhou–Wuhan railways. In his work titled "Guofang Lun" or “On National Defense”, Jiang reiterated the importance of protracted warfare as a means to thwart Japan's aspirations for a swift victory. He argued that China should leverage its vast population and extensive territory to extend the conflict, gradually wearing down Japanese strength and turning the situation to its advantage. Jiang recommended that China not focus on defending its coastal regions but instead confront the enemy west of the Peking–Wuhan Railway.   Chiang Kai-shek would eventually come to share Jiang's belief that “the longer the war drags on, the more advantageous it will be for China.” Despite significant public criticism, both the Nationalist government and General Zhang Xueliang, decided against military resistance when Japan invaded Manchuria in September 1931 and attacked Shanghai in 1932. Chiang was particularly hesitant to engage Japan directly, as he was also dealing with a Communist insurgency in central China. He feared that Chinese forces would suffer quick defeat, predicting that Japan would capture key coastal areas and critical infrastructure within just three days, crippling China by dismantling its military and economic lifelines. Following the invasion of North China Chiang was forced to adopt a firmer stance. The Nationalist government proposed a dual strategy of pursuing peace and security while simultaneously preparing for war. If peace proved impossible, China would mobilize its resources for ultimate victory through prolonged conflict. This approach was formalized in the National Defense Plan, which China adopted by prioritizing protracted warfare as its core strategy. After the Sino-Japanese clash in Shanghai on January 28, 1932, the Military Affairs Commission devised a plan that divided China into four defense areas along with a preparation area. While some troops were assigned local security, commanders were directed to concentrate their remaining forces for potential confrontations with Japan. That year, the Military Affairs Commission issued General Defense Guidelines that outlined two strategic responses to a potential Japanese invasion. The first, conservative approach focused on maintaining key positions and utilizing protracted warfare to impede the enemy. The second strategy advocated for decisive battles in key regions to thwart Japan's ambitions and protect China's territorial integrity, prioritizing disengagement from Japanese forces along the Yangtze River and coastline. In August 1935, German military adviser General Alexander von Falkenhausen provided recommendations to Chiang Kai-shek based on his predictions of Japanese advance routes into China. He identified three main routes: one from northern Hebei to Zhengzhou, the second from Shandong toward Xuzhou, and the third crossing the Yangtze River to Nanjing and onwards to Wuhan. He suggested treating the Yangtze River as the primary combat zone and highlighted Sichuan as a possible retreat area. Taking all of this into consideration. in 1936, a draft of a new National Defense Plan divided the country into four zones: a war zone, a defense zone, an internal security zone, and a preparation area. The war zone encompassed ten provinces and established strategies for retreating to predetermined defensive positions when necessary, with Sichuan designated as the main base for the war. In January 1937, the Chinese General Staff Department introduced its annual War Plan, outlining three possible military conflict regions between China and Japan. It proposed two main strategies: Proposal A emphasized sustained combat and retreat to fortified positions if the situation became unfavorable, aiming to eventually go on the offensive against Japan. Proposal B focused on repelling Japanese invasions along the coast and from the north, prioritizing counter offensives against Japanese units stationed near key locations. To prepare, the NRA completed several critical projects outlined in its plans, establishing military supply depots in Nanjing, Bengbu, Xinyang, Huayin, Nanchang, and Wuchang to manage logistics for supplies across various strategic railways. These depots were equipped to sustain the military, with ample ammunition and provisions, including 60 million rounds of small-arms ammunition and food for hundreds of thousands. Despite these preparations, not all projects were completed by the time war broke out in July 1937. In contrast to the Japanese military's tactics, Chinese forces prioritized defensive strategies. For example, at the Mount Lushan Military Officer Training Camp in July 1934, Chiang Kai-shek outlined four possible approaches against Japan, favoring a defense-as-offense strategy. Other options included building fortifications, tenaciously defending key positions, and employing guerrilla warfare through irregular forces to constrain enemy advances. Chiang stressed the importance of national mobilization for the war effort.  There was a significant disparity in equipment between the Japanese and Chinese armies. To give you an idea, each Japanese division included a mechanized group featuring thirty-nine light military vehicles and 21 light armored cars, supplemented by 6,000–7,000 horses, 200–300 automobiles, and specialized troops such as poison gas teams. In contrast, Nationalist divisions lacked any of these capabilities, a typical nationalist division theoretically had an armored regiment, but this unit was equipped with fewer than 72 armored vehicles. Another major weakness of the Nationalist forces was their insufficient artillery. In 1936, a division was officially assigned one artillery battalion, which was divided into three batteries totaling twelve guns. It also included a mechanized cannon company with four direct-fire weapons. By comparison, a Japanese division boasted four infantry regiments and one mountain artillery or field artillery regiment, with each artillery regiment comprising three field artillery battalions and one howitzer battalion. The infantry regiment itself included a mountain artillery section with four mountain guns, while the infantry battalion had one Type 70 mountain gun section with two guns. In total, a Japanese division possessed sixty-four artillery pieces of various calibers, four times the number of a Chinese division and of significantly higher quality. In reality, in 1936, twelve of the twenty elite Chinese “reformed divisions” still lacked artillery battalions. The ordnance available in the “reformed divisions” mostly consisted of the outdated Type 60 mountain gun. Nationwide, very few of the 200 divisions were equipped with any artillery, and those that did often used obsolete field artillery pieces or mountain artillery provided to local forces. Some units even relied on trench mortars as a makeshift solution. The artillery weapons came from various countries, but they frequently lacked necessary observation and signal components, and were often low on ammunition. The majority of mountain guns and field artillery were of the Type 75, which, while capable of providing fire support, had limited range and inflicted minimal damage. To give you an idea of the striking inadequacy of the Chinese artillery, during the Shanghai fighting in 1937, the mountain artillery of the Guangxi 21st Army Group could only reach targets within 1,200 yards, while Japanese field artillery had an effective range of 8,000 yards. Chinese-made mountain artillery suffered due to inferior steel-making technology; the gun shields were constructed from low-quality steel, and the barrels often overheated after firing just a few rounds, increasing the risk of explosions. Additionally, the equipment of local forces varied greatly in quality. In fact, some local units had superior equipment compared to Nationalist units. For example, before the Sino-Japanese War, troops from Yunnan were equipped with French antitank guns and heavy machine guns, which were better than the German water-cooled machine guns used by the Nationalist forces. However, the majority of local troops relied on inferior equipment; the 122nd Division under Wang Mingzhang from Sichuan, noted for its brave defense of Tengxian County during the Xuzhou Battle, was armed with locally produced light and heavy machine guns that frequently malfunctioned, and their Type 79 rifles, also made in Sichuan, were often outdated, with some dating back to the Qing Dynasty. These weapons had limited range and sometimes malfunctioned after fewer than one hundred rounds. Now before the war, both Nationalist and local forces acquired weaponry from diverse foreign and domestic sources. Even domestically produced weapons lacked standardization, with those made in Hanyang and Manchuria differing in design and specifications. Arms manufactured in Germany, France, Russia, Japan, and Italy were similarly inconsistent. Consequently, even within a single unit, the lack of uniformity created significant logistical challenges, undermining combat effectiveness, particularly in the early stages of the war. Despite Nationalist ordnance factories producing over three million rounds of small-arms ammunition daily, the incompatibility of ammunition and weapons diminished the usable quantity of ammunition. Chinese communications infrastructure was inadequate. In the Nationalist army, signal units were integrated into engineering units, leading to low-quality radio communications. In emergencies, telegrams could remain undelivered for days, and orders often had to be dispatched via postal services. By 1937, the entire country boasted only 3,000 military vehicles, necessitating heavy reliance on horses and mules for transport. To effectively equip twenty Nationalist divisions, 10,647 horses and 20,688 mules were needed, but by the end of 1935, only 6,206 horses and 4,351 mules were available. A statistic from 1936 indicated a 5 percent mortality rate among military horses, with some units experiencing a rate as high as 10 percent. The distribution of weaponry led to disputes during army reorganization efforts following the Northern Expedition. Although Chiang Kai-shek's forces were part of the regular army, the quality of their equipment varied significantly. Domestic production of weapons was limited, and imports could not close the gap. Priority was given to small arms; through army reorganization, Chiang aimed to diminish the influence of forces less loyal to him. Nationalist army staff officers observed that troops loyal to Chiang received the best weapons. Northwest and Northeast forces, having cultivated good relations with the KMT, were similarly better equipped, while Shanxi troops received inferior supplies. Troops associated with the Guangxi Clique were given even poorer quality weapons due to their leaders' stronger political ambitions. Troops regarded as “bandit forces,” such as those led by Shi Yousan, Li Hongchang, and Sun Dianying, were naturally assigned the least effective weaponry. This unequal distribution of arms increased some local forces' inclination to align with the KMT while alienating others, which inadvertently led to additional turmoil in the aftermath of the Northern Expedition. Logistical accounting within the Nationalist military was severely lacking. Military expenditures accounted for a significant portion of government spending, roughly 65.48 % in 1937, with personnel costs being the largest component. However, military units prioritized boosting their own resources over accurate accounting. Surpluses were not returned but rather utilized to reward military officers and soldiers for merits in battle, care for the wounded, or to create a reserve. Conversely, if deficits arose, troops would resort to “living off vacancies,” a practice in which they would fail to report desertions promptly and would falsely claim new soldiers had arrived. Military leaders typically appointed their most trusted subordinates to serve as accountants and logistic officers. As the war commenced, these issues became readily apparent. During the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, frontline soldiers sometimes went days without food and went months without pay. Wounded soldiers and civilians had to search tirelessly for medical treatment, and when main forces relocated, they often abandoned grain, ammunition, weapons, and petroleum along the way. General Chen Cheng, the commander in chief during the Battle of Shanghai, noted, “This phenomenon clearly revealed our inability to supply frontline troops, indicating that China remains a backward country with poor management.” Many logistical shortcomings severely impacted troop morale and combat effectiveness. In a 1933 speech, Chiang Kai-shek acknowledged that poor food, inadequate clothing, and ineffective logistics contributed to widespread desertion. Soldiers were further demoralized by reduced or embezzled salaries. A lack of professional medical staff and equipment hampered healthcare efforts, leading to high disease and mortality rates. According to official statistics from 1936, approximately 10 percent of soldiers fell ill annually, with a mortality rate as high as 5 percent. Japanese military authorities reported that one in three wounded Japanese soldiers died, while a Dutch military officer present during the early stages of the Sino-Japanese War observed that one in every two wounded Nationalist soldiers perished. Due to inadequate equipment and limited transport options, Nationalist forces were compelled to recruit farmers and rent vehicles, as they lacked essential facilities such as tents. This reliance on local resources inevitably led to frequent conflicts between military personnel and civilians. China is clearly a vast nation with an extensive coastline, requiring the construction of several significant fortresses during the modern era. These included Wusong, Jiangyin, Zhenjiang, Jiangning, and Wuhan along the Yangtze River, as well as Zhenhai, Humen, and Changzhou along the seacoast. Except for the Wuhan fortress, built in 1929-1930, all other fortifications were established during the late Qing Dynasty and featured uncovered cannon batteries. These fortresses suffered from inadequate maintenance, and many of their components had become outdated and irreplaceable, rendering them militarily negligible. Following the January 1932 Shanghai Incident, the Japanese military destroyed the Wusong forts, leaving the entrance to the Yangtze River completely unfortified. Consequently, there were no defenses along the coastline from Jiangsu to Shandong, allowing the Japanese to land freely. In December 1932, the Military Affairs Commission established a fortress group tasked with constructing fortresses and defensive installations, seeking assistance from German military advisers. After the North China Incident in 1935, the Nationalist government accelerated the construction of defensive structures in line with national war planning, focusing particularly on Nanjing. The Nationalists prioritized building fortifications along the seacoast and the Yellow River, followed by key regions north of the Yellow River. The government also ordered a significant quantity of heavy artillery from Germany. This included several dozen pieces of flat-fire antiaircraft and dual-purpose heavy artillery, which were installed at fortifications in Jiangyin, Zhenjiang, Nanjing, and Wuhan. By the summer of 1937, the construction of nine fortified positions was complete: Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Jiangyin, Ningbo, Humen, Mawei, Xiamen , Nantong, and Lianyungang. In total, China had established 41 forts and equipped them with 273 fortress cannons. Some defensive installations were poorly managed, with many units assigned to their perimeters lacking training and access to proper maps. The barbette positions in the fortresses were not well concealed and could hardly store sufficient ammunition. Troops stationed at these fortresses received little training. Despite these shortcomings, the fortresses and fortifications were not entirely ineffective. They bolstered Chinese positions along the defense line stretching from Cangxian County to Baoding and from Dexian County to Shijiazhuang, as well as in southern Shandong.  Before the war, China's political and economic center was situated along the seacoast and the Yangtze River. As Japanese influence expanded, the Nationalist government was compelled to establish bases in China's inner regions, very similar to how the USSR pulled back its industry further west after Operation barbarossa.The Japanese attack on Shanghai in 1932 prompted the Nationalists to relocate their capital to Luoyang. On March 5, during the Second Plenary Session of the KMT's Fourth Congress, the Western Capital Preparation Committee was formed to plan for the potential relocation of all governmental bodies to Xi'an in the event of full-scale war. In February 1933, the Central Political Conference approved the Northwest Development Bill, and in February 1934, the National Economic Commission set up a northwestern branch to oversee development projects in the region. On October 18, 1934, Chiang Kai-shek traveled to Lanzhou, recording in his diary that “Northwest China has abundant resources. Japan and Russia are poised to bully us. Yet, if we strengthen ourselves and develop northwest China to the fullest extent, we can turn it into a base for China's revival.” Interestingly, it was Sichuan, rather than the northwest, that became China's rear base during the 2nd Sino-Japanese War. In October 1934, the Communist army evacuated its Soviet base in southern China, initiating the Long March that would ultimately end in the northwest. By this time, Chiang Kai-shek had decided to designate Sichuan as the last stronghold for China. In January 1935, the Nanchang Field Headquarters of the Military Affairs Commission, responsible for combatting the Communists and serving as the supreme military and political authority over most provinces along the Yangtze River and central China, dispatched a special advisory group to Chongqing. Following this, the Nationalist army advanced into Sichuan. On February 10, the Nationalists appointed a new provincial government in Sichuan, effectively ending the province's long-standing regionalism. On March 2, Chiang traveled to Chongqing, where he delivered a speech underscoring that “Sichuan should serve as the base for China's revival.” He stated that he was in Sichuan to oversee efforts against the Communist army and to unify the provincial administration.  After the Xinhai revolution, the Republic of China was still suing the Qing Dynasty's conscription system. However, once in power, the Nationalist government sought to establish a national military service program. In 1933, it enacted a military service law, which began implementation in 1936. This law categorized military service into two branches: service in the Nationalist army and in territorial citizen army units. Men aged eighteen to forty-five were expected to serve in the territorial units if they did not enlist in the Nationalist army. The territorial service was structured into three phases: active service lasting two to three years, first reserves for six years, and second reserves until the age of forty-five. The Ministry of Military Affairs divided China into sixty divisional conscription headquarters, initially establishing these headquarters in the six provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, and Hubei. By December 1936, approximately 50,000 new soldiers had been drafted. The military service law disproportionately favored the middle and upper classes. Government personnel were exempt from enlistment, allowing privileged families to register their children with government agencies. Similarly, students in middle and higher education were excused from service, while youth from poorer backgrounds often felt compelled to enlist due to financial constraints that limited their educational opportunities. Village and town leaders were responsible for executing the recruitment process and frequently conspired with army recruiters. Recruitment principles often favored wealthier families, with guidelines stating that one son should be drafted for every three sons, two for five sons, but no drafts if there was only one son. Wealthy families could secure exemptions for all their male children, while poor families might see their only son conscripted if they were unable to provide the requisite bribe. Town and village heads wielded significant power in recruitment. This new recruitment system also created numerous money-making opportunities. Military personnel assigned to escort draftees to their units would often allow draftees to escape for a fee. Additionally, draftees could monetize their service by agreeing to serve as substitutes for others. For some, being drafted became an occupation. For example, in 1936, 600 individuals were drafted in the Wuhu area of Anhui province, and accounts from regional administrators indicated that every draftee had either been traded, replaced, or seized. Beginning in 1929, the Nationalist government also instituted military training for high school students and older individuals. Students were required to participate in one theoretical class and one practical class each week, totaling three hours. Starting in 1934, students had to complete a three-month military training program before graduating. Graduates of military academies were employed as military instructors. By the end of 1936, over 237,000 high school students had undergone military training. This student military training was overseen by the Society for the Implementation of the Three People's Principles of Sun Yat-sen, which also provided political education and sometimes gathered information on students' political beliefs.  Although the Nationalists made significant efforts to improve the military training of both officers and troops, they inherited deep-seated challenges that they were unable to completely overcome. A lack of facilities, outdated training manuals, low regard for military instructors, and the ongoing influence of regionalism and warlordism hindered progress. The Japanese would also later exploit these shortcomings of the Nationalist army. The Central Military Academy, which evolved from the Whampoa Military Academy established in 1923 in Guangzhou to train officers for the Northern Expedition, became the primary training institution for junior military officers. The academy offered a basic course, lasting eighteen months, which included general education, specialized training in various subjects, and field practice. This was followed by a two-year cadet training program focused on developing the skills necessary for junior military officers. Seventeen classes were admitted before the outbreak of war. Admission to the academy was highly competitive, with military officers receiving attractive salaries. For instance, in 1935, the academy received 10,000 applications for the twelfth class, but only 7% were accepted. Upon graduation, cadets were typically assigned to divisions within the Nationalist army loyal to Chiang Kai-shek. Their training, influenced by German advisors, resulted in a high-quality cadre. In modern China, most sergeants were veterans. While some units provided training for sergeants, a lack of formal education led to their diminished status. Truly qualified sergeants were rare. During his tenure as Minister of Military Training, General Bai Chongxi proposed establishing a sergeant school and creating a professional noncommissioned officer system; however, the Ministry of Military Affairs opposed this on financial grounds. While commanding officers enjoyed rapid promotions, military instructors did not. Furthermore, there was no system for transferring instructors to field commands or assigning commanders to military academies for extended periods. Despite minor updates to cover modern warfare concepts such as tank warfare and machine guns, Qing Dynasty military manuals were still in use at the Central Military Academy at the start of the war. Yeah, 1937 they were still rocking the old Qing books. Following the establishment of the Ministry of Military Training, a bureau for military translation was set up to evaluate existing course materials and translate military manuals, but its contributions were limited. Another significant shortcoming of military instruction focused on theory at the expense of practical application.  To enhance the quality of military officers, the Nationalist army instituted specialized schools for artillery, infantry, transport, engineering, and signals starting in 1931. These institutions were considered to have high-quality administrators and facilities. The Nationalists adopted German military training models, replacing the previously used Japanese models. They appointed German advisors to oversee instructor training at military academies and established three instructional divisions. By the onset of the Sino-Japanese War, 15,000 students had graduated from programs with a German military influence, resulting in the creation of about fifty combat divisions from these instructional units. However, the progress of other Nationalist army units was limited because their training was not aligned with contemporary battlefield realities. Before World War I, troops operated in close formations due to limited firepower. The widespread introduction of machine guns after World War I necessitated a shift to dispersed formations. Although a new drill manual issued by the Ministry of Military Training in 1935 introduced small-group tactics, few units adopted these methods. General Chen Cheng highlighted another underlying issue in 1938, commenting on the outmoded focus on parade ground drills and formal military manners. He noted, “We have paid too much attention to stereotypical formality and procedures of no practical use. Sometimes, even though soldiers could not get a haircut or take a bath for several months, their camps had to be in order. They underwent intensive training in close-order drill but learned little about gun handling, marksmanship, or maneuvering. This was inappropriate in peacetime, yet we continued this practice even after the Sino-Japanese War started, even using it on highly educated youth.” In contrast, the Communist army simplified training, emphasizing two essential skills: live-fire exercises and physical endurance, which significantly enhanced troop effectiveness in the challenging terrain characteristic of the Sino-Japanese War. Ultimately, the Nationalist army's training did not reach all soldiers. Only about half of all combat soldiers received adequate training, while the rest were neglected. According to statistics from the time, there were approximately five million military personnel during the Sino-Japanese War, with three million serving in logistics. Most of these logistics personnel had received little training, leading to disastrous consequences for overall combat effectiveness. As warfare has become more complex, the role of highly trained staff officers has become increasingly important. Napoleon developed operational plans close to the front and communicated orders via courier. During World War I, military commanders collected information at their headquarters and utilized telephones and automobiles to relay orders to the front lines. In World War II, with the battlefield expanding to include land, sea, and air, senior commanders often made decisions from headquarters far from the action, relying on a significant number of staff officers with specialized skills to keep them informed. In China, however, the staff officer system was underdeveloped. By 1937, only about 2,000 commanders and staff officers had received training. Prior to the Sino-Japanese War, most commanders managed staff work themselves, with staff officers serving primarily as military secretaries who drafted orders, reports, and maps. Many staff officers had no formal military training, and as a whole, the branch lacked respect, causing the most talented officers to avoid serving in it. The situation was even more dire for staff officer departments within local forces. For example, in March 1937, Liu Ziqing, a graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy, was appointed as the director of political instruction in the Forty-fourth Army, a unit under Sichuan warlord Liu Xiang. Liu Ziqing's account illustrates the dysfunction within the ranks: “The commander in chief was not supposed to manage the army and even did not know its whereabouts... But he could appoint relatives and former subordinates—who were officials and businessmen as well—to the army. Each month they would receive a small stipend. At headquarters, there was a long table and two rows of chairs. Around ten o'clock in the morning, senior officers signed in to indicate their presence. Those with other business would leave, while the remaining officers sat down to leisurely discuss star actresses, fortune-telling, business projects, mah-jongg, and opium. Occasionally they would touch on national affairs, chat about news articles, or share local gossip. In the afternoons, they primarily played mah-jongg, held banquets, and visited madams. Most mornings, the commander usually presided over these activities, and at first, I reported for duty as well. But I soon realized it was a waste of time and came very rarely. At headquarters, most staff members wore long gowns or Western-style suits, while military uniforms were a rare sight.” Most senior military personnel were trained at the Baoding Military Academy during the early republic. 2/3rds of commanders in chief, 37 %of army commanders, and 20 % of division commanders were Baoding graduates. Higher-ranking officers were more likely to have launched their careers there. In contrast, only 10 % of division commanders and a few army commanders were graduates of the Whampoa Military Academy. Additionally, commanders trained in local military schools and those with combat experience accounted for 1/3rd of all commanders. While the prevalence of civil war provided opportunities for rapid promotion, it also hindered officers' ability to update their training or gain experience in different military branches. German advisors expressed their concerns to Chiang Kai-shek, emphasizing that officers should first serve in junior roles before taking command. During one battle in 1938, Chiang noted, “Our commanders in chief are equivalent only to our enemy's regiment commanders, and our army and division commanders are only as competent as our enemy's battalion and company commanders.” Despite not viewing high-ranking Japanese officers as great strategists, Nationalist officers respected them as highly competent, diligent, and professional commanders who rarely made critical errors. The infantry was the primary component of the Nationalist army, with middle and junior infantry officers constituting over 80 %of all army officers. A 1936 registry of military officers listed 1,105 colonels and 2,159 lieutenant colonels within the infantry, demonstrating a significant outnumbering of Baoding graduates at ranks below lieutenant colonel. However, the quality of middle and junior infantry officers declined during the Sino-Japanese War; by 1944, only 27.3 % of these officers were from formal military academies, while those promoted from the ranks increased to 28.1 %. In 1937, 80 % of officers in an ordinary infantry battalion were military academy graduates, but this percentage dropped to 20 % during the war. Its hard to tell how educated soldiers were before the war, but it is generally believed that most were illiterate. In 1929, sociologist Tao Menghe surveyed 946 soldiers from a Shanxi garrison brigade and found that only 13 percent could compose a letter independently, while the rest had either never learned to read or were unable to write. In contrast, in August 1938, General Feng Yuxiang found that 80 percent of a regiment in Hunan were literate. Regardless, during the Sino-Japanese War, the quality of recruits steadily declined. More than 90 percent of soldiers were illiterate, and few possessed any basic scientific knowledge, which hindered their ability to master their weapons. On the battlefield, they heavily relied on middle and junior officers for guidance.  In autumn 1933, General Hans von Seeckt, the architect of the post World War I German army, visited China at the personal invitation of Chiang Kai-shek. In his recommendations for military reform, he identified China's greatest problem as its excessively large forces drawn from diverse backgrounds. He stated, “At present, the most pressing goal is to... establish a small, well-equipped army with high morale and combat effectiveness to replace the numerous poorly armed and trained forces.” He suggested forming an army of sixty divisions and recommended the establishment of a training regiment for military officers to equip them with the skills needed for modern warfare. Chiang Kai-shek accepted von Seeckt's proposals, and on January 26, 1935, he convened a National Military Reorganization Conference in Nanjing. On March 1, the Army Reorganization Bureau was established in Wuchang, under the leadership of General Chen Cheng. In the same month, General Alexander von Falkenhausen took charge of the German Military Advisors Group. Before war broke out, around nineteen divisions, roughly 300,000 troops received training from German advisors and were equipped with German-style weapons. At the onset of the Sino-Japanese War, the forces stemming from the First Army of the National Revolutionary Army and the Whampoa cadets, who had fought in the Northern Expedition, held the highest reputation and were referred to as the “core central forces” by the Japanese. Other notable forces included the Guangxi Army, Northwestern Army, Northeastern Army, some Uyghur units, the Guangdong Army, and the Shanxi Army. In contrast, provincial forces such as the Yunnan Army and Sichuan Army were viewed less favorably. Nationalist forces were generally far inferior to those of the Japanese enemy. In 1937, General He Yingqin noted that Nationalist forces had failed to prevail in 1932 and 1933, even when outnumbering the Japanese by 4-1.  In November 1937, during a national defense conference, Chiang Kai-shek stated, "In recent years we have worked hard, prepared actively, and achieved national unification. By the time of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, we were in a better domestic situation and had improved military preparedness compared to before. Since 1935, our strength has doubled. It increased by more than two to three times since January 1932 or September 1931 [when Japan attacked Shanghai and Mukden]. If peace had been achievable, we should have delayed the war for two or three years. Given an additional three years, our defensive capabilities would have been drastically different... Now, if we merely compare the military strength of China and Japan, we are certainly inferior." However, such assessments were overly optimistic, as Chiang failed to recognize that Japan's military capabilities would not have stagnated. 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. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek certainly was dealt a difficult hand of cards for the upcoming poker match he was to play. Yet the Chinese were resilient and they had to be for the absolute horror that would be inflicted upon them from 1937-1945. Until this point, their enemies had been far more lenient, the Empire of Japan would show no mercy.

Getting your five flags down is the ultimate way to become bulletproof, and make sure all you have worked for, and WILL work for stays out of danger.  Hearing about this for the first time was so exciting and invigorating to me when I first learned about it, and I hope you will feel the same way, after hearing Episode 205.   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (And Bonus Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   For Decentralized Crypto Trading (US Citizens Can Join) - https://nononsenseforex.com/decentralized-trading-platform/   Blueberry Markets Blog (Top FX Broker) - https://nononsenseforex.com/uncategorized/blueberry-markets-review-my-top-broker-for-2019/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   Check out my Forex trading material too! https://nononsenseforex.com/   The host of this podcast is not a licensed financial advisor, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading Forex involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits. We are not taking requests for episode topics at this time.  Thank you for understanding.

Disappointment is absolutely rampant in trading, and hits you at so many different points in your trading career.  But we never stop to think WHY it's happening, and if these feelings are positive or negative overall, because yes, they can absolutely be positive.   #TradingPsychology   Maverick Links   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Forex Trading:  URL: https://maverickfx.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=vpyt   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Currencies: URL: https://maverickcurrencies.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=VPPodPsych   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Trading's Stock/Options Division: URL: https://mavericktrading.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=VPPodPsych   Maverick Trading YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mavericktrading   Robb's Flat Earth Trading Society https://www.youtube.com/@FlatEarthTradingSociety   No Nonsense Forex Links   VP's Trading Psychology Book https://nononsenseforex.com/forex-psychology-book/   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (Bonus and Contest Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   Blueberry Markets Blog (Top FX Broker) - https://nononsenseforex.com/uncategorized/blueberry-markets-review-my-top-broker-for-2019/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   The hosts of this podcast are not licensed financial advisors, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading anything involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits.

The spiritual teaching of nonduality, which stems from the Indian philosophy of advaita, teaches that consciousness is the primary reality, the fundamental essence of the cosmos. On the other hand, the current scientific worldview holds that the physical world is primary, and that consciousness somehow, in ways that we do not yet understand, emerges from it. Both views have their challenges. If consciousness is primary, why do we not see it in all things? Conversely if the physical world is primary, how does consciousness arise from something as insentient matter? Peter Russell proposes that the solution to these problems lies in the recognition that information is fundamental to both realities, and physical reality, as we conceive of it, is but a representation of the external world appearing in the mind. This turns our current worldview inside-out; and into one that both beliefs can inhabit. --- Peter Russell studied theoretical physics, experimental psychology, and computer science at the University of Cambridge. He then went to India, to study meditation and Eastern philosophy, and on his return conducted research on the psychology of meditation. A leading thinker on consciousness and contemporary spirituality, he coined the term "global brain" with his 1980s' bestseller of the same name in which he predicted the Internet and the impact it would have on humanity. Other books include The Awakening Earth, Waking Up in Time, From Science to God, and his most recent, Letting Go of Nothing. Peter is a fellow of The World Business Academy, The Institute of Noetic Sciences, The Findhorn Foundation, and an Honorary Member of The Club of Budapest. --- Interview Links: — Peter's website: www.peterrussell.com/index.php — Peter's books: https://amzn.to/3WRrnhd

In an industry where adaptability defines success, Monte Hewett is positioned at the intersection of traditional homebuilding and general contracting. On this week's episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, hosted by Carol Morgan of Denim Marketing, Hewett shares insights into how his company navigates the evolving demands of today's housing market by blurring the lines between fee building, general contracting and development. How the Post-Recession Market Shaped New Business Models President of Monte Hewett, Hewett was fee building long before it became a buzzword in residential construction. The post-recession market created unique opportunities that shaped his business model. “Post-recession, as far back as 2011-2012, a lot of investors bought property that had been foreclosed on, or they bought it as an opportunity to hold and build. They realized that they couldn't sell the lots or, if they did, wouldn't get the return they were looking for,” Hewett explained. “A lot of them came to us and said, ‘Why don't you go and build this land out for us, these lots and on a fee basis or a fee plus a profit share.'” This approach allowed Hewett to develop a parallel income stream while maintaining the quality standards for which his company is known. Over time, this evolved into a versatile business model that spans different market segments and product types. “I ended up building just about any type of product for a partnership that was not for sale, or if it was for sale, maybe I'm building it for somebody that doesn't have the capability to build it but wanted to be the owner on that project,” Hewett said. The diversity of Hewett's current projects demonstrates this versatility. On one end of the spectrum, he's building $2 million villas in Druid Hills. Conversely, he's constructing affordable housing units in southwest Atlanta through a tax-incentivized program. Various for-sale developments across the metro area are between these extremes, including The Towns at Wire Park in Watkinsville, The Harman in East Atlanta, Findley Row in Alpharetta and an upcoming development in Milton. Early Involvement & Collaborative Project Management Hewett's approach to general contracting goes beyond simply building what's been designed. He emphasizes the importance of early involvement in the process to maximize value for investors. “We start most of them in the design phase. We're not acquiring sites, so they'll bring us a site and say, ‘This is what we're trying to do,'” Hewett said. “For the most part, we're going in early, and sometimes we're even working on the product and building the budget as we go.” This collaborative approach helps avoid what Hewett calls “scope creep,” which occurs when amendments during construction lead to costly change orders. By establishing a clear scope statement early and working toward a guaranteed maximum price, his team can better manage expectations and deliver projects on time and within budget. Design Expertise Creating Distinctive Communities Hewett's design expertise is a significant value-add. He often contributes to site planning and amenity design to create distinctive communities. He shared an example of designing a mid-century modern clubhouse for a project called Clifton, adding value that the owners didn't envision initially. “I took it upon myself to design that clubhouse and felt like I had some creative ideas that would differentiate that product for the owners,” he said. “I added, I believe, to that project a component that they wouldn't have done themselves.” His approach to amenity centers reflects changing lifestyle needs, focusing on creating spaces that integrate into the social fabric of communities where many residents now work from home. “You never want to take the lowest bid,” he cautions. “In England, on public projects, they take the second lowest. Someone might come in low, and they see the plans are going to need a lot of architectural changes because they...

The jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking trial consists of 12 individuals—eight men and four women—ranging in age from 30 to 74, with an average age of 52. They hail from various neighborhoods in New York, including Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester, and possess diverse professional backgrounds, from deli clerks to scientists. Notably, all jurors hold college degrees, with some having advanced degrees such as master's and PhDs. During the selection process, jurors were questioned about their familiarity with Combs, their ability to remain impartial, and their capacity to handle the graphic nature of the evidence and testimonies expected during the trial.The composition and impartiality of this jury are crucial to the trial's outcome. Given Combs' high-profile status and the serious nature of the charges—including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of prostitution—the jurors' ability to remain unbiased is paramount. The defense has acknowledged Combs' past abusive behavior but argues that the alleged acts were consensual and part of a particular lifestyle, aiming to distinguish them from criminal conduct. Conversely, the prosecution presents a narrative of coercion and exploitation, with testimonies from individuals like Cassie Ventura detailing alleged abuse and manipulation. The jurors' interpretations of these accounts, influenced by their backgrounds and perceptions, will ultimately determine the verdict in this significant case.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Diddy federal trial jury seated with 8 men, 4 women jurors | Fox News

It's been awhile, let's do some Q&A.    Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (And Bonus Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   For Decentralized Crypto Trading (US Citizens Can Join) - https://nononsenseforex.com/decentralized-trading-platform/   Blueberry Markets Blog (Top FX Broker) - https://nononsenseforex.com/uncategorized/blueberry-markets-review-my-top-broker-for-2019/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   Check out my Forex trading material too! https://nononsenseforex.com/   The host of this podcast is not a licensed financial advisor, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading Forex involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits. We are not taking requests for episode topics at this time.  Thank you for understanding.

Wondering how you can increase the value of your home? Listen to this episode of the Home Sweet Home podcast with Compeer Home to learn important information about which home improvement projects are worth the payoff. This podcast episode features certified appraisers Carissa Schultz and Hannah Korish discussing factors that add value to rural homes. They highlight improvements like adding bathrooms, updating kitchens, and increasing square footage as valuable. Conversely, luxury features like hot tubs and oversized heating systems may not add value. They also emphasize the importance of knowing the local market and contacting Compeer Home for advice on potential upgrades.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A verity that applies to both evil and good is that they both have consequences.Whether an action is considered good or evil, it inevitably sets off a chain of events. Good actions can lead to positive outcomes, fostering trust, happiness, and well-being. Conversely, evil actions often result in suffering, destruction, and the erosion of relationships and societies.This principle of cause and effect is a fundamental truth that transcends the moral valence of the initial act.The Books of Knowledge Discussed:DC Jarvis Vermont Folk MedicineThe Human Body Book101 Reasons Why a Cat is Better Than a Man- Allia ZoebelPortland Undercover How To Visit New England's Hippest City Without Looking Like a Tourist Chris BarryPortland- John MoonSecret Memory TechniquesBook 1 Kyoto, 1771 Translated by Michael R. GurnerFly Boy Dr. Anthony MetivierVictorious Mind Dr. Anthony MetivierALL Contributory to Grandpa Bills developing Mnemonic Fictional "The Greater Portland Crab Caper"

In this podcast, I talked with Dr Gordon Flett about the psychology of mattering, a topic in which he has been a leader in the field. Mattering is a core component of one's self concept which refers to a genral sense of being significant, and valued in our relationships. A felt sense of mattering is a strongly protective factor against a variety stressors. Conversely, the absence of mattering has been associated with depression and suicidal ideation. A sense of mattering becomes especially relevant  during the adolescent years as fitting in with peers becomes so important The importance of mattering is an idea that immediately resonates with many people and is the  theme in movies such as It's a Wonderful Life and Mr Holland's Opus. Unfortunately, in keeping with the crisis in youth mental health, survey data suggest that about 30% of adolescents do not feel or are not certain that they matter to anyone. So this is obviously an important topic for us to consider Dr Flett has written two books on the psychology of Mattering: Mattering As A CORE Need in Children and Adolescents  and The Psychology of Mattering: Understanding the Human Need to be Significant In an earlier podcast  on 9/13/22, I also talked to Dr Flett about his book he coauthored with Paul Hewitt Perfectionism in Childhood and Adolescence: A Developmental Approach The Mattering Movement website is an excellent source of information https://www.thematteringmovement.com/ see also https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/27/well/mind/mental-health-mattering-self-esteem.html  

In-house billing offers enhanced internal control and potential return on investment but entails higher costs and staffing challenges. Conversely, outsourcing is cost-effective, transparent, and consistent but may result in skewed control of financial operations and introduce hidden costs.Terry discusses this important topic with healthcare consultant Donna White, covering the best option for different-sized practices.

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after Denver's Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Among the topics discussed: + Game 4 reactions: The worst first quarter in the history of baskets or balls? Yes. + What's to blame for the poor start? Tired legs? The 36-hour crunch between games? Both? + What's wrong with Nikola Jokic? Another tough outing has some wondering if the arm sleeve is thinly concealing a nagging injury. The 3-point and free throw lines weigh in. + Conversely, has anyone done more to elevate their stock than Aaron Gordon in these NBA Playoffs? Could the Nuggets ever consider trading a player who's cemented his status as one of the most beloved players on the team? + What do the Nuggets need to do to survive the Thunder and advance to the Western Conference Finals? Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel

Read OnlineJesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.” John 10:27–28The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is an endearing image. Many artists have depicted the gentleness of Christ as He leads His sheep or carries a straying lamb on His shoulders. We are given this image today as we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday.In our short Gospel passage today, Jesus addressed some of the Jews who were trying to trap Him in His speech. Prior to this passage, they asked Him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” To that, Jesus responded, “I told you and you do not believe.” Jesus answered this way because the people questioning Him were not interested in actually knowing whether He was the Messiah. Instead, they wanted to accuse Him of blasphemy. But Jesus tells them that He already told them Who He was through His works: “The works I do in my Father's name testify to me.”Do you see the works of God in your life? If you do, then it is important to understand that Jesus' works are one of the primary ways that He speaks to you and leads you as your Shepherd. God certainly speaks to us through His Word as it is revealed in the Scriptures and in the teachings of the Church. But He also speaks to us through His works. Among the many works of God in your life is the work of grace by which God enables you to grow in virtue. Therefore, it is important to look for the ways that supernatural virtue grows in your life. For example, do you see courage in the face of fear? If so, what is God saying to you through the increase of this virtue? Do you see a supernatural ability to forgive another? If so, what is God telling you through the increase of that virtue? Do you see an increase in the virtue of piety, by which your life of prayer becomes more important to you? If so, what is God saying to you through the increase of this virtue?The discernment of the will of God enables us to hear His voice and follow Him. And one of the best ways to discern the will of God is to look for the ways that God is touching your life. Where you see virtue increase, the will of God is present and is calling you to grow in that area. Conversely, if there is something in your life that leads you to sin, and, thus, a decrease in virtue, then this is also God's voice telling you to avoid these things. Reflect, today, upon God's actions that are perceptible in your life. Even though God speaks clearly to us through His revealed Word, He also speaks to us and shepherds us through His discernable touching of our souls. Where you see virtue increase, you will find the will of God. Where you see virtue decrease, you will not find the will of God. Listen to God as He speaks to you this way so that you will hear His voice, follow Him and receive eternal life.My revealing Lord, You speak to me day and night, calling me to follow You as my Shepherd. May I learn to perceive Your voice as You speak to me in varied ways so that I can more readily follow You wherever You lead. Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I trust in You.  Main image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

I'm going to tell you how I pick my crypto positions.  I will explain why I put my money where I put it.  I will then tell you why the Jupiter token (JUP) is next on my list.  All right here in episode 203.     Blueberry Trading View Promotion - https://nononsenseforex.com/blueberry-markets-tradingview-promotion/   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (And Bonus Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   For Decentralized Crypto Trading (US Citizens Can Join) - https://nononsenseforex.com/decentralized-trading-platform/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   Check out my Forex trading material too! https://nononsenseforex.com/   The host of this podcast is not a licensed financial advisor, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading Forex involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits. We are not taking requests for episode topics at this time.  Thank you for understanding.  

On the fourth day of jury selection for Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, the process focused on narrowing down the remaining pool of 45 prospective jurors. Judge Arun Subramanian, along with prosecutors and defense attorneys, conducted in-depth interviews to assess potential biases, particularly concerning jurors' exposure to a 2016 video showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Several candidates were dismissed due to their familiarity with the footage or personal experiences with sexual assault, which could affect their impartiality. The defense and prosecution utilized their peremptory strikes—ten for the defense and six for the prosecution—to finalize a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates. The selection process concluded on Friday, May 9, setting the stage for opening statements scheduled for Monday, May 12Throughout the selection process, the court encountered a mix of serious and unexpected moments. Some prospective jurors shared personal traumas, including experiences with sexual assault, leading to their dismissal. Conversely, lighter moments emerged, such as a juror admitting to stealing a Harry Potter wand during their youth and another confessing to falling asleep while binge-watching a television series. Judge Subramanian even joked about the extensive list of names involved in the case, comparing it to a Tolkien novel. These instances highlighted the challenges of assembling an impartial jury for a high-profile case involving a celebrity defendant.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Diddy trial delayed as judge makes shock ruling on witnesses | Daily Mail Online

Insecurity is more than just lack of confidence; it's a fear of how others see you and judge you.  Almost every (male for sure) trader alive has gone trough this, or will go through it soon.  If you ever join a prop firm?  Oh boy, get ready for a heavy dose of this.  VP and Robb have 5 solutions to attack this issue before it starts, because there is zero upside to having this particular character trait as a trader.   TED Talk Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc&t=4s   Maverick Links   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Forex Trading:  URL: https://maverickfx.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=vpyt   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Currencies: URL: https://maverickcurrencies.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=VPPodPsych   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Trading's Stock/Options Division: URL: https://mavericktrading.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=VPPodPsych   Maverick Trading YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mavericktrading   Robb's Flat Earth Trading Society https://www.youtube.com/@FlatEarthTradingSociety   No Nonsense Forex Links   VP's Trading Psychology Book https://nononsenseforex.com/forex-psychology-book/   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (Bonus and Contest Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   Blueberry Markets Blog (Top FX Broker) - https://nononsenseforex.com/uncategorized/blueberry-markets-review-my-top-broker-for-2019/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   The hosts of this podcast are not licensed financial advisors, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading anything involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits.

TRANSITIONING TO CV FREE HIRING   The CV has been around for maybe even longer than recruiting itself become a distinct profession, so are we destined to forever have a document like this in our hiring process? What does it look like if we can remove the CV - does it thicken our pipeline, improve it or make it even harder to handle or process?   Lets have a chat with TA leaders who have made the shift to CV Free Hiring and see if we can learn how they did it, what they learned and what they would recommend to others contemplating the same.   - Why CV Free Hiring? - How does this argument translate into the business case? - What types of scenario is optimal for CV Free Hiring? - What kind of roles are most suitable for it? - Conversely, what scenarios / roles are NOT suitable for CV free hiring? - Change management: what were the expected outcomes of shifting to CV free hiring? - What challenges can TA Leaders expect to encounter? - How did you handle them? - What did the recruitment team think of CV free hiring? - What TA strategies are eliminated by going CV Free hiring - presumably, sourcing? - Short / Medium / Long term outcomes of the shift - CX impact?   All this and more as we tackle an issue whose moment may be now!     We are on Friday 9th May, 2pm BST with Jessie Schofer, Founder (Stakked), Matthias Schmeisser, VP People & Operations (Emnify), Tony McCaffery, Founder (Diversity Scotland) & Kare Heward, Talent Acquisition Manager (QVC)   Register by clicking the green button and follow the channel here (recommended)       Ep306 is sponsored by our friends at Willo     Recruiting for high-volume positions in a global, diverse workforce is increasingly challenging, especially when relying on traditional methods and the limitations of written CVs. Managing thousands of applications manually is not only exhausting and inefficient, it can also prevent you from finding the top talent your organization needs to thrive.   Enter Willo. The award-winning team is transforming the hiring process with a dynamic candidate screening solution that users love, backed by an NPS score to prove it!   Their web-based, human-centric platform enables candidates to record responses to a predefined set of questions at their convenience. With over 5,000 secure integrations, Willo makes it easy to supercharge your recruitment process, reduce bias, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion goals—all while helping you tap into a larger, more exciting pool of global candidates.   Book a demo at willo.video this month to get 10% off—just use the coupon code "brainfood”. That's W-i-l-l-o dot video.

Today's podcast features Stephen Calkins, a law professor at Wayne State University in Detroit and former General Counsel of the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”). President Trump recently fired, without good cause, the two Democratic members of the FTC, leaving only two Republican members as commissioners. He did this even though the FTC Act provides that a commissioner may be fired by the President only for good cause and that the commission is to be governed by a bi-partisan 5-member commission This is the third time in the past few weeks that Trump has fired without good cause democratic members of other federal agencies; the other two being the National Labor Relations Board (The “NLRB”) and the Merit Selection Protection Board (The “MSPB”). The statutes governing those two agencies, like the FTC Act, allow the President to fire a member of the governing board for good cause only. The fired members of all three agencies initiated lawsuits in federal district court for the District of Columbia, seeking mandatory preliminary injunctions requiring those agencies to reinstate them with back pay. We discuss the status of the two lawsuits and how the outcome will turn on whether the Supreme Court will apply or overrule a 1935 Supreme Court opinion in Humphrey's Executor, which held that the provision in the Constitution allowing the President to fire an FTC commissioner for good cause only did not run afoul of the separation of powers clause in the Constitution. Conversely, the Supreme Court will need to determine whether the Supreme Court opinion in Seila Law, LLC V. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should apply to these two new cases. In Seila Law, the Supreme Court held on Constitutional grounds, that the President could fire without good cause the sole director of the CFPB even though the Dodd-Frank Act allowed the President to fire the sole director of the CFPB for good cause only. Until this gets resolved, the FTC will be governed only by two Republican commissioners who will constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting official business. Professor Calkins explains how a Supreme Court ruling in these two new cases upholding Trump's firing of the Democratic members of the agencies could enable the President to fire without good cause members of other multiple-member agencies, like the Federal Reserve Board. We then discuss the status of the following four final controversial FTC rule, some of which were challenged in court: the CARS Rule, the Click-to-Cancel Rule, the Junk Fee Rule, and the Non-Compete Rule. We also discuss the impact of President Trump's Executive Order requiring that all federal agencies, including so-called “independent” agencies, must obtain approval from the White House before taking any significant actions, like proposing or finalizing rules. Then, we discuss the status of enforcement investigations and litigation and whether any of them have been voluntarily dismissed with prejudice by the FTC under Trump 2.0, whether any new enforcement lawsuits been filed, and what they involve. We discuss our expectation that the FTC will be a lot less active in the consumer protection enforcement area during Trump 2.0. We then discuss the impact on staffing because of DOGE-imposed reductions-in-force. Finally, we touch upon the status of pending antitrust enforcement lawsuits. Alan Kaplinsky, former practice group leader for 25 years of the Consumer Financial Services Group and now Senior Counsel, hosts the discussion.

This Week's Panel - Big Ell, wildwest08   Question of the Week - What are games or genres that you liked as a kid that you don't like as much now? Conversely, are there any games or genres you DIDN'T like as a kid that you grew to like as you got older?   Show Discussion - Ell played yet another Eastasiasoft game that involves LOTS and LOTS of JUMPING! He also enjoyed another secret game that he will divulge. He may even have a potty mouth this episode. Oops! Wildwest played a secret game. If you don't read the show notes. And nobody does. So it's still a secret. We've got targets, RTDL, and Game Pass news. Welcome to Achievement Hunting 101!   Games Mentioned: Big Ell - Go Go Jump!!! wildwest08 - Sid Meier's Civilization VII   ----- AH101 Podcast Show Links - https://tinyurl.com/AH101Links Intro music provided by Exe the Hero. Check out his band Window of Opportunity on Facebook and YouTube

【聊了什么】 美国的北方邻国加拿大刚刚经历了一场联邦大选。民调一度大幅落后的自由党，在新党魁、前央行行长马克·卡尼（Mark Carney）的带领下赢得连任，但仅获少数政府；一度被高度看好的保守党及其「小特朗普」式党魁博励志（Pierre Poilievre）痛失好局，本人甚至丢掉了自己的国会议席。 这场「逆风翻盘」背后，特朗普扮演了极不寻常的角色。从挥舞关税大棒，到宣称「加拿大应成为美国第51州」，特朗普的一系列言行如何深刻影响了加拿大选民的情绪和选择？博励志试图模仿的「枫叶MAGA」路线，为何在加拿大行不通？ 面对国内的住房危机、通胀压力，以及来自美国的贸易战和威胁和主权挑战，技术官僚卡尼将在「后特鲁多时代」带领加拿大走向何方？ 我们请到两位加拿大的朋友昌西和Sagar，一起复盘这场邻国大选。 播客文字稿 https://theamericanroulette.com/canada-election-trump-carney-transcript/ 本期节目录制于5月1日。 【支持我们】 如果喜欢这期节目并希望支持我们将节目继续做下去： 也欢迎加入我们的会员计划： https://theamericanroulette.com/paid-membership/ 会员可以收到每周2-5封newsletter，可以加入会员社群，参加会员活动，并享受更多福利。 合作投稿邮箱：american.roulette.pod@gmail.com 【时间轴】 01:34 大选结果：自由党逆风翻盘与特朗普的关键影响 05:05 特鲁多十年回顾：从高光时刻到少数政府困境 29:10 保守党与博励志：「枫叶MAGA」为何在加拿大行不通？ 35:36 大选背景：通胀、移民与民粹主义暗流 37:50 代际鸿沟：年轻人右倾与选民议题差异 42:23 博励志个人政治前途未卜 49:24 新民主党惨败：策略投票与政党困境 55:53 保守党未来：内部分裂风险与派系矛盾 59:29 华人等少数族裔选票与选区分析 01:04:50 新总理卡尼：技术官僚的登场与挑战 01:13:52 特朗普时代的美加关系 01:23:41 美加关系的「新常态」与加拿大多边主义外交的未来 【我们是谁】 美轮美换是一档深入探讨当今美国政治的中文播客。 我们的主播和嘉宾： 小华：媒体人 王浩岚：美国政治爱好者，岚目公众号主笔兼消息二道贩子 昌西：曾担任自由党国会党团幕僚 Sagar：全球市场交易员 【 What We Talked About】 Up North, Canada just experienced a dramatic federal election. The Liberal Party, led by new leader and former central bank governor Mark Carney, achieved a stunning comeback despite trailing badly in the polls, securing a minority government. Conversely, the Conservatives, once poised for victory under their Trump-like leader Pierre Poilievre, suffered a major setback, with Poilievre himself losing his seat in Parliament. What role did US President Trump play in this surprising turnaround? His tariff threats and extraordinary claim that Canada to become the 51st U.S. state reverberated across the border. How did this influence Canadian voters? And why did Poilievre's attempt at a "Maple MAGA" strategy fall flat? In the post-Trudeau era, how will the technocratic Mark Carney navigate Canada through its housing crisis, inflation, and the unprecedented pressure – covering trade, threats, and sovereignty – from its southern neighbour? We're joined by two friends with insights from Canada, Chauncey and Sagar, to dissect this pivotal election next door. This episode was recorded on May 1st, 2025. 【Support Us】 If you like our show and want to support us, please consider the following: Join our membership program: https://theamericanroulette.com/paid-membership/ Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/americanroulette Business Inquiries and fan mail: american.roulette.pod@gmail.com 【Timeline】 01:34 Election Results: Liberal Comeback & Trump's Key Influence 05:05 Trudeau's Decade: From Highlights to Minority Government Struggles 29:10 Conservatives & Poilievre: Why "Maple MAGA" Failed in Canada? 35:36 Election Context: Inflation, Immigration & Populist Undercurrents 37:50 Generational Divide: Youth Rightward Shift & Voter Issue Priorities 42:23 Poilievre's Uncertain Political Future 49:24 NDP's Crushing Defeat: Strategic Voting & Party Struggles 55:53 Conservative Future: Risk of Internal Splits & Factionalism 59:29 Analysis: Chinese & Other Minority Votes in Key Ridings 01:04:50 New PM Carney: The Technocrat's Arrival & Challenges 01:13:52 US-Canada Relations in the Trump Era 01:23:41 The "New Normal" for US-Canada Ties & Canada's Multilateral Future 【Who We Are】 The American Roulette is a podcast dedicated to helping the Chinese-speaking community understand fast-changing U.S. politics. Our Hosts and Guests: 小华 (Xiao Hua): Journalist, political observer 王浩岚 (Haolan Wang): American political enthusiast, chief writer at Lán Mù WeChat Official Account, and peddler of information Chauncey: Former staffer for the Liberal Party's parliamentary caucus Sagar: Global Markets Trader 【The Links】 https://theinitium.com/zh-hans/opinion/20250113-canada-trudeau-resign

Episode 201 focused on the "why".  Now we tell you how we escape the purposely restrictive and miserable lives most people lead, and put the pieces together to become financially independent, and bullet-proof to the entire world.   Blueberry Markets Trading View Promo - https://nononsenseforex.com/blueberry-markets-tradingview-promotion/   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (And Bonus Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   For Decentralized Crypto Trading (US Citizens Can Join) - https://nononsenseforex.com/decentralized-trading-platform/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   Check out my Forex trading material too! https://nononsenseforex.com/   The host of this podcast is not a licensed financial advisor, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading Forex involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits. We are not taking requests for episode topics at this time.  Thank you for understanding.

It's another edition of The Podbag on this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran responds to questions, comments and takes submitted by fans, consisting this week of all Buffalo Bills and including where the 2024 Bills draft class stands one year later.It's near impossible to tell if a draft class will ultimately pan out well or not after just one year and this past one was no exception, but there's certainly clues. Patrick discusses how opportunity still knocks big time for the first two picks, Keon Coleman and Cole Bishop and how they could carry roles significant to the success of the 2025 Bills. Conversely, even after just one year it's getting harder to see a clear path for third round pick Dewayne Carter getting consistent playing time after Brandon Beane traded up for defensive tackles two times in the first four rounds last week. Ray Davis seems pretty locked into the same role he had in 2024, at least for this season while the others from the 2024 class are pretty locked into roster depth, though Patrick has some decently high hopes for Javon Solomon.Also, the Bills signed wide receiver Elijah Moore on Wednesday and Patrick thinks it's a very good move, especially for this time of the offseason. It also alleviates or at least should some of the frustration of the Bills not taking a wide receiver before the seventh round last week and let's not forget—Moore just turned 25 years old.Patrick also responds to takes involving first-round cornerback Max Hairston, people who think trading up for TJ Sanders was dumb, if Damar Hamlin's roster spot could be in trouble and some perhaps going overboard on the Kansas City praising. That plus a few thoughts on yesterday's show with Bills superfan Tommy Parzymieso and much more. ♦♦♦♦♦Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast Substack: Patrick Moran's SubstackTwitter: @PatrickMoranTBBlue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.socialInstagram: @PatrickMoranTBFacebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red'sat 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it's a great place to drink and have a great time.

Aram and Jack answer your submitted questions!DiscordJack has mentioned that Blake Snell and Max Muncy, while good, are not his tempo for enjoying baseball. Who are some other “objectively good” players that aren't your cup of tea? Conversely, who are some personal favorites of yours that the aesthetic out matches the production? I'm gonna pencil in mikael Garcia for you Pete - Shaan Donohue on DiscordIf the Astros fail to make the playoffs this season, what direction do they head in, after almost a decade of success it's probably hard to push the reset button but could you guys see them doing that? - Ryan on DiscordNext question is a Yankees two-parter, what should the Yankees do when Giancarlo Stanton comes back? Ben Rice has outplayed his expectations and deserves a spot in the lineup. Do the Yankees platoon Rice against RHP and Stanton against LHP, or should they force someone else out of the lineup? - Chase on DiscordWho is ur favorite post hype breakout this year and why? - Durph on DiscordTwitterWho are some of the young guys who should be next up for a pre-arb extension? - @skylerclifton on XCan you predict the best players at each position in 2030 - @levig1423 on XInstagramWho is Luis Robert Jr. at this point? - Kyle Stelter on IGBased on Tuesday's episode, who are the current aces in Major League Baseball? - Jackson Jobe on InstagramJoin Our New Discord!Subscribe to Our New Newsletter!Get Your Just Baseball MerchUse Code "JUSTBASEBALL" when signing up on BetMGMSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-just-baseball-show/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're exploring a truth so simple yet profound it almost feels like a secret; every problem we have comes from just one thing--our own mind. Specifically, our problems come from misperceiving reality: we see our worries, fears, and stresses as big, immovable mountains. In reality, they're more like clouds, shifting and changing with the winds of the mind.   Nothing is as fixed as it seems. Everything depends on perception (even that thing you're stressing about right now). Could we change our perception and enjoy whatever arises? Buddhist Teacher, JoAnn Fox, offers two ways to practice this wisdom.   Practice 1 Radical Love "The universe is an example of love. Like a tree. Like the ocean. Like my body. Like my wheelchair. I see the love." "I love every thing in the universe. That's all I do all day." --Ram Dass What if we opened our hearts wide enough to love everything that arises — the sweet, the strange, the inconvenient, and the miraculous? This practice invites us to shift our perception and welcome everything that happens. This practice is not about pretending things don't hurt or denying difficulty—but softening into life so deeply that we stop resisting what arises. What we perceive depends upon the mind that perceives it. For example, the mind of anger perceives irritating or threatening things. Conversely, when the mind is pervaded by love, that mind loves whatever it sees. Could we train our minds to love everything we see? A long line, a loud neighbor, a mistake, a moment of joy, a compliment… each becomes a chance to stay open. Today, try saying, "I love this," no matter what happens. Just see how it feels. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the blissful mind that can love it all. Practice 2: What's the best that could happen? The mind of worry conjures up what we fear. The worst-case scenario hasn't happened and may not happen, but we let these figments of our imagination torment us. Instead, we can practice a beautiful little mind trick: instead of thinking, "What's the worst that could happen?" we'll contemplate, "What's the best that could happen?" Perhaps everything will play out in ways that are incredibly healing or positive; there's no way to know for sure. So why not plant hope instead of fear and watch what grows? This small shift can reveal a whole new way of experiencing your life. Whoever Knows [one's own] former lives, Sees both the heavens and states of woe, Has attained the end of birth, Is a sage, perfected in the higher knowledges, And has perfected all perfections, I call a brahmin. (423) --Buddha, The Dhammapada Verse 423  References with Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories, Verses 419 and 420. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=423 Tsering, Geshe Tashi (2005). The Four Noble Truths: The Foundation of Buddhist Thought Volume 1 (Kindle). Wisdom Publications.   *** To register for two free virtual classes, “Developing Universal Love and Compassion” on Saturday, May 10 and 17, 2025 visit www.BuddhismForEveryone.com   Find us at the links below:  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox X: @Joannfox77 TikTok: @buddhism4everyone  

Welcome back to America's #1 Daily Podcast,  featuring America's #1 Real Estate Coaches and Top EXP Realty Sponsors in the World, Tim and Julie Harris. Ready to become an EXP Realty Agent and join Tim and Julie Harris?  Visit: https://whylibertas.com/harris or text Tim directly at 512-758-0206. ***************************

Welcome to the Health Marketing Collective, where strong leadership meets marketing excellence. In today's episode, host Sara Payne sits down with Mike Cronin, Cofounder and Chief Strategist at Verve, to explore the evolving landscape of creativity in B2B healthcare marketing. Mike, whose impressive résumé includes brand and campaign strategy for UnitedHealth Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, and revered consumer brands like Harley-Davidson and Samuel Adams, brings a rare blend of creative vision and strategic rigor to his work. His fundamental belief? That creative work's purpose is to move people, not just fill space. In this conversation, Mike and Sara dive deep into how B2B health brands can move beyond “safe” ideas and unlock emotionally resonant, unforgettable campaigns—even within highly regulated and risk-averse spaces. They discuss why simplicity is a superpower, the importance of strategic “boxes,” and how marketing leaders can create environments where big swings are encouraged, not stifled. Along the way, Mike shares memorable stories from his work (including a campaign that fused Lizzo's “Good as Hell” into healthcare advertising), offers insight into the universal human truths marketers often miss, and outlines what separates teams that produce great creative from those that simply make noise. Thank you for being part of the Health Marketing Collective, where strong leadership meets marketing excellence. The future of health care depends on it. Key Takeaways: Creativity Thrives Within Constraints: Mike challenges the conventional wisdom of “thinking outside the box.” He argues that true creativity is often unlocked not by limitless freedom, but by well-defined strategic constraints. It's within the confines of a focused brief—what Mike calls “the freedom of a tight brief”—that intelligent, emotionally resonant ideas emerge. Rather than aiming for “crazy” or “flashy,” the best creative is smart, intentional, and purpose-driven. Emotion and Human Truth are Universal, Even in B2B: B2B often gravitates toward rational benefits: cost savings, efficiency, or productivity. But, as Mike notes, even financial administrators and clinicians are humans first—they respond to messages that tap into universal emotions and experiences: hope, fear, dignity, and relief from frustration. Brands that connect on this human level, rather than just touting features and benefits, become memorable and meaningful. Strategic Alignment is the Key to Unlocking Great Creative: Teams that produce truly breakthrough work consistently prioritize strategy. When everyone is aligned on the core insight and brief, creativity can flow freely within those parameters. Conversely, weak or vague direction leads to “safe,” generic campaigns. Mike's experience shows that great creative always starts with a shared, sharp strategic foundation. Boldness is Essential for Breaking Through the Noise: Healthcare, especially B2B, often defaults to playing it safe (“everything's blue”)—but in a crowded marketplace, standing out is non-negotiable. Mike advocates for boldness that is grounded in the brand's truth and strategically anchored. The result: unforgettable, not just noisy, marketing. Leadership's Role: Foster Honesty, Empathy, and Trust: Leadership sets the tone for creativity and trust. Mike urges CMOs and marketing leaders to lead with clarity and honesty—eschewing “BS” and toxic positivity for real, truthful dialogue about challenges and opportunities. Teams (and audiences) respond to authenticity; when leaders call things as they are and create space for truth, better work results. Resources and Contact: Want to connect with Mike or learn more about Verve's approach to strategic creativity? Visit

In this episode of Enrich Your Future, Andrew and Larry Swedroe discuss Larry's new book, Enrich Your Future: The Keys to Successful Investing. In this series, they discuss Chapter 31: The Uncertainty of Investing.LEARNING: Equity investing is always about uncertainty. “Most investors think of investing as much more like risk and forget there's a lot of uncertainty. That's a problem because investing is always about uncertainty. You have to recognize that we cannot rely on historical data to tell us that much about the future.”Larry Swedroe In this episode of Enrich Your Future, Andrew and Larry Swedroe discuss Larry's new book, Enrich Your Future: The Keys to Successful Investing. The book is a collection of stories that Larry has developed over 30 years as the head of financial and economic research at Buckingham Wealth Partners to help investors. You can learn more about Larry's Worst Investment Ever story on Ep645: Beware of Idiosyncratic Risks.Larry deeply understands the world of academic research and investing, especially risk. Today, Andrew and Larry discuss Chapter 31: The Uncertainty of Investing.Chapter 31: The Uncertainty of InvestingIn this chapter, Larry explains the difference between risk and uncertainty. He highlights that one of the most important concepts to grasp is that investing is about dealing with both risk and uncertainty.University of Chicago professor Frank Knight defined risk and uncertainty as follows: Risk is present when future events occur with measurable probability. Uncertainty is present when the likelihood of future events is indefinite or incalculable. Larry further explains that risk involves known probabilities, like casino odds or life insurance estimates, while uncertainty involves unknown outcomes, such as major events like the Great Depression or COVID-19.Larry explains that we sometimes know the odds of an event occurring with certainty. For example, because of demographic data, we can reasonably estimate the odds that a 65-year-old couple will have at least one spouse live beyond 90. However, we cannot know the exact odds because future advances in medical science may extend life expectancy. Conversely, new diseases may arise that shorten life expectancy.Why must you understand the difference between risk and uncertainty?Larry insists that it is crucial to understand the difference between risk and uncertainty. This understanding is key, as many investors mistakenly view equities as closer to risk, where the odds can be precisely calculated. This misconception often arises when economic conditions are favorable. The ability to estimate the odds gives investors a false sense of confidence, leading them to make decisions that exceed their ability, willingness, and need to take risks.However, Larry adds that the perception of equity investing shifts from risk to uncertainty during crises. Since investors prefer risky bets (where they can calculate the odds, like investing in a stable company with a proven track record) to uncertain bets (where the odds cannot be calculated, like investing in a startup with an unpredictable future) when the markets begin to appear to investors to become uncertain, the risk premium demanded rises, and that is what causes severe bear markets.Further, dramatic falls in prices lead to panicked...

Our latest podcasts reviews strategies to reduce dementia.The New York Times article from April 23, 2025, discusses a study identifying 17 overlapping factors that influence the risk of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. The research emphasizes that lifestyle changes can simultaneously lower the risk of all three conditions. Experts highlight that these diseases often coexist due to shared underlying damage to small blood vessels in the brain, with risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes contributing to this damage.The study identifies six factors that protect against brain diseases. These include low to moderate alcohol intake, consistent cognitive activity through mentally stimulating tasks, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, dairy, fish, and nuts, moderate to high levels of physical activity, a strong sense of purpose in life, and maintaining a large social network. Conversely, the article outlines 13 health characteristics and habits that increase the risk of developing these conditions, such as high blood pressure, high body mass index, high blood sugar, high total cholesterol, depressive symptoms, a diet high in red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets and sodium, hearing loss, kidney disease, pain (particularly when it interferes with activity), sleep disturbances, a smoking history, loneliness or isolation, and general stress or stressful life events.The article emphasizes that reducing high blood pressure is particularly beneficial, as it is the greatest individual risk factor for developing stroke, dementia, and depression. It also suggests incorporating physical and mental exercises into one's routine, ideally with friends to add a social element. The best time to start making these lifestyle changes is in middle age to prevent early disease development. Ultimately, the article encourages readers to view these factors as a "menu of options," tackling them step-by-step to take better care of their brain health.#BrainHealth #DementiaPrevention #StrokePrevention #DepressionAwareness #HealthyLifestyle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg discuss the top stories around Major League Baseball with betting leans for this week and beyond. The Inside Pitch, recorded April 28 with Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers, reviews MLB standings and focuses on Yankees bullpen changes. Devin Williams lost the closer role after posting an 11.25 ERA, allowing 12 runs, 12 hits, and 7 walks in just 8 innings. Towers attributes Williams' struggles to mental weakness under New York pressure rather than mechanics, noting his strikeout rate dropped to 18.2% and sweet spot contact rose to 42.9%. Luke Weaver, who has thrown 14 scoreless innings with only 3 hits allowed and 14 strikeouts, steps in as closer. Weaver's mindset and adaptability were praised. The discussion predicts Williams could struggle further when used earlier in games to rebuild confidence. The Orioles are highlighted as the best "over" team at home due to poor pitching, favoring the over nine-and-a-half total in the Yankees-Orioles matchup. Conversely, an under nine bet is favored in the Rangers-Athletics game, citing solid pitching from Patrick Corbin and JP Sears. Gunnar Henderson's slump is analyzed: batting .220 with a 29.1% strikeout rate and minimal walks, attributed to over-aggression. Team evaluations followed: the Yankees and Red Sox are considered legitimate, Tampa Bay consistent but streaky, while skepticism is directed at the Blue Jays and Orioles sustaining competitiveness. In the AL Central, the Tigers are viewed as legitimate division contenders, with the Royals better than their record suggests. Towers criticizes the MLB's reduced minor leagues for worsening player development and opposes expansion. Aaron Judge's performance is lauded as historically elite with a 13.7 WAR across the last year, comparable to Babe Ruth's best seasons. Judge's discipline at the plate and patience are credited for his continued dominance. In the NL East, the Mets' excellent pitching and 12–1 home record establish them as serious contenders. Towers expects the Braves to rebound and questions the Phillies' consistency due to defensive lapses. In the Central, the Cubs are seen as overperforming, while Cincinnati, led by an improving Elly De La Cruz, is a value pick. Further analysis highlights Judge's league-best weighted runs created plus and criticizes the Dodgers' injury problems, blaming organizational changes to pitching mechanics. The Padres and Mariners are praised for pitching but have offensive concerns; the Rangers are expected to surge in the AL West. Award discussions follow: Aaron Judge and Pete Alonso are MVP favorites, Tariq Skubal and Logan Webb are Cy Young contenders. Top prospects like Roman Anthony and Jack Caglione are discussed cautiously, with Towers warning that MLB's fast-tracking approach harms long-term player development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unless you were born super rich, we all start off as peasants in this life.  The goal of the system is to keep you there as long as possible, if not forever, and they do a really great job of this.  Peasantry isn't just a way of life, it's a mindset, it has to be in order to keep you there.  Therefore, the only way to break free is to think CONTRARIAN to the way THEY think.  If you never quite understood the vital importance of thinking like we do, there's no better time to start, here in Episode 201.   Get Your Free 3 Months of TradingView Here -  https://nononsenseforex.com/blueberry-markets-tradingview-promotion/   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (And Bonus Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   For Decentralized Crypto Trading (US Citizens Can Join) - https://nononsenseforex.com/decentralized-trading-platform/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   Check out my Forex trading material too! https://nononsenseforex.com/   The host of this podcast is not a licensed financial advisor, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading Forex involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits. We are not taking requests for episode topics at this time.  Thank you for understanding.

Send us a textWhat if the purest form of yourself already exists beneath all the accumulated layers of fear, doubt, and attachment? Jesus's profound statement "you are clean because of the word I have spoken into you" holds a transformative truth that transcends religious boundaries.This cosmic "word" isn't merely language but the foundational vibration that quantum physicists, Buddhists chanting "Om," and Christians ending prayers with "Amen" all recognize—though through different lenses. When we quiet our minds enough, we can hear this subtle internal humming that sustains our very existence. The revolutionary understanding is that we don't need to become clean or worthy; we already are at our core. Our spiritual journey involves stripping away what obscures this divine vibration rather than adding something new.The metaphor of cutting fruitless branches to allow fruitful ones to flourish perfectly illustrates how alignment works in our daily lives. When we pursue paths that aren't meant for us—pushing uphill against divine guidance out of fear or attachment—we struggle unnecessarily. Conversely, when we follow our true calling, even challenges feel supported by a greater flow. This doesn't require perfect alignment before taking action. In fact, I share how I've applied this principle to my own creative journey, transitioning from music production to DJing and organizing community events without waiting for perfect conditions.The practical Five Second Rule provides a powerful tool for breaking through resistance: when divine inspiration strikes, count down from five and take immediate physical action before your mind talks you out of it. As alignment deepens, you'll need less willpower because you're naturally flowing with rather than against your divine nature.Join our growing community exploring these principles through our members club, weekly calls, and upcoming events in Austin, New York, and Bali. Experience firsthand how cutting what doesn't bear fruit creates space for unprecedented growth in your life and work. What fruitless branch might you need to release today? Support the showConnect with me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/arlinwww.8AMapp.com

Tom welcomes back Peter Goodburn from WaveTrack International to discuss his analysis of the financial markets. Goodburn's focus is on Elliott Wave analysis and he believes that the current market environment can be understood as a binary relation to tariffs. If tariffs continue, stock markets will decline, and gold prices will rise. Conversely, if negotiations cool off, the stock market may recover, but gold prices may experience profit-taking sell-offs. Goodburn also shared his perspective on interest rates, suggesting that Treasury yields are heading lower due to the perception of increasing inflation risks. He believes this decrease in yields indicates that a US downturn is likely, although he did not specify a timeframe for when this may occur. The interview also touched upon copper prices, with Goodburn noting that China's position on strategic metals could impact their availability and pricing going forward. As the conversation concludes, Goodburn emphasized the importance of following price levels and wave patterns instead of being overly reliant on news flow to make trading decisions. Time Stamp References:0:00 - Introduction1:00 - Analysis of the Markets3:27 - S&P Charts & Sentiment10:37 - Nasdaq Outlook13:04 - Blow-Off Technicals17:42 - Global Capital Rotation24:54 - Global Market Surveys25:37 - Dr. Copper & Tariffs31:38 - China & Rare Earths34:26 - Gold's Strength & Inflows38:12 - Gold Pullback Coming?44:47 - US Dollar Thoughts48:30 - Jerome Powell & Rates51:13 - Weak Canadian Peso54:55 - Treasuries & Yield Spikes59:22 - Tariffs & Inflation1:04:50 - Crude Oil Prices1:09:06 - Wrap Up Guest Links:Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElliottWave_WTIWebsite: https://wavetrack.com Peter Goodburn is the founding partner of WaveTrack International. His trading experience spans back to the late 1970s working then in the commodities business for exchange members and their clients. In those earlier years of his career, he created the first OTC (over-the-counter) copper option product based upon the Comex (New York) contract around the mid-eighties, and in the same period, devised Opval, an option-evaluation software program that is currently used in many of the major market-making institutions of today. His fascination with price activity and how that related to the news flow within the markets captured his imagination early on. Peter's first annual diary of 1978 records his notes and remarks on how the interaction and relationship of fundamental news and price movement often contradicted themselves. Some years later, this was to ignite his interest in causal theory and naturally, the Elliott Wave Principle. He was first introduced to the Elliott Wave Principle in the mid-eighties listening to daily updates of financial commentary by Bob Beckman on LBC radio (London Broadcasting Company). This led him to the work of Frost/Prechter and their first re-publication of R.N.Elliott's (1871-1948) original treatise of 1938 (The Wave Principle) and 1946 (Nature's Law – The Secret of the Universe), entitled "the Elliott Wave Principle" (1978). Peter's a self-proclaimed purist of the Wave Principle but has developed a unique approach of geometric Ratio & Proportion that is instrumental in maintaining a dispassionate and objective view of the market. He has applied this analysis to every major asset class over the years, stocks, bonds, currencies & commodities, and promotes the importance of interdependency of the combined group. Peter has been a member of the U.K.'s Society of Technical Analysts (STA) for over twenty-five years and is a Certified Financial Technician recognized by the International Federation of Technical Analysts (IFTA). He has taught the Elliott Wave Principle to students at the London School of Economics as part of the STA's diploma program and is a member of the Foundation for the Study of Cycles and the Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology and Life Sciences.

- Are we in seek of purpose or a dopamine rush - contemporary artist - What is lyrical poetry This discussion explores the fundamental drivers of human behavior, questioning whether our primary motivation stems from a deep-seated 'seek for purpose' or the immediate gratification of a 'dopamine rush.' The "purpose" perspective suggests humans are driven by a desire for meaning, long-term goals, and a sense of contribution. Conversely, the "dopamine rush" theory posits that we are primarily motivated by the pleasure and reward associated with dopamine release in the brain, often through immediate and stimulating experiences. The discussion likely delves into the interplay between these two drivers, considering whether they are mutually exclusive, how they influence our choices and well-being, and the potential consequences of prioritizing one over the other in modern society. It may also touch upon how activities can trigger both a sense of purpose and a dopamine release. _______________________________ https://pentoprint.org/product/see-write-on-issue-24-here/#write-on-24/1/

​In the latest pretrial rulings for Bryan Kohberger's upcoming murder trial, Judge Steven Hippler has made several key decisions. He ruled that testimony from a surviving roommate, who described seeing an intruder with "bushy eyebrows," is admissible. Despite the defense's objections regarding the reliability of this observation, the judge emphasized that the witness's account is consistent and relevant, allowing the jury to assess its credibility. Additionally, Judge Hippler permitted prosecutors to present evidence linking Kohberger to an Amazon purchase of a knife similar to the one believed to have been used in the crime, as well as surveillance footage of a vehicle matching his Hyundai Elantra. Conversely, the judge granted the defense's request to exclude emotionally charged terms like "psychopath" and "sociopath" from the trial proceedings.Regarding Kohberger's mental health, Judge Hippler decided that evidence of his autism spectrum disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder cannot be introduced to explain his courtroom demeanor unless he chooses to testify. The judge noted that Kohberger's behavior in court has been appropriate and that introducing such evidence without his testimony could confuse the jury. However, if Kohberger testifies, or if his mental health conditions become directly relevant to specific aspects of the case, the court may revisit this decision.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Idaho murders trial judge rules on Bryan Kohberger's autism defense and if roommate can say 'bushy eyebrows' | Daily Mail Online

Our fear of death is like our fear that summer will be short, but when we have had our swing of pleasure, our fill of fruit, and our swelter of heat, we say we have had our day.Becoming the storm and staging the dual games of memory and mindfulness practice will help you remain in a watchful state of becoming Becoming the Eye While Playing the Games of TimeThe Human Compass: Navigating Life's Storms with Memory and MindfulnessBecoming the Still Point: How Reflection and Presence Fuel Your EvolutionThe Watchful Heart: Finding Strength and Growth in the Dual Games of TimeFrom Chaos to Clarity: Your Human-Centric Path to BecomingPlaying with Presence: Mastering Life's Challenges Through Memory and MindfulnessWe all navigate storms in life. Sometimes they rage around us, threatening to pull us under. But what if, instead of merely enduring, we learned to become the eye of our own storm? This isn't about suppressing the turbulence, but about cultivating an inner stillness, a core of self-awareness that allows us to observe and respond with clarity and intention.This human-centric approach to navigating challenges emphasizes our inherent capacity for agency and resilience. It's about recognizing that while we can't always control the external winds, we can learn to anchor ourselves within. This active engagement with adversity transforms it from a force that overwhelms us into an opportunity for profound growth. We become active participants in our own evolution, learning and adapting with each gust and downpour.But how do we cultivate this inner stillness and proactive resilience? The answer lies, in part, in staging what I like to call the dual games of memory and mindfulness. These aren't separate pursuits, but rather interconnected practices that leverage our uniquely human experience of time.The Game of Memory: Our memories are more than just recollections of the past; they are rich tapestries woven with lessons, emotions, and connections that shape who we are. By mindfully revisiting these memories, we can extract valuable insights, identify patterns, and foster gratitude. This isn't about dwelling in the past, but about consciously learning from it to inform our present and future.The Game of Mindfulness: Grounding ourselves in the present moment through mindfulness allows us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. It cultivates a sense of calm and clarity, enabling us to respond to the here and now with greater intention. This presence is the anchor in our inner storm, the still point from which we can observe the swirling winds.The true power lies in the interplay between these two games. By bringing mindful awareness to our memories, we can process past experiences with greater objectivity and extract deeper understanding. Conversely, the wisdom gleaned from our past can enrich our present moment awareness, guiding our actions and shaping our becoming.This dynamic interplay fosters a watchful state of becoming. We become more attuned to our internal landscape and external environment. We learn to anticipate, adapt, and grow with conscious intention. It's a human-centric path that honors our past, embraces our present, and empowers us to shape our future with wisdom and resilience.So, let us embrace the potential to become the eye of our own storms, skillfully playing the dual games of memory and mindfulness. In doing so, we cultivate a deep and abiding sense of self, capable of navigating life's inevitable turbulence with grace and strength.

​In the latest pretrial rulings for Bryan Kohberger's upcoming murder trial, Judge Steven Hippler has made several key decisions. He ruled that testimony from a surviving roommate, who described seeing an intruder with "bushy eyebrows," is admissible. Despite the defense's objections regarding the reliability of this observation, the judge emphasized that the witness's account is consistent and relevant, allowing the jury to assess its credibility. Additionally, Judge Hippler permitted prosecutors to present evidence linking Kohberger to an Amazon purchase of a knife similar to the one believed to have been used in the crime, as well as surveillance footage of a vehicle matching his Hyundai Elantra. Conversely, the judge granted the defense's request to exclude emotionally charged terms like "psychopath" and "sociopath" from the trial proceedings.Regarding Kohberger's mental health, Judge Hippler decided that evidence of his autism spectrum disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder cannot be introduced to explain his courtroom demeanor unless he chooses to testify. The judge noted that Kohberger's behavior in court has been appropriate and that introducing such evidence without his testimony could confuse the jury. However, if Kohberger testifies, or if his mental health conditions become directly relevant to specific aspects of the case, the court may revisit this decision.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Idaho murders trial judge rules on Bryan Kohberger's autism defense and if roommate can say 'bushy eyebrows' | Daily Mail OnlineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

You enjoy those times when you can just feel your mind, your personality, indeed your whole being just humming along on all cylinders. Conversely, you feel miserable when you feel as if you are disintegrating mentally and emotionally. That's when everything goes wrong. Is there a way out? Is there a way to tune up your inner life and thus improve your practical day to day life? Yes there is and this show is all about doing exactly that. Check out Scrolling Through Scripture here  Scrolling Through Scripture - Free Lesson Some say "I don't have the time". In this show you will discover the secret of not having time.       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're not thinking big enough.  Imagine taking part in the trillions of dollars spent every day on stocks, bonds, real estate, entertainment, damn near everything.  This is the role Real World Assets will one day play in our lives, and will dominate the financial landscape.  But are we too early?  Who are the major players in the space right now?  Should you invest while the space is still in its infancy?  The masters of the financial universe have already done it, we know this much.  Are you going to sit there and bet against them??  Maybe, just maybe you should be allocating a bit of your own money here now as well.  We show you how and where, in our 200th episode.   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (And Bonus Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   For Decentralized Crypto Trading (US Citizens Can Join) - https://nononsenseforex.com/decentralized-trading-platform/   Blueberry Markets Blog (Top FX Broker) - https://nononsenseforex.com/uncategorized/blueberry-markets-review-my-top-broker-for-2019/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   Check out my Forex trading material too! https://nononsenseforex.com/   The host of this podcast is not a licensed financial advisor, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading Forex involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits. We are not taking requests for episode topics at this time.  Thank you for understanding.

You enjoy those times when you can just feel your mind, your personality, indeed your whole being just humming along on all cylinders. Conversely, you feel miserable when you feel as if you are disintegrating mentally and emotionally. That's when everything goes wrong. Is there a way out? Is there a way to tune up your inner life and thus improve your practical day to day life?  Yes there is and this show is all about doing exactly that. Check out Scrolling Through Scripture here - Scrolling Through Scripture - Free Lesson. Some say "I don't have the time". In this show you will discover the secret of not having time.  

This post elaborates on the sensitivity research section of The HSP Owner's Guide. Differential susceptibility is a key concept in high-sensitivity research. In simple terms, it means that the more sensitive you are, the more your environment impacts you. As a highly sensitive person (HSP), you might notice that some people thrive in situations where you feel discombobulated. Conversely, when conditions feel right, you may experience more intense joy, connection, and growth than others. It's the idea that some people are more responsive to their environment—for better or worse. For HSPs, this heightened responsiveness is a defining trait linked to their depth of processing, shaping how they experience life. However, it's important to remember that not all HSPs are the same. Sensitivity is just one part of who we are, and how we respond to our environments can vary widely. https://youtu.be/GIIKRuy5TOw What is Differential Susceptibility? Differential susceptibility means that the more sensitive someone is, the more influence their environment has on them. We might think of it like a spectrum of responsiveness. On one end, some people are like sturdy structures, able to adapt to a wide range of conditions without much change. On the other hand, many HSPs are finely tuned instruments that process their environment in depth. This can allow them to thrive in supportive settings but may also make them more vulnerable in harsh ones. For many HSPs, this means they are deeply affected by their upbringing, current environment, and the people around them. In favourable conditions, they may flourish more intensely than others, finding creative flow, experiencing strong empathy, and having deep insights. In unfavourable conditions, they might struggle more than others, feeling overstimulated or drained, unable to utilise the and share the fruits of their high sensitivity. This heightened responsiveness isn't a weakness—it's a unique way of engaging with the world that comes with challenges and strengths. That said, again to reiterate, not all HSPs will respond the same way. Sensitivity interacts with other aspects of personality, life experiences, and individual differences. How Does Differential Susceptibility Shape Our Lives? Differential susceptibility shows up in tangible ways for many HSPs. Here's how it might play out, maybe you recognise your own experiences in these examples: Growing Up: The Impact of Early Environments Supportive Upbringing: If an HSP grows up in a nurturing environment—where their sensitivity is understood and valued—they are more likely to develop strong emotional intelligence, creativity, and resilience. Challenging Upbringing: If an HSP grows up in a less supportive environment—where their sensitivity was dismissed or criticised—they might have learned to hide their true self, leading to feelings of disconnection or self-doubt. For example, imagine an HSP who grew up in a chaotic and unpredictable household. If there is constant noise or tension, that person's nervous system is more likely to be dysregulated, overstimulated and seeking safety from unsafe sources. They may assume the "tiny adult" role, feeling responsible for trying to keep the environment 'in balance' by fawning, people pleasing, monitoring moods (over empathy). But if that same HSP had grown up in a calm, supportive home, they might have thrived, using their sensitivity to connect deeply with others and appreciate life's beauty. Adulthood: Creating Nurturing Environments Favourable Conditions: When HSPs are in environments that honour their sensitivity—like a peaceful home, a supportive workplace, or a close-knit community—they often bring incredible strengths. They may notice what others miss, create spaces of warmth and connection, and approach challenges creatively and empathetically. Unfavourable Conditions: In overwhelming or unsupportive environments—like a stressful job,

