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Humanity's first interstellar ark becomes something bigger. Explore Fleet Unity—a roaming civilization, ship-turned-shipyard, and the birth of humanity's first true interstellar armada.Get Nebula using my link for 50% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurWatch my exclusive video The Future of Interstellar Communication: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-chronoengineering-manipulating-time-as-technologyCheck out Mustard's Underwater Fighter Jet: https://nebula.tv/videos/joescott-oldest-and-newest-places-on-earth?ref=isaacarthurHelp out with March Storm: https://nss.org/march-storm/
The following article of the Mobility industry is: “Between Inspiration and Transaction: The Impact of Leadership” by Lorena Ruiz, Operations Director, S-fleet (AA2409)
John Batchelor and Bill Roggio examine the US fleet near Iran, questioning the effectiveness of air power alone against ideologically committed regimes like the Houthis. 2.1638
Energy Vista: A Podcast on Energy Issues, Professional and Personal Trajectories
Is Iran weaker today due to sanctions?In this episode of Energy Vista, Leslie Palti-Guzman sits down with geoeconomic expert Rachel Ziemba to unpack the use of US economic statecraft against Iran in an era of shadow fleets and great-power fragmentation.We discuss:• How much of Iran's current economic and political weakness is actually driven by sanctions• China's decisive role in sustaining Iranian, Russian, and Venezuelan crude exports• The rise of a sanctions-evasion ecosystem linking Iran, Russia, and Venezuela• Whether the Houthis' disruption of Red Sea shipping indirectly enables sanctioned oil trade• Has the US overstretched its economic statecraft tools?At stake is more than Iran. This is about the durability of US financial power, the fragmentation of global energy markets, and whether sanctions remain leverage.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.Watch the full conversation on YouTube.
Disney Cruise Line's 2027 itineraries are officially here—and they might be the clearest sign yet that the fleet is entering a new era. The headline move? The Disney Wish is heading to Europe for the first time. After years of short sailings out of Port Canaveral, Disney is finally sending a Wish-class ship across the Atlantic, signaling a more mature fleet, longer itineraries, and a more global strategy. In this episode, we break down what's available to book for 2027 and what it all means. We cover: The Wish moving to Europe and why it matters How the growing fleet is changing deployment strategy Alaska expansion and Caribbean reshuffling Where each ship is sailing in 2027 Which itineraries will go fast (and which might surprise you) What this says about Disney Cruise Line's future With more ships, more regions, and more variety than ever, 2027 isn't just another deployment drop—it's a snapshot of a cruise line that's growing up fast.
The shadow fleet has started the year under pressure. Millions of barrels of unsold Iranian and Russian crude have accumulated in storage due to buyers switching to unsanctioned barrels at reasonable prices. But as the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine looms, a step change in sanctions enforcement has the potential to disrupt shadow fleet trades much more dramatically. The US is rumoured to be looking at more shadow fleet targets to intercept and usher off into the scrapyards. Meanwhile, there is a crackdown looming in Europe, and this time they are serious. The EU's long-trailