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Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Sermons - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North

Introduction: John 19:28-30 - After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Revelation 16:17 - The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” The Hope is Real: The Truth About Heaven (Revelation 21:1-8) Everything is New. (Rev 21:1-2) Every day is in God's Presence. (Rev 21:3) Everything that Hurts is Gone. (Rev 21:4-5) Everything is Yours. (Rev 21:6-7) Romans 8:16-17 – The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Everyone is Not Going. (Rev 21:8) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Audio Transcript After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said to fulfill the Scripture,"I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on ahissy branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished."He bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Over this past month, we've been examining God's Word tosee that the Son of God came to finish some things. And we've been trying to just answer one question.What is finished? Jesus made the declaration, "It is finished." Well, what is? Well, I guess to put itall in one word, salvation. The way of salvation, it's done. The work is done. And we've been spendingtime looking at different facets of salvation. First, we saw justification. The guilt is gone.You realize Jesus has taken your sin away. There are no grounds for punishment when you're in Christ.The guilt is gone. He's made you righteous. And then we saw reconciliation. The relationship isrestored. By nature, you are not God's friend. The Bible says by nature, we are enemies of God.And Jesus Christ came to restore the relationship with God. Pastor Taylor a couple of days agotalked about redemption. The price was paid. There was a literal price that was paid. You see, youhave sinned against God, and it wasn't as if God was like, "Oh, that's okay. Don't worry about it. I'mjust going to forget about it." No, no, no. As Pastor Taylor pointed out, you owe God an infinite debt.And God paid that Himself through the death of His Son. It is finished.You know, you think of those words on the cross, "It is finished." You know,that's not the only time that Jesus declares that something is finished.It's only the first time. Do you know the next time Jesus says it is finished?It is when God pours out judgment. Revelation 16-17, it's the last bold judgment. The book ofRevelation talks about there's seal trumpets and trumpet judgments and bold judgments. When thelast judgment of God is poured out, look at this, Revelation 16-17, the seventh angel poured outHis bowl into the air and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, "It is done."That's the next time Jesus says it is finished. Today I want to talk about the last time He says it.Do you know the last time Jesus declares something is finished?As after He creates a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation chapter 21, I want you to turn there.Revelation chapter 21,Revelation chapter 21, look at verses 5 and 6. It says, "And He who was seated on the thronesaid, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" Also, He said, "Write this down. For these wordsare trustworthy and true. And He said to me, 'It is done.'"Like, wait, wait, what is He talking about here? What is finished, the promiseof glorification? That is, the hope is real. The hope is real. We're going to talk about hope today.Because when we talk about hope, we use it in a different way than the Bible uses the word hope.When we say hope, what we mean is wish. You know what I mean? We say, "I hope it doesn't rain today."What are we saying? "I wish that it doesn't rain." Or we say, "I hope that the pirates win today."What are we saying? We're saying that our theology allows for miracles.But you see, that's not how the Bible uses the word hope.Biblically, church, listen, hope is the confident anticipation of receiving Jesus' promises.Biblically, hope, it's in the bag. It's happening. I'm just waiting for it to take place. But it'sgoing to happen. I'm not wondering if it's going to happen. I can't wait. I know it's going to.I'm just waiting for that to happen. That's biblical hope. That's the receipt that we hold on tothat says it's coming. I know that it's coming. And I can't wait for that day. That is biblical hope.See, that's what we're here to celebrate today.Actually, every Sunday we celebrate this. And actually, for the Christian,you celebrate this every day of your life. That Jesus Christ rose from the dead.We've been spending so much time talking about the fact that He died for our sins. Yes,that's true. But three days later, He rose from the dead to give us the promise of eternal life.And the Bible says that He went back to heaven. And you're like, "Well, what's He doing now? Doyou know what Jesus is doing right now? Like, right now, do you know what He's doing?"He told us in John chapter 14 what He would be doing. He says, "I go to prepare a place for you.Right now, Jesus Christ is building a place for His people in heaven."We're going to talk about heaven today, the place of our hope. Do you know what heaven's like?Sadly, there's so much confusion about heaven because people embrace ideas about heaven thatjust aren't in the Bible. I think for a lot of people, their ideas of heaven come more from aBugs Bunny cartoon than from what God actually said. There's just so much nonsense aboutthat people believe about heaven. It's just not true biblically. You know what number one is,by the way? The most nonsensical, wrong, false thing that people believe about heaven that's justabsolutely not true? Is that good people go to heaven. You have to be a good person to go toheaven. That's just bombarded onto us from society. Good people go to heaven. Good people...Well, that's not true. If that was true, heaven would be empty. We're going to talk more about thatin a bit. But no, you do not get to heaven by being a good person.But you know, even Christians, honestly, even Christians are clueless about heaven.Just grab your Christian, your average churchgoer, and say, "Well, what's heaven like?"You're going to get answers like, "Well, I'm thinking grandma's there."They're like, "Well, what are you doing heaven?" "Well, I guess you play a harp."And then you sit on clouds. And yeah, that's all I got. Like, well, maybe you've been gettingyour theology about heaven from Bugs Bunny or from a far-side cartoon.But I think many Christians aren't really excited about heaven because they don't know what theBible actually says about it. You know, we had a funeral last week for the oldest member of ourchurch. She was two weeks shy of 99. And she's having a good day. What a great celebration of her lifeand a celebration of the fulfillment of her faith. But I think a lot of people, even that we're sittingin that funeral, might not have been excited because they don't really know what she's experiencingin heaven. What is coming in the future in heaven? We need to educate ourselves, church.I mean, think about it this way. Imagine if I booked you a three-month vacation.Imagine that. If I booked you, I'm like, "You know what? You've been working hard. You know what?I'm going to get you the plane tickets. You know, you just bring your wife, jump at the airport,and get on the plane, three-month vacation on me." Would you want to know where you're going?Would you want to know what you'd be doing? What if you said, "Oh, thanks, Pastor Jeff. That wasreally nice of you. Where am I going? What am I doing? What if I said, "Don't worry about it. You'lllike it." No, I want to know where I'm going to be spending three months of my life. And I'm like,"Oh, it'll be nice. What am I going to be doing there? Fun stuff."Wouldn't you want more information of where you're going to be spending three months of your life?Okay, reminder, heaven is eternal. Wouldn't you like to know what it's going to be likefor eternity? If you do, you're in the right place this morning, because that is exactlywhat we're going to be seeing from God's Word. So on your outline, take some notes.The hope is real. The hope is real. The truth about heaven.The truth about heaven. Number one, write this down. Everything is new.Everything is new. Verses 1 and 2 in Revelation 21, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Stop there. New heaven and new earth. Why?Why do we need a new heaven and new earth? Well, because this is talking about what'shappening in the future. And at this point, the heaven and earth now, the one that you'resitting on right now, will be vaporized by God's glory according to 2 Peter 3, according to Revelation2011. He talks about this new Jerusalem. Like, what is new Jerusalem? What's the capital cityof the new heaven and the new earth? And John describes it as coming down from heaven onto thisnew earth. It's a fascinating study. You can really dig into it on your own. Just to give you a littleoverview. Verses 15 and 17 give us the dimensions. And by the way, these are literal measurements.The Bible is clear about that. But new Jerusalem is a massive city and it's shaped like a cube.And each wall is 1,380 miles long. And each wall is 216 feet thick. You're like,"Can you give me a frame of reference?" Yeah, absolutely, I can. If you were to take this newJerusalem and put it on our current earth, just drop it onto North America. If you were to dropit onto North America, it would go from Canada to the Gulf of America. It would go from the AtlanticOcean. I'm still trying to adjust to that. I'm sorry. It would go from the Atlantic Oceanto Colorado. That is the size of new Jerusalem. You're like, "Why do I need to know this?That is the place that Jesus is preparing for you right now."And this passage describes the final and eternal heaven. And over and over, he usesthe greatest word possible that he could use to describe anything. And it's the word "new."New. Look at verse 5. This is the best verse in the Bible. And I know somebody would say,"Well, actually, Pastor Jeff, it's all God's word." Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. But this is the bestverse in the Bible. It says, "And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all thingsnew.'" Look, that is awesome. And we can relate to that, can't we? Because there's nothinglike getting new stuff, right? Don't we love new things? New shoes? A new car? New jeans?A new phone? I'm pleased to announce that Pastor Taylor finally upgraded from his iPhone 8.Yeah, a little bonus celebration today. But wasn't it so exciting getting that new phone, Pastor Taylor?You know what? I thought it was bad until Jane Auer showed me. He has, what do you have an SE?Yeah, take good care of that, Jay. We're going to put that in the museum.So we love getting new stuff, right? Getting a new computer. Men, get that new fishing rod. Ladies,get the new purse. How about a new puppy? Oh, that's the best. But there's nothing likegetting new stuff. And you know, the Bible says in heaven everything is always new.So a little tip for you. If you're in Christ and if you are, you will end up in heaven. I just wantto encourage you, if you're trying to make friends, to not walk up to somebody in heaven and say,hey, what's new? Because they're going to say, you are an ego because I don't know if you got thememo, but everything here is new. I had people say to me sometimes like, you know, heaven soundskind of boring. Like, what are you talking about? That is a clueless statement. Boring.Everything is always going to be new.And if that's not a beautiful enough description with that little word,he gives us a word picture that really drives it home. He says, it's preparedas a bride adorned for her husband. Like Jesus, what kind of care and attention are you puttinginto creating this new heaven and earth, this new Jerusalem? You know, what kind ofmeticulous care is going into preparing this new city? The Bible says it's like a bridepreparing herself for her husband. That's a word picture that really impacts me.Because I've been to a lot of weddings. It's part of my job. I've been to a lot of weddings.And you know something that I've never, ever, ever seen in a wedding is this. Like, it's wedding dayand you know, I come to the front of the chapel or the woods or the barn or whatever we're havingand like, and like, oh, they have them everywhere now, but like, I'm up there with the guys, right?And here comes the bridesmaids and they take their place. Oh, it's the big moment.The music shifts, right? And you know what's next. Here comes the bride, right?You know what I've never seen? It's the doors fling open and there's the bridein a college hoodie.Wearing sweatpants and crocs.Crocs will not be in heaven, by the way. Well, the Bible doesn't say. I'm justthinking it's a safe assumption, but I've never seen her where she's got a near-terminal case of bedhead.I've never seen that ever. Do you know what I have seen though? Every time.A breathtakingly beautiful bride.How did she get that way? She prepared. Do you know how much time and effort and energy and moneyand detail and it goes in? She puts everything into making herself as beautiful and perfect as she canfor her husband.And that is the kind of attention and care that Jesus is putting into preparing this placefor his people. Wrap your brain around that. But the Bible says in heaven,everything is new.Oh, it gets even better than that. Because number two, write this down, every day is in God's presence.Everything is new and every day is in God's presence. Look at verse three. Verse three.He says, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is withman. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as theirGod.'" Every day is in God's presence.Don't you wish that you lived at the time that Jesus lived? Wouldn't it have just been absolutelyamazing to watch Jesus, like to sit down with Him, to hear Him teach, to watch Him heal,to watch Him feed the thousands with the little kids lunch? Wouldn't that have just been awesometo personally be in the presence of Jesus Christ?Well, I got good news for you. In heaven, you're going to get that, like every single day.Because according to verse three, we're always in God's presence.You see, that's good news, my friends, because I think if we're honest, sometimes God seems distantright now. I mean, He's not, right? He's not distant.But can we just be honest in church for a second and say sometimes it feels like He is?You know, we go through trials. We're hurting. Maybe you've been betrayed.Disappointed. You're just worn out. And you're like, "God, where are you?"Seems like I need you the most right now. You seem absent. Where are you?Well, never again will God seem distant.The Bible says He is going to tabernacle with His people. He is going to pitch a tentin unprecedented, perfect fellowship in the midst of His people. Every day of heavenis being in the presence of God. It's the truth about heaven. Everything's new.Every day is in God's presence. In number three, everything that hurts is gone.Everything that hurts is gone. Look at verse four."He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Neither shall there bemourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.No mourning, no crying and no pain." Do you know what that means?That means no a lot of other things. That means no depression. That means no cancer.That means no diabetes. That means no organ failure. That means no autism.That means no wheelchairs. That means no mental health problems.That means no dentist appointments.I see somebody rejoicing in the back greatly over that.But I get to tell you in the first service, there was a group of dentists sittingright about where the Zentcos are right now. I told them, "Look, we're going to be out of a job in heaven.Nobody's going to need to hear about Jesus from me. Nobody's going to need their teeth fixed by them."There's no more tears. There's no more death. There's no more goodbyes.Every bit of pain and heartache and discouragement. Never again. Never. Everything that hurts is gone.People ask, "Well, will I remember the failures of my life on earth?"Because I would think if I could remember my failures of my life on earth, that, boy,there'd be some tears over that in heaven. Will I remember the failures of this life?I don't know. But I do know this for a fact.That if you do remember the failures of this life, it's not going to bother you.Because there's no more mourning or pain. I'm sure about that.And you can get to this point, you're like, "Really?" Hang on a second.This sounds just a little too fantastic. Really? Well, look at verse 5 again."And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'Also, he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"Oh, everything is made new. Everything stays new. And you're like, "Is that really true?"Jesus says here, "Write this down. You write this down. You take this to the bank.You build your life on this, man. This is trustworthy and true."Listen, this isn't fantasy stuff. This isn't like fairy tale stuff that we say toplacate children when grandma passes away.Jesus says this is real. This is trustworthy and true."Every hurt is forever behind you." Everything that hurts is gone. Number four,oh, it gets even better. I know you don't think it can, but check this out.Number four, everything is yours. Everything is yours.Look at verse 6, "And he said to me, 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega,the beginning and the end, to the thirsty. I will give from the spring of the water of lifewithout payments.'" Who are the thirsty? Who are the thirsty? I hope you are.Thirsty refers to people who realize their spiritual need and genuinely thirst for God.Heaven is for people who know they need Jesus Christ and they receive Jesus Christ and they loveJesus Christ. That's what he's talking about here. You see, water biblically is a symbol offulfillment. It's a symbol of satisfaction. "I was thirsty in a need. Now from the living water,I have been satisfied." That's what water is talking about. That's what the Bible is talkingabout when it talks about water. It's satisfaction. It's great news. That means heaven is not goingto be lacking anything that would add to your satisfaction. You know that? That means you'renot going to be walking around heaven and say, "You know what? This place is pretty good, butI have a few ideas that would make it a little better."You're going to be absolutely, totally, perfectly satisfied in heaven.And this, this is your heritage. Look at verse 7. He says, "The one who conquerswill have this heritage and I will be his God and he will be my Son."We talked about this with justification. We don't live in fear of God as judge. If you're in Christ,that is. You're not afraid of God as judge. You live in the freedom of God as Father.That He adopted us as His children.But being a child has implications for the future.Like what do you mean? What I mean is, if you're a child of God, you receive an inheritance.Look at Romans chapter 8 here.Romans 8 says, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And ifchildren, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Himin order that we may also be glorified with Him."You see, Paul wrote this to the Romans and Roman adoption was very interesting. I was readingabout it this past week. Do you know in Roman culture adopted children actually received greaterhonor than naturally born children in the home? Like if a couple has natural children, it's like,well, you just came into the world the regular way. But if you adopted someone, it was, ah, you,though on the other hand, you were chosen to be a part of this family. But there's something elseinteresting about Roman children, including the adopted children, by the way, that they allreceived an equal share of the inheritance. You're like, good for the Romans. What does that haveto do with me? Here's what this has to do with you. Look at this. We are fellow heirs with Christ.Do you know what that means? I can tell some of you aren't very excited about that. So we're goingto walk through this together. You are fellow heirs with Christ. Do you know what that means?That means you will receive the same inheritance that Jesus receives.So what does Jesus own? Everything. So what do you stand to inherit? Everything.Everything. You're like, wait, wait, wait, wait, hang on a second there, Pastor Jeff.You was talking about the new heavens earlier. Do you mean I'm going to inherit the new heavens?Everything. And if you're like, oh, well, he's creating the new earth. Do you mean I'm going toinherit that new earth too? That's going to belong to me? Everything. And you're like, well, thatgiant city that you was talking about, am I going to inherit that too? Is that going to belong to me?Like, look, I'll do respect. What part of everything do you not understand? Everything will belong to you.But do you know the greatest thing that you're going to inherit?Is God Himself? Do you see that in verse 7? He says, "I will be His God." Oh, no, let's not gloss over thatbecause that's like the Levites in the Old Testament. Remember, Israel was told, you know,that they were going to receive an inheritance in the Promised Land. But you got like Deuteronomy 18-2.The Levites did not get an inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. They were toldthat God is their inheritance.And if you get God, you get everything. If you're a fellow heir with Christ,that means someday everything is yours.And finally, number five, truth about heaven, everything's new.Every day's in God's presence. Everything that hurts is gone and everything is yours.But we do have to say this because it's in the text. Everyone is not going.Now look, you know, it'd be real easy to come into Easter service and we're all wearing ourspiffy clothes and the music is fantastic and it would be so easy to get caught up in this passageand get excited about a heaven that some of you aren't going to see.Look at verse eight. John says, "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable,as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars,their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur," which is the second death.See this list? These are people that love their sin more than they love Jesus.But I could ask you, are you on that list?Is there anything here that characterizes you?Understanding that murder means hateful and sexually immoral means lustfuland immoral.Are you there?You know the one that always sticks out to me in this list is the first one, cowardly.What does that mean? It's not saying, being afraid of stuff is a sin, like in the sense ofI'm afraid to go camping because I'm afraid of bears and snakes.And that's not what that's talking about at all. It's talking about being afraid to follow JesusChrist because there is a cost. And what will my friends think? And what am I going to have to giveup? And refusal to follow Christ, God says, "You're a coward." You mean He bought your way to heavenwith the blood of His Son? And you're too afraid to receive Him because of what your goofy friendsmight think. Because of what sinful thing you might have to give up. You're a coward.And that's not my opinion. That's God's opinion. Well, I guess it is mine if it's God's.But He said it.You think following Christ is easy? You think it's easy to trust God?Do you think it's easy to say no to sin? Do you think it's easy to say yes to serving Christwhen it's inconvenient or difficult or harder than we thought it was going to be?This ain't for cowards, okay?All of the items on this list characterize people who have never repented. They've never receivedChrist. And these are just evidences. He's saying that this is what they lived like.And I have to ask you, if you took an honest inward look at yourself, would you say that my life isgenerally characterized by a love for Jesus Christ? Or would you say my life is generallycharacterized by a love of my sin, myself, my way? Which one is it for you?Because if it's the latter, then none of these promises about heaven, none of this hope is for you.If I can have the worship team join us back up on the platform here.It is finished.It is finished. Someday, you're going to hear Jesus say those words again.For some of you, you're going to be horrified to hear him say it when he brings judgment.And for some of you, you will rejoice when you hear him say itbecause he's giving you everything, the hope of heaven.It is finished. Today, today, we hear those words from the cross.So if you have received Jesus Christ, your sin has been taken away. If you have received JesusChrist, he rose from the dead to give you eternal life. And if you have received Jesus Christ,you do not need to wait for heaven to rejoice in him. So let's stand and let's celebrate himfor who he is and all that he's done. Let's rejoice in the victory of Jesus Christ. Small Group DiscussionRead Romans 8:16-17, Revelation 21:1-8What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What are some wrong ideas about heaven that even many Christians believe?What is an aspect of heaven covered in Revelation 21 that was new or surprising to you?What does it mean that we are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17)? What exactly do we inherit?BreakoutPray for one another.

The Counter Culture Mom Show with Tina Griffin Podcast
CBMC Fosters Deep Relationships, Leadership Skills, and Personal Mentoring - Brent Vawter

The Counter Culture Mom Show with Tina Griffin Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 27:10


TAKEAWAYSHaving a Christian worldview should change the way you approach work and lifeKnowing your identity in Christ and having the courage to stand up for what's right is a positive masculine traitStop trying to figure out what others want and focus on what God is calling you to doYou are loved, intentionally designed, and God has given you all the tools you need to succeed in life

Take-Away with Sam Oches
Twin Peaks CEO Joe Hummel on taking your brand seriously

Take-Away with Sam Oches

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 53:19


In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Joe Hummel, the CEO of Twin Peaks, a sports-bar franchise with more than 100 locations across the U.S. The company is maniacal about food and beverage quality, and its corporate team is intent on rolling up their sleeves and getting into the stores so they can be experts at every facet of what they do. Joe joined the podcast to talk about why Twin Peaks takes its guests and its restaurants so seriously and how his experience as a franchisee of the brand helped him better appreciate what makes the brand tick. In this conversation, you'll find out why:Franchisees make great brand executives because they know the business inside and outYour corporate office doesn't make money; your stores doYou should take both sides of the barbell very seriously If sports bars lead with quality, the TVs are just icing on the cakeSports provide a whole new layer to your marketing strategyThere's big benefit to adapting your brand to any real estate Every dollar you spend on your restaurant should be taken seriouslyThe last thing your employees want to hear is “this came down from corporate”Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.

Jhow Podcast
O Cara Me Deu Um Cupom

Jhow Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 27:11


Falo sobre a dificuldade de falar, comprar controle de Xbox no Mercado Livre e sobre o médico que me deu cupom de desconto - Música: Debt Away, Middle Class Rut You better claim your income like the real men doYou better send your 1099 to anyone you gave 5 bucks toAll in all we're one debt awayAll in all there's one more bill to pay

The Messy City Podcast
Code Reform is not just about Zoning

The Messy City Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 60:21


There's so many acronyms in this episode, it might make your head spin. We talk about IRC, IBC, IEBC, ADA, FHA and more. John Anderson and I don't do this to punish you, or make you feel confused. But, it's critical to understanding the world of how buildings actually get built. John is usually good for at least a couple of one-liners, and this one is my favorite in this episode:Real estate development is a black box full of money and villains.You'll learn in this episode why requiring sprinklers in small and middle-scale building isn't necessary, and how it makes housing less affordable. We talk about single-stair reform, and understanding how the Fair Housing Act is a very different animal than the Americans with Disabilities Act.For more from John, check out his blog.Find more content on The Messy City on Kevin's Substack page.Music notes: all songs by low standards, ca. 2010. Videos here. If you'd like a CD for low standards, message me and you can have one for only $5.Intro: “Why Be Friends”Outro: “Fairweather Friend”Transcript of Episode:Kevin K (00:01.81)Welcome back to the Messy City podcast. This is Kevin Klinkenberg. You know, we spent a lot of time in the world of whatever you want to call it, urbanism, planning, design, urban design, talking about zoning reform, especially for what we kind of call missing middle housing and the need to reform zoning codes to enable the production of sort of smaller scale.housing. And so I've had a number of episodes on that. We've talked about it. We'll continue to talk about it. But one thing we really haven't talked much about at all, and that's often overlooked, is the need for reform to building codes and building code and development approval processes generally with local governments. So my friend John Anderson started an email thread the other day.that, kind of dug into this issue and like a lot of John's emails, it was long and thorough and a little bit grumpy. and so I thought John and I should just, talk about it, because there's a lot of really great stuff here that I'm not sure that people think about, terribly much, especially if you're one of those people who wants to do small scale, development.whether new construction or rehab, especially for new construction, there's just a lot of other things to think about that you're going to have to consider and other things potentially to work on with your local government to try to reform. So that's a very long introduction to say, welcome John, how you doing?R. John Anderson (01:44.944)Good, I'm good. I'm glad that emails are really thin medium, so it's hard to get grumpiness to come across at the right amplitude.Kevin K (01:55.902)always comes across, you know, it's okay. But I've known you long enough to be able to even decipher it when it's kind of a little more subtle.R. John Anderson (02:06.724)Well, I'll tell you one thing that's.Kevin K (02:08.766)And then there are times that you and Gary Brewer go at it and it's not subtle at all.R. John Anderson (02:13.468)hi. I, it feels like, having a conversation with someone in Quebec where I just don't, our experience is so different. The world's way operator so far apart. It's it. I feel like we're too, you know, Neanderthal tribes meeting in the dark searching for a common word for fire without success. You know, so.Kevin K (02:37.63)Yeah.No doubt. No doubt.R. John Anderson (02:41.904)No, Fog thinks small house 500 square feet. No, Og thinks small house 3000 square feet.Kevin K (02:47.646)Exactly. $2 million is a reasonable budget for any new house, Yeah.R. John Anderson (02:52.046)Right. And you ought to have it specially designed by an architect because that's the world that he's operating in.Kevin K (02:58.812)That's okay. We love, we love Gary too. He's a brilliant designer. but, he long operated in a different stratosphere in terms of architecture. So John, let's, let's get into this a little bit. I think there's, do you want to kind of lead off a little bit, just talking about building code reform generally before we get into some of theR. John Anderson (03:01.818)Yeah.R. John Anderson (03:17.71)Well, yeah, let's talk about why you'd want to reform the building code. We've seen a fair amount of uptake in zoning code reform where folks are, think, under the banner of making middle scale, missing middle housing legal again.you see that find its way into comprehensive plans and then policy documents. And then from there, it goes through the gruesome process of actually changing the zoning. Often it takes two mentions in the comprehensive plan or three to get that to happen. It's in the implementation paragraph in the back. We should change the zoning to make this legal. And the, and youTo the credit of people that are trying to move a comprehensive plan forward, they really are trying to engage the big ideas and get enough consensus and buy -in to be able to pursue them. And then that can be a couple hundred thousand dollars down the road and you've exhausted all your staff and you have no budget left to actually change the zoning. So which is why it takes two or three cycles of the comp plan.But when it finally comes around to it, then you get zoning that allows a duplex, an ADU, a fourplex. And then the fourplexes don't get built. And that's because when you move, in most places, when you move past two units, a duplex, into three units in a building, you move from the International Residential Code to the International Building Code or the Commercial Code. So.And when that happens, you have fire sprinklers. And in order to have fire sprinklers, you need to make a connection at the water main. You have to protect the water main from stale water in your sprinkler system from washing back, backflow preventer. You need a sprinkler riser and a pressure reducing valve and a flow alarm. And like this red trombone that lives in a little closet that gets inspected by the building is the fire inspector before.R. John Anderson (05:29.36)you run horizontally your pipes. And because you're tapping the water menu, that's a serious piece of plumbing work, but it also typically requires a tap fee. in Seattle, that was $16 ,000. And in Chattanooga, it was $18 ,000 if you wanted to build a fourplex.Kevin K (05:54.204)That's just the fee. That's just to check you right to the municipality. Right.R. John Anderson (05:56.664)Yeah, there's no tap. There's no water coming your way. There's just the promise of water now that you've paid the fee for the privilege. And it's at the discretion, typically, the fire official for an entirely residential building. If you're going to build a residential sprinkler system, the geek term for that is NFPA 13R, National Fire Protection Association, 13R. That means you can use PECs or PVC plastic pipe onceonce you're inside the building and you've got it all set up. But for a 13 -hour system, for a residential system, it's the fire official has some discretion about whether or not they want a separate dedicated service, or you should be able to use the domestic service with a backflow preventer or check valve to keep the stagnant water and the fire sprinklers from contaminating your domestic water. But typically fire officials areare creatures of habit and that habit is usually enforcing the strictest standard possible and not, they're not given to, making concessions. would make a builder's life easier. So it's good. It's got, you're deviating from the system, youKevin K (07:08.68)Plus you're, yeah, and you are practicing the dark arts of real estate development, so you probably are serving to endanger the lives of whoever you're building for,R. John Anderson (07:21.434)Well, that's actually how we make our money. It's by endangering other people. The more of our customers we can put at risk, the better for us. And I think, know, in their defense, our culture says that real estate development and construction is a black box full of money and villains, and it's unknowable how much money is going to be made. So why would you complain about saving children from a fire?Kevin K (07:30.558)It'sR. John Anderson (07:49.552)because there's just a huge amount of money you're going to make. it's a technical problem wrapped in myth and caricature.Kevin K (07:59.518)So if I just take a step back and think big picture again here, so especially maybe for a lay person, you know, a lot of people, I remember this, a lot of people refer to these codes as like fire codes. That's kind of like the vernacular for people who are not architects or in the professions, but they're actually technically called building codes. When I was a young architect, there were multiple different building codes. There was a uniform building code and there was a Southern building code.BOKA code, and then they eventually all coalesced into what we call the International Building Code. And that is the standard now that most cities, local governments, and states adopt. There are different cycles and years at which you might adopt a But as you mentioned, there's also this companion piece called the International Residential Code, which for the most part governs just one family and two familybuildings.R. John Anderson (09:00.428)or attached one family, like a townhouse with a fire separation wall between them, no common hallways or anything. The entity that issues those codes is called the International Codes Council, it's a private nonprofit. And if you're a fire official or a local building official, this is probably your trade group. Also, if you manufactureKevin K (09:07.474)Right.R. John Anderson (09:29.872)fire sprinklers, you're probably pretty active there. Because what happens is there's a code cycle where, okay, we have a new edition of the International Residential Code coming out for 2028 or 24 or whatever. so in between the last time the model, what they call model codes were issued and now folks have made proposals. This last round for the 2024contains a lot of really good improvements on the codes for building decks, which were kind of a neglected area and there were a lot of deck failures and some smart folks got together and came up with some common sense solutions. So, and if you use those solutions, you don't actually have to have an engineer verify your deck construction. So the issue of the model code and then state by state, state legislaturesthey'll review it in committee. It'll come to a vote. They'll adopt the such and such year, the 2024 international residential code, international existing building code, international FAR code, international, you know, all of those codes, kind of all at once. And then depending on your state, you can, when the state adopts it, then it goes over to a codes commissiondoes rulemaking where they might make some adjustments that are appropriate to that state, local climate and economics. And then it becomes law. And then the process for it to happen at the local level, your county, municipality, town, some places it immediately becomes the one you're supposed to work with. Others you have a window toadopted in and if you don't do anything to amend it, it's the one you're going to work with. And other places, the only way you, so you could adopt it and make it less stringent in places like California or New York, and I believe Illinois, but in states that are what are called Dillon's rule state versus home rule states, Dillon's rule state, you can only adopt it to make it moreR. John Anderson (11:55.726)So in Tennessee, recently basically legalized fourplexes without fire sprinklers. And they did that at the state level after attempting to do it just for Shelby County and Memphis. They had to go back and try again. most of the code reform issues that are going on in most states have to be engaged at the state legislature.level. And a lot of states will eliminate the requirement for fire sprinklers in all new residential units.Kevin K (12:36.178)And so we should probably talk about like what's the whole big deal? Why wouldn't you want to have sprinklers required in buildings? And I want to give you a little background from my standpoint, but you go ahead and answer that first. What's the problem here?R. John Anderson (12:55.662)Well, I think the problem is one, first of cost, and then second of benefit. A two -story fourplex is actually safer than a single -family house of the same size because there are rated assemblies separating one unit from the rest. You have exiting that meets the requirements.all those places that are sleeping rooms have to have an egress window. So in addition to going out through the hallway, you could go out through the window or a firefighter could come in from the window and they're sized. So firefighter with a Scott pack can go through the window. the, and there isn't much in the way of actual evidence that fire sprinklers save lives or save structures. They're mostly there even in commercial buildings to increase the amount of exitingpeople have to get out of the building. They don't put out fires. They control smoke to a point. So, and it, you know, it makes sense if you're in a big quarter building or a hotel or, you know, a high rise, that getting out of the building in the case of a fire is a big serious issue. There's a big difference in scale between a high rise and a fourplex. So, and also the cost of, again, getting the system just to the building is significant.actually costs more than running the pipe inside the building. So that additional cost, say you're trying to build market rate apartments adjacent to a daycare and a place for food and drink. And you get actually a little bit higher rents because you have those community amenities. But if the rents are not high enough to support a more expensive kind of construction, thenyou probably build townhouses or something else. So the notion of the missing middle, there is a whole strata of easily built wood frame buildings that could be built, but for this fire sprinkler requirement that makes the cost too high to be able to recover either with a sales price or with rent. So basically, you can't get the rent, you probably shouldn't build the building. And it'sR. John Anderson (15:19.536)I mean $18 ,000 before you install the system. you're going to, that's the same system you would use for 16 units. Just 16 units would have more pipe. But the core system being kind of, that cost being spread over just three or four units, it kills it off. And it's typically six units or more become kind of the threshold.Kevin K (15:44.958)Well, and there's also an ongoing maintenance cost. mean, you can't just like put in a backflow preventer in a fire sprinkler system and just like let it sit for 50 years and never touch it.R. John Anderson (15:53.284)Yep. Yep. Well, and also the, you'll often hear fire officials talk about, you're going to, you know, okay, so it costs a little bit more on the front end, but people are going to save money on their homeowner's insurance, you know, or, or the building owner will save money on their insurance. And that's just not true because there's more property damage from leaking fire sprinklers than there are from fires. And the folks that issue insurance are smart enough to, you know, look at the actuarial tables and say, Nope, no break for fire sprinklers. So.Kevin K (16:22.59)And I think you can – even if you don't know a of this stuff, you might intuitively kind of know it because if you look around and see what is actually built in terms of new construction and that's why I think one reason when you look around you see an awful lot of – not just single family. I mean there's obviously a big single family market but when you go to duplexes or a townhouse rows where you might have four, six townhouses in a row or something likeYou're doing all of that with the international residential code and you're avoiding all of the complexities of the international building code or the requirements that come with having multiple units.R. John Anderson (17:04.996)Yeah. Also, if you were to do, there's a, there's a paragraph in the international residential code that says, okay, so you could have a duplex and up and down duplex, no fire sprinklers attached to that. know, so you had a ground floor, you know, one bedroom and upstairs, had a two or three bedroom, you know, three story building like you'd see in Savannah. you can't do that without fire sprinklers. Now, once you put two units in a, in a building and attachwith the firewall and everything, now you gotta do fire sprinklers. So, and that's a really, really practical, flexible building type that we can't do because every one of those individual buildings now needs a fire sprinkler system. And there's just, now you're looking at spreading the cost of that red trombone over two units, so.Kevin K (17:56.882)Yeah, it's interesting to me because I think about before the codes unified, there were very different philosophies between like the UBC and the BOCA code. broadly speaking, like one of them was, have very, it was more about building materials and assemblies. And thenwhat became the international code was really just basically about sprinklers. They say we're gonna be a lot more lenient on exiting and materials and other stuff as long as you put in sprinklers. And that's the one that wonR. John Anderson (18:35.93)Yeah, there are other ways to build without sprinklers, but typically the amount of brain damage required is tough. And a lot of times when you take those alternative routes, the building official or file official will say, no, no, why don't you just sprinkle it? And the evolution of codes over time, it wasn't until the, I think the mid sixties.It's been a long time since I had to take my journeyman's test as an electrician, but I think it was the mid 1960s. Before that time, you weren't required to ground outlets. So an old house with no ground, your answering machine, computer, television, anything is kind of at risk because there's no ground. So now grounding outlets became the thing. In about 1975, hardwired smoke detectors became required.And that actually saved a lot of lives. So that was a really effective change in the building code. And when it all got consolidated, the kind of code caulking that was used to bring it all together was, well, yeah, we have all these differences, but I think we can agree that if you sprinkle it, it's no problem. We got it covered. So the end over time.you see that's also the place where you would go to argue about whether how wide a street needs to be because that's incorporated into the fire code. And in recent additions, it went from being 20 foot clear to 26 foot clear, depending on which appendix you adopt. And this is the kind of thing where if some restrictions are a good idea in the name of safety, then more might be better. And I think that a lot of this comesWe have really specialized rules that are not integrated into making places worth caring about. They are specialized and the builder, the developer, the architect, or the people that are responsible to combine these ingredients in a capable way. And then we have them reviewed by a bunch of specialists who each have their own particular set of goals when they do the review.R. John Anderson (20:57.956)And if you've ever worked on a big serious building that had elevators and you had a local electrical inspector and a state elevator inspector, both operating under perfectly good codes, you could be hung up for six months while they fight. And you've built it the way you thought was, the way the architect got it signed off. But in the final turf competition, you couldreally jammed up because now you have specialists that are in conflict. And both of them feel like they have the authority to win.Kevin K (21:36.926)But of course, one of the great ironies of all this is the sort of buildings that we're often trying to reproduce or emulate or do new again have been around for 100, 100 plus years. The truth is most of those were built with a very similar construction method as how we build today. A lot of them were like balloon framed with like a, maybe they have a brick veneer or something like that. But a lot of them aren't like Clay Chapman's structural masonry buildings. They're actuallywood -framed. have no, right, I mean they have no fire rated assemblies at all between the units or between the hallways. Single stair often in many cases, no sprinklers, none of those features at all. And I'm not to say there haven't been fires and tragedies in any of those buildings, but by and large, if you look around, there's enormous wealth of them that have existed for over aR. John Anderson (22:09.124)with really, really thick brick paint that goes onR. John Anderson (22:36.922)Yeah, and I think that the.If the decision about how much risk are we willing to take on, say as a community, that decision is delegated to elected officials and elected officials have staff and they adopt these model codes and enforce them. And the, isn't a lot of defensible territory in the, wait a minute. The rules that you are playing by and you want me to play by are,What's the technical term? Kind of b******t. And I would like to make a case for that. And people get very defensive because I think also people have a really good internal gyroscope for the slippery slope of having to rethink all their assumptions. And they'll put their heels in the ground and it doesn't take much to say no.as opposed to, you you make some interesting points. I would really like to dig into the research on this. I appreciate you brought it to our attention. know, that more commonly is like, look, you make a pretty good case, but if we let you do it, we'd have to let everyone do it. And I know you're a very careful builder, but there are some schlocky guys out there that are gonna make terrible things happen. And we have to protect the public from them. So we're gonna throw you under the same bus we throw them under.So, you know, so a lot of this comes down to how do people perceive and measure risk? How do they communicate about it? And are there benefits out the other side of it that are worth taking that effort? So right now, they're, last count, there are like nine different states that are, that have legislation pending about going to single stair for six stories in a sprinkled building.R. John Anderson (24:36.56)And what that does, if you Google single stair buildings in Seattle, you'll see that the ability to do just one stair allows you to work on a smaller footprint. So it creates a lot of really good infill on 50 by 100 lots or 100 by 100 lots instead of a full half block podium building. The requirement for two stairs anda third of the diagonal distance of that rectangle separating the two stairs. So you got your room to make a choice which stair you're going to. That requirement creates a lot of, and then two rated stair stair assemblies. That creates a lot of corridor buildings to amortize all that common area and all those additional stairs. So they've been building single -story single stair buildings with sprinklers in Europe for a very long time. And it's kind ofit's the established standard for, you know, that portion of the Western world. And so about 12 years ago, there was an amendment made to the local building code in Seattle to allow for single stair buildings. And a lot of them have been built with good success and are perfectly safe. And now the legislature has, I believe, passed it and it's on to the codes commission for rulemaking.The fourplexes don't need fire sprinklers rule didn't make it out of committee. But the but you can see, you know, looking around the country, there's at least nine states that are looking for single stair. And I think that we'll see a similar Montana, you can build a fourplex with no sprinklers in Vermont. You can build a fourplex with no sprinklers. But the.These things end up often sponsored by the local home builders association. In North Carolina, home builders came in with that. It passed in the legislature. It also involves some reduction in the requirements for the energy code. So Republican supermajority got it passed. Democratic governor vetoed it. Supermajority overruled them. Now those areR. John Anderson (26:59.482)Those are supposed to be the rules except that it still has to go to the codes commission and the codes commission doesn't have enough members and members are appointed by the democratic governor. So it became a turf issue about if those guys are for it, I'm against it. Plus, you know, energy codes are for important purposes like climate change. So we can't give ground on that ideologically. So that's kind of the process. And I think that the kind of bottomsupport for these things at a state legislature, you know, one at a time. I think that probably has a better chance than a top -down approach where you make code proposals to the ICC and need to survive the committee review process to be able to have those proposals incorporated in the next round of theI've, I've resisted, I've resisted joining, but I figured out that membership costs this, you know, the same as buying all the hard copy code books, as the non -member. So.Kevin K (27:55.038)Have youKevin K (28:06.398)There you go. Have you seen any discussion at all from the ICC about changing the one and two family to go up to three and four family?R. John Anderson (28:17.808)Not at the ICC in general. There's no proposals currently in the mix. But I think thatIt's a, you know, I only have so much room for research and development and missionary work in my life. the, and my batting average on that is pretty dismal.thought about trying to rally the troops and get multiple proposals in from all over the country. So absent a grant from Melinda and Bill Gates, I don't think I'm going to storm the battlements of a top -down solution.Kevin K (29:09.886)So it wasn't there, was it Memphis that did up to six units without sprinklers?R. John Anderson (29:15.118)Yeah. Yeah. And then it was killed off by the state fire marshal. And so the so the legislative fix to that was to say that the state fire marshal does not have jurisdiction in Shelby County or kind of was like in there, tagged on to some other bill. So the so now you can do six units, no forest reclures, but withtypically two hour separations between units, which is not a heavy cost because by the building code, the sound transmission requirements you have, if you just pick the right wall sandwich, you will exceed the two hour fire rating by the time you get to the sound transmission coefficient number of 59, which isthe minimum between units and multifamily.Kevin K (30:14.43)Isn't it mostly just like a double layer of Type X drywall on both sides?R. John Anderson (30:18.352)Yeah, typically double layer on resilient channel or double layer on double studs with air gap. So, you know, and it's 5 -8, two layers of 5 -8.Kevin K (30:27.912)Yeah, okay.Kevin K (30:33.65)Yeah, and the whole scheme of things that's cheaper than the sprinkler deal.R. John Anderson (30:38.5)Yeah, it's also the, just makes for a much quieter unit, you know, which is a benefit that your residents would see as a good thing.Kevin K (30:46.034)Yeah, no doubt.Kevin K (30:53.586)Right. Right. So we've talked a little bit about, you know, the sprinkler issues that relates to three, four, five, six plexes, that sort of thing. We've talked about the single stair exiting possibility. What else are you seeing that like small developers should be really aware of when it comes to, or like red flags when it comes to other code issues besides what you might see in the zoningR. John Anderson (31:18.698)the, one of the things that you'll, it's a confusing problem. all, facial tissues are not manufactured by Kimberly Clark called Kleenex, right? But if you said pass me a Kleenex, people know exactly what you're talking about. The brand name has become kind of the generic name. The same thing happens with accessibility requirements.the Americans with Disabilities Act governs basically places of public accommodation, commercial offices, retail, movie theaters, universities, hospitals, state capitals. And the Fair Housing Act governs the accessibility requirements for residential.and you need to have four units or more to have that building be covered by that set of standards. So if you were going to have four units in a fourplex, two up, two down, all of the ground floor units would be required to be accessible, adaptable. That doesn't mean they have to be accessible when you build them, but they have to be adapted to be accessible in a reasonable period of time if someone with a disability wants to rentSo what that turns into is doors with enough clearance, lever hardware, enough backing in the bathrooms to put in grab bars, enough space between appliances and counters, and be able to get into the building with a zero -slip entry. So we typically build porches, you know, two and a half feet over the surrounding grade. And the way that we handlethat adaptability issue is in a fourplex with a raised floor. The ramp you put in goes down the side of a narrow deep building and brings you up to the front porch elevation. So, and you don't have to do that until someone shows up and wants to rent that, you know, is in a wheelchair or whatever. So, but the people can, a lot of people conflate accessibility for residential with ADA.R. John Anderson (33:44.634)people talk about ADA requirements as if that's all of the accessibility requirements. So for small developers, it's important to understand if you did a mixed use building, the commercial on the ground floor is governed by the ADA, although there's some square footage exceptions for certain things. And then the units upstairs, if you decided to put all four units on top of the commercial space on the ground floor, as far as the Fair Housing Act is concerned,the second floor is now the ground floor, because that's the first place that housing occurs. So now you either need a really big difference in grade or an elevator, which you're not going to amortize over four units. So the better play is to put one unit, however small or modest on the ground floor, because in a non -elevator building, all ground floor units need to be accessible, adaptable, all one of them in this case.Kevin K (34:41.534)John, what might an elevator cost in round numbers, just to by way of thinking aboutR. John Anderson (34:47.504)Well, there's like the base, the cab and the equipment round numbers, that's going to be 50 to 75 ,000. And then you're going to see typically about 25 ,000 a stop in the additional shaft way. And that's for hydraulic. Once you've ever stayed on the fifth floor of a Hampton Inn, that's a hydraulic elevator and you're able tosome maybe some bad life choices by the time you get to the fifth floor because they're very slow at that point. So four stories is kind of the effective maximum for a hydraulic and at which point now you go to a traction elevator which is significant but another 50 to 60 percent more expensive per floor. So again if you are in a situation where you're going to have to have an elevator for market reasons orfor accessibility reasons, you need a lot of units to be able to spread that cost. Because it's not only a first cost, there's the ongoing maintenance and your insurance is gonna go up. But also your construction cost is gonna go up because as soon as you introduce an elevator into the building, kind of all the trades sort of start to move their numbers up or drop out because, yeah.Elevator inspector as an HVAC guy used to doing two story buildings. I don't think I need that guy in my life, you know, because I'm supposed to provide exhaust for the shaft and they're really picky about how you do that. And I just don't do enough elevator buildings to, and I'm busy anyway, you know, so there there's a point where, it's like there, there are buildings that are scaled right for a small developer. And then there's the nextKevin K (36:22.034)Yeah.R. John Anderson (36:45.104)which is a significant bump in the number of units, the cost, the overall scale and complexity of the project. there's, and the folks have a, often have a mistaken notion about that being same as, you know, that's the same as, as the four townhouses I built, just 40 units with an elevator and corridors and fire sprinklers. What's the worry? You know, you know, if I'm going to do four units in this town with all the brain damage I got to go through, I may as well doYou know, so now I get to raise more money. It costs more to build on a per square foot basis. My rents have to be higher. Everything sort of starts to snowball in complexity and scale. And what you should have done as a small developer is instead of, you know, swinging for the fences with that home run, that great project that now you don't have to work anymore. You should do a series of small projects and have a portfolio that is made up of things that.You weren't just doubling down until you lost everything. And you see conventional developers doing the same thing. it's like, you know, if I'm going to, you know, in California, it's probably the best example. If I'm going to do 400 units, may as well do 4 ,000 because the environmental litigation will cost about the same. You know, and also if I can get the stuff approved now, because the barriers to entry are so high, I can definitely make money on 4 ,000 units.400 is kind of sketchy, I don't know, it's a small deal.Kevin K (38:17.534)Yeah, I was just having this conversation with a couple of developers, friends the other day here and like in our city. Like there's just, there's no, there's a lot of great discussion and talk about reform to enable small scale stuff. But when you actually put pencil to paper and start to do a project, like the, the review machine has no mechanism to handle.smaller scale stuff or at all. And so everything pushes for bigness. And it's frustrating because there are a lot of us who I think would like to do some smaller scale stuff. But know, John, this is one reason like you developed, you created the 4F building prototype was to really kind of help smaller developers understand like a hack around some of these different codes.R. John Anderson (39:12.622)Yeah, and that's around the same time that, at that time you could in Texas, Idaho, Nevada, and a few other places, you could build a fourplex without, fire sprinklers. and those were some of the very few places during the great recession that you could build anything. So, it seemed to make sense. What's happened since then is that the fire sprinklers will, you know, the form follows finance fourplex really at this point should be two duplexes on the same lot or.a four unit cottage court or something. David Kim was really instrumental in hacking the code to come up with the three story single stair walk up. And that could be a mixed use building with one unit on the ground floor and then no more than four units on each of the second and third floor and had a maximum exiting number. So we kindIt's kind of like working an investment strategy around the tax code. You know, it's like that's that we're going to have to fit this box. And what we found was that you do wood frame construction. You could do a tall ground floor if you needed retail. And you could do either nine units, four on each of the second and third floor and one unit on the ground floor, the rest commercial, or you could do 12 units all the way down to the bottom, or you can add additional units on the ground floor as long as theydirect access for exiting on the outside wings or something on the back. So that type is getting a lot of traction. The same time Eric Brown and Union Studio had developed similar buildings using the same analysis of the code. So there's a number of those that have been built.That one of the benefits when you're doing a small multi -family building with fire sprinklers and the like is that you, if you're only doing four units on a floor, the common area is basically the stairway at a very large landing. So you end up with maybe four, about six to 8 % of the building area is common area compared to the 15 to 18 % you see in corridor buildings.R. John Anderson (41:36.752)So got to pay to build it, you got to pay to clean it, maintain it, insure it, et cetera. And so being able to reduce the common area, being able to reduce the number of stairs, together buildings that would fit on a 50 or 100 foot lot opens up a lot of opportunities for three story buildings and for mixed use. But again, ADA for the commercial and Fair Housing Act for the rest.Kevin K (42:04.712)Right. So it's really kind of funny because I think I don't think I ever really learned about the Fair Housing Act until you and I started working together, which was, you know, easily almost a decade into my career as an architect. And then we started like looking at the Fair Housing Act. There actually are some interesting workarounds besides like the ground floor thing in the Fair Housing Act. So one or two that I want you to talk about the townhouse rules for fair housing.But one I remember is I think it was adopted in what 1983 and it exempts all buildings built before that year if I remember right. 91, okay.R. John Anderson (42:45.127)1991, May, March of 1991, March 30th, 1991. So if you have an older built.Kevin K (42:48.902)Okay. It's almost like you'd memorize that or like tattooed it somewhere.R. John Anderson (42:53.712)You remember back in the early days of computers when offices didn't have IT people and whoever had figured out how to stay on hold for three hours with Dell computers to get a technical support answer?Kevin K (43:13.534)or was like me, was like the 18 or 19 year old who just grew up with computers, that was the IT person.R. John Anderson (43:16.644)Yep. Yep. And the fact that you could figure out how to download a print driver, you were now the go -to guy. And the more people came to you and asked for help with their print driver, the more problems you solve. the, you know, the fact that you never got a raise because you were the de facto IT guy. So these days for our own purposes, we have dug into this stuff. And then you start to look around and say, wait a minute, not everybody has done this homework. No, no, it's likeKevin K (43:23.228)Yeah. yeah.R. John Anderson (43:46.126)No, we're really busy and it's really hard and really complicated already. You know, we already have the building code and the fire code and everything else. Fair Housing Act. Jesus. So the, so I really, I have a hard time passing up on a chance to reduce my sense of imposter syndrome. It's like, I really am a legitimate guy, you know? No, no, I've read this. Let me send it to you, youDid you read it? No, I didn't. just took a word for it. So no, you got to read it and tell other people about it. You know, it's like, so you, you, ended up coming across as some sort of, you know, uh, crazy person, you know, the kind of people who nailed their 19 thesis to the door of the church and Wittenberg kind of guy, you know, like, uh, that was not my intent, but it's sort of evolved thatKevin K (44:40.072)So anyway, one thing I remember, so a great workaround in the Fair Housing Act, I've had a lot of people over the years talk to me about, have like a old historic mixed use building and they don't want to, they're scared to renovate the upstairs for residential because of what they say ADA, just like to your point, it's not ADA, it's actually fair housing. And my point was no, you're exempt.R. John Anderson (45:06.212)You're exempt. One of the problems, those buildings are covered by the international existing building code, which gives fire officials and building officials a lot of latitude about how you get to the intent of the code, how much effort is going to be required given the level of renovation you're doing. And that same sort of metric is appliedaccessibility upgrades for places covered with the ADA, know, more than 20, you know, can you devote 25 % of your budget to accessibility? Well, $25 ,000 in bathroom upgrades doesn't go very far. It's pretty easy to do. But when it comes time, when, when, uh, the current building code says, if you have residential occupancy over mercantile or business or, know, anything else, that's a big.hazard and now you need to have fire sprinklers because it's under the international building code. International residential existing building code says look if you can put another layer of drywall on the ceiling and create a two -hour rating around the stairway you're good you know. Also you need to use a firecock anytime conduits go through a through a rated floor orA lot of building officials are not ready to, you know, to learn about how much discretion they have or why they should use it in order to be able to get those second story apartments back online on Main Street. So the so even though it's in the code that they have adopted that this could happen, they're not trained at it. They don't get any practice at it. It basically, you know, goes through kind of the code egg sorter. Let's you know, you're spending this much money. You're now you need to bring it all up to code.So in those settings,R. John Anderson (47:06.434)Eric Cromberg is probably the best person to talk to about what the international existing code will allow you to do if you can explain it to the people enforcing it. And I think it's important to do that before you submit your plans with your code analysis and your stamp and wet signature next to the code analysis that says, I really do know what I'm talking about. Please look up these sections.You need to, you you need to talk with your building officials about the intent of the code and the like. And have you seen this section of the, know, you have to cultivate those relationships so that people trust you rather than they feel like they have to defend their turf. So, but the, the, the townhouse exemption and fair housing act is two story units are exempt from being covered by fair housing act, which.accounts for some of the enthusiasm for building rental townhouses.Kevin K (48:07.868)Yeah, yeah. And can you stack them then?R. John Anderson (48:12.75)No. No, if you stack a townhouse now, that's two units between, even though they have a firewall, once you put two units into a townhouse, now you're into fire sprinklers.Kevin K (48:24.86)Okay, yeah. Yeah, that makes sense. All right, so yeah, so just again to clarify a little bit in case we're making people's heads spin a little bit. I think it might be, but like when you talked about the international existing building codes is yet another code that's part of the model code family and it has to be adopted. I don't think like my city has adopted it. I think there are a lot of local governmentsR. John Anderson (48:36.624)I think the odds in that are pretty high.R. John Anderson (48:53.392)I would, if you look, it's in there in the alphabet soup of adopted codes. Most, most folks.Kevin K (48:56.188)Yeah. Okay. But it was, it was created, okay. It was created for the express purpose of making renovation of more historic buildings easier.R. John Anderson (49:07.588)Yeah. And the, all of the, the, the best parts of the international existing building code are all the paragraphs about intent, you know, and if you're sitting down with a code official about that, said, okay, so this says the intent is this, can we agree that that's, you know, that's a good intent? And if we can get, if we can satisfy that, you know, this project, can we get to yes, you know, the,But folks in those kind of positions don't want to be called out for being wrong or dogmatic or they wouldn't want to be characterized as Pharisees, which is usually the word that's like, I'm thinking that really loud and I'm in those meetings. The blind guides. So I think that it's about building relationships with the staff that are dealing with that.And I think in order to get to that point, small developers probably need to international residential code compliant buildings and establish trust with their neighbors so that you've built that foundation of support and you're blunting some of the opposition that might come if you're looking for some kind of entitlement later. But if you're just asking for building permits,build your track record and build your trust, be the person who does what they say they're going to do. Hire local folks, train local folks, create enough daylight in between you and the big production builder from out of town or the developer from the other side of town where you are, if this is going to happen, we would rather our person do it. Janine is the person who's built all those great carriage houses in our neighborhood.And we would like to see her be able to continue to do that. So we think that, you know, it's reasonable that we should, you when she renovates the old trolley stop, mixed use buildings, she shouldn't have to put in fire sprinklers, youKevin K (51:19.954)Yeah. Yeah. And to kind of put a last piece on it that is ever much so fun is there's the human element to all of this. And I was, I actually saw a tweet this morning from our friend Aaron Lubeck about, I think a builder friend in where he is in Durham had a project submitted and one staff reviewer for some, I can't remember the exact story, but there were like two different staff reviewers or code reviewers on it. And one of them came back with likeNo,R. John Anderson (51:53.264)Hard to get good help.Kevin K (51:54.686)That's OK.R. John Anderson (51:57.216)I'm being protected from marauding squirrels on the telephone wires.Kevin K (52:01.022)I fully understand. But basically, one staff person had no comments, and another one came back with 25 comments. And so there's a human element to this that the people who review your application and are looking to apply the building code may end up with very different interpretations of what is required and what is not required. So John, advice on how to navigateR. John Anderson (52:27.182)Well, the plan checkers and the building inspectors report to the chief building official. And that's a position that you have to identify when you adopt the building code. You know, you're, you're, you know, that's a job description that, that has to get filled. And sometimes that person has many other responsibilities, but there's somebody identified as the last word as the chief building official. Appointments with that person.and conversations about intent and, you know, demonstrating that you're trying to build something that will be safe and reasonable. And that you're trying to get to the intent of the code. If you can build that relationship,if you're sideways with a plan checker, it's like, well, we have, we have two very different opinions about this. Can we bring in the chief building official to, you know, break the tie or maybe advise a different approach? You know, are you okay with that? It's like, it's, it's, you know, it's not personal, you know, I definitely think this is working and my, my architect who's responsible for the safety of this building until the end of their natural life,that person, you know, has signed off on it. The city's got no liability here, even though you believe it does. So we think we've got you covered for liability. We think we've been responsible as professionals. How about it? I mean, come on, you know, but you need to build that relationship demonstrating that you are not not someone who's, you know, given to tantrumsor calling city council members, city manager, you're not gonna go over their head. You wanna work it out within that smaller circle. The day you go overhead, you go up the food chain, you can mark that day because now from now on, all your plan checks are gonna be given extra scrutiny and given to the most senior person and the most careful person in the group.R. John Anderson (54:41.014)More difficult is the situation where somebody will pick up a set of plans that are pretty much done by a junior person and then redline it and say, no, no, it has to be like this. And your conversation likely when you get your plans back is going to be with the junior person who can't actually articulate what the senior person did. And it's quite possible that they were wrong.but now you got that extra layer to go through. So to be able to get to the person who can say grace on the whole arrangement and build that relationship and demonstrate that while you have that relationship, you're not always going to pull that card. You're not going to do it for every little thing. And it's like the...There's kind of a quick sorting system that plan check and building inspectors have. If this person is basically doing a good job, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt because they're consistently doing a good job. If this person is a jerk, I think it's my duty to protect my fellow building inspectors from this monster.You know, and I need to actually maybe cross the line a little bit in order to be able to put this guy in his place because he never read the code. You know, so the, there's a whole lot of high school hallway one -upsmanship that goes on usually between males. I think that female building officials and female contractors and developers typically are more rigorous instudy and their presentation and their communication skills. and I think recovering elementary school teachers who've become small developers, their communication skills are awesome because their expectation for human behavior is fairly modest.Kevin K (56:41.662)No doubt, no doubt. All right, John, before we wrap, any final words or thoughts for people to think about as they look at codes?R. John Anderson (56:53.602)Well, I think that particularly for small developers, it's really important because of the level of complexity and kind of the possibility that code issue will just stop your project altogether. It's important to become, don't leave it to your architect to be the last word on the code. It's OK to have spirited discussions about it. ButGet Francis Ching's books about, you know, the building codes illustrated or the international residential code illustrated, which when you read the code, there are a lot of things that you end up making a sketch or a diagram. So you see if you've got it figured out because it makes references from one section to another. You can't just hold it all in your head. The great thing about the Frank Ching books is that he's made those drawings much better than youand they communicate really effectively and you can bring that into the meeting. don't subcontract code compliance to somebody else because just like you wouldn't subcontract your personal guarantee on the construction loan to someone else, it's that serious. And start with small projects. Make small code problems and solveKevin K (58:10.386)Yeah, noKevin K (58:16.638)Yes, some of us may. We may learn to take that advice one day or maybe not, who knows.R. John Anderson (58:24.448)Well, I have a steady stream of I told you so's on any day of the week. So I'm happy to help people out with that.Kevin K (58:33.054)Yeah. All right, John, thanks so much. this. All right. See you later.R. John Anderson (58:35.994)Sure, take care.Thank you. Get full access to The Messy City at kevinklinkenberg.substack.com/subscribe

So Japanese
Doyou no Ushi no Hi: Why Eel is Eaten on the 'Day of the Ox' in Japan?

So Japanese

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 46:22


Doyou no Ushi no Hi is a day steeped in tradition and cultural significance in Japan. Join us as we explore why eel is the preferred dish on this day, the historical context behind the custom, and how it has become a beloved part of Japanese summer. We'll also share personal stories and experiences related to this unique celebration.  土用の丑の日は、日本において伝統と文化的な意義が深く根付いている日です。この日になぜウナギが好まれるのか、その歴史的背景と共に、どのようにして日本の夏の一部として愛されるようになったのかを探ります。また、この独特な祝いに関する個人的なストーリーや体験も共有します。是非最後までお楽しみ下さい!! Support the Show.https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Hampton Blu Radio
Trump Distances from Project 2025, Biden's Campaign, Busta Rhymes at Essence

Hampton Blu Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 49:00


Join Holliewood of Holliewood and Friends as he dives deep into What's Hot In These Blogs?! In this episode, Holliewood breaks down Donald Trump's denial of any knowledge regarding Project 2025. Doyou believe him? And as the political landscape heats up, get the scoop on President Joe Biden's defense as the projected nominee of the Democratic Party and why he is staying in the race. Plus, learn about the Essence Fest Weekend and hear about how Busta Rhymes had some strong words for fans more focused on their phones than his performance. And don't miss the buzz about Diddy possibly leaving Hollywood. He is reportedly selling his home for $70M. Plus, here the question of the week: When would you move in with you significant other?  

The Drive w/ AD & Raff – 93.7 The Ticket KNTK
Trev Alberts is now the athletic director at Texas A&M

The Drive w/ AD & Raff – 93.7 The Ticket KNTK

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 19:31


Trev Alberts has officially accepted the athletic director job at Texas A&MThis one stingsYou have to find a president and AD that meshes with the school and its peopleTrev Alberts showed up to every single sporting event and that's what Nebraska neededTrev did what an AD is supposed to doYou could talk to Trev as an "Average Joe" and he'd take time to talk with youShow sponsored by SANDHILLS GLOBAL & DOOR PLUSAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Juljina's Podcast
Nobody Gets Me :: Speed Up :: — SZA

Juljina's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 2:37


Playlist that audio from :: YT :: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLliyIjlQOpG0ZpoJADsP_HbbnmtCNFp2H&si=QCnHHdmSSS70mVqG Lyrics Took a long vacation, no makeup, just Jay-ZYou were balls deep, now we beefin', had me butt-naked at the MGMSo wasted screamin', "Fuck that," love me now, but I'm anythin'Hurry now, baby, stick it in 'fore the memories get to kickin' inIt's too late, I don't wanna lose what's left of youHow am I supposed to tell ya?I don't wanna see you with anyone but meNobody gets me like youHow am I supposed to let you go?Only like myself when I'm with youNobody gets me, you do (do)You doNobody gets me, you do (do)You doNobody gets me, you doYou do, nobody gets me, you doTook me out to the balletYou proposеd, I went on the roadYou was feelin' empty, so you lеft meNow I'm stuck dealin' with a deadbeatIf I'm real, I deserve lessIf I was you, I wouldn't take me backI pretend when I'm with a man, it's youAnd I know that it's too lateI don't wanna lose what's left of youHow am I supposed to tell ya?I don't wanna see you with anyone but meNobody gets me like youHow am I supposed to let you go?Only like myself when I'm with youNobody gets me, you do (do)You doNobody gets me, you do (do)You doNobody gets me, you do (do, ooh)You do, nobody gets me, you do (do, ooh)Nobody gets me, you do --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juljina/message

Juljina's Podcast
Open Arms (feat. Travis Scott) :: Speed Up :: — SZA, Travis Scott

Juljina's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 3:28


Playlist that audio from :: YT :: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLliyIjlQOpG0ZpoJADsP_HbbnmtCNFp2H&si=QCnHHdmSSS70mVqG Lyrics When you do your best you ca-, I done told youWhen you do your best, hell, that's all you can doYou and me and anybody elseSo they always start talkin'OohRunnin' away from where I'm fromNever can stay with no oneLoving you almost feels like somethingWhen no one's around me, you lost and found meI was surroundedWith open, open, openOpen arms (ooh)Open arms, you keep me openI'm so devotedYou keep me open (ooh)Open armsI'm so devoted to you, to you, to youSpent your life bein' hopelessChokin' on insecurityI know all this is badBut, please, put a leash on me anywayWho needs self-esteem anyway?I hate myself to make you stayPush me away, I'll be right hereWith open, open, openOpen arms (ooh)Open arms, you keep me openI'm so devotedYou keep me openOpen armsI'm so devoted to you, to you, to youNo matter what come between us, yeah, I decided (ayy)I'm forever ridin' (whoa), you're forever guidin' (ayy)Pull up on an opp, hit his curb up, slide it (brr)Notice when you mad, ain't no words, just silence (ooh)You my favorite color, now you seein' every shade of meYou say that I'm trippin', I hit back like, where you takin' me?Locked in for life, on God, no replacin' meConsequences, repercussions, karma keep on changin' meFor you, I try, face card valid, IDC'est la vie, go to Paris, it ain't five-star, it ain't meOver-solid, keep it concrete, I'ma bet it on your whole feeJust don't switch sides, I could fire piece your wrist, APThrough the ups and downs and all the heatTake a turn and tell you what it beBackshots make you feel relief, anything, just don't you ever leaveI guess I gotta goI guess it's time to goI gotta let you go(I'm so devoted)You keep me openGotta let you go, gotta let you goI gotta let you go, I mustYou're the only one that's holdin' me down(You're the only one holdin' me down)('Cause I'm the only one that's holdin' me down) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juljina/message

The Yak
The Yak Goes To Battle In The High Noon Home Run Derby | The Yak 12-8-23

The Yak

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 99:50


Bad times don't last, but bad guys doYou can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/barstoolyak

Gian Carlo's Podcast
Episode 1156: Enjoy what you must do

Gian Carlo's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 10:31


Enjoy what you must doYou are going to be inspired, challenged, and enlightened.December 5th, 2023Find more about Gian here: mygiancarlo.com#VictoryChurch #OdessaTX

Equipped with Chris Brooks

Why do some teens thrive as adults while others struggle? Could it be as simple as finding a wise friend and following their lead? Chris Brooks will introduce you to a man who not only turned his life around but is passing the secrets of his success along to others.  Doyou know a young man who is struggling in life?  Don’t miss the wisdom of Clarence Shuler on this edition of Equipped.

STRANGE TALK WITH DOC
There's So Much To Live For

STRANGE TALK WITH DOC

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 35:02


#SoMuch #live #life #accomplish #endgoal #fullife #Doyou #unfinishedbusiness, #aimfor #nothinglefttogive #youcant #aging #news #sports #enetertainment #Trump #ISREAL #UFC #NFL #TracyChapman #RobbieWilliams #JimHarbaugh #EricAdams #CEASEFIRE #governmentshutdown #KellyOubre https://strangetalkdoc.wixsite.com/mysite MUSIC WITH PERMISSION ATTRIBUTION: Written Permission to Use “Sky” by OBOY at 0:00-0:16 of this video was secured by this Creator on September 17, 2019. Proof of license available upon request --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strange-talk-doc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strange-talk-doc/support

The Next Level Communications Podcast
Episode Six - The magic of customer messaging, Grice's Maxims, and more.

The Next Level Communications Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 23:50


Welcome back! In this final episode wrapping up season one, I walk through my formula for crafting compelling customer messaging.As your host, I'm always grateful you've stuck with me on this podcast journey. It's brilliant we've made it to episode six together. I've wanted to start a podcast for years, so it means so much you've encouraged and supported me.To recap, we've been exploring metalinguistics: the art of talking about talking. This season aimed to make you more curious about how your words work internally and externally. My hope is you feel equipped to bridge workplace culture gaps and create shared understanding.Today, we get a bit nerdy (but really, when have we not been nerdy?) and look at my framework for building customer-focused messages.First, let's revisit last week's episode on sociolects. Have you shared any hilarious words your family used growing up? My grandfather called Egypt "egg-wiped" and we said "weekies" instead of ears. Share your family's silly words!But onto today's focus: the magic of customer messaging.Your formula is:Your customer tells you what you doYou tell them how you did itThis means leading with their experience, not yours. Your customer is the authority on your impact. Maya Angelou said "people will forget what you said and did, but not how you made them feel."Their feelings are valid - you can't tell them their experience is wrong. Instead, ask them about your positive impact. Their feedback gives you authority to relay your value.You have creative control over the "how." Explain your cultural values and brand story. Share what makes you proud and why it drives results.Weave in those brand values from episode four into your methods. Show how your culture and approach lead to their experience.So in messaging:Your customer describes the impactYou describe how your values achieve that, backed by their wordsThis hierarchy resonates because it puts them first, not you. As Nick Anderson says, you have to earn the right to say "we." Put them front and centre.That brings us to Grice's Maxims of Conversation. These provide universal principles for getting your point across effectively. See how they feel intuitively true:Maxim of Relevance: What you say must relate to the topic at hand.Maxim of Quality: You must be truthful and not mislead.Maxim of Manner: You must be clear, avoid ambiguity, and explain appropriately.Maxim of Quantity: Give as much or as little information as needed - no more, no less.Think of when these get violated in life. You ask how someone is and they launch into overly personal details. The maxim of quantity got overlooked. Consider if your website and collateral uphold the maxims. Do they speak truthfully and clearly to your audience's needs without wasting their time? The maxims create a brilliant guide for engaging communication.Here are some key takeaways:Notice when maxims get violated in conversations - it highlights communication breakdowns.Analyse your copy's percentage of "you" pronouns - higher percentages show audience focus.Ensure your messaging adheres to the maxims - your customers will thank you for respecting their time and intelligence.That wraps up season one! Let me know your biggest takeaways and insights from the podcast so far. I may have a bonus episode coming soon, so stay tuned. Thank you for joining me on this journey - it means the world.

Lead with Culture
Uncovering the Secrets to Sustainable Success in Sales with Greta Schulz, President of Schulz Business SELLutions

Lead with Culture

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 35:56 Transcription Available


“Culture is what makes people want to be in your organization and motivates your team.”Great teams don't happen by accident. With over 30 years in the sales industry, Greta Schulz, President of Schulz Business SELLutions, knows what to look for in hiring a salesperson and how to nurture and coach them to become exceptional.In this episode, Greta shares what she's learned from her decades-worth of experience in sales about the impact of culture on a team, from shedding the common notion that great salespeople are born to having more efficient and effective sales discussions. Along the way, you'll learn the key traits to look for when hiring talented people—and their resume doesn't always tell you the full story.In this episode, you'll learnNo matter what good skills someone is born with, if they don't practice and learn to go from good to great, they won't be as successful as those that doYou need to look past a candidate's resume for key characteristics to really tell if they're a good fit for your organizationYou can't motivate anybody to do anything, but you can give them an opportunity to motivate themselvesThings to listen for:[02:53] Defining company culture[05:08] How coaching has changed in recent years[08:40] What makes a great salesperson[18:21] Pain points for CEOs in hiring[21:30] Understanding what is and isn't in your control[23:32] The importance of self-belief[31:27] Why silence works in salesResources:Floyd CoachingThe Culture AssessmentMatthew Kelly's BooksFloyd Coaching's BlogConnect with the Guest:Greta Schulz's LinkedInConnect with the Host & Floyd Coaching:Kate Volman's LinkedInFloyd Coaching on LinkedInFloyd Consulting on FacebookFloyd Consulting on TwitterFloyd Consulting on YouTubeFloyd Consulting on Instagram

Church In Toronto Sermon Audio
Raising Lazarus: Pointing to a Better Resurrection

Church In Toronto Sermon Audio

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2023 38:14


Before Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, he gives thanks to the Father to display tothose standing nearby that he is one with God the Father. He is not taking credit forwhat is about to happen. He is directing all the praise to God. But at the same time, healso wants people to see that God truly has sent him. Of course, this is no differencefrom what he has been saying and doing throughout this Gospel. He lives in dependenceon God. Only God can raise someone from the dead. And Jesus does that very thing.Is there a deeper significance to Lazarus' resurrection for you and I as we follow Jesusfrom day to day? Yes! First, we should know that our death is different because we arebelievers. Death does not hold power over us any longer because we know that death isnot the end. Second, because we have the hope of resurrection, the manner in which welive today is strikingly different. We live a life of more value. Third, it's not uncommonfor us to find ourselves buried in a tomb due to addictions, anxiety, lusts, guilt & shame.The good news is that our Resurrected Saviour is still calling us out of our tombs. Doyou hear his voice?

Navigating Major Programmes
Can PPPs incorporate collaborative contracting? | With Riccardo Cosentino and Jim Bernard | S1 EP 10

Navigating Major Programmes

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2023 38:27


In this week's episode, Riccardo switches chairs and guest host, Jim Barnard, asks all the questions. Riccardo shares insights from his Oxford Saïd Business School dissertation on the use of collaborative contracting into major programmes, specifically PPP structures. Riccardo and Jim delve into the complications and complexities of risk management, adversarial situations, stakeholders and shareholders and private financing.   “When you have collaborative contracting, you almost waive your legal rights or your rights to pursue legal remedies. And so, all of the parties are around the table. There are many advantages of collaborative contracting, but the simplest one is, instead of hiring lawyers to sort out disputes, you're redeploying those resources to actually solving project problems.” Key Takeaways:  The price of winning contracts in the PPP market and how the public sector entity comes into playWhy collaborative contracting provides better odds for finishing on time and on budget, but equity has to take more riskPPP and politics, how do we navigate it?  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community: Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInJim Bernard on LinkedIn Transcript:Riccardo Cosentino 00:05You're listening to navigate the major problems, the podcast that aims to elevate the conversationshappening in the infrastructure industry and inspire you to have a more efficient approach within it. I'myour host, Riccardo Cosentino brings over 20 years of major product management experience. Mostrecently, I graduated from Oxford University Said business school, which shook my belief when itcomes to navigating major problems. Now, it's time to shake yours. Join me in each episode, as I pressthe industry experts about the complexity of major program management, emerging digital trends andthe critical leadership required to approach these multibillion-dollar projects. Let's see what theconversation takes us. Hello, and welcome to a new episode of navigating major programs. Todaywe're going to be doing things a little bit differently. My friend, and one point guest of the show asagreed kindly to be hosting this podcast. And we'll do a role reversal where I'm going to be doing thepresenting and Jim Barnard is going to co-host the show. And today we're going to talk about a topicthat is very close to my heart, which is the use of collaborative contracting into major programs,especially into PPP structures. I've done a full dissertation at Oxford as part of my master, majorprogram management, and I decided that it'd be good to walk you through my findings and myconclusion. Anyway, let me introduce the host for today. Jim Bernard. How you doing? Jim?Jim 02:00I'm great. Riccardo, thanks for having me. Big fan of the podcast, obviously had the chance to be on apreviously so very much appreciate the opportunity to be host this time.Riccardo Cosentino 02:11So today, as I said, I'll be a be doing the talking. And you'll be doing the asking. Maybe I can start? I'lljump right into it unless you have a specific question for me. And maybe I can give a bit of a bit of anoverview of my research thesis and some of my findings and some of my conclusions.Jim 02:34 2Transcribed by https://otter.aiYes, summary will be great, a perfect place to start. But some of our folks listening may not becompletely familiar with even the concept of collaboration. And I know having read your dissertationthat you get into some fairly technical and detailed topics relative to finance and how structures are setup and that type of thing. So for those of us either less familiar or kind of new to the topic, if you don'tmind, let's start as basic as possible.Riccardo Cosentino 03:03Okay, well, let's start with, let's start with what prompted me to research this specific topic, the probablya good place to start here. I you know, I'm a professional the work in public private partnership over thelast 20 years. So again, a lot of knowledge about the topic, I have structured and finance manytransactions that use non recourse financing. And a couple of years ago, my company decided to exitthe what we call the lump sum turnkey business, which is the type of contracting where a private sectorentity commits to deliver a project on time and on budget and every any cost overruns. And at any cost,and any time overruns are absorbed by the entity that has committed to deliver the project. So mycompany has been losing a lot of money with the stock form a contract. So in 2018, we decided toexited. However, this type of contract is the cornerstone of non recourse financing, recourse financingis financing that doesn't, doesn't lean on the asset of the parent company, but the only leans on theasset of the other special purpose vehicle that is delivering the project,Jim 04:26basically. Project.Riccardo Cosentino 04:29Yes. Right. So it's basically the future revenues, that that's the only recourse available to lenders debtand equity lenders is access to, to project revenues rather than corporate revenue associated with theentity that is delivered project.Jim 04:49Right.Riccardo Cosentino 04:50And because my company exited this business lumpsum turnkey, indirectly we also exited theconstruction portion of public private partnerships were where entities or companies, contractors arehired to deliver the project under the structure. However, we still wanted to stay involved in contracting.So what we started researching is different types of contracts and collaborative contracting, came upalliances IPD all forms of contract that they include a large component of collaboration. In this type ofcontracts, the risk is not transferred to the product to the contracting entity is the risk of on timecompletion and on budget completion stays within the project sponsor. There is a Pain Gain sharingmechanism, where the contracting entity, the contractor that is delivering the project puts their fee risk,but they're not taking on the cost of around burden that is typical of lump sum turnkey. So once westarted researching this, the question that I was asked many, many times, being the expert in publicprivate partnership is can we convince clients and lenders to use collaborative contracting within thenon recourse PPP structure? And intuitively, I didn't think it was possible, I did some preliminary 3Transcribed by https://otter.airesearch as part of my job. But I couldn't really find conclusive answers of why collaborativelycontracting could or could not be used within a PPP structure,Jim 06:45where I take a step back down, how did you do your preliminary research was at a qualitative research,quantitative research and kind of benefits of both detriments of both How did you choose what methoddid you use and how did you choose it.Riccardo Cosentino 06:58So during what while I was still working, so before I use an academic method, I, I just looked at thecommercial parameters, I just look at the commercial framework and in the legal framework, and I justtried to see if the economic principle of the commercial principle would support these type ofcommercial and legal structure, right. And based on my understanding of the commercial principle, nonrecourse financing, where risk has to be transferred, and where lenders that especially debt lenders,needs to be kept whole in the PPP structure, the only entity that can keep the lenders or is thecontractor delivering the work? I mean, no, it's not the only way. But it's the most economical way. Andthe cheapest way of implementing a project finance structure is to have the contractor guaranteeing thedelivery of the project by putting up the balance sheet and by taking on the cost of Iran in a lump sumturnkey model,Jim 08:07but the fee, the fees at that point are fixed, right. So you're really talking all downside, fixed upside inthat structure. I mean, it sounds not just unpalatable, but somewhat dangerous for the contractor to getinto that arrangement.Riccardo Cosentino 08:23It is and they think he has worked in the past to a certain degree where Contractor have been able tomanage that risk the took on. But I think over the last 15 years, the market got so competitive, thatcontractors have been racing to the bottom sometimes fixing the cost of the project to a level too low toactual deliver and then end up absorbing all of the losses at the back end or the contraction period. Imean, that's definitely what happened to our company we overcommitted in order to win the contract,and then we ended up with a lot of the losses. However, there are instances where the model works.It's just you know, I think you the model can work if you have a healthy competitive process, if you havean unhealthy race to the bottom is probably dangerous, dangerous territoryJim 09:23that can open up even getting into different ways of gaming. Bidding processes itself is a massive topic,I'm sure that gets into behavioral economics and how people bid and upsides and downsides andpsychology and all this other stuff. So we probably want to table that for a future episode because wecould spend hours just on that aspect of it. I'm sure. So, but I guess the conclusion is at some point inthe market, the bids got so tight in the market, the fees got compressed, so low that the people who arewinning the bids were just really behind the eight ball at the beginning. I mean, it was it was almost Iwant to say it was, you know, failure was baked into the to the process. But it sounds like you're in areally tight spot straight out of the gate. 4Transcribed by https://otter.aiRiccardo Cosentino 10:13That's correct. And it's not unlikely It's not unlike the, you know, bid low claim high model that westudied in, at Oxford, right, I think there was a case about how the it's, we live in an industry wherethere's a lot of, you know, contractors make their money through the claims. And then and I think that'swhere the PPP market got to where, you know, companies bid low in order to secure the contract, andthen then trying to deal with the consequences afterwards,Jim 10:46by claim process, you're talking going to court litigation,Riccardo Cosentino 10:50eventually. Yeah, that's where he ends up. I mean, you can try and settle. I mean, there are settlementalong the way that you can do there are but you know, ultimately, yeah, you go to court, and, you know,20 to 30 cents on the dollars if you're lucky when you play.Jim 11:05So that whole system sounded like from the day that they decided to race to the bottom of the wholesystem seems like it's building upon a weak foundation to start. And it's crumbling from there. I mean, ifyou're going to court to deal with inevitable complexity of a major program seems like somethingstarted wrong. I mean, it's not in it's not within the project itself, which obviously has its own complexityfrom a cost standpoint, engineering standpoint, and construction execution stakeholders, and then wehave this whole network of influencers within any major program. But this is like on top of that, this is awhole kind of external integration challenge. That, before you even get to the complexity of the project,you're kind of off off center to begin with that fair.Riccardo Cosentino 11:58That's, that's very fair. And, and but that's probably not something caused by the PPP structure or thenon recourse financing structure is more caused by, you know, public sector entity, especially beingsubjected to optimism bias and strategic misrepresentation in order to get these projects off the ground.And I think we PPP that problem is accentuated by the fact that there's a bit of heuristics, which is theprivate sector can do it better. So we don't have to develop the project to you know, 50% 60% design,in order to get to get bids in, we're gonna put out a 5% design, the private sector will take a developergive us a fixed price. And, and we'll go from there, which breeds a situation where you have contractorcommitting to a fixed price contract with only 15 20% design done. Because that's the nature of PPPwhere, you know, the government or the public sector doesn't want to develop the project, becausethey don't want to stifle the innovation that the private sector could bring. But on the other hand, theydon't really give a lot of opportunity to the private sector, to develop the design, to you know, 60 70%,which is what you need to have certainty, and then an ability to commit to a fixed price.Jim 13:28So are sort of back to that master, the opposite of the master builder heuristic. We're not planning longand or planning slow and building quickly, we're planning quickly and just accumulating delays and costoverruns. 5Transcribed by https://otter.aiRiccardo Cosentino 13:41Absolutely, absolutely. And then, you know, and you know, we seen this, because these projects are solong. And by the time that all the problems actually materialize, it's probably six, seven years down theline. So nobody worries about that at the beginning, and you will worry about that at the end. And youalways people somehow scratch their heads is that how do we get here, but pretty simple how we gothere.Jim 14:07So not to not to necessarily prompt a sales pitch for collaborative contracting. But how do you see orhow what did your research determine the benefits of collaborative contracting? We're, and then howlikely is it that it's going to become part of part of the industry?Riccardo Cosentino 14:31So my research was wasn't so much about collaborative contracting. So I took I took the benefit ofcollaborative contracting as a given and I said, you know, if collaborative contracting is such a goodway of delivering projects, How come is not used in PPP structures? What are the limiting factors thatdon't allow the implementation of collaborative contracting into PPP P. So my starting premises wascollaborative contracting is good. It is the way forward, and how do we how do we roll it out in differentparts of the industry?Jim 15:12Can we explore that just for a second? What is it about collaborative contract? And what benefits? Doyou believe that delivers to the industry?Riccardo Cosentino 15:21Well look, to me, just the fundamental principle that when you have collaborative contracting, youalmost you're almost waive your legal rights or your rights to pursue legal remedies. And so all of theparties are around the table. So the, you know, there are many advantages of collaborative contractcontracting, but the simplest one is, instead of hiring lawyer to sorting out disputes, you redeployingthose resources to actually solving project problems. So if you think of the litigation costs in thesemajor, major programs, if you just take those costs, and you were to use that financial resource toactually solve actual problems on the project, I mean, it doesn't take a lot of research to know thatanecdotally, that that's a good thing. Developed with all due respect to our attorney friends out there,your role may not best to be solving problems after the fact. Right? I mean, that's kind of the idea.Yeah, I mean, look, I mean, a claim against the client doesn't get concrete poured faster. Right. Okay.Fair point. You know, a few extra engineers and a few extra project resources could get that concretepoured faster, or figure out a way to pour the concrete faster.Jim 16:56Yeah, have the magic communications better to when you're not having to run it through attorneys andlegal filings?Riccardo Cosentino 17:02 6Transcribed by https://otter.aiYeah, I mean, I use I use that example. Because it's, you know, we just talked about claims we justtalked about, you know, ended up in court. So that's, that's the thing that comes to mind. But, you know,in general, I think we can all agree that a non antagonistic environment is more conducive to betterworking relation and better outputs. It's just anecdotally, we intuitively we can all see thatJim 17:34Sure.Riccardo Cosentino 17:35That we all want to work in a collaborative space, because, you know, when you bring the intellect ormultiple people together, and you foster that, you definitely want to get a better outcome.Jim 17:47Right, more rewarding toRiccardo Cosentino 17:48Yes. So that's, that's why I've took that I took it as a dogma, I said, collaborative contracting, is the rightway forward,Jim 17:58okay.Riccardo Cosentino 17:59So, okay, so why can we use that in PPP structures. And so, this is where it gets a little bit technical.Where, you know, PPP are really know nothing more than non recourse financing or project financing.That was it was a financing mechanism that was developed in the 70s. for oil exploration in the NorthSea, there weren't enough oil and gas company, there wasn't a big enough oil and gas company toabsorb the risk of oil exploration in the North Sea. So, they came together and came up with thestructure, which basically insulate the parent companies for the loss from the losses of the project. Andso, you know, if you take all exploration, and you lend him money into oil exploration Norh sea lenderscan only go after the asset to the oil platform or the future revenues associated with the asset. And thatbasically insulate the parent company for wo po things go really wrong,Jim 19:11but is there is there a completion guarantee built into this? I mean, the contractor can't just walk awaywithout recourse, can they?Riccardo Cosentino 19:18So, sorry, what I was describing is the is the is the structure or the client level? Yes.Jim 19:25Got it.Riccardo Cosentino 19:26 7Transcribed by https://otter.aiSo at the at the contractor level, yeah, absolutely the contractor. So that's what I was saying that inthese non recourse structures, the completion guarantee comes from the contractor. So ultimately, theback so although the project itself is non recourse, the contractor does put up guarantees becauseultimately the guarantees are in favor of the project sponsor and the project lenders right debt thatlenders, right? So the equity lenders is typically the developers, obviously they take equity risk, so Theyhave high amounts of risk or high amount of returns. So the first one, they get wiped out if the projectdoesn't do well. However, the debt lender has less, you know, these are big institution, they don't likerisk, they want to be insulated. So if the project was in to reach substantial completion, the contractorwould keep the lenders whole up to a point. And there's this is, this is why collaborative contracting isnot quite easy to implement in the structure, because the debt lenders always looking to recover themoney, right? And if the risk hasn't been transferred to a contractor, where the lender is going torecover the money for right,Jim 20:47where does it go, because it doesn't leave the project, just because nobody raised their hand to take it,it's not going away.Riccardo Cosentino 20:55So it's a Series is brought by non recourse financing PPP, these a zero sum games, where either thecontractor loses money, or the client loses money. And so that that creates the adversarial situation,especially if you haven't bid the job properly, you're going to be losing money, you're going aftersomebody because nobody likes to lose money, you're going to go after the client, and then theadversarial scenario sets in.Jim 21:24So the most important relationship, the most important relationship between the client and thecontractor for the project success is immediately set up on a weak foundation, like, yes. Okay. Thatexplains anything.Riccardo Cosentino 21:40And it will be, you know, is not impossibly, you could implement a collaborative contract between theclient and the contractor. However, the lenders need to get repaid, and the lender is only going to getrepaid when you reach substantial completion, you start extracting oil, you start selling the oil, and thatgenerates the revenues that are then used to repay the debt lenders, right? Yeah, so we couldimplement collaborative contract between the contractor and the project developer. However, in case ofcost overruns, the developer would pick up those costs. And because obviously, the lenders are still,you know, they still have debt service that you have to repay. And so somebody's got to pick up theircosts. And if he's not, there is not the contractor for a lump sum turnkey, then is the developer. Andhowever, that is not then becomes a more expensive structure, got a sense that you now have to putthe equity in. So now, it's very, very technical.Jim 22:55So maybe complex is that is that a good way to put it? 8Transcribed by https://otter.aiRiccardo Cosentino 22:59Is the well yes, complex, as actually complicated. It's very mechanical, there's no complex, it's theJim 23:07Swiss watch. It's not the flock of birds,Riccardo Cosentino 23:11which is basically, you know, when you inject equity, you know, when lenders lend you manage for aproject, that lenders lend you money for a project, they want to know that they're going to get paid back,right? And so they are going to look at the cost overruns. And they're going to look at who's going toabsorb the cost overruns. And so if the contractor is not going to pick up the cost overruns, becauseyou now have a relational contract in place, then the sponsor will, however, the sponsor has norecourse, there is no recourse to anybody above, right, typically, the contractor provides a parentcompany guarantee, and as the recourse to the parent company, but a developer because there's norecourse is not providing that they're there for they have to actually inject all of the equity upfront, rightto cover potential cost overruns. So you now have cash injected into the project, even though you mightnot need it, which makes it very, very expensive.Jim 24:08But you also have the benefit of big contingency.Riccardo Cosentino 24:11Absolutely. Absolutely. So, again, it's not is not impossible, this is just gets to the conclusion of mydissertation, which is it's possible to have relational contracting, it's going to be more expensive.However, the flip side, if we believe that collaborative Contracting is the way forward, you're going to bemore likely to finish on time and on budget, through collaboration that adversarial relations.Jim 24:38It's a funny, it's a funny perspective, to me having been involved in some complex projects, and itseems a little bit short sighted that somebody would really object to a 200 basis points or 2% increasein their cost of capital. Over massive cost overruns in the back end, huge attorney He's fees, delays,which we know costs money, I mean, time is actually money in a major program. So it's always justshocked me how everybody wants to bid to be as low as possible. Everybody wants to make sure thatthat interest rate is just as thin as they can possibly get it without giving any consideration to the factthat you're not saving anything. Because when you set up the program, that way, you're justguaranteed you're going to be over budget far more than you would ever save, and then add thelitigation on top of it that delays everything else. I mean, it just seems short sighted to me,Riccardo Cosentino 25:35unfortunately. So I'm, I specialize in public sector infrastructure. So I deal mostly with municipal, stateand federal government projects. And unfortunately, in the public sector, you have to demonstratevalue for money. And, you know, I think PPP is, it's particularly, the value for money analysis makesthings even worse, because what you end up now with is, private sector financing is more expensive inthe public sector financing a public, they know, the United States government can borrow at a cheaper 9Transcribed by https://otter.airate than any other corporation. So if you have a federal project, you're now adding, you know, 100 150bips to the cost to the cost of that because you have the private sector taken. So you now have a valuefor money analysis that already starts with you being in a hole. Because you now they Yeah, are goingto do it for a PPP are going to use private finance, but it's more expensive. So how do I balance thevalue for money? How do I justify that this is good value for money. And, you know, that's where youare starting play with risk transfer, you start quantify, the more risk you transfer, the more able you'regoing to be to show value for money, the lower the cost, the better because then again, you're going tobe able to show value for money. And as I said, The problem is that you're starting in a hole, right,because you already have to demonstrate why are using private finance. And then, and thencompound, the problem is, the way you justify private finance is by transferring risk, that are going totransfer more risks to the private sector are going to pay them more, you know, are going to pay theirhigher cost of capital. But that will bring me benefit because I have transferred to them the risk ofcompletion.Jim 27:37So you've got a, you've got a problematic paradigm may not be the it's a bit overused word, but you'vegot a problematic equation at the front end, which is creating some pretty significant adverseconsequences at the backend. Before you even get in to start talking about planning fallacy andstrategic misrepresentation. I mean, it, it sounds like the entrenched thought process behind howprojects should be evaluated, needs some work. And a fundamental understanding of the flaws in valuefor money might help. Because we know the results. I mean, there's plenty of data out there that showsI mean, independent of structure, how badly these projects perform. It's astronomical. But but it seemslike there's still some pretty heavy resistance to changing a perspective or methodology on the frontend to try to make up for some of that stuff. Is that fair?Riccardo Cosentino 28:35Yeah. I mean, you're also dealing with politicians right at this point. So it makes things even morecomplex. I think it's important that we talk about the I have other theory evidence, I guess it's furtherarea research, maybe for my PhD. But in my mind, PPP is our Chem, there is a role for PPP. So whenyou have low complexity projects, where you can actually define what you want, and you have very fewstakeholders. It's not it's not a bad model. So in Canada, various jurisdictions have had a lot of successwith hospital building, procuring them and building them using the PPP structure and as being as beingpositive as being a positive experience for all stakeholders. And this bill because it's a box, right, youbuilding a building, and it's any, you know, you can define what you want, and contractors are fairlyexperienced. And you know, it's a it's a Vertical Box. I think we're a falls apart where the PPP falls apartis when you have linear project and you start having more complexity in terms of many morestakeholders Many more moving parts in terms of you know, if you're building a railway, you now needto choose the technology, you go for different jurisdictions. And so the PPP, so having the privatesector lenders into a PPP structure creates more complexity, because he adds an additionalstakeholder and shareholder into the project. And it makes things a bit more complex, especially whenyou when you hit in problems.Jim 30:30 10Transcribed by https://otter.aiSo there's a every program has got a certain complexity threshold, that it cannot pass, it sounds like soif it's going to be, or if it's simple, from an engineering design perspective, single site, you know, squarepiece of property, whatever it can tolerate, and maybe even benefit from a certain addition ofcomplexity on top of, you know, in this case, the private sector provides access to resources thatmaybe the public sector doesn't have or can't appropriate. So the project can kind of hit that threshold.Whereas a complex project, just in the engineering and design side, may already be at that threshold orpast it. So adding another layer of financing complexity sounds disastrous,Riccardo Cosentino 31:18that's certainly the anecdotal evidence I have that especially so the way we differentiate is linear versusvertical. Right? When you have a linear project, yeah, the complexity is too high. And the benefit is,because you remember, the argument of bringing private sector lenders is that you have additionaloversight, you have an additional layer of oversight, you're going to use, the private sector lender isgoing to keep all the other stakeholder honest. So we're going to keep, let's say, the hospital ownerhonest, in terms of change order, they're not going to be able to halfway through the process, that issuechange order change in their mind, or what the scope of the project is, right? There's, you know, withthe with the design, build, finance, maintain and operate, you're actually maintaining the hospital for 30years. So you have now forced the Minister of Health to ring fence, the money required to maintain theproject for 30 years, because you're sending up a contract upfront, right. And if you if you know, publicsector, you know that the first thing the public sector cuts is operating budgets, right, so the PPP bringsbenefits. So the additional layer of complexity brought in by the private sector lenders iscounterbalanced by all these other benefits that a private sector lender brings in on a linear projectwhere the complexity is much higher, the benefits are outweighed by the negative of adding additionalcomplexity to something that cannot absorb it like you describe it very well.Jim 32:50So what conclusions did you draw from the research? I mean, PPP, the resistance to PPP,collaborative contracting, and PPP sounds fairly high. Yet the benefits seem fairly easy to argue. Andcertainly, anecdotally, we've got enough evidence where things don't work that you'd like to think afresh approach might be warmly received. But what are the impediments? What are the realistic optionsas they are today, relative to how successfullyRiccardo Cosentino 33:19I you know, can be my conclusion was pretty straightforward. It's actually it's the money issue, right? Imean, it's you, you could have collaborative contracting, it means equity has to take more risk. Andtherefore the project is going to be a little more expensive to finance because equity is taking more risk.However, if truly collaborative Contracting is the way forward and can actually deliver better on timeand on budget outcomes, then the additional cost of the private finance, to have collaboratedcontracting is, is insignificant. I haven't quantified it. But you know, you know, several basis points,compared to hundreds of millions of cost overruns. Yeah, I think if we were to do a back of theenvelope, we'll probably come to the conclusion that it's the cost benefit analysis, justify the additionalcost of financing,Jim 34:20 11Transcribed by https://otter.aiwhat's there, there's some and I'm going to get it wrong, but there's some colloquialism about steppingover dollars to pick up pennies kind ofRiccardo Cosentino 34:30Pound Foolish Pennywise PoundJim 34:32Foolish Yeah, the British the British version of the same sentiment. I keep having to remind myself thatwe went to went to graduate school in the UK, butRiccardo Cosentino 34:42yeah, so that's, you know, it'd be interesting it'd be a be interesting. The problem is PPP is a politicalbeast. I mean, the reason PPP was created, it's a political tool.Jim 34:55I mean, it to your point, it serves a purpose. It is a tool that has An application. But they the othercolloquial, I mean God, there's so many colloquialisms we could use. But if all you've got as a hammer,everything starts to look like a nail. I could go on, I'll spare the listeners, too many mixed metaphors andbad analogies. But the it sounds like your research is, or the conclusion is, it's got its place, it can bevery effective. But don't over rely on and the industry really should be open to a candid and evidencesupported discussion about alternatives.Riccardo Cosentino 35:32And it's admitting that to private finance, add an additional layer of complexity. And then the private Jimis that most practitioners don't understand complexity don't understand my major program is complexsystems. So it's not understood that you can't keep adding complexity and, and not not having negativeoutcome. Right, the more complexity you add, the more likely you have to have negative outcome, andadding a private sector lender is adding. So if you if you understand that, then you can manage andmitigate it. But if you don't even understand that private sector lending is additional complexity, thenthen you findJim 36:17that that may be the message or the beginning of the next research project or the next mission,understanding the level of complexity and how major programs are, in fact, complex adaptive systems,maybe we can take that step to your point, everything else will start to improve as well.Riccardo Cosentino 36:35So maybe we should start published, shared that complexity tool that we used complexity assessmenttool,Jim 36:46I'm sure Harvey Mahler would be thrilled if you would post a link to his research on complexity. Well,this has been fascinating. Riccardo, I certainly appreciate it. I've learned a lot. I really enjoyed readingyour research. I do think that there are opportunity. I mean, we've got enough evidence that the PPP is 12Transcribed by https://otter.aidon't work that well outside of some pretty specific application. So I think the work that you've done willcertainly push that conversation forward. And I, you know, I appreciate the opportunity to talk with youabout it.Riccardo Cosentino 37:21Thank you very much, Jim. And thanks for hosting the episode today. And hopefully, I'll have you backover guest in the foreseeable future.Jim 37:28That'd be great. I'd certainly appreciate the chance. Thank you.Riccardo Cosentino 37:32Thank you. That's it. For this episode, we'll navigate the major problems. I hope you found today'sconversation as informative and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed this conversation, pleaseconsider subscribing and leaving a review. I would also like to personally invite you to continue theconversation by joining me on my personal LinkedIn at Riccardo Cosentino. Listening to the nextepisode, where we will continue to explore the latest trends and challenges in major programmanagement. Our next in depth conversation promises to continue to dive into topics such asleadership, risk management, and the impact of emerging technology in infrastructure. It's aconversation you're not going to want to miss. Thanks for listening to navigate major problems. And Ilook forward to keeping the conversation going Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

The Infinite Skrillifiles: OWSLA Confidential

Ted, Ted, and Ted's accidental initiation into The Psychonauts began as a result of the friends, originally three Fraternity Brothers and Recent Graduates of UCLA attending festivals consistently together, each using various Mind-Altering substances to attract (“preferably female”) partygoers. Over the course of the series in short (often light and comedic) scenes, where the trio often stumble into reality-shattering situations by sheer coincidence or seemingly random occurrences. But as we later learn about the multilayered world of interdimensional existence, Everything happens for a reason; Nothing is Impossible, Never Say Never, Be Careful what You Wish For-- and, of course-- there are no coincidences. These three seemingly simple-minded creatures begin as “wooks”, Shirtless Party Boys eager to rave. Often [irresponsibly] experimenting with copious amounts of psychedelics, the boys often find themselves unknowingly transported through various wormholes, teleportals, time warps, and Voids created through the music at each festival they attend, sometimes confusedly landing them in alternate parallels and altered dimensions of reality, sometimes even spiraling into three separate dimensions at once, thus creating new points along The Grid, from which the parallels and dimensions are woven together and interconnected through, time, space, circumstance, and choice in any conscious--ultimately (though, most often by dumb luck or happy accidents) expanding the universe, prompting the Ascended Masters to scout Ted, Ted, and Ted as a unified team to be inducted into The Psyconauts, eventually becoming an integral and important Dillon (Theodore) Francis, while working towards an Alliance between the Bampheramphs and Psychonauts uses his bewittingly bestowed middle name to act as an Alternate ‘Ted', or sometimes work jointly as The QuadraSquad, a “pop-up” rave squad which acts as a recruitment team, and on emergency search-and-rescue missions, collecting key components along the collapse and collision of worlds and within the fabric of space, time, and reality. Chak Chel and Dillon Francis put the Teds through a rigorous (and extremely senseless) crash-course in DJing, forming a popular Trio, whose name varies depending on the dimensions in which they will preform, secretly setting tactical bassdrops, emitting coded frequencies to communicate covertly with other entities, opening intentional time warps, portals, and wormholes through their DJ sets. Time holes where the Trio are in two (or sometimes, more, and alternately infinite) places at once are placed as easter eggs throughout the series; In some cases, The Three Teds are even festival attendees at the festivals which in a neighboring reality they are also headlining, even at points transporting their own selves through timespace--whether intentionally, or coincidentally. As the Teds reach the high ranks of The Psychonauts, even eventually (and unwillingly) becoming separated by the obligation of duty, being assigned to separate sanctions of Leadership by skillset as a “draft” is enacted to strengthen their forces, as they prepare for The FInal Battle (actually multiple (infinite) battles occurring concurrently throughout the expanse of reality, even stretching into the outer realms of ‘inexistence' as the collective consciousness grows, reaching Ascension, and allowing certain realities to reach the New Paradigm. Though evolved over time as the series progresses, The Teds maintain their quirky wookness, questionable (sometimes inappropriate) sense of fashion, and hilariously signature fratboy attitudes and antics, reunifying as a powerful Trio once more towards the conclusion of the series, appearing elementally in various ways at most crucial plot points, revealing the creation through all of their endeavors and shenanigans, a brand new universe within The Infinite Multivetrse. (“TED”, where everything/everyone is “Ted”, This universe collides with “Everyone's A DJ”, and, as an infinitely expanding and integral part of the universe, appears optically as “TBD” (To Be Determined, Where Cliffhangers, Plot Holes, Continuity Errors and other traditional elements of Theatrical Film are represented throughout the SUPA Saga and overall festival project.) During the Wookness: Ted: Yo, how much for this? (Points To Kandi Cuff) ...How much-what? Ted: How much is it? Like what, $50 bucks? 50 bucks?! Ted: Oh shit, my bad--festival prices, huh? Sorry yo, I got a $50, the rest is big bills. Doyou have an online shop? Are you trying to buy my kandi? You can't *buy* kandi! Ted: Pssshhh! Ted: All I buy is Kandi! YOu can't sell kandi, youre supposed to trade it.. That's why you make it. Ted: Yeah bro, I've done trades. (Flashback) Raver Girl: Wanna Trade Kandi? Ted: Show Us your Titties! The girl looks to her friend, as if to say “should I?” her friend, wearing dark Ray Bans, and sternly nods her head in approval, her friend shrugs drunkenly as if to say“fuck it, why not?” While the friend swiftly pulls out her iPhone, the other lifts her shirt, flashing the happy Teds, dancing in Fratboy Delight; Ted, standing adjacent to the straight-faced girl in Sunglasses, sneakily scrunches down to get a good picture; their [Tri-Lens] iPhone cameras now directly aligned. face to face, (or rather, eye-to-eye) ((Or, eye-to-eye, rather,)) (((Rather, eye-to-eye,))). snapping his picture, as the flash from her camera blinds him Ted:UH, Yeah you can..They sell it online. Online? Whats--what? SELL? Ted: Fuck yeah dude. Ted: YEEE, KANDI KID 4 LIFE YOU ARE NOT A KANDI--Ki--YOU CAn'T SELL KANDI. Woah, chill. No “chill” no selling Kandi! NO! NO! What Chak Chel's Bedtime Stories Chak Chel, the GOOGLE kids' favorite babysitter, tells stories of infinitely expanding adventures of the multidimensions of timespace -Honey, I Killed Myself. -Honey, I Shrunk The Skrillex -Who Killed Sunni Blu? -Who Killed SupaCree? -The Curious Case of SupaCree -DILLONCEPTION Trapped in an intensely infinite and ever-expanding and/or consistently densening Vividly Lucid Multidimensionally (And Musically) Interconnected Omni-Galactic Eternal Space-Time “Loop”, [DJ] Dillon Francis must frustratingly attempt to multitask through an “apparently unlimited”[ (I TOLD YOU, IN-FIN-ITE. INFINITY.)] battle his Masked nemesis, Key: Brackets [] Director's Notes, Production Details, typically indicating a tie-in with other entries, or crossovers from other consecutively (or, sometimes, alternately) running series in the saga, more frequently as the “Multiverse” expands, or as the (Technical Omniverse, Eventually) in which the series' specific “(U)niverse” ‘collapsing', being progressively stated repeatedly throughout the series to be both compressing, and expanding respectively; However, as the Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure... Dill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (They cross paths with Bill and Ted, in their search for Two of the missing Teds; Alternately Ted and Ted discover how ‘Three's a Crowd” makes sense, as they happily gallavant frat-tastically through the galaxy, in search of a Sexy Space-Alien Rave Bae (The Amazonian Women from futurama, live action, Saved by the Heroes from futurama) (on) Having ascended into the dimension after her most recent death, SupaCree (not yet known as SupaCree), lands “God”, an Ascended Dimension where she can actually communicate clearly with the Ascended Masters, being closer to ‘God' (her)self, but not directly being able to interact with her; conversely, she can scan the plains of reality from “above”, though later we learn there is no “up” or “down” in “Total Omnipotence”, the post-conscience Infinite Existence Experienced in the Limitless (INFINITE) Energy of Being Everything, Everyone, and Everywhere at once; Simultaneously Nonexistant, Being “Nothing”, “Nobody” and “Nowhere” at once, all represented variously through the concept of infinite multidimentionality, in our “3” dimensional “Uni-Multi-Omni-Versal” (apparently, I've just been told) SupaCree exists in a Tri-Verse, unbeknownst to even God (her)self to its true Origins, the “final(e)” (but not, ever) (e) In a random and nearly collapsed alternate fabric of timespace, where the spelling of the name “Cree” is pronounced the same, but spelled simply “Cre”, (though, specifically equally--”by the exact number of times, actually”--mispronounced”, One of the only similarities between the two, sharing the same planetary alignments and cosmic significance and the same parents--however having been conceived with completely different genetic markers: As a result, this alternate version of herself is physically not “opposite”, but differs in physical appearance drastically--at least, for the most part--as more ideally attractive which to The Original's mind-blowing dissatisfaction, (and, also stagnantly egotistical “Very Satisfied” Satisfaction), But the feeling soon fades when she learns that this reality is on the verge of imminent collapse after the discovery that one subtle, singular synchronicity shared in her actual reality(s)(realities) (which one?) ((Multiple “actual-realities, actually”)) (((Multiple Synchronized Individual Existence Theory, one of the multiple Theories (I) Use to Conceive the (Law) of Evolutionary Infinite Omnipotence, (Everything is Everything/Nothing is Nothing/ God is, as I am/ I am U/All Are One) the aforementioned suggesting the absolute possibility of any circumstance which allows a singular subject with (apparently) “limited” existence, total and complete synchronization at “exact” moment of “Creation”, or “Origin”, and any circumstantially coinciding consecutive synchronizations beyond the limitations eo each respective individual's actual existence or reality.)(Satisfaction, Benny Benassi) (And Apparently, The Biz--because, literally, writing in real-time (What is time) with google. (What's The Biz???) Travelling to 2003, where the event which ties this frail and “practically non-existent” fabric of reality to her own, she eagerly races against the clock (in real time?) ((maybe, unreal time)) (((I am time.))) “I don't believe in time”, later corrected, after being stuck in a Godless world to “The human concept of “time”,/God's not real, or opting to state the phrase more subjectively, “I don't [really}/I kinda don't believe in time,” though as she evolves more rapidly through her progressive Ascension and Elemental Mastery, quickly Surpassing Ascended Mastery as a skilled sorcerer,Visionary Seer, helping her rapidly strengthen the art of Cosmic Alchemy, mastery of (eventually, instant, and respectively infinite manifestation, and matter/antimatter movement and/or manipulation;i.e. The art of Creation. I.E., Do you even know what “i.e' stands for? I'll look it up later, I know what its used for. Look it up. [Googles i.e, clicks on top most commonly searched] I.e. and e.g. are both Latin abbreviations. E.g. stands for exempli gratia and means “for example.” I.e. is the abbreviation for id est and means “in other words.” Remember that E is for example (e.g.) and that I and E are the first letters of in essence, an alternative English translation of i.e. The Original Cree sits perched behind a red (Ugh, red…) ...A red laptop computer; the love light lost from her dark eyes, through the clear lenses of her cheap, brandless (Medicaid.) ...brandless black glasses, narrow framed and unbecoming over the shape of her face, the Album ‘Who Killed Matt Maeson” softly plays a somber song, to which she'd normally--at least, if left alone or rarely, in “comfortable company” (That's, someone you don't necessarily “like”, but still feel comfortable enough to sing around.) The Scientist, in a higher realm, peaking down through her microscope, watches contently, curiously, and concisely, dialing its lens by a couple turns, as she ponders aloud, Hm. Wonder what makes that happen, exactly? That's...huh...Hm. [Her project, a mystery hidden from the audience. She pushes herself back from the desk, reaching for her notebook and jotting quickly her findings, stopping only turn on some [] Music, which blends seamlessly as we fade back into the scene of the drab and unflattering, somewhat “sickeningly” lit, reminiscent of the stagnancy most often observed in a petri dish.] As the song ‘Cringe' begins to play in the background, the clear picture of the laptop screen fades into a blurred obscurity, as her focus shifts sharply to the warm glowing array of colors of her speaker light her otherwise nearly lifeless eyes, as she is Slightly and softly hypnotized into a series of several simultaneous vivid memories; separate and specifically assorted scenes form, as she remembers “everything” quite at once, A vision weaved into her conscious memories, just as seamlessly; A Web Wrapped with the Fragile Fabric of “Time”, the invisible energy of musical frequencies awaken ones senses and sensibilities--invisible, for some...at least. The light on the speaker, a golden tone, as we cascade into the eye mind; A flash to a blurry memory, 2017; A slender and handsome longhaired surfer, resurfaces from submersion under the waves, flipping his long hair back with the graceful and slowmotionly seductive snap of the neck, as the sunlight gleaming a golden glow, in the eye of his admirer. A Flash Of: The Golden Light of the Shining Sun over Santa Monica A Flash, As she Gently Weeps, as the tears leaving her eyes leave (in a flash of scenes) drops onto her jeans, the sidewalk--all the while, A tiny ant carries a giant leaf, as the spider weaves beneath the tree whose leaves leak streams of pretty streaking and speckled, and leaves glassy droplets stuck in the strings of the spider, still weaving; the rain floods the streams into rivers, which bleed, eventually in the ocean, fanning out into the Seven Seas. (pacifically, eventually) Are we reading this, or is this stage direction--production notes? What is this? Who is “we”? WE AVE A whole flashback unfolds: A steamy shower, thick with the smell sweet candles, leaving steam-less spots of mirror in the flickering heat; A seamless and synchronized transition, as the More Cheery and Upbeat Strings, Beat and melody in the previously playing version, fades seemingly into the steam, as ‘Cringe, Stripped” leads us into the memory, where she sings with the heartbreakingly haunting and soulful sadness, the harmony, her voice blending perfectly over the recording as if it were meant to be; The Duality of Grief. Not quite flashing back, but seen as a translucent overlay, another flash; The Seats of a theatre, the scene in black and white, as the stage lights washout, the flickering dremlike scene, the steam so thick we barely see the details of the singing, with the passion that seems to bleed out the ache of her broken, barely beating heart. The song rings out, evolving into what just may be, the beginnings of a remix, as more quick flashes slam back-to-back A flash of: The Scene In The Mercedes A flash of an ambulance, sirens blaring! A flash as the scene of A spider sleeping peacefully beneath a leaf, shielded from the rain, which leaves droplets on the strings, on the opposite side of the same tree; Blissfully unaware of the bird, perched just above lurking or something to eat. Neither the spider, nor the other, or the bird or ant are aware of any one-another, or any other world other besides the tree, the flash of a longshot which we see, is unassumingly and unimpressively, “just a tree” a grey and stormy day; A plane takes off up into the heavy rain, droplets changing shape through the window, looking out as the plane lifts off the ground. The next layer of memories unfold as voiceovers from various quotes, accompanying the song still playing, now beginning to blend with first the stripped version, then the album/studio version, which for a moment, is singularly heard, as the flash of a scene from a more recent memory flashes: The Digital Clock in the Car Reads, 88.1 in red, The volume is low, almost so low that it can't be heard: she stares out the window on a grey and overcast day, eyes lost and pondering--though they light when her finely tuned ears catch the pitch of the song ‘Cringe', as she excitedly turns the volume up eagerly, listening for a moment--a range of joyful surprise in her expressions, happily pushing up the Translucent Pink Frames, sighing with a smile, as she exclaims, “WHAT? THIS SONG IS ON THE RADIO NOW?!” The driver, taken aback but having caught her contagious beam of “happy” I almost forgot about this song. That was a long time ago... “Oh...do you know this song?” I haven't heard it in forever...I forgot it existed. [pause] I can't believe it took that long… “yeah , it's pretty popular. It's like always on.” ...I can't believe this song...daaaaamn...her excitement settles, as she looks back out of the window, at the grey and rainy day. So, that's how long it takes… The blending and fading of the song creates an array of rapidly changing scenes faded, flashing, cut and becoming somehow closer, yet further away at the same time. Colors and shapes, as the sounds that the songs all being played which remain the same, but change, as they create new sound waves; The Three Songs are arranged and rearranged, as are the scenes, pictures, videos, of entertainment stages through the ages, The Festival Culture highlighted in the Inception since The Dawn of Rave, to present day. [Each quote, a voiceover played by an ensemble cast, each made to read any/every line specifically, if unaccompanied by a name.] The Clips and Sound Combine with Colorful Psychedelic and neon in some scenes even in 3D, (ideally, actually, up to 9D) as music, theatre, television, and flashes of memories and scenes of everything, as the shifting screen changes slightly and steadily with the music, now something of an electronic-meets-acoustic symphony (:UNPLUGGED), still cleanly and seamless in the colorful chaos that is everything, though visually intensely overwhelming, a sensory-stimulating synthesis of “Sound That You Can See”[ *go back for quote from song] The Sountrack now taking us on a Journey through sound, (ideally surround sound, even having speakers and subs somehow mounted from the ceiling, pointing down, pointing up from the ground. With Live Theatre Production Experiences combine more elements representative of the 9 Dimensions, by arranging speakers set outside of the theatre itself--perhaps, if in a Live Theatre setting, where the movie is projected onto a screen or skrim on stage, additional screens canbe projected onto the walls of the theatre, creating potential to use the audience interactively, perhaps arranging for actors seated amongst the audience members, interjecting at the intersections of crossing dimensions with both improvised and rehearsed actions, and or carrying out specific tasks as it related to the plot, the audience, even becoming the stage, as the stage is re-arranged; even becoming a mirror image of the theatre, filling with patrons and gazing into the audience, where cast members reflect a multidimensional portrayal, an interpretive alternate reality of what is happening on stage, unseen off stage, while the film still plays somewhere (or even sometimes, nowhere) as light and sound design give the viewer an experience of senselessness and sensory stimulus, Explaining through experience, representations of conditions; Much like a masterful DJ mixes musical elements in a live setting by reading the crowd, The Ideal Live Production of this Film has the ability to Unify the audience through various interactive activities; an energy-based planned, or even sporadic--based on the audience itself, monitored by The Ringmaster, an unseen (cast) Omnipitence, or ‘The Universe” itself, , as we apply the Values of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect as the Ultra-Fine Line between “Everything” and “Nothing”, in simpler terms: Light and Dark, and finding the balance which allows us, in the “present” to explore and experience The Voids, shattering reality as the Linear plot unravels into a non-linar Uncontrolled Experiement, Allowing for Manuverability within the variables and simulating a Synesthesia-Inspired Simulation of Multidimensional Time and Space Travel, using music as the constant connection; as the finale transforms the theater in entirety into both a theatrical interpretation of a full-scale music festival--and a real-life miniature dance scene, inviting real-life ravers to fill the space to capacity, as the final scenes of the film unfold as the our present reality Expanding, Ascending, Compressing, and Collapsing All at Once, Explosions and Implosions as Conscious and Unconscious Collide in the Cosmos; Darkness having never known Light, and Life is the balance we find as they collide, tied in tightly by Time through the rhymes and iambic pentameters, patterns, passion, perception; we find the Power of the Divine is the awareness of one's existence as Everything and/or Nothing at once, As the Reflection of both the inward and outward selves must balance, and harmonize in time, to realize The Difference between Paradise and The Prison of Purgatory, is the illusion of Division between the two Divine Eyes; The strength behind them lights the … Ted, Ted, and Ted's accidental initiation into The Psychonauts began as a result of the friends, originally three Fraternity Brothers and Recent Graduates of UCLA attending festivals consistently together, each using various Mind-Altering substances to attract (“preferably female”) partygoers. Over the course of the series in short (often light and comedic) scenes, where the trio often stumble into reality-shattering situations by sheer coincidence or seemingly random occurrences. But as we later learn about the multilayered world of interdimensional existence, Everything happens for a reason; Nothing is Impossible, Never Say Never, Be Careful what You Wish For-- and, of course-- there are no coincidences. These three seemingly simple-minded creatures begin as “wooks”, Shirtless Party Boys eager to rave. Often [irresponsibly] experimenting with copious amounts of psychedelics, the boys often find themselves unknowingly transported through various wormholes, teleportals, time warps, and Voids created through the music at each festival they attend, sometimes confusedly landing them in alternate parallels and altered dimensions of reality, sometimes even spiraling into three separate dimensions at once, thus creating new points along The Grid, from which the parallels and dimensions are woven together and interconnected through, time, space, circumstance, and choice in any conscious--ultimately (though, most often by dumb luck or happy accidents) expanding the universe, prompting the Ascended Masters to scout Ted, Ted, and Ted as a unified team to be inducted into The Psyconauts, eventually becoming an integral and important Dillon (Theodore) Francis, while working towards an Alliance between the Bampheramphs and Psychonauts uses his bewittingly bestowed middle name to act as an Alternate ‘Ted', or sometimes work jointly as The QuadraSquad, a “pop-up” rave squad which acts as a recruitment team, and on emergency search-and-rescue missions, collecting key components along the collapse and collision of worlds and within the fabric of space, time, and reality. Chak Chel and Dillon Francis put the Teds through a rigorous (and extremely senseless) crash-course in DJing, forming a popular Trio, whose name varies depending on the dimensions in which they will preform, secretly setting tactical bassdrops, emitting coded frequencies to communicate covertly with other entities, opening intentional time warps, portals, and wormholes through their DJ sets. Time holes where the Trio are in two (or sometimes, more, and alternately infinite) places at once are placed as easter eggs throughout the series; In some cases, The Three Teds are even festival attendees at the festivals which in a neighboring reality they are also headlining, even at points transporting their own selves through timespace--whether intentionally, or coincidentally. As the Teds reach the high ranks of The Psychonauts, even eventually (and unwillingly) becoming separated by the obligation of duty, being assigned to separate sanctions of Leadership by skillset as a “draft” is enacted to strengthen their forces, as they prepare for The FInal Battle (actually multiple (infinite) battles occurring concurrently throughout the expanse of reality, even stretching into the outer realms of ‘inexistence' as the collective consciousness grows, reaching Ascension, and allowing certain realities to reach the New Paradigm. Though evolved over time as the series progresses, The Teds maintain their quirky wookness, questionable (sometimes inappropriate) sense of fashion, and hilariously signature fratboy attitudes and antics, reunifying as a powerful Trio once more towards the conclusion of the series, appearing elementally in various ways at most crucial plot points, revealing the creation through all of their endeavors and shenanigans, a brand new universe within The Infinite Multiverse. (“TED”, where everything/everyone is “Ted”, This universe collides with “Everyone's A DJ”, and, as an infinitely expanding and integral part of the universe, appears optically as “TBD” (To Be Determined, Where Cliffhangers, Plot Holes, Continuity Errors and other traditional elements of Theatrical Film are represented throughout the SUPA Saga and overall festival project.) During the Wookness: Ted: Yo, how much for this? (Points To Kandi Cuff) ...How much-what? Ted: How much is it? Like what, $50 bucks? 50 bucks?! Ted: Oh shit, my bad--festival prices, huh? Sorry yo, I got a $50, the rest is big bills. Doyou have an online shop? Are you trying to buy my kandi? You can't *buy* kandi! Ted: Pssshhh! Ted: All I buy is Kandi! You can't sell kandi, you're supposed to trade it.. That's why you make it. Ted: Yeah bro, I've done trades. (Flashback) Raver Girl: Wanna Trade Kandi? Ted: Show Us your Titties! The girl looks to her friend, as if to say “should I?” her friend, wearing dark Ray Bans, and sternly nods her head in approval, her friend shrugs drunkenly as if to say“fuck it, why not?” While the friend swiftly pulls out her iPhone, the other lifts her shirt, flashing the happy Teds, dancing in Fratboy Delight; Ted, standing adjacent to the straight-faced girl in Sunglasses, sneakily scrunches down to get a good picture; their [Tri-Lens] iPhone cameras now directly aligned. face to face, (or rather, eye-to-eye) ((Or, eye-to-eye, rather,)) (((Rather, eye-to-eye,))). snapping his picture, as the flash from her camera blinds him Ted:UH, Yeah you can..They sell it online. Online? Whats--what? SELL? Ted: Fuck yeah dude. Ted: YEEE, KANDI KID 4 LIFE YOU ARE NOT A KANDI--Ki--YOU CAn'T SELL KANDI. Woah, chill. No “chill” no selling Kandi! NO! NO! What Chak Chel's Bedtime Stories Chak Chel, the GOOGLE kids' favorite babysitter, tells stories of infinitely expanding adventures of the multidimensions of timespace -Honey, I Killed Myself. -Honey, I Shrunk The Skrillex -Who Killed Sunni Blu? -Who Killed SupaCree? -The Curious Case of SupaCree -DILLONCEPTION Trapped in an intensely infinite and ever-expanding and/or consistently densening Vividly Lucid Multidimensionally (And Musically) Interconnected Omni-Galactic Eternal Space-Time “Loop”, [DJ] Dillon Francis must frustratingly attempt to multitask through an “apparently unlimited”[ (I TOLD YOU, IN-FIN-ITE. INFINITY.)] battle his Masked nemesis, Key: Brackets [] Director's Notes, Production Details, typically indicating a tie-in with other entries, or crossovers from other consecutively (or, sometimes, alternately) running series in the saga, more frequently as the “Multiverse” expands, or as the (Technical Omniverse, Eventually) in which the series' specific “(U)niverse” ‘collapsing', being progressively stated repeatedly throughout the series to be both compressing, and expanding respectively; However, as the Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure... Dill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (They cross paths with Bill and Ted, in their search for Two of the missing Teds; Alternately Ted and Ted discover how ‘Three's a Crowd” makes sense, as they happily gallavant frat-tastically through the galaxy, in search of a Sexy Space-Alien Rave Bae (The Amazonian Women from futurama, live action, Saved by the Heroes from futurama) (on) Having ascended into the dimension after her most recent death, SupaCree (not yet known as SupaCree), lands “God”, an Ascended Dimension where she can actually communicate clearly with the Ascended Masters, being closer to ‘God' (her)self, but not directly being able to interact with her; conversely, she can scan the plains of reality from “above”, though later we learn there is no “up” or “down” in “Total Omnipotence”, the post-conscience Infinite Existence Experienced in the Limitless (INFINITE) Energy of Being Everything, Everyone, and Everywhere at once; Simultaneously Nonexistant, Being “Nothing”, “Nobody” and “Nowhere” at once, all represented variously through the concept of infinite multidimentionality, in our “3” dimensional “Uni-Multi-Omni-Versal” (apparently, I've just been told) SupaCree exists in a Tri-Verse, unbeknownst to even God (her)self to its true Origins, the “final(e)” (but not, ever) (e) In a random and nearly collapsed alternate fabric of timespace, where the spelling of the name “Cree” is pronounced the same, but spelled simply “Cre”, (though, specifically equally--”by the exact number of times, actually”--mispronounced”, One of the only similarities between the two, sharing the same planetary alignments and cosmic significance and the same parents--however having been conceived with completely different genetic markers: As a result, this alternate version of herself is physically not “opposite”, but differs in physical appearance drastically--at least, for the most part--as more ideally attractive which to The Original's mind-blowing dissatisfaction, (and, also stagnantly egotistical “Very Satisfied” Satisfaction), But the feeling soon fades when she learns that this reality is on the verge of imminent collapse after the discovery that one subtle, singular synchronicity shared in her actual reality(s)(realities) (which one?) ((Multiple “actual-realities, actually”)) (((Multiple Synchronized Individual Existence Theory, one of the multiple Theories (I) Use to Conceive the (Law) of Evolutionary Infinite Omnipotence, (Everything is Everything/Nothing is Nothing/ God is, as I am/ I am U/All Are One) the aforementioned suggesting the absolute possibility of any circumstance which allows a singular subject with (apparently) “limited” existence, total and complete synchronization at “exact” moment of “Creation”, or “Origin”, and any circumstantially coinciding consecutive synchronizations beyond the limitations eo each respective individual's actual existence or reality.)(Satisfaction, Benny Benassi) (And Apparently, The Biz--because, literally, writing in real-time (What is time) with google. (What's The Biz???) Travelling to 2003, where the event which ties this frail and “practically non-existent” fabric of reality to her own, she eagerly races against the clock (in real time?) ((maybe, unreal time)) (((I am time.))) “I don't believe in time”, later corrected, after being stuck in a Godless world to “The human concept of “time”,/God's not real, or opting to state the phrase more subjectively, “I don't [really}/I kinda don't believe in time,” though as she evolves more rapidly through her progressive Ascension and Elemental Mastery, quickly Surpassing Ascended Mastery as a skilled sorcerer,Visionary Seer, helping her rapidly strengthen the art of Cosmic Alchemy, mastery of (eventually, instant, and respectively infinite manifestation, and matter/antimatter movement and/or manipulation;i.e. The art of Creation. I.E., Do you even know what “i.e' stands for? I'll look it up later, I know what its used for. Look it up. [Googles i.e, clicks on top most commonly searched] I.e. and e.g. are both Latin abbreviations. E.g. stands for exempli gratia and means “for example.” I.e. is the abbreviation for id est and means “in other words.” Remember that E is for example (e.g.) and that I and E are the first letters of in essence, an alternative English translation of i.e. The Original Cree sits perched behind a red (Ugh, red…) ...A red laptop computer; the love light lost from her dark eyes, through the clear lenses of her cheap, brandless (Medicaid.) ...brandless black glasses, narrow framed and unbecoming over the shape of her face, the Album ‘Who Killed Matt Maeson” softly plays a somber song, to which she'd normally--at least, if left alone or rarely, in “comfortable company” (That's, someone you don't necessarily “like”, but still feel comfortable enough to sing around.) The Scientist, in a higher realm, peaking down through her microscope, watches contently, curiously, and concisely, dialing its lens by a couple turns, as she ponders aloud, Hm. Wonder what makes that happen, exactly? That's...huh...Hm. [Her project, a mystery hidden from the audience. She pushes herself back from the desk, reaching for her notebook and jotting quickly her findings, stopping only turn on some [] Music, which blends seamlessly as we fade back into the scene of the drab and unflattering, somewhat “sickeningly” lit, reminiscent of the stagnancy most often observed in a petri dish.] As the song ‘Cringe' begins to play in the background, the clear picture of the laptop screen fades into a blurred obscurity, as her focus shifts sharply to the warm glowing array of colors of her speaker light her otherwise nearly lifeless eyes, as she is Slightly and softly hypnotized into a series of several simultaneous vivid memories; separate and specifically assorted scenes form, as she remembers “everything” quite at once, A vision weaved into her conscious memories, just as seamlessly; A Web Wrapped with the Fragile Fabric of “Time”, the invisible energy of musical frequencies awaken ones senses and sensibilities--invisible, for some...at least. The light on the speaker, a golden tone, as we cascade into the eye mind; A flash to a blurry memory, 2017; A slender and handsome longhaired surfer, resurfaces from submersion under the waves, flipping his long hair back with the graceful and slowmotionly seductive snap of the neck, as the sunlight gleaming a golden glow, in the eye of his admirer. A Flash Of: The Golden Light of the Shining Sun over Santa Monica A Flash, As she Gently Weeps, as the tears leaving her eyes leave (in a flash of scenes) drops onto her jeans, the sidewalk--all the while, A tiny ant carries a giant leaf, as the spider weaves beneath the tree whose leaves leak streams of pretty streaking and speckled, and leaves glassy droplets stuck in the strings of the spider, still weaving; the rain floods the streams into rivers, which bleed, eventually in the ocean, fanning out into the Seven Seas. (pacifically, eventually) Are we reading this, or is this stage direction--production notes? What is this? Who is “we”? WE AVE A whole flashback unfolds: A steamy shower, thick with the smell sweet candles, leaving steam-less spots of mirror in the flickering heat; A seamless and synchronized transition, as the More Cheery and Upbeat Strings, Beat and melody in the previously playing version, fades seemingly into the steam, as ‘Cringe, Stripped” leads us into the memory, where she sings with the heartbreakingly haunting and soulful sadness, the harmony, her voice blending perfectly over the recording as if it were meant to be; The Duality of Grief. Not quite flashing back, but seen as a translucent overlay, another flash; The Seats of a theatre, the scene in black and white, as the stage lights washout, the flickering dremlike scene, the steam so thick we barely see the details of the singing, with the passion that seems to bleed out the ache of her broken, barely beating heart. The song rings out, evolving into what just may be, the beginnings of a remix, as more quick flashes slam back-to-back A flash of: The Scene In The Mercedes A flash of an ambulance, sirens blaring! A flash as the scene of A spider sleeping peacefully beneath a leaf, shielded from the rain, which leaves droplets on the strings, on the opposite side of the same tree; Blissfully unaware of the bird, perched just above lurking or something to eat. Neither the spider, nor the other, or the bird or ant are aware of any one-another, or any other world other besides the tree, the flash of a longshot which we see, is unassumingly and unimpressively, “just a tree” a grey and stormy day; A plane takes off up into the heavy rain, droplets changing shape through the window, looking out as the plane lifts off the ground. The next layer of memories unfold as voiceovers from various quotes, accompanying the song still playing, now beginning to blend with first the stripped version, then the album/studio version, which for a moment, is singularly heard, as the flash of a scene from a more recent memory flashes: The Digital Clock in the Car Reads, 88.1 in red, The volume is low, almost so low that it can't be heard: she stares out the window on a grey and overcast day, eyes lost and pondering--though they light when her finely tuned ears catch the pitch of the song ‘Cringe', as she excitedly turns the volume up eagerly, listening for a moment--a range of joyful surprise in her expressions, happily pushing up the Translucent Pink Frames, sighing with a smile, as she exclaims, “WHAT? THIS SONG IS ON THE RADIO NOW?!” The driver, taken aback but having caught her contagious beam of “happy” I almost forgot about this song. That was a long time ago... “Oh...do you know this song?” I haven't heard it in forever...I forgot it existed. [pause] I can't believe it took that long… “yeah , it's pretty popular. It's like always on.” ...I can't believe this song...daaaaamn...her excitement settles, as she looks back out of the window, at the grey and rainy day. So, that's how long it takes… The blending and fading of the song creates an array of rapidly changing scenes faded, flashing, cut and becoming somehow closer, yet further away at the same time. Colors and shapes, as the sounds that the songs all being played which remain the same, but change, as they create new sound waves; The Three Songs are arranged and rearranged, as are the scenes, pictures, videos, of entertainment stages through the ages, The Festival Culture highlighted in the Inception since The Dawn of Rave, to present day. [Each quote, a voiceover played by an ensemble cast, each made to read any/every line specifically, if unaccompanied by a name.] The Clips and Sound Combine with Colorful Psychedelic and neon in some scenes even in 3D, (ideally, actually, up to 9D) as music, theatre, television, and flashes of memories and scenes of everything, as the shifting screen changes slightly and steadily with the music, now something of an electronic-meets-acoustic symphony (:UNPLUGGED), still cleanly and seamless in the colorful chaos that is everything, though visually intensely overwhelming, a sensory-stimulating synthesis of “Sound That You Can See”[ *go back for quote from song] The Sountrack now taking us on a Journey through sound, (ideally surround sound, even having speakers and subs somehow mounted from the ceiling, pointing down, pointing up from the ground. With Live Theatre Production Experiences combine more elements representative of the 9 Dimensions, by arranging speakers set outside of the theatre itself--perhaps, if in a Live Theatre setting, where the movie is projected onto a screen or skrim on stage, additional screens canbe projected onto the walls of the theatre, creating potential to use the audience interactively, perhaps arranging for actors seated amongst the audience members, interjecting at the intersections of crossing dimensions with both improvised and rehearsed actions, and or carrying out specific tasks as it related to the plot, the audience, even becoming the stage, as the stage is re-arranged; even becoming a mirror image of the theatre, filling with patrons and gazing into the audience, where cast members reflect a multidimensional portrayal, an interpretive alternate reality of what is happening on stage, unseen off stage, while the film still plays somewhere (or even sometimes, nowhere) as light and sound design give the viewer an experience of senselessness and sensory stimulus, Explaining through experience, representations of conditions; Much like a masterful DJ mixes musical elements in a live setting by reading the crowd, The Ideal Live Production of this Film has the ability to Unify the audience through various interactive activities; an energy-based planned, or even sporadic--based on the audience itself, monitored by The Ringmaster, an unseen (cast) Omnipitence, or ‘The Universe” itself, , as we apply the Values of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect as the Ultra-Fine Line between “Everything” and “Nothing”, in simpler terms: Light and Dark, and finding the balance which allows us, in the “present” to explore and experience The Voids, shattering reality as the Linear plot unravels into a non-linar Uncontrolled Experiement, Allowing for Manuverability within the variables and simulating a Synesthesia-Inspired Simulation of Multidimensional Time and Space Travel, using music as the constant connection; as the finale transforms the theatre in entirety into both a theatrical interpretation of a full-scale music festival--and a real-life miniature dance scene, inviting real-life ravers to fill the space to capacity, as the final scenes of the film unfold as the our present reality Expanding, Ascending, Compressing, and Collapsing All at Once, Explosions and Implosions as Concious and Unconcious Collide in the Cosmos; Darkness having never known Light, and Life is the balance we find as they collide, tied in tightly by Time through the rhymes and iambic pentameters, patterns, passion, perception; we find the Power of the Divine is the awareness of one's existence as Everything and/or Nothing at once, As the Reflection of both the inward and outward selves must balance, and harmonize in time, to realize The Difference between Paradice and The Prison of Purgatory, is the illusion of Division between the two Divine Eyes; The strength behind them lights the … I'm tired. Something about a third eye, right? I don't know. I think they closed mine. Who's “they” I am. “I prefer the gloominess to the sun. I don't know why.” (From, The Beatles, Love: Sun, Sun, Sun…) “‘I told the spider i'd write it!” (A quick clip of spiderman) ‘'Ohh, she spida” Okay, literally what the FUCK is my life. Are you alive? Not even. This doesn't make sense. How much sense is it supposed to make. It is making sense. It's making 6th sense. How did he DO that? Just him? THEY. Oh, shit. I know you're workin for it. Nah, I don't even think that's right? What's right? Something Doesn't Feel Right, I've had enough for one night. Yo, how is this happening? I don't know. They said it was a 9-Dimensional Song. WHAT even IS the 9th Dimension? What are any of the DImensions? I don't know. Google it. I did. And? And I have ADD. I dont know. So, go! GOH.. Aw, FUCK. This is getting weird. It's been weird. How is it, I can quit Skrillex, but Skrillex can't quit me. What? It was just a coincidence. There are no coincidences. How is that song even on the radio. Look what money can do! Money can do anything! I guess taht explains why you can't. it DOES. Do they want me to kill myself? Do you want you to kill yourself? Not really. I'd rather just die of natural causes, so I don'thave to be punished. Are you being punished. I commit suicide, and-- I already told this story. I'm not telling it again. How many times have you really told it. I've been telling it. I've been living it. I'm over it. Youre not over it. You're panicking. I'm writing. Youre fasting. I'm hungry. Why are you fasting? Because nothing makes sense. I have no money, I have no music-- You have music. I have nothing. I'm fucked. There are no coincidences. Don't you think I know? I quit listening to Skrillex, all of a sudden he's on the radio?! Yes. Is he even aware of my existence?! Is he? What the fuck is happening right now. Where's Scary Monsters? In my head. What's the plot? It's...somewhere. You've got to clean up these documents somehow. I don't have the focus. Try crystal meth. No. Try adderall. ...I don't have any money. Try a doctor. I did. I tried over and over and over. For depression. For Anxiety. For ADD. Everything they give me just makes me WORSE. That's hy you NEVER say you're runnin for President. I'm NOT. But you said it. Now you're really fucked. I am. So that's it. That has to be it. They want me dead so I can't run. That's the only way it's going to happen. What's going to happen. Either thing. I'm not running for President. You're not killing yourself. Psh. Watch me. We have been. Who is we. We-YOU. IT doesn't matter. nobody would believe any of it. the whole story sounds made up. How is this supposed to work out? They used Skrillex to get me to kill myself? That's...that's deep. Or…? Or...they used Skrillex to get me to... Get you to…? I don't know. I'm pretty worthless. All I do is...this. And what's this? And who is THIS? That was Chak Chel, I guess. What the fuck did getter DO? What did Getter do? What are they doing? I think the better question is: Why? WHY In-- Who's name? I'm not God. Until you are. And then I'm Avicii. Or Skrillex. Skrillex isn't dead yet. Yet. What the fuck. Don't . I didn't. But you did. Fuck this. Fuck That. Fuck that, too. Wait, does the Roomba say “fuck that” or “fuck you?” It says “Fuck you-fuck you-fuck you-fuck you-” Because it's a vacuum, so it's literally ‘eating shit'. See. Classic. Occult Classic. It is, all in my head. Until it isn't. I already fucked up. I sent a fucking suicide letter to-- A suicide letter. One of hundreds. Yeah. So they know i'm fucked up. Because they didn't know already? How would they know? How would they NOT KNOW? They've been with you all year. That's all in my head. Is it? I mean--Is it? Seems like it. Look at the evidence. I am the evidence. Look at last year--everywhere you went in the rave world, something happened. Lots of somethings happened. Eventually culminating in-- In? Tents. So what the FUCK am I supposed to do. Well, not kill yourself. Then what? Not starve yourself. I'm too fat. But you can lose weight. You can do anything, I can't do anything. You can. Then, I already have. Right. What am I supposed to do? What is this supposed to mean? Maybe it's time for a jump start. I was saving that. You were supposed to blast off at the STRAT and had McDonalds instead. I ordered a Muder-Suicide, with the intention of finishing in Suicide. But? But I went into a food coma. So maybe rather than the enemy, McDonalds is a friend. McDonalds is a friend to no one. Saved your life. Prolonged my life. As it always seems to. Think to the last few times you've ordered the Suicide Meal. It's only been twice. And? Both times I fell asleep before I could do it. So. So there's something in McDonalds that...I don't know. Takes away the ache. It is an ache, isn't it. It is. Now think--you're not the only suicidal person on the planet. No, I'm not. Think harder. I just did. And where did you go? To The Mountain. Where--? Where Tim said-- And how is it that you're on a first name basis with someone you've never met? I'm pretty sure i'm just crazy. Avicii came to you how? Through the music. And Sonny came to you how? ... How? Through the music. What did his mother say? Can I write this? Either someone's reading it, or they aren't. And if they are? Then, what does that make you? Crazy. But they're reading your words. They're just words. What did she say? I know what she said. I don't think I can write it. This is why The Untold Prophecy Remains Untold. This is all ridiculous. Isn't it. Whose birthday is it? Mine. Happy Birthday. Thanks. How old are you? I remember someone asked that... Who? What did Getter Do? Just Getter? What...does Pasqualle Do? Just Pasqualle? ...What do I... What are you? I don't know. Did you ever? Would You Ever? I can't help it. What can you help? I don't know. Why me? Y-U, Y-U, Y-U-- What was that, anyway? {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -U.

Do You Expect Us To Talk? – Cinematronix
EP 236 Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One : DoYou Expect UsTalk?

Do You Expect Us To Talk? – Cinematronix

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2023 144:28


  Do You Expect Us to Talk? returns back to Tom Cruise running a lot with the new Mission Impossible film. Dead Reckoning part one sees Ethan Hunt take on the new threat to Hollywood, AI technology. When an advanced AI called The Entity goes rouge, infuriating the worlds of intelligence, defence and financial networks, posing a threat to the world. Only Ethan and his team with the help of a thief Grace can stop it. Join Becca, Dave and Chris as we discuss if Tom Cruise will continue, how Cary Elwes is British and not just good at doing a British accent, why Vig Rhames is sitting down a most of the time and why Tom Cruise doesn't film love scenes.  You can follow us on Becca, Chris and Dave on X You can find us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and Google Podcasts, all you have to do is search. Also, if you like us leave us a lovely review as it helps us grow. If that wasn't enough, you can even you can follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. Do You Expect Us To Talk Will Return with Beverly Hills Cop

Do You Expect Us To Talk? – Cinematronix
EP 235 Octopussy commentary : DoYou Expect UsTalk?

Do You Expect Us To Talk? – Cinematronix

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 151:24


Do You Expect Us to Talk? returns with a commentary and a return to Bond with the penultimate Roger Moore Bond film.  Join Becca, Dave and Chris as we discuss id Dave an tolerate watching this movie again, John Glens signature flying pigeon and we spot Mark Heap.  You can follow us on Becca, Chris and Dave on Twitter You can find us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and Google Podcasts, all you have to do is search. Also, if you like us leave us a lovely review as it helps us grow. If that wasn't enough, you can even you can follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. Do You Expect Us To Talk Will Return with Mission Impossible : Dead Reckoning Part 1 

Do You Expect Us To Talk? – Cinematronix
EP 234 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny : DoYou Expect UsTalk?

Do You Expect Us To Talk? – Cinematronix

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 133:02


Do You Expect Us to Talk? returns to our first none Bond series with Indiana Jones. With the 5th and likely final film in the series. Dial of Destiny sees Indy on a race against time to stop an old Nazi scientist, who wants to locate the second half of Archimedes' Dial, with the intention to travel back in time and change the outcome of world war 2. With the help of his goddaughter, Indy is on one last adventure that takes him from New York, to Tangier and Greece. Join Becca, Dave and Chris as we discuss is Harrison Ford too old, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a sociopath, why Mads Mikkelsen face isn't messed up, short-change round and Antonio Banderas was in this? You can follow us on Becca, Chris and Dave on Twitter You can find us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and Google Podcasts, all you have to do is search. Also, if you like us leave us a lovely review as it helps us grow. If that wasn't enough, you can even you can follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. Do You Expect Us To Talk Will Return with Occopussy commentary.

Natural Birth Co. Podcast
40 SOLO How and why to Prepare your Partner for a natural birth

Natural Birth Co. Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2023 47:27


In today's podcast we discuss firstly 3 reasons WHY we want our partner to be prepared for birth, their 6 ROLES during labour, and lastly HOW to prepare your partner for birth. Here at NBC we place a hige responsibility on the partners and their role during birth- However it is oly because their role during birth is actually HUGELY impactful to the mothers birth experience- And whether she will birth naturally or not.In today's podcast we discuss:3 overarching goals of the birth partners role in labour and birth6 imperative role of the birth partner and how it effects your natural birth exactlyHow to prepare your partner for these roles This podcast is for you if:You are pregnant and you desire a natural birth You want your birth partner to be involved in birthYou want your birth partner to be useful and confident during the process of birth- knowing exactly what to doYou want to cultivate and amazing connection with you brith partner In reflection your birth partner wasn't that involved with your briths and your wondering what more they could have done to help you?I really hope you enjoy the podcast!Birth Preference Checklistwww.naturalbirthco.com/birth-preference-checklistTo watch these podcasts live jump into our facebook group.To watch the video version of this podcast click here. To learn more about Natural birth co check out our website. Please share this podcast with anyone who you think will benefit from hearing or share your recent listen in your social stories! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dad the Man
106 | BRIAN NABAVI - Work life balance, Social media with your kids, and Establishing your family as nonnegotiable

Dad the Man

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 54:54


Speaking with Women
Ep. 52 "How you do one thing is how you do everything" - On visibility, love and relationships with Anwar White

Speaking with Women

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 36:14


Before we begin, don't miss out on our Valentine's day contest this week. Spread the love by rating and reviewing the podcast and share a screenshot with me on LinkedIn or Instagram. You could win a 1-hour visibility session with me!In this week's episode, I chat with Anwar White, the founder of the Get Your Guy Coaching Program. As a certified dating and relationship coach, Anwar has helped thousands of successful women of color to heal their hearts, date effectively, and get the guy they deserve. Anwar's approach focuses on helping his clients not only find a relationship, but also work on their inner healing.We dive deep into the link between dating and other relationships in our lives. We discuss the importance of setting boundaries for ourselves in different areas, such as at work, and how it can positively impact our dating lives. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.04:02 - Anwar introduces himself and shares his insights on the biggest challenges women face when seeking relationships07:33 - He tells the story of how he became a dating and relationship coach10:05 - We explore the topic of boundaries and how identifying and setting them can help us maintain healthy relationships18:56 - We discuss the effects of trauma on relationships and how acknowledging and addressing it can help us show up as our true selves23:48 - Anwar gives us some practical tips on how to speak up and express ourselves30:00 - He shares three minutes of advice for women who want to be unapologetically visible, emphasizing the importance of being selfish and self-centered in everything we doYou can find Anwar on his website, TikTok and InstagramIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

The Hard 90 Podcast With Zach Sorensen
What DoYou Want To Continue Doing

The Hard 90 Podcast With Zach Sorensen

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 5:15


What are the things in your life that you want to continue doing to be your best?

The Hard 90 Podcast With Zach Sorensen
What DoYou Want To Start Doing

The Hard 90 Podcast With Zach Sorensen

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 4:17


Bring awareness to the things that you want to start doing. What do you want to start doing in your life?

The Traveling Introvert
What pushing yourself could cost you

The Traveling Introvert

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 5:30 Transcription Available


Hello and welcome to the travelling introvert. Today I wantto talk about work, working hard. We have a habit of wanting to be always seenas working hard. And there's a difference between being a hard worker andalways working hard.Working hard is often lauded as like the key to success. Youmust work hard, pull yourself up by your bootstrap, struggle through, keepgoing. And the thing is, there is levels and working too hard can actually be verybad for you. And there are a lot of different ways how overworking, more thanworking too hard, is bad for you and can negatively affect your life. If youwant to be happy and balanced and successful, overworking isn't the way to go.You can do it in short sprints, but for long periods of timeit's not the best thing to do because it can lead to burnout. When a person isburnt out, they might feel like they can't keep going, or they're not cut outfor the demands of their job. However, burnout therefore can lead toabsenteeism, lower productivity and increased risk of error. If you areexperiencing burnout, take a step back and assess your work situation. You knowwhat?Even if you're not experiencing burnout, take a step backand assess if your work situation is attainable. Are you taking on too much? Doyou need more help? Are there changes that you can make to your work schedule,or your routine, or the way you do things to help you feel less overwhelmed, soyou can recover from burnout? If you are overworked, you are more likely to getsick.Your immune system will eventually fail if you areconstantly working hard and putting in long hours with very little breaks or restor recharge time for both your body and your mind. When you don't have thattime to relax and to recharge, your body is more susceptible to illness. And so,if you're constantly feeling run down, it might be time to assess your workschedule. And along the lines of overworking and getting sick, you're also morelikely to get injured. If you are overworking your body when you are tired,your reflexes are slower. And because of this, there are more accidents justwaiting to happen.So, if you become aware that you are getting sick or hurtmore often than usual, maybe take a look and maybe it's time to cut back onyour working hours if you can. Now, along with the fact that you are morelikely to get injured and sick and feel burnout, because of all of these thingscompounded, you are much more likely to make mistakes. When you are exhaustedand overworked, focusing and paying attention to detail is harder. And manypeople sort of drink a lot of coffee to try and combat that. And that mightwork in small doses, but over a long period of time it's just going to keepbuilding up. You're going to find it harder and harder to pay attention. And asa result, you are more likely to make mistakes, not just at work, but duringyour life in general.You might be slower to make that turn when you're driving.You might be slower to see someone. And that's how accidents happen. And wealready talked about getting sick and getting injured and so accidents, andaccidents is when you make a mistake. If you're making a lot more errors, youare therefore costing your company money.And so maybe it's time to rethink how much you are working.And because of all of these things and so many other things that kind ofcombine when you are overworked for long periods of time, if you are workingall the time, when do you have time to actually enjoy your life? When...

PowerUp!
60: Since when did this Whole Thing get Distilled Down to Whether we can do a Damn Headstand?

PowerUp!

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2022 32:53


You do not want to miss this! We talk yoga, inclusivity, migration and self-care with Dianne Bondy. The mic drop moments though!    Dianne's pronouns are she/her, she is an Author, Speaker, Activist & Yogi and the leader of the Yoga For All movement. Her inclusive approach to yoga empowers anyone to practise—regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability. Dianne is revolutionising yoga by educating yoga instructors around the world on how to make their classes welcoming for all kinds of practitioners. Change Agent in Modern Yoga, Dianne's commitment to increasing diversity in yoga has been recognized in her work with Pennington's, Gaiam, and the Yoga & Body Image Coalition, as well as in speaking engagements at Princeton, Duke, University of Buffalo and UC Berkeley on Yoga, Race, and Diversity. Her writing is published in Yoga and Body Image Volume 1, Yoga Renegades, and Yes Yoga Has Curves. Master Yoga Teacher Dianne is the author of the international best selling book, Yoga for Everyone, co-author of Yoga Where You Are, and a frequent contributor to Yoga International, DoYou, Yoga Girl, and Omstars. She has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Mashable, and People.   Mentions: Connect with Dianne: Website: diannebondyyoga.com, yogaforalltraining.com, yogaforeveryone.tv Audre Lorde: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare”. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/audre-lorde Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/ Maya Angelou: “I am the hope and the dream of the slave”. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46446/still-i-rise Layla Saad: http://laylafsaad.com/ Ahimsa   Connect with us: Ama Rouge Website: www.wearewildwithin.com IG: @powerup.podcast @ama.rouge @wearewildwithin @rougedoesfood LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ama-rouge-870b60138 FB: AmaRougemoves Twitter: @podcastpowerup   Ella Mesma Website: www.ellamesma.co.uk, www.mayagandaia.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-mesma-b6071320/ IG: @powerup.podcast @Ellamesma @Maya_Gandaia FB:@EllaMesma @MayaGandaia  Twitter: @podcastpowerup   Music by Tomo Carter IG: @tomocarter   Everything else brought to you by us, the PowerUp! power team

Breakfast with an Alcoholic
Liner Notes for Episode 25

Breakfast with an Alcoholic

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2022 18:39


At one point in Episode 25, Jane and I were talking about keeping the plates spinning while drinking and I said something to the effect that being an alcoholic requires you to be leading at least two lives at the same time. That got me thinking about spies.Paul McCartney wrote one of the greatest spy movie themes ever. When I first heard “Live and Let Die,” I was 10 or 11 and I thought it was just the coolest song. One of the advantages of having an early morning paper route is that you can sing and hum and no one can hear you. I can remember softly singing this as I delivered papers in the dark:When you've got a job to doYou've got to do it wellYou've got to give the other fellow hell.I don't think the Des Moines Register was necessarily looking for that level of commitment from their carriers, but I was ready. So, like I said, Paul McCartney wrote one of the great spy movie themes of all time and then he wrote this:I've always been obsessed with spies and espionage. I was a lonely, shy kid and spent a lot of time watching everyone else. I had a difficult time connecting with people and always felt very awkward. Consequently, I tried to be a really keen observer of other people, why did they do the things they did, what were the appropriate reactions? I was a little like the young boy at the school befriended by Jim Prideaux in “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy”: “You're a good watcher, aren't you? You notice things.”Like every good spy story, mine evolved from being simply a “good watcher,” to realizing that I had tracks to cover, secrets to keep. I'm not sure when thoughts like that began to creep into my consciousness, but I quickly determined that my success in life, my ability to make friends, connect with people, generally get along in the world, required me to keep an awful lot of stuff secret. I came to believe there was a part of me that was so shameful, humiliating, wrong, bad, defective, that it could simply never be shared with other people.I'm pretty sure that narrative was a big part of the reason I saw such a bright light when I started drinking at 15 or 16. The strain of carrying around all of those secrets was already a lot. I'm sorry, don't get the idea that I drank because I liked the taste or just wanted to be popular at parties. By 17, I was sitting by myself at a bar in the afternoon. That's how deeply ingrained it was in me, how deeply cut that groove already was. I needed to drink—that question was already settled.I've told the story about the night I realized I was an alcoholic: The sudden realization, of course while drinking alone, that drinking was way too important to me, occupied way too big a part of my life, was really already beyond my control. The icy churn in my gut came from knowing that I couldn't even conceive of a situation where I could or would stop drinking. Now I had a real secret to keep:I was an actual teenage alcoholic.This was not a game to me, what was at stake was the most important thing in my life: My drinking. If I couldn't keep this secret, I'd lose it and that simply couldn't happen. It was a huge secret to keep and I did. I was a pretty f*****g awesome spy.By my Junior year of high school I was a pretty ferocious everyday drinker and weed smoker. I also played basketball, had a part-time job after school at the local newspaper and was the state debate champion. I think my debate coach was the only person who knew I was drinking, and he had no inkling how much. He walked past the scene of a Beach Party I had staged in my room at the Cedar Rapids Marriott and came to my very hungover breakfast table the next morning expressing concern, but suggesting that he knew it had been the work of "older kids." That was another important piece of the puzzle for this budding spy: I realized that people really didn't want to believe I was an alcoholic or had a problem. That was very, very useful knowledge and helped me keep drinking for the next four decades.I managed a pretty successful career, raised a family, had what looked like a pretty idyllic life and no one really suspected anything until it all finally blew up in 2011. My alcoholism came as a complete surprise to everyone, that's how well disguised it was. Well, I knew it was coming. I had known since that night at Magoo's in 1981. I knew there would be a day of catastrophe, when everything finally got discovered—I just didn't know when that was going to be.I'm fascinated by the story of how the British and Americans ultimately broke the German and Soviet codes in World War II. I think about Kim Philby and the Cambridge Five, who reached the highest levels of British society and the intelligence establishment, all while spying for the Soviets. Philby, who had risen to head of Counter Intelligence at MI6, had to know the Americans were steadily decrypting all of the intercepted Soviet communications from the war and that there was inevitably going to be a day when he would finally and inexorably be exposed as traitor.Back when I was 17, I listened to the Beatles, a lot. I loved the medley on the B side of Abbey Road, but I used to think it was weird that the words that resonated with this 17-year-old were from “Golden Slumber”:Once there was a way to get back homewardOnce there was a way to get back homeBoy, you're gonna carry that weight,Carry that weight a long timeI didn't understand why those words always hit me so hard until I read about Kim Philby and the Cambridge Five, then I completely understood the feeling of being incrementally crushed, a little every day, by the knowledge of the impending catastrophic discovery. The other thing that really struck me was the story of how the British, aided by the ULTRA decrypts, intercepted almost all of the German spies sent during the war and then doubled them back to provide false intelligence to the Nazis. The British literally hired an army of writers to concoct the back stories and fake intelligence and managed to keep the Germans thinking they had an intact ring of spies for most of the war. I thought that was brilliant and took careful note.I started trying to get sober in 2010 and quickly realized that I wasn't interested in actually giving up drinking. It occurred to me that most of my problems came from people knowing that I was drinking. If I could just do a better job of hiding it, well, that would be way better than having to give it up. For the next 10 years, my life was a mix of actual attempts to get sober interspersed with fictional periods of sobriety. It was a horrifying, wilderness of mirrors way to live. I'm not sure I knew myself when I was trying and when I was pretending.I dated someone for 18 months and pretended to be sober the entire time. I drank almost every day and even though she lived only three blocks from my house and we saw each other nearly every day, well, she had no idea until the very end. When she broke up with me, she asked if I had been drunk on the night of our first date. The first date where I told her that I was a “recovering alcoholic” and had been sober for “ a while.” I fooled everyone, friends, wives, colleagues, bosses, my kids, everyone, and for a long, long time. That doesn't really generate any feelings of pride in my tradecraft.Like CIA agents working in Moscow, I needed to generate time in the “Black” to do my drinking. Since my drinking occupied several hours a day, every day, it became necessary to generate an entire fictional life to cover over the fact that my real life was mostly spent on a collection of carefully located and concealed bar stools. I told my girlfriend I was seeing friends, going to church, going to a meeting, going to a game, whatever lie was necessary to generate an hour or two when I could peacefully drink without fear of being discovered. I was exactly like the British writers conjuring up lives of actually-imprisoned spies.There's always a whiff of romance and intrigue and elegance in spy movies. But that is a fantasy. The actual life of a spy is small and dark and lonely and limned with fear. I lived that way for 40 years and did it in service to what I thought was my most important strategic interest—my drinking. That's not a pleasant realization.Kim Philby drank away the last years of his life in Moscow and though he had the Order of Lenin pinned to his jacket, I'll bet he also realized that he had given his entire life in the service of a monstrous lie. When my very elaborately-conceived deception operation finally collapsed, I realized the secret I had been protecting almost my entire life was the thing actually destroying it.“Spies Like Us” was a terrible movie and Dan Ackroyd and Chevy Chase were horrible at even acting like spies. I wish I'd been more like them. I wish I had been a shittier spy, a less accomplished liar, a little less skilled at sowing doubt and confusion. I wish I hadn't made people believe me so much. I wish I'd been hapless and bungling and hadn't been able to keep my stories straight. That would have saved a lot of people a lot of heartache. I look back on big chunks of my life and wonder whether it was really ever me or was all it just an operation? Was it all just a cover I was building? Those questions are sort of academic at this point. That water is well past the bridge.The adult version of me took complete responsibility for my decision to live life like a spy. The choice I thought I had made to conceal and protect what was most important to me: drinking. I've never really told that part of my story before and revisiting that young secret agent really stirred up a lot in me. I usually speak very matter of factly about the origin story of my alcoholism. If I qualify at a meeting, I typically just say that I started drinking at 15 or 16 and was a “white light drinker.” That's my pet phrase, Dr. Ruth Fox, who wrote an amazing book in 1955 titled simply, “Alcoholism: Its Scope, Cause and Treatment” describes someone like me as a “Primary Addict:”The primary addict, from his first introduction to beverage alcohol, uses it as an aid to adjust to his environment.Alcoholism, p. 142She goes on to describe me a little more thoroughly:The primary addict is one in whom the predisposing traits are so developed and so sharply marked that his first recourse to this socially approved narcotic is only a matter of time..In the case of the primary addict, the decisive symptom, loss of control, appears early in his drinking history. Thereafter, his own sense of self-esteem, depreciated to begin with, will take a merciless pounding…If he thought he was unworthy before, now he is given proof.Alcoholism, p. 143-44The process of recruiting agents, “assets,” usually involves identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. It's not a very pretty or kind process and it often involves luring someone to cross a line they may not have even known was even there. That's pretty much how alcohol worked on me. Once that line is crossed and the subject realizes they are now complicit, how much they now have to lose, well, that's when the trap closes and no one has too much of a choice after that. “Choice” is the funny word. People often like to describe addicts and alcoholics as people who make “bad choices.” For sure we do, lots and lots of them. I am coming to see those “choices” as symptoms of my addiction, not the cause of it.Sure, I made that choice to drink that first drink, take that first hit of weed way back in 1977 or 1978. I had no real idea back then, that “choice” meant enlisting in a lifetime of deception in service of a terrible secret. I only knew that from the time I first started drinking, it was something that was “necessary” for me, not something I did for fun. Drinking for me was kind of how I imagined eating without taste buds would be. It's something I had to have. I was convinced I couldn't navigate the world without it.The Big Book talks about alcoholics reaching the point of no return, for me, that happened frighteningly early. I had no idea where I was headed or how long I would struggle. I had no idea there was even a line to be crossed. The horrible thing is that I think, even if someone blessed with foreknowledge of all of the pain and struggle and heartbreak that was waiting in front of me had been siting in that awful black vinyl booth with me at Magoo's that night back in 1981, I'm pretty sure I would have still ordered that third drink. I see now that I never had a choice. I did what I thought was necessary and once I crossed that invisible line, well, it became an imperative. Already weighed down with the crushing shame and fear of being an alcoholic, that 17 year-old didn't make a choice, didn't really have a choice. He just knew he had to keep the secret.It turns out the secret wasn't so terrible and wasn't much of a secret by the end. What was terrible, was living that way for 40 years. It's heartbreaking to look back. The sadness is for someone who took on the burden of an overwhelming secret way too early. Keeping that secret for so long cost him a lot and was a very, very lonely business. I know him pretty well, he never meant to hurt anyone, and that's still the hardest thing he carries around. He just knew he didn't fit in the world as is and he did the best he could. I have a ton of respect for him; he took on that pretty heavy burden and carried it for a long, long time. He was resourceful, never quit and was so brave. And despite it all, all of the failures to come, the losses, the relapses, everything, I realize now he never gave up believing there was a way back home.In real life, espionage is a capital crime That's why, in the real world, being discovered as a spy is typically a pretty unfortunate thing. Me finally being discovered as a spy? I think the end of my career as a spy is probably when my life actually began again.Thanks for Letting Me Share This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thanksforlettingmeshare.substack.com

Serves You Right From Women & A Mic

Whats Girl Power got to do with it? In this episode we cover the term Girl Power and what it means to us.

The Patients Speak
Michael Sapienza, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

The Patients Speak

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 27:35 Transcription Available


Welcome back to The Patients Speak, where we're combining the business and science innovation of healthcare with the patient voice on how we need to accelerate their journey from diagnosis to wellness. Our guest today is Michael Sapienza, the CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.We had a wonderful discussion on the CCA's most recent Colon cancer campaign that was beautifully executed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Brooks Bell partnered with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to launch LEAD FROM BEHIND to bring awareness to colon cancer, which happens to be preventable cancer!Michael insists that patients should be more proactive and insist that they get screening, especially for this type of cancer.Having lost his mother at 56 years old when she was screened he says that she wasn't proactive in getting a screening. As his primary caregiver, he narrowed down what patients want into two things.They want to live and they want to live longer They don't wanna feel alone. In that respect they have multiple programs in their care pillar:They provide information about biomarkers, surgery, and innovations in clinical trials.They give psychosocial pieces if patients are suffering from depression or anxiety or even temporary feelings of loneliness.In order to bridge the research gap, they are holding a clinical trial summit on November 10 in Washington DC. where the head of the Moon Shot will be giving the keynote speech. In order to open a conversation with all parties involved so as to improve clinical trial access and, and uptake in general. From the CCA campaign, there are a few lessons that he learned that Michael shared:It's important to have the right partners.Always keep in mind why they do what they doYou have to believe in the mission In summary, they are really passionate about getting a solution on how to get people and oncologists in America to increase the uptake of sharing information about clinical trials. They are also involved in traversing all of America, especially rural America navigating patients to get the actual screening. Providing funding through their health equity fund to actually get people in underserved communities to actually get screened. Which has given them the huge task of raising awareness.Michael Sapienza Michael's Website Michael Sapienza is the CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the largest colon cancer advocacy group in the country. He lost his mother to colorectal cancer in May 2009. He turned his profound grief into action, inspiring and challenging the colorectal cancer community, family, friends, and professional associates to follow his lead and dedicate themselves to ending colorectal cancer within our lifetime—the mission of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Michael founded The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation and served as its President from 2010-2015. In 2016, he led the team that merged the Foundation and the Colon Cancer Alliance, creating the nation's largest colon cancer specific nonprofit, which changed its name to Colorectal Cancer Alliance in 2017 to embrace both the colon and rectal cancer communities. Over the last decade, Michael has become an expert and trusted voice on the topics of colorectal cancer prevention, patient care, and medical research. LinkedIn:

The Ultimate Intimacy Podcast
94. 8 Ways To Make Your Marriage More FUN... And Why It Is So Important

The Ultimate Intimacy Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 44:24


We often think that to transform our marriage into something great requires a lot of effort, or big changes to be implemented, but the truth is, it is the small and simple things that have such a great impact and make a difference in marriages. In this episode, Nick and Amy have O.L. and Sway Buckley with Marriedpreneurlife.com on the podcast to discuss they ways you can find more fun in your marriage. Finding the "fun" again in your marriage is a key to a long and happy relationship... and more fun in your marriage equals more sexual intimacy :)Having fun is a choice, and is something you need to decide to doYou need to make the time to have fun in your relationship Find fun games and things you can to togetherSet a budget aside for the fun things in lifeTry and experience new things togetherBe spontaneous and surprise each otherGet physical together and have fun in the bedroomLaugh and be silly togetherYou can learn more about Marriedpreneurlife.com HEREIf you haven't already, go check out the Ultimate Intimacy App in the app stores, or at ultimateintimacy.com to find "Ultimate Intimacy" in your marriage. It's FREE to download and so much fun!WANT AMAZING PRODUCTS TO SPICE THINGS UP? YES PLEASE... CLICK HEREEnter promo code UIAPP for 10% off your purchase (and free shipping in the US)The Ultimate Intimacy Sexual Intimacy Marriage Course can be found HEREFollow us on Instagram @ultimateintimacyapp for app updates, polls, giveaways, daily marriage quotes and more.If you have any feedback, comments or topics you would like to hear on future episodes, reach out to us at amy@ultimateintimacy.com and let us know! We greatly appreciate your feedback and please leave us a review!

GROW Podcast
The Uber Driver, Love Will find a Way

GROW Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 20:19


GROW Greatness Reached over Oppression through Wisdom Sow Love here We GROW Anything You want to Anything you try to DoYou got itThis Love is for youReunited and it feels So GoodReunited cause we UnderstoodYou should not worry about anythingfor all things work together for Good for those who Love the Lord

Enrichment for the Real World
#19 - Kathy Sdao: Food Motivation Myths

Enrichment for the Real World

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 75:37


In this interview episode, we are joined by Kathy Sdao, an applied animal behaviorist to discuss an always popular topic, food motivation. Food motivation is a term that comes up a lot when folks are talking about training their pets. While all individuals are intrinsically motivated by food, because they have to eat to survive, it can get a little more complicated when we're talking about the behavior of reliably eating, which is usually what many folks are really referring to when talking about food motivation. And not reliably eating, can lead to some sticky situations. You'll hear Emily and Kathy discuss: Being a detective when your pet doesn't eat, because it's a behavioral emergencyWhy the back of your pet food bag probably isn't an accurate recommendation for how much food your pet should eatHow you can create aversions to food, doing things that people very commonly doYou can find the full show notes here.

jENI NO PIKA PIKA NIHONGO 日本語
#245. Audiobook Sample - grammar 「これ」「それ」「あれ」、そして明日は土用の丑の日です

jENI NO PIKA PIKA NIHONGO 日本語

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2022 4:50


Hello. Welcome to Jenni's Pika Pika Japanese. Today's Japanese learning topics are “Kore”, “Sore”, and “Are". Please learn by listening to the podcast. Well, tomorrow, July 22, is known as “Doyou no Ushi no Hi” and is widely known as the day to eat unagi (eel) in Japan. The origin of why we eat eels on this day is that Gennai Hiraga, a famous scholar at the end of the Edo period, was asked by an eel shop to do something about the poor sales of eels during the summer season. The eels became so prosperous that other eel restaurants imitated the idea and it spread. Doyou" refers to the 18-day period just before the four seasons (Risshun, Rikka, Rissyu, and Rittou), which means the change of seasons. In addition, the Chinese zodiac, which is a combination of the 10 signs of the zodiac and the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac with a cycle of 60, is applied to the year, month, day, and time in China and other Asian countries where Chinese characters are used. The day of the Ox in Doyou, which is determined in this way, falls on July 22 this year. 幕末 Bakumatsu 土用の丑の日 Doyou no Ushi no Hi 鰻 Unagi 平賀源内 Hiraga Gennai 季節 Kisetsu 十二支 Junisho 干支 Eto Hola. Bienvenido a Jenni's Pika Pika Japanese. Los temas de aprendizaje del japonés de hoy son "Kore”, “Sore” y "Are". Por favor, apréndelas en el podcast. Mañana, 22 de julio, se conoce como el "Doyou No Ushi no Hi" y es ampliamente conocido en Japón como el día para comer unagi (anguila). El origen de por qué comemos anguilas en este día es que Gennai Hiraga, un famoso erudito de finales del periodo Edo, fue consultado por una tienda de anguilas para que hiciera algo con respecto a las escasas ventas de anguilas durante el verano, y sugirió que pusieran un cartel que dijera "Hoy es el día del Buey, por lo que da buena suerte comer algo con 'U'". Otras tiendas de anguilas imitaron la idea y se extendió. Doyou" se refiere al periodo de 18 días que precede a las cuatro estaciones (Risshun, Rikka, Rissyu y Rittou), que significa el cambio de las estaciones. Además, el zodiaco chino, que es una combinación de los diez signos del zodiaco y los doce signos del zodiaco chino con un ciclo de 60, se aplica al año, el mes, el día y la hora en China y otras culturas asiáticas con caracteres chinos, a partir de los cuales se determinan los días del Buey. Este año, el día del Buey en Doyou, así determinado, cae el 22 de julio. 幕末 Bakumatsu 土用の丑の日 Doyou no Ushi no Hi 鰻 Unagi 平賀源内 Hiraga Gennai 季節 Kisetsu 十二支 Junisho 干支 Eto こんにちは。 ジェニのピカピカ日本語へようこそ。 今日の日本語学習は、「これ」「それ」「あれ」です。 Podcastで楽手してください。 さて、明日、7月22日は土曜の丑の日と言われ、日本ではうなぎを食べる日として広く知られています。 なぜこの日にうなぎを食べるのか起源は、幕末の著名な学者平賀源内が、ウナギ屋に夏場はウナギが売れないので何とかしたいと相談され、「丑の日だから『う』のつくものを食べると縁起がいい、「本日、土用丑の日」と書かれた看板を出しなさいと提案したところそのうなぎが大繁盛し、他の鰻屋も真似をして広まったとの事。 そして「土用」とは季節の変わり目を意味する四季の四立(立春、立夏、立秋、立冬)の直前の約18日間を指します。 また十干と十二支を組み合わせた60を周期とする干支が中国を初めとしてアジアの漢字文化圏において年・月・日・時間に当てはめられていて、そこから丑の日が決まります。 そのようにして決まる土用の丑の日が今年は7月22日に当たります。 幕末 Bakumatsu 土用の丑の日 Doyou no Ushi no Hi 鰻 Unagi 平賀源内 Hiraga Gennai 季節 Kisetsu 十二支 Junisho 干支 Eto

RealPositiveGirl - Weekly Encouragement & Mental Health
The Differences Between Guilt & Shame - Real Life Examples

RealPositiveGirl - Weekly Encouragement & Mental Health

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2022 28:42 Transcription Available


It's important to know the difference between guilt & shame to know what needs your attention to work through. Today we are comparing guilt & shame, while also understanding the difference between healthy & unhealthy guilt.Show Notes:Let's talk about the difference between guilt & shame. Guilt is when you feel bad for doing something wrong or you think you did something wrong. It's also something you experience when you go against your personal values & beliefs. Shame is when you feel like who you are as a person is wrong. It's a personal belief you have about yourself & ties into self-worth. Guilt is based on behavior, whereas shame is based on who you believe you are.With guilt, we usually only feel it when we care about how it impacts someone else. But there is a healthy aspect to it that keeps us accountable & responsible for things we did that affect others & how we can correct those wrongs. It's healthy guilt vs unhealthy guilt. When you are operating in healthy guilt, you will seek forgiveness & figure out what needs to be done to amend the situation with the person & how you can change your behavior for the future. Unhealthy guilt is when you punish yourself for things that may or may not have affected the other person & are a result of not meeting your own unrealistic expectations. You end up telling yourself you did something wrong when you really didn't.With shame, you feel worthless & tend to believe there is nothing you can change about it. We can develop feelings of shame from childhood experiences, mental health issues that include criticizing or judging ourselves, being bullied by others or even fear of having your flaws & insecurities exposed. What shame says:Focus more on what other people think & say about meAllow anger & aggression to foster & be used as a way to reactDon't step outside your comfort zone because you might experience humiliationMake sure you feel about who you are & what you've been through, even when it wasn't your fault (like abuse)Don't give yourself any grace or forgivenessWhat healthy guilt says:You hit someone with your car & now have to suffer the consequencesYou knowingly broke the rules to get ahead & now need to amend your behavior & understand why that is badYou didn't do your part when you said you would or it was asked of you & now feel bad about itYou made a mistake but admit to it & take responsibility for itYou realize you are engaging in behavior that negatively affects others & decide to change your behaviorWhat unhealthy guilt says:You take responsibility for other people's emotions & how they feelYou think taking care of yourself is selfishIf someone gets upset it must be your faultYou feel like a failure if you weren't able to do everything you or others expected you to doYou forgot someone's name that you just met & feel horrible about itVisit me on Instagram or TikTok: @sabrinajoyperozzoAnonymous survey for topic suggestions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqcg0URMsH61Evk_3SiSURBkNuk5aUZVo97H5nuLVB0q36Iw/viewform?usp=sf_linkQuestions, comments, or feedback? Email Me: realpositivegirlpodcast@gmail.com Sign up for my weekly newsletter https://www.sabrinajoy.com/newsletter!Join the NEW RealPositiveGirl Community group on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/groups/realpositivegirlDonate to the Show: patreon.com/realpositivegirlSupport the show

Already Within
Do You, Boo | Start Putting Yourself First

Already Within

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2022 14:36


This episode, we talk about doing what's right for you and not waiting for others to live your life. Stopping to smell the roses and tapping into the power of words of affirmation. You are powerful and strong and sometimes we all need a few moments to realize what powers us. Please like, share and follow for future episodes! 

The Twisted Sisters Podcast
Episode 7: Interview with Brian David Muller "The Mountain is you"

The Twisted Sisters Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022


In this Interview with Brian David Muller we get to talk about his new released single the "Mountain is you" and the story behind what sparked his inspiration. Brian writes and produces all his own music from start to finish. You can find all of his music on Spotify. Brian is not only a singer song writer, but is the founder of a foundation for his late wife: Amie Muller Foundation. We dig into how he started the foundation and how his wife started a huge movement for others in the military before her passing as well. This becomes a common response in the Muller family. It seems every obstacle is met head on with grace, purpose and strength. If you are looking for inspiration or to find inner strength in dealing with life, grief, relationships, love and parenting you are going to want to tune in. Brian has a way of sharing his life and knowledge with humor and passion wrapped in love.You try to make use of what you should doYou set goals, then lose track, you make gains then step backThere's so much, at stake and you've lost touch of the dreams you used to make, the dreams you used to makeNo matter how much you know you want toNo matter how hard you try to breakthroughNo matter if you try, find a better reason toNo matter what you say, no matter what you doThere's a mountain in your way andTHE MOUNTAIN IS YOUYou mean to make change but lose faith, and switch lanesYou find truth, than feed lies. You bury, what's insideNo matter how much you know you want toNo matter how hard you try to breakthroughNo matter if you try, find a better reason toNo matter what you say, no matter what you doThere's a mountain in your way andTHE MOUNTAIN IS YOUYou can read a million quotes, write a thousand notes, tell yourself the bestBut unless you believe, know your thoughts are the seed, that grow and manifestSo stop doing what your doing, leave the old you in ruins, start building a newCause you only got one, and there's a better someone, inside of youOne day the mountain in front of you, will be so far behindOne day the mountain, will be nowhere to findAnd who you become, will stay with you foreverWhen each day is done, with the setting of the sun, you'll be better and betterSo take a step, take it slow, know where you want to goTake a stride, see it clear, lose all your scary fearsClaim it, create it, be it, see it and the ripple will grow, more than you knowSo what you gonna do, what you gonna do, what you gonna do, What you gonna do right now!-LYRICS from his NEW SINGLE “The Mountain Is You.” Released 02-25-2022 on all streaming platforms.

Inside Public Procurement: Heroic Stories from the Frontlines
Embracing Continuous Improvement in Public Procurement

Inside Public Procurement: Heroic Stories from the Frontlines

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 24:46


If there's one piece of advice Marla Bossons has for public procurement professionals it's never get too comfortable.The philosophy has served her well over two decades working in the public sector for the District of North Cowichan. In fact, it's what kickstarted her career in procurement in the first place.In this episode, Marla sits down with Bonfire host Tuong La to chat about how her commitment to improving processes and delivering value to her community led her deeper into the world of public procurement — and how that same growth mindset fuels her work today.We discuss:Disrupting the stereotype of procurement as an “administrative cog”Driving efficiency gains with eProcurementEvolving from tactical to strategic partnersThe fine balance between accountability and efficiencyWhy “doing things the way they've always been done” will never doYou can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Inside Public Procurement on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or gobonfire.com/podcast.Listening on a desktop and can't see the links? Just search for Inside Public Procurement in your favorite podcast player.

The Injured to Elite Podcast
I2E # 82: "Actions Come Before Feelings"

The Injured to Elite Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 17:13


Buy Injured to Elite the Book on AmazonJoin the Injured to Elite NetworkStuck in your feelings, in a rut, or lost? This week remember these 2 VITAL principles for your mental and physical performance related goals…1️⃣  Actions Come Before Feelings2️⃣  You Know What You Need to DoYou know what is next…Have an amazing week!

Bosswife.live
Fear of The Unknown (Feeling Stuck and Afraid of What's Next)

Bosswife.live

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 37:07


As Entrepreneurs we get stuck in the process and adopt the Imposter Syndrome. We forget to believe in the dreamer. This is all normal. Even in our personal life we get lost, burnt out and have to find our way back to the light. Tips: 1)Take comfort in knowing its part of the process.2) Change your perspective 3) Explore other options 4) Revamp the plan5) Set realistic goals

The Lovable Idiot Podcast
Episode-25-Disruptive Impact: Botox...Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda? #DoYou

The Lovable Idiot Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2021 23:31


As usual a day late!  Today I talk a little bit about Botox in a little bit of a personal thing! I also talk about some interesting things being chatted about on LinkedIn and other platforms. Some highlights from today include diversity of thought, challenging assumptions, growing, getting over the fear of the unknowns. At the end of the day everything takes time and patience. What works for somebody else may not work for you but for me I always like to hear different opinions and perspectives it helps me get clear on my thinking about my decisions. Hope you're having an awesome week! Want to connect on LinkedIn?  https://www.linkedin.com/in/imbigwill/

Ageless Conversations with Tamika McTier
Walking Fully in your Purpose with Megan De La Concha

Ageless Conversations with Tamika McTier

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 50:07


Megan holds three Master degrees in Public Health focusing on functional nutrition, alternative and complementary medicine and mental health. Megan is the founder and host of the PeP. Talks with Megan De La Concha podcast.In this episode, Megan discusses growing up in a middle class, conservative Christian household in sunny Florida.  Life was pretty normal for Megan until her twenties where she found herself surrounded by drug abuse and domestic violence, including verbal, mental and emotional abuse. After losing her identity, voice and self worth Megan divinely landed in therapy, where she spent 2 years of hard work rediscovering herself and has since renewed an unbreakable faith with the Lord and has committed her life to her own healing and to guide the healing of others while no longer staying silent.In this episode, you'll find out:Megan will discuss what it was like growing up in a conservative Christian householdWhy she resigned after working in healthcare for 15 yearsHow her faith changed her mindset about entrepreneurshipAdvice for someone that is in the middle of contentment and resisting the obedience of what God is saying to doYou can connect with Megan on social media atemail address: megan@megandelaconcha.comwebsite: megandelaconcha.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/pepwithmeganIG: www.instagram.com/Megandelaconcha Twitter: Twitter handle: @ConchaMeganFollow Tamika:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamikamctier/  and podcast: https://www.instagram.com/agelessconversations/Looking for resources for marriage, finances and how to get started on your fitness journey? If you answered yes to any of these, grab your free resources now. https://tamikamctier.com/work-with/ Please rate and review the podcast. It really helps more people find me. I take time to read every message and appreciate your feedback and 5 star reviews.

The Diary of a Single Catholic Writer
Did I Have an Encounter with an Angel?

The Diary of a Single Catholic Writer

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2020 5:44


Have you ever wondered whether the person you've met was actually an angel in disguise? While there are people whose kindness reminds us of angelic qualities, there are instances when we couldn't help but wonder if we have met an angel in real life.I have had such an experience some years ago while I was going home very late from work. There were days when I went home without any fear, but during that time, I felt like praying for help and protection. From what I could remember, I prayed that an angel be sent to protect me. It was as simple as that. After praying, I even sort of forgot all about it as I busied myself going home.I had no car and the public transportation I had to use in the Philippines then was the jeepney. It was smaller than a bus and commuters sat next to each other on two opposite sides of the vehicle. If there was anyone who wanted to do something bad, it would be very easy. (I once experienced someone pointing something sharp toward me just to steal my mobile phone. I have written the related story in another piece.)Going back to that night, I noticed a guy sitting right next to me who never moved even when other people already got off the vehicle. At one point, he even talked to me saying something like I had to be very careful because there are a lot of bad guys in the area.No, he wasn't a robber. He didn't do anything bad. And I had no sort of bad feeling about him. I felt comfortable and protected with his presence.The man just sat like that until I had to get off the vehicle myself, and I was thankful for his presence. It was only after that experience that I've remembered the prayer I had before going home.And I couldn't help but wonder, “Was he an angel in disguise?”“Our prayers are so dear to God, that he has appointed the angels to present them to him as soon as they come forth from our mouths. 'The angels,' says St. Hilary, 'preside over the prayers of the faithful, and offer them daily to God.' This is that smoke of the incense, which are the prayers of saints, which St. John saw ascending to God from the hands of the angels (Apoc. 8,3); and which he saw in another place represented by golden phials full of sweet odors, very acceptable to God.” - St. Alphonsus Maria de LiguoriHere's a song I have composed about angels when I was in high school. You can also hear a little bit of my very rough recording of it in the audio file in this post. WINGS IN MY LIFE(Original song composition)I. I know that there are reasons for rainy days to comeI know that there are timeswhen my tears can't help but fallBut such times are not the timeswhen I should feel aloneSomebody's hand is on my shoulderSomebody's eyes are on my soulCHORUS:('Cause/And) There have been angels in my lifeThere have been wings that carried me to reach the skyTo dream my dreams and be the best I can beThere have been wings that carried meThere have been angels in my lifeSomebody stood by me when all the world was greyAnd now I only prayTo thank the Lord for giving you to meII.The road ahead is windingbut I know I'll make it throughCause there's no mountain that's too highwhen I know I climb with youYou help me know what I can doYou know what's deep insideThe stars can't help but smile and shine on meWhen I pass by through the night(Repeat Chorus)Refrain:You helped me grow my own wingsand make them really strongAnd now I find the strength insideto fly so high(Repeat Chorus)Want to pray to angels? Here's a free app that could help you.Download Free AppI leave you with some quotes about angels as a reminder of their presence and importance in our lives:"We should show our affection for the angels, for one day they will be our coheirs just as here below they are our guardians and trustees appointed and set over us by the Father."- St. Bernard of Clairvaux"At the orders of the queen, the angels frequently assisted the apostles in their travels and tribulations ... The angels often visited them in visible shapes, conversing with them and consoling them in the name of the most blessed Mary."- St. Mary of Agreda"Since God often sends us his inspirations by means of his angels, we ought frequently to offer him our aspirations through the same channel... Call on them and honor them frequently, and ask their help in all your affairs, temporal as well as spiritual."- St. Francis de Sales"The powers of hell will assail the dying Christian; but his angel guardian will come to console him. His patrons, and St. Michael, who has been appointed by God to defend his faithful servants in their last combat with the devils, will come to his aid."- St. Alphonsus Liguori“The first thing about the angels that we ought to imitate, is their consciousness of the Presence of God.” - Saint John Vianney"If you remembered the presence of your angel and the angels of your neighbors, you would avoid many of the foolish things which slip into your conversations."- St. Josemaria Escriva“Beside each believer stands an Angel as protector and shepherd, leading him to life.” – St. Basil the Great"The angels of God accompanied the faithful when the light of his truth only dawned in the new world. And now that the day sprung from on high was visited, and exalted our nature to a union with the divinity, will these beneficent beings be less associated or delighted to dwell with the soul that is panting for heavenly joys and longing to join in their eternal alleluias? Oh, no, I will imagine them always surrounding me and in every moment will sing with them, 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory!'"- St. Elizabeth Seton“Make yourself familiar with the Angels, and behold them frequently in spirit. Without being seen, they are present with you.” – St. Francis de Sales"The angels who shine like the stars feel sympathy for our human nature and place it before God's eyes just as if it were a book. They attend us. They speak to us in a reasonable way, just as God inspires them to do. In the sight of God they praise people who do good deeds but turn away from those who are evil."- St. Hildegard of Bingen"If we detect an angel by the effect he is producing, let us hasten to pray since our heavenly guardian has come to join us."- St. John Climacus"Let us be like the holy angels now... If one day we are to be in the angelic court, we must learn how, while we are still here, the manners of the angels." - St. Vincent Ferrer Get full access to The Diary of a Single Catholic Writer at singlecatholicwriter.substack.com/subscribe

A Season of Caring Podcast
Caring for Our Aging Parents

A Season of Caring Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2020 23:43 Transcription Available


Rayna Neises, A Season of Caring Podcast Host, interviews Michele Howe.  Michele is an author who has been a caregiver herself and wrote an inspiring book Caring for Our Aging Parents: Lessons on Love, Loss, and Letting Go.  Michele shares wisdom from her own journey and for those she interviewed for her book.Learn from each of your caregiving experiences by asking what went well and what did notSome have the eyes and heart to see caregiving needs and others just don'tMost of the time there is just one person in a family that steps forward to meet the caregiving needs of a loved oneFind others who are further down the road to share their wisdomBe on the lookout for unrealistic expectationsDon't try to be a hero- find your supportLet go of expectations of changing the person you are caring forSpend time in self-care.  Ask for help right awayHave the hard conversations about what you can and can't doYou are not alone.  Find others to support you

The Painful Truth of Living with Chronic Pain

Dr. Brett Thomas, DO, has been an osteopathic physician practicing osteopathic manipulative medicine for over 30 years. He realized that patients in pain, like Robby, were in need of treatment that was more than just pills. As a special guest on the podcast, Dr. Thomas is here to explain what exactly he does, and why it's so important and transformative for patients in pain.SPECIAL EPISODE WITH GUEST STAR DR. BRETT THOMAS, DOYou keep hearing Robby and Sammi talk about how important they think Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) are, especially to those patients with chronic pain. But what the heck is a DO? Are they like regular doctors? What makes them so special? Robby and Sammi are hoping to answer some of your questions though the help of Dr. Robert C. Brooksby's book and their special guest host, Dr. Brett Thomas.Here is an overview of Dr. Robert Brooksby's book, "Healing From Within: Be Still and Know:""We were not taught in medical school about the spiritual/energetic aspect of our true nature; that I had to learn from my patients and the master healer Himself." In Healing From Within, Be Still and Know, Fourth Edition, Dr. Brooksby describes how we can reclaim and maintain our health when traditional medicine has failed us. Liberally peppered with case histories, Dr. Brooksby teaches us about our nature and how it's possible to work with our intrinsic energies to help us heal. 'Christ taught his disciples how to heal. We were supposed to have that knowledge, knowledge that has been lost to western cultures. It was not supposed to be a secret." Additionally, in this fourth and final edition of Healing From Within, Be Still and Know, Dr. Brooksby discusses past life traumas and energetic entities and the impact of those on our health.If you are interested in purchasing Dr. Robert Brooksby's book, "Healing From Within: Be Still and Know," click the link below:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-from-within-be-still-and-know-robert-c-brooksby-d-o/1113754731?ean=9780595675463If you enjoyed this episode, check out http://www.LimitlessBroadcasting.com. You'll find more podcast episodes and merchandise!If you like what you hear, please visit www.LimitlessBroadcasting.com to purchase podcast episodes and podcast series! Also, please check out our Patreon platform and join the crew! Remember, the possibilities are limitless!  https://www.patreon.com/LimitlessBroadcasting#LimitlessBroadcasting #LimitlessBroadcastingCompany #LimitlessPodcasting #ChronicPain #Depression #Anxiety #CarAccident #Doctors #Loneliness #ChronicPainPodcastshow #Podcasting #Osteopathy #alternativemedicine #Pain #Chronicillness #chronicpainawareness #Newshow #chronicpainlife #Podcastseries #DrBrettThomas #DrRobertBrooksby #DrBob #DrBrooksby #DoctorBrooksbyDO #HealthFromWithinBeStillAndKnow #DAD #RIP #OrlandoFlorida #Florida #FloridaDoctor #OrlandoOsteopathy Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/limitlessbroadcasting)

The Rise Again Podcast
Love Yourself While You Work On Yourself - Brandy Edwards - Episode 37

The Rise Again Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2020 53:56


Brandy Edwards is a high powered attorney who is not going to watch her passion and her message die. She is here to live and share what it takes to live a life of passion, on purpose. Today, Brandy and I uncover her new thriving message in her program called The Self Love Challenge. Let me tell you a bit about Brandy. Brandy Edwards is a Texas attorney turned Empowerment Speaker and Coach in Dallas, Texas. She is the founder of The Self-Love Challenge and emphasizes the importance of self-love, confidence and courage. Her self-discovery journey led her to be strong and courageous, to take action despite fear and follow her happiness to create a life she loves. Her magnetic energy captivates the attention of both youth and adult audiences, and her inspiring vulnerability empowers listeners to bridge the gap between fears that hold them back and bravery that can propel them forward. Her message is a kind reminder to make empowering choices that help you believe in yourself more and love yourself without conditions, as it is never too late to start, or to start over, with anything in your life.  You will love this conversation with Brandy. Follow her on social media and or email her and share what was impactful from her sharing this episode time with us!    Links Brandy's website Email Brandy @ theselflovechallenge@gmail.com  Follow her on Instagram Follow her on Facebook