Last time we spoke about Yamato's Last Stand. In the spring of 1945, as WW2 intensified, the US Marines commenced a fierce assault on Okinawa. Amidst heavy bombardment, the Japanese 32nd Army fortified their positions, preparing for a desperate counteroffensive. Codenamed Operation Ten-Ichi-Go, Japan's final bid involved the legendary battleship Yamato, tasked with a suicidal mission to confront the American fleet. On April 7, 1945, as the Yamato sailed towards its fate, American forces were ready. Hundreds of aircraft descended upon the ship in a coordinated attack, unleashing bombs and torpedoes. Despite its infamous firepower, Yamato struggled against the relentless onslaught. With its systems failing, Captain Aruga and Admiral Ito made the agonizing decision to go down with their ship. As the proud battleship sank, it symbolized both Japan's indomitable spirit and the crushing weight of defeat, forever etching its story into the annals of military history. This episode is the First Okinawa Counteroffensive Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, 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 world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two 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 you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  Picking up from last time. The Japanese naval-air counteroffensive against Admiral Spruance's forces at Okinawa had been decisively defeated with minimal losses, allowing General Buckner's 10th Army to proceed with the land offensive largely without interference. While General Geiger's Marines advanced toward the sparse Japanese defenses in northern Okinawa, General Hodge's 24th Corps in the south encountered the main enemy line of resistance centered around the Shuri fortified zone. Initially, the 32nd Army had declined to launch a land counteroffensive in conjunction with Operation Ten-Go and the Yamato's suicide attack, fearing that the Americans might execute another amphibious landing at Machinato while the Japanese wasted their strength in a futile effort to reclaim the airfields. However, pressure from Tokyo and Formosa compelled General Ushijima to resume planning for this operation. Ultimately, it was decided that instead of initiating a broad counterattack, the Japanese would deploy a brigade-strength force overnight on April 12 to breach the American lines and advance approximately six miles. If successful, this would be followed by a general attack. Accordingly, Colonel Yoshida Masaru's 22nd Regiment was assigned to the 62nd Division and assembled northeast of Shuri, tasked with attacking through enemy lines east of the Ginowan Road and advancing toward Shimabuku. To bolster this offensive, General Fujioka was also instructed to deploy three reserve battalions for a three-pronged attack from the west aimed at Chatan. However, Colonel Yahara, 32nd Army operations chief, strongly opposed the counterattack plan, feeling that it was not in keeping with the army's defensive mission and that it would waste men. He succeeded in getting the 1st Battalion of the 22d Regiment and elements of the 23d IIB cut from the counterattack force. He made a dire prediction that the infiltrating units, unfamiliar with the terrain in their attack sectors, would get lost, confused, and cut to pieces during a night assault. Taking a sidenote here, I read Yahara's rather famous novel about his experience of the battle for Okinawa and I highly recommend it to all of you. It's a great insight into the perspective of the Japanese and how the leadership were beginning to change their mind on how to go about the war. Yahara, acting without Ushijima's knowledge, advised Fujioka to commit only four battalions to the attack, predicting it would inevitably fail. Meanwhile, the American offensive was still in progress. On April 9, as Major-General George Griner's 27th Division landed at the Orange Beaches near Kadena, the ships of Colonel Waltern Winn's 105th Regiment met with Admiral Blandy's Eastern Islands Attack and Fire Support Group at the Kerama Islands, preparing to move to Tsugen Island overnight. Following a preliminary air and naval bombardment, which saw some Japanese mortar fire in response, Winn's 3rd Battalion successfully landed on the morning of April 10. The Americans then advanced inland with light resistance, quickly securing the northern part of the island but failing to overrun the entrenched enemy positions in Tsugen village. The assault continued the next day against persistent opposition, but organized resistance gradually diminished, allowing the Americans to secure the rest of the island by nightfall, marking the conclusion of the Eastern Islands operation. On April 11, General Shepherd's Marines continued to probe for the main enemy positions in northern Okinawa; the 1st Battalion, 22nd Marines patrolled eastward from their new base at Shana Wan, while the 29th Marines advanced toward Manna. Due to this progress, Buckner decided to fully merge Phases I and II, ordering the 77th Division to capture Iejima on April 16. To the south, Colonel Albert Stebbins's 106th Regiment was attached to the 96th Division, moving toward that division's reserve area, while Colonel Gerard Kelley's 165th Regiment relieved the 17th Regiment in the corps service area. Most significantly, General Bradley continued his attacks on Kakazu Ridge, with the 1st Battalion, 381st Regiment attempting to assault the western slopes but halted short of the ridge crest by determined defenders. At the same time, the 3rd Battalion, 383rd Regiment pushed up the northwest slopes of Kakazu Ridge but was also pinned down by intense Japanese fire. Simultaneously, following an intense artillery bombardment, the 1st Battalion of the 32nd Regiment finally succeeded in breaking into Ouki. However, additional reinforcements were thwarted by heavy Japanese fire, forcing the troops to retreat. With no further advancements, the 7th Division and the 382nd Regiment were relegated to patrolling and mopping up their designated areas over the next few days. At sea, Admiral Ugaki resumed his kamikaze assaults that day, damaging the carriers Essex and Enterprise, the battleship Missouri, and eight destroyers. However, his primary operation commenced on April 12, when he launched approximately 380 aircraft for a second mass Kikisui attack, primarily targeting Admiral Turner's Task Force 51 west of Okinawa. Thanks to cryptanalysis warnings, Turner scrambled his own fighter planes, which successfully shot down 298 Japanese aircraft. Despite attempting numerous missions, Kanoya's specially trained 721st Kokutai Jinrai-Butai “Divine Thunder” unit had so far failed to launch a single Ohka suicide rocket against the Americans. On April 12, however, eight Betty bombers would finally launch six Ohkas against the 5th Fleet, although five Betties never returned. At RPS-14, about 70nm northwest of Okinawa, a Zero plowed into Mannert L. Abele's engine room at 14:40, its 500lb bomb exploding and leaving the destroyer dead in the water. One minute later an Ohka came screaming in at 575mph, slammed into Mannert L. Abele and exploded. She sank in five minutes, losing 97 dead. Mannert L. Abele was the first destroyer hit by an Ohka and the last sunk by one. Destroyer-minesweeper Jeffers, en route to assist Mannert L. Abele, observed a twin-engined bomber eight miles away drop a smoking “belly tank” that suddenly rocketed towards Jeffers “at terrific speed.” Numerous 40mm hits and hard maneuvering saw the Ohka miss Jeffers astern and disintegrate. Additionally 3 battleships, 14 destroyers, 2 destroyer minesweepers, and another landing craft were damaged. Meanwhile, Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 57 was ordered to strike the Shinchiku and Matsuyama airfields in northern Formosa, and over the next two days, 48 Avengers and 40 fighters successfully attacked Shinchiku and Kiirun Harbor. On Okinawa, the 6th Reconnaissance Company captured Bise Saki with minimal resistance, while the 29th Marines faced significant opposition southeast of Manna near Mount Yae-Take, indicating where the main enemy forces were located. This prompted Shepherd to reposition the 3rd Battalion, 22nd Marines to Awa as his new divisional reserve. At the same time, Japanese guerrillas managed to retake Ishikawa, which they would hold for the following two days. Facing south, the 96th Division made another attempt to capture Kakazu but was once again thwarted by the determined defenders. By this time, approximately 5,750 Japanese soldiers were estimated to have been killed in the southern region, while the 24th Corps suffered losses of 451 men killed, 2,198 wounded, and 241 missing. In the afternoon of April 12, 1945, in Warm Springs, Georgia, while sitting for a portrait by Elizabeth Shoumatoff, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said: "I have a terrific headache." He then slumped forward in his chair, unconscious, and was carried into his bedroom. The president's attending cardiologist, Howard Bruenn, diagnosed a massive intracerebral hemorrhage. At 3:35 pm, Roosevelt died at the age of 63. His declining health had been kept secret from the public, leading to shock and sorrow worldwide upon the news of his death. Harry Truman, who was serving as vice president in 1945, succeeded FDR as president. Meanwhile, back in Okinawa, Fujioka initiated his counteroffensive after a heavy artillery bombardment, advancing his four battalions to secretly infiltrate the American lines. On the eastern front, the 22nd Regiment struggled to advance due to becoming disoriented in unfamiliar terrain.  The night attacks suffered from several unexpected problems. Heavy shelling had changed the landscape, blasting away villages and thickets, so that even though night infiltrators knew their maps and thought they knew the terrain, they lacked the landmarks needed to tell them where they actually were. Moreover, frequent illumination shells forced the eyes of night infiltrators to adjust so many times that their capacity to adjust was lost. They became temporarily blinded and so were unable to move. Because of the unfamiliar terrain and flash blindness, the Japanese night fighters had difficulty reaching their assigned objectives. In fact, it was hard for them to reach their jumping-off points. Continuous naval bombardment of crossroads and bridges forced units to rush across in small groups between shells so that the units became strung out on the roads and difficult to control. It was hard to move heavy ammunition and supplies forward because of these interdiction points and the generally churned up roads. Even when units reached their northward assembly points safely by night, they were immediately exposed to aerial observation and artillery fire at dawn, since they lacked enough time to dig in. Units that attacked across American lines safely in darkness had the same problem: they lacked time to dig in and so were utterly exposed to artillery fire at morning light. Night attacks, like flanking maneuvers, were a kind of cure-all in prewar Japanese doctrine. But they failed to provide the expeditious results on Okinawa that IJA doctrine had led the 32d Army Staff to expect. Consequently, Yoshida's four infiltration attempts, each involving about a squad, were effectively repelled by troops from the 32nd, 184th, and 382nd Regiments before midnight. The only significant attack came from around 45 Japanese soldiers against the positions held by Company G of the 184th, which quickly returned fire, forcing the enemy to retreat to their caves and trenches. In contrast, the assault on the 96th Division on the western front was intense, sustained, and well-coordinated. The forward units of Major-General Nakajima Tokutaro's 63rd Brigade launched their own local offensive to maintain pressure on the thin line held by the 382nd and 383rd Regiments, while elements from the 23rd, 272nd, and 273rd Independent Battalions infiltrated the American lines and moved into the Ginowan area. The majority of the 272nd Division launched an assault on American positions at Kakazu Ridge, enduring intense naval and artillery fire but ultimately being repelled by the determined defenders after several hours of combat. By morning, the bodies of 317 enemy soldiers were counted on the ridge, whereas the Americans suffered 50 casualties. Meanwhile, the 273rd Division attacked along the west coast against the recently arrived 2nd Battalion of the 106th Regiment, which decisively repelled the Japanese assault and nearly annihilated the independent battalion. Despite this, some units from the 23rd and 272nd Independent Battalions managed to penetrate approximately 1,000 yards behind American lines between Nishibaru and Kaniku but became isolated after dawn on April 13. Throughout the day, Bradley's troops worked to eliminate these infiltrators, many of whom detonated explosives when trapped. When these units retreated into Japanese lines later that night, only half of their original numbers had survived. Just before midnight, the reserve 9th Company of the 22nd Regiment launched an attack against the 184th Regiment following preparatory artillery fire, but this offensive was quickly disrupted by artillery, mortars, and machine-gun fire. On April 14, Nakajima's forces attempted two more assaults on Kakazu in the early hours, but these attempts were similarly thwarted by artillery and machine-gun fire. Given the failures of the offensives, Ushijima had no choice but to order a suspension of the attack, resulting in a shift to a defensive posture for the Japanese. Over the two days of combat, the 24th Corps reported killing 1,594 Japanese soldiers and capturing four, with losses of fewer than 100 American troops. In the northern region, an extensive air and naval bombardment of Iejima commenced while the Fleet Marine Force Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion landed on Minna Island, securing it without encountering resistance to position artillery units for General Bruce's upcoming attack, which would involve the 305th and 306th Regiments. Meanwhile, in northern Okinawa, the 29th Marines continued to advance against enemy positions at Yae-Take through vigorous patrolling, preparing for a morning assault the next day. Concerned about the pace of progress, Shepherd relieved Colonel Bleasdale of command, replacing him with veteran Colonel William Whaling. However, Shepherd recognized that taking the 1,200-foot summit would require more than one regiment, so he ordered the 4th Marines to move from the east coast to Yofuke and then to the southwest corner of the Motobu Peninsula. Additionally, Colonel Shapley's 3rd Battalion was tasked with moving to Kawada, while the reinforced 2nd Battalion of the 22nd Marines rapidly advanced up the west coast to secure Hedo Misaki. On April 14, Shepherd initiated a coordinated assault on Yae-Take, with Whaling's 3rd Battalion and Shapley's 2nd Battalion advancing from the area around Toguchi against unexpectedly light resistance, while the rest of the 29th Marines moved out from Itomi to clear the Itomi-Toguchi Road. Although the eastern front faced strong opposition and required a change in strategy to advance southwesterly for better elevation advantage, rapid progress was made on the west, prompting Shapley to commit his reserve 1st Battalion to secure the exposed right flank. At the same time, Whaling's 3rd Battalion and Shapley's 2nd Battalion continued their advance against significantly strengthened enemy resistance, ultimately capturing another ridge located 1,000 yards ahead. Initial opposition consisted of small enemy groups. These hostile covering forces employed every available means to delay and disorganize the advance, and to mislead the attackers as to the location of the battle position. The Japanese would lie in concealment, with weapons zeroed in on a portion of a trail, allowing a considerable number of Marines to pass before opening up on a choice target. An entire platoon was permitted to pass a point on a trail without interference, but when the company commander reached that point with his headquarters section, a burst of machine-gun fire killed him and several others. Officer casualties were excessively high. In an area in which there had been no firing for over half an hour, Major Bernard W. Green, commanding the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, was killed instantly by machine-gun fire. No one else was hurt, although Major Green was standing with his operations and intelligence officers on either side of him. Lieutenant Colonel Fred D. Beans, Regimental Executive Officer, assumed command of the battalion. "It was like fighting a phantom enemy." For while the hills and ravines were apparently swarming with Japanese, it was difficult to close with them. The small enemy groups, usually built around a heavy Hotchkiss machine gun augmented by Nambus, would frequently change positions in the dense vegetation. Hostile volleys elicited furious Marine fusillades into the area from whence the firing had come. But after laboriously working their way to the spot, the Marines came upon only an occasional bloodstain on the ground. Neither live nor dead Japanese were to be found. One Marine registered his impression of these tactics by blurting out, "Jeez, they've all got Nambus, but where are they?" Meanwhile, the 29th Marines advanced 800 yards up steep slopes despite facing fierce opposition; however, the 1st Battalion eventually found itself pinned down by intense Japanese gunfire. Additionally, Shapley's 3rd Battalion crossed the island via motor march to relieve the 3rd Battalion of the 22nd Marines in division reserve, which then returned to its patrol base at Majiya. To the south, Hodge recognized the need for a full-scale effort to penetrate the fortified Shuri area, so he scheduled a corps attack involving three divisions abreast for April 19. In preparation, he dedicated the following four days to organizing the assault, with the 27th Division taking over from the 96th Division in the western region of its zone, while smaller local attacks were conducted to enhance forward positions. Aware of the impending major attack, the Japanese used this preparatory period to bolster their defenses with additional supporting weapons. Back to the north, on April 15, most of the 29th Marines consolidated their defenses on high ground and exerted constant pressure on the rear of the Yae-Take position through vigorous patrols to the west and northwest. On the other hand, Whaling's 3rd Battalion advanced east and south approximately 900 yards amidst heavy machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire before being halted by a strong enemy position on Hill 210. Additionally, the 4th Marines faced fierce resistance as Shapley's battalions finally secured Hill 200 and a critical hill mass just southwest of Yae-Take. Fully aware that his primary positions would soon be overrun, Colonel Udo decided to transition to guerrilla tactics by nightfall, relocating his command to the mountainous regions of northern Okinawa via Itomi. In light of these developments, the 1st Battalion, 22nd Marines was placed into division reserve at Awa to allow Shapley's 3rd Battalion to prepare for the following day's assault. On April 16, the offensive resumed, with Whaling's 3rd Battalion swiftly capturing Hill 210 in conjunction with Shapley's 2nd Battalion. Meanwhile, the rest of the 4th Marines secured a ridge just below Yae-Take by midday, while the 29th Marines applied continuous pressure on the rear of Udo's fortified stronghold. While the 4th Marines was storming the fortified position on Yae-Take, the 29th Marines maintained relentless pressure against its rear. The opposition which faced the 29th was similar to that on the front of the 4th. From log-revetted bunkers and occasional concrete emplacements the enemy resisted the advance with increasing stubbornness, supported by machine-guns, mortars, and artillery concealed in ravines and in caves on the high ground. Rugged terrain and an acute supply situation also contributed to the difficulties confronting the 29th Marines in accomplishing its task of clearing the high ground flanking the Itomi-Toguchi Road. The enemy displayed his usual ability to exploit the terrain and derived the maximum benefit from his weapons emplaced in caves and pits and concealed by natural cover. Particularly noteworthy was his use of 20mm dual-purpose cannon against personnel. Fire from these weapons on battalion CPs was a daily occurrence. All roads and natural avenues of approach were covered. Any attempt to move over the easier routes was met with bitter and effective resistance. Consequently, "the method of reducing the enemy positions followed a pattern of 'ridgehopping'," covered by the fires of all supporting weapons. This tactic enabled the attacker to envelop the hostile defenses and reduce them in detail. Numerous abandoned positions and weapons encountered by the 29th indicated that the determination of the Japanese to resist diminished considerably when they were taken from the flank. In contrast to a coordinated advance with all units in contact across a broad front, the action in the zone of the 29th Marines was characterized by attacks that, even when delivered simultaneously, constituted a series of local patrol actions to seize critical positions, followed by mopping up activity within the area. In the afternoon, Shapley's 1st and 3rd Battalions assaulted the formidable mountain, gradually making their way up the steep slope under light and scattered small-arms fire. However, as the Marines reached the peak, they encountered intense fire at close range, which quickly forced them to pull back. After a fierce and close engagement, the 1st Battalion ultimately regained control of Yae-Take, managing to hold the summit against strong Japanese counterattacks, aided by artillery support and Shapley's 2nd Battalion. Meanwhile, at dawn on April 16, two battleships, four cruisers, and seven destroyers under Rear-Admiral Bertram Rodgers launched a heavy bombardment on Iejima, while aircraft bombed and rocketed the island, dropping tanks of napalm on and behind the beaches. Approximately 2,000 Japanese troops, led by Major Igawa Masashi, had destroyed Iejima's airfields and strengthened the central eastern region of the island in an effort to entice the invaders to approach the vulnerable southeastern beaches. Their aim was to annihilate them with concentrated fire from numerous hidden positions in the Pinnacle and the town of Ie. However, the Americans saw through this strategy. Bruce's plan involved landing Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Coolidge's 305th Regiment on the Red Beaches along the southern coast of Iejima and Colonel Aubrey Smith's 306th Regiment on the Green Beach at the island's southwest tip. The 305th was tasked with advancing eastward to capture additional landing areas, while the 306th was to move north and take control of the airfield. Both regiments would then focus on neutralizing enemy strongholds at the island's eastern end. Following intense air and naval bombardments, amphibious tanks and subsequent waves of amphibious tractors surged toward the landing beaches that morning, supported by rocket fire from LCI gunboats. At 07:58, the forward elements of the 1st Battalion, 305th Regiment successfully landed on the southern coast of Iejima, just south of the airfield, while the 3rd Battalion landed on a different beach, 600 yards to the left, three minutes later. At 08:07, the first waves of the 306th Regiment made landfall on Green Beach. The 305th moved swiftly inland over high dunes and then turned east toward Ie, while the 306th advanced 2,000 yards inland to the airfield's western edge, with the reserve 3rd Battalion securing the island's western end. By the afternoon, the troops advanced rapidly, seizing the airfield with only light resistance, achieving a total gain of about 5,500 yards by nightfall. Conversely, the 305th faced stiffer opposition on its way to Ie, managing to advance only about 800 yards eastward while defending against strong nighttime counterattacks. During the night of 16 April the enemy launched a coordinated attack on the 3d Battalion of the 305th. The attack came with suicidal recklessness. The Japanese were supported by mortars and 70-mm. guns, and were armed with small arms, sharpened stakes, bags of hand grenades, and literally hundreds of satchel charges, some of which had been improvised from mortar shells. Japanese worked up to the perimeters in small groups and either threw their satchel charges at close range or blew themselves up in an effort to take Americans with them. Some of the human bombs were successful, but most of the Japanese were killed before they came within effective range. One American had his arm broken by the flying leg of a Japanese soldier who had blown himself up. After hours of wild fighting in the dark the enemy withdrew, leaving 152 of his dead in and around the 3d Battalion's position.  While back at sea, Admiral Mitscher's Task Force 58 had effectively launched attacks on Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Kikaijima, and southern Kyushu over the past four days, the Japanese responded with a series of scattered kamikaze assaults that caused damage to the battleship New York and four destroyers. On April 16, Ugaki initiated his third large-scale Kikisui attack, acutely aware that another failure in the air could spell the doom of Operation Ten-Go. Despite Mitscher's preemptive strikes against Kyushu, where Americans claimed to have destroyed 202 aircraft and damaged 79 at the cost of only nine planes, at least 289 Japanese attackers were still able to launch missions against Spruance's 5th Fleet. Although American interceptors and anti-aircraft fire recorded another 217 kills, the surviving kamikaze pilots managed to sink the destroyer Pringle and inflict damage on the carrier Intrepid, the battleship Missouri, three destroyers, two destroyer minesweepers, and two landing craft. Notably, the destroyer Laffey withstood six kamikaze impacts, four bomb hits, and numerous strafing runs, resulting in 32 fatalities and 71 injuries among its crew. The following day, a smaller attack on April 17 resulted in additional damage to the light carrier Bataan and one destroyer, yet Americans claimed another 49 kills. However, Ugaki had exhausted much of his strength since the invasion began and was left with approximately 598 operational planes. Meanwhile, fighting continued in northern Okinawa, where some surviving troops from Udo advanced toward Nakaoshi to escape the Motobu Peninsula. Supported by heavy artillery barrages and battleship gunfire, the 29th Marines slowly progressed over challenging terrain, encountering only light resistance, as they successfully secured the mountainous area ahead and connected with the 4th Marines. Shapley's 1st and 3rd Battalions continued their push northward toward the Itomi-Toguchi Road, swiftly advancing downhill and completely overwhelming all Japanese defenses in the region. By nightfall, the 4th and 29th Marines had positioned themselves along the elevated terrain overlooking the Itomi-Toguchi Road. The 305th resumed its assault, aiming to capture the high ground behind Red Beaches 3 and 4. The 1st Battalion encountered only minimal resistance along the coast, allowing them to make significant progress, while the 3rd Battalion quickly secured the high ground in its area before being halted by intense machine-gun fire from caves in the coral slopes to the north. A maneuvering strategy followed by an infantry-tank assault eventually neutralized this enemy position, enabling the advance to continue steadily until the 3rd Battalion reached the outskirts of Ie. Due to the strong resistance faced, Bruce opted to deploy Colonel Stephen Hamilton's 307th Regiment on the beaches southwest of Ie. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions were subsequently landed there and launched an attack northeast, quickly advancing approximately 400 yards despite increasingly fierce resistance, ultimately being halted by heavy enemy fire from Bloody Ridge and Government House Hill. Meanwhile, the 306th Regiment maintained its defensive position while probing the enemy's fortifications around Iegusugu. The next day, the 306th began to pivot its right flank and launched an attack toward the Pinnacle with two battalions, making notable progress throughout the day. Concurrently, the 307th continued its advance into Ie despite facing heavy resistance, quickly reaching a standstill in front of Government House Hill. As a result, with the 2nd Battalion effectively immobilized, the decision was made to deploy the 3rd Battalion around to the right flank to launch an assault toward the northeast in the eastern part of the town, while the 3rd Battalion of the 305th Regiment advanced eastward toward Iegusugu. After a heavy preparation by the artillery on Minna Shima, the 3d Battalion, 305th, attacked at 1130 on an 800-yard front. A house-to-house fight ensued amid the rubble of Ie. "Every street became a phase line," one observer reported. The necessity of forming a connecting link over the wide area between the 306th and the 307th made the fight harder. Artillery was ineffective against many enemy positions and could not be used freely because other friendly units were so close by. Self-propelled guns were held up by mines and debris in the narrow streets. After working about halfway through the northwestern section of the town, the troops withdrew to a more secure position on the outskirts, their right (south) flank then being 500 yards west of Government House Hill, and their left (north) flank 100 yards west of the base of Iegusugu. They had made a net gain of only about 350 yards for the day. Similarly, Hamilton's 3rd Battalion achieved moderate success, advancing to a position 300 yards north of the village of Agarii-mae. To protect its right flank, the 1st Battalion of the 305th Regiment positioned itself alongside the 3rd Battalion of the 307th Regiment and launched a northern attack, gaining approximately 1000 yards by day's end before withdrawing to a position about 600 yards east of Agarii-mae. Medium tanks and self-propelled guns covered the gap that developed between the two battalions of the 307th. These weapons put direct fire into caves, pillboxes, and enemy gun positions in the town of Ie and the Pinnacle. They could not be moved close to the enemy positions, however; deadly machine-gun and mortar fire held the infantry back and left the armor vulnerable to suicide attacks by Japanese armed with satchel charges, who hid in holes until the tanks and guns came within range. Meanwhile, after four days of intense fighting, activities in the Motobu area on April 18 were limited to reorganization, consolidating the gains from the previous day, patrolling the Itomi-Toguchi Road, and resupplying. Looking south, Griner called for a nighttime preliminary attack to secure the Machinato Inlet and the Urasoe-Mura Escarpment. As the area was shrouded in smoke during the afternoon, Company G of the 106th Regiment swiftly crossed the inlet and successfully secured Machinato by nightfall, while bridges were constructed at the inlet. The 106th then moved across the bridges, stealthily advancing toward the Urasoe-Mura Escarpment without encountering opposition. Near the summit, the troops launched a surprise ambush against the defenders, ultimately forcing the Japanese to retreat in chaos. With the escarpment secured by dawn, the 106th was prepared to participate in the general attack to the south. 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. The first Okinawa counteroffensive, as part of Operation Ten-Ichi-Go was not achieving results. Despite overwhelming sacrifices of men and supplies, it seemed hopeless for the Japanese on Okinawa. Those like Colonel Yahara could see the paint on the wall, much to their growing depression.

Financial media really told us who they were this week.  A bunch of emotional tampons who do not operate in your best interest.  Could you imagine making decisions based on the extreme fickleness of these people -- people who the populous has declared relevant??  Rekt City.  You may think you're above all of this, but I'll bet you're not.  We're all guilty.  You need to get this crap out of your life as much as possible, it's of top importance these days, and Episode 199 shows you two great ways to do it.   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (And Bonus Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   For Decentralized Crypto Trading (US Citizens Can Join) - https://nononsenseforex.com/decentralized-trading-platform/   Blueberry Markets Blog (Top FX Broker) - https://nononsenseforex.com/uncategorized/blueberry-markets-review-my-top-broker-for-2019/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   Check out my Forex trading material too! https://nononsenseforex.com/   The host of this podcast is not a licensed financial advisor, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading Forex involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits. We are not taking requests for episode topics at this time.  Thank you for understanding.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 China Hikes Tariff Rate4:24 Corn is Friendly11:15 Export Sales13:34 Drought Monitor16:43 South America UpdateChina Announces Tariff Hike to 125%

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on the individualized tariffs imposed on U.S. trading partners, with the exception of China. The pause came roughly 13 hours after the tariffs took effect, and the White House said tariff levels would return to 10% on all imports during the pause. Conversely, President Trump raised the tariff on Chinese imports from 104% to 125%, effective immediately, citing “the lack of respect that China has shown to the World's Markets.” Combined with the existing 20% tariff announced in February, the White House says the effective tariff rate on Chinese imports is now 145%. Additionally, increased 25% tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminum from all countries will remain in place. Ad-free podcasts are here!Many listeners have been asking for an ad-free version of this podcast that they could subscribe to — and we finally launched it. You can go to ReadTangle.com to sign up!You can read today's podcast⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, our “Under the Radar” story ⁠here and today's “Have a nice day” story ⁠here⁠.Take the survey: What do you think of Trump's decision to pause tariffs? Let us know!You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Hunter Casperson, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Our logo was created by Magdalena Bokowa, Head of Partnerships and Socials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Doctor reviews all 95 players at Augusta en route to finalizing card for the 89th playing of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. -Reviewing 4 futures outright tickets -Reviewing 3 picks to win any major in 2025 -Going through all 95 players in the Masters Tournament -Adding 1 outright -1 t20, 1 t30 -2 bets "to make the cut" -1 bet "to miss the cut" -4 72-hole matchups -1 first round matchup -3 round 1 three ball matchups -1 t10 after R1 including an 8.2-unit loss at the Valero Texas Open and a failed 9-1 futures ticket on the Houston Cougars in NCAA basketball. He stresses the importance of reviewing picks, especially amid a losing streak, and outlines the four Masters futures he carries from December: Scottie Scheffler (7-1), Ludwig Aberg (14-1), Sung Jae Im (50-1), and Sepp Straka (100-1), with three additional tickets on Sahith Theegala, Tom Kim, and Davis Thompson to win any major. Scottie Scheffler, coming in as the favorite at +525, is praised for consistent elite performance, including no finishes worse than 25th in six events since returning from a hand injury, and podium finishes in his last four starts. His game, including a best putting performance of the season in Houston, is peaking. Rory McIlroy is faded despite strong wins at Pebble Beach and the Players; Will cites driving accuracy issues and suggests 10-1 would be a fairer line than 7.25-1. Jon Rahm, now on the LIV circuit, enters at 16-1 with recent top-10s but inconsistent putting and chipping. Morikawa is also passed over due to final-round collapses, though Will does back him to top 10 in Round 1. Other fades include Bryson DeChambeau (20-1), Justin Thomas (25-1), and Hideki Matsuyama (35-1), due to poor putting or chipping trends. Conversely, Will is bullish on Robert MacIntyre (60-1), who has recorded three straight top-11 finishes and two strong prior Augusta showings. He places both an outright bet and a matchup on him. Victor Hovland is another targeted play, specifically in a matchup over Cam Smith, following his Valspar win and a confident outlook on his improved short game. Shane Lowry, cited for consistency and solid Augusta history, is backed for a top 20, while Russell Henley earns a top-30 ticket thanks to elevated iron play. Several key quotes add depth. Scottie Scheffler credits Texas's varied conditions for developing his shot-making adaptability. Rory McIlroy reflects on family memories and the beauty of Augusta. Morikawa defends media avoidance, which Will critiques as symptomatic of poor mental preparation. Hovland speaks optimistically about short-game improvements with coach Grant Waite, prompting confidence from Will. Aberg's comments reveal awareness of recent struggles, but he remains committed to routine. Sepp Straka remains a strong value at 100-1 with excellent iron play and driving form. He's bet to beat Sam Burns in a first-round matchup, who is faded due to declining performance. Sung Jae Im's ticket has cratered in value, and Will expresses regret on that pick. Spieth is passed over at 40-1 due to erratic iron play, despite solid chipping and putting. Other noted fades include Tommy Fleetwood, Corey Connors, Cam Smith, Patrick Cantlay, Min Woo Lee, and Brooks Koepka, each due to specific statistical weaknesses in approach, short game, or driving. Later segments analyze lower-ranked players, including positive remarks about Phil Mickelson's resurgence and Charles Schwartzel's sharp form. Will picks Mickelson to make the cut, citing recent LIV success. Keegan Bradley and Akshay Bhatia are also featured in favorable matchups. Will wraps with lineup picks for Masters.com, choosing Scheffler, Patrick Reed, Shane Lowry, Davis Thompson, and Straka. For the latest as far as the world of golf is concerned, follow me on X @drmedia59 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 1 The New York sports scene saw mixed results, with the Mets and Yankees both suffering losses. Jazz Chisholm's hitless night followed his public spat, while Francisco Lindor's defensive errors plagued the Mets. Conversely, the Knicks defeated the struggling Sixers, prompting optimism despite Gio's assessment of their "bored" regular season play. Kodai Senga's strong pitching was a bright spot for the Mets, though Sean Manaea's setback was noted. Elsewhere, the Dodgers maintained their undefeated streak against the winless Braves. NFL news included Roger Goodell's concerns over the "tush push," Steelers' hints about Aaron Rodgers, and Jerry Jones's contract talks with Micah Parsons. In the NBA, Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry delivered spectacular scoring performances. The hour concluded with a humorous recollection of Boomer's accidental call to Brodie Van Wagenen and reflections on his Mets tenure. Hour 2 Boomer was surprised to learn Al carries a body cam for early morning safety in NYC, citing a possible UFO sighting on his commute. Jerry's sports update covered the Yankees' grand slam loss, the Mets' defeat marred by Lindor's errors, and Nathan Eovaldi's rare complete game. NFL news featured Jed York's strategy for keeping Brock Purdy and Jerry Jones's confident approach to contract negotiations. The hour concluded with a bizarre story of a man arrested for leaving his young children at McDonald's during a job interview, which sparked online debate and an offer of help from Antonio Brown. Hour 3 Boomer questioned RJ Luis's transfer portal move from St. John's, expressing a shift in loyalty towards coaches amidst player mobility. A bizarre discussion ensued about swallowed and lost items, including Boomer's "passed" crown and Gio's dog's rubber duck, with Gio accusing Boomer of delegating tasks. Jerry's sports update covered the Yankees' loss due to a grand slam, the Mets' defeat and Lindor's errors, Brian Daboll's Russell Wilson analysis, and Steph Curry's 52-point game. An Atlanta fan's ACL injury during a timeout promotion was highlighted. The hour concluded with speculation about Sauce Gardner's rumored relationship with Ice Spice, and a humorous debate about golfing versus spending time with her. Hour 4 The show opened with NFL contract talks and the potential 18-game season, followed by a caller, Dan, challenging earlier on-air remarks. Road conditions in Long Island and New Jersey were discussed. Jerry's final update covered the Yankees' loss, Lindor's errors, and Gio's HR prediction. NFL news included Roger Goodell's "tush push" concerns and Raheem Morris's Kirk Cousins comments, leading to a "what the hell is this?" segment. The Knicks' success and Scott Van Pelt's criticism of Kevin Willard were highlighted. The "Moment of the Day" focused on Al's body camera. The show concluded with Gio's hydration debate and Boomer's cleanse, with Gio considering Phil Mickelson's health supplements.

The New York sports scene saw mixed results, with the Mets and Yankees both suffering losses. Jazz Chisholm's hitless night followed his public spat, while Francisco Lindor's defensive errors plagued the Mets. Conversely, the Knicks defeated the struggling Sixers, prompting optimism despite Gio's assessment of their "bored" regular season play. Kodai Senga's strong pitching was a bright spot for the Mets, though Sean Manaea's setback was noted. Elsewhere, the Dodgers maintained their undefeated streak against the winless Braves. NFL news included Roger Goodell's concerns over the "tush push," Steelers' hints about Aaron Rodgers, and Jerry Jones's contract talks with Micah Parsons. In the NBA, Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry delivered spectacular scoring performances. The hour concluded with a humorous recollection of Boomer's accidental call to Brodie Van Wagenen and reflections on his Mets tenure.

Policy questions and growth risks are likely to persist in the aftermath of the Trump administration's upcoming tariffs. Our CIO and Chief U.S. Equity Strategist Mike Wilson outlines how to seek investments that might mitigate the fallout.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley. ----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Mike Wilson, Morgan Stanley's CIO and Chief U.S. Equity Strategist. Today on the podcast – our views on tariffs and the implications for equity markets. It's Monday, March 31st at 11:30am in New York. So let's get after it. Over the past few weeks, tariffs have moved front and center for equity investors. While the reciprocal tariff announcement expected on April 2nd should offer some incremental clarity on tariff rates and countries or products in scope, we view it as a maximalist starting point ahead of bilateral negotiations as opposed to a clearing event. This means policy uncertainty and growth risks are likely to persist for at least several more months, even if it marks a short-term low for sentiment and stock prices. In the baseline for April 2nd, our policy strategists see the administration focusing on a continued ramp higher in the tariff rate on China – while product-specific tariffs on Europe, Mexico and Canada could see some de-escalation based on the USMCA signed during Trump's first term. Additional tariffs on multiple Asia economies and products are also possible. Timing is another consideration. The administration has said it plans to announce some tariffs for implementation on April 2nd, while others are to be implemented later, signaling a path for negotiations. However, this is a low conviction view given the amount of latitude the President has on this issue. We don't think this baseline scenario prevents upside progress at the index level – as an "off ramp" for Mexico and Canada would help to counter some of the risk from moderately higher China tariffs. Furthermore, product level tariffs on the EU and certain Asia economies, like Vietnam, are likely to be more impactful on a sector basis. Having said that, the S&P 500 upside is likely capped at 5800-5900 in the near term – even if we get a less onerous than expected announcement. Such an outcome would likely bring no immediate additional increase in the tariff rate on China; more modest or targeted tariffs on EU products than our base case; an extended USMCA exemption for Mexico and Canada; and very narrow tariffs on other Asia economies. No matter what the outcome is on Wednesday, we think new highs for the S&P 500 are out of the question in the first half of the year; unless there is a clear reacceleration in earnings revisions breadth, something we believe is very unlikely until the third or fourth quarter.Conversely, to get a sustained break of the low end of our first half range, we would need to see a more severe April 2nd tariff outcome than our base case and a meaningful deterioration in the hard economic data, especially labor markets. This is perhaps the outcome the market was starting to price on Friday and this morning. Looking at the stock level, companies that can mitigate the risk of tariffs are likely to outperform. Key strategies here include the ability to raise price, currency hedging, redirecting products to markets without tariffs, inventory stockpiling and diversifying supply chains geographically. All these strategies involve trade-offs or costs, but those companies that can do it effectively should see better performance. In short, it's typically companies with scale and strong negotiating power with its suppliers and customers. This all leads us back to large cap quality as the key factor to focus on when picking stocks. At the sector level, Capital Goods is well positioned given its stronger pricing power; while consumer discretionary goods appears to be in the weakest position. Bottom line, stay up the quality and size curve with a bias toward companies with good mitigation strategies. And see our research for more details. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the podcast, leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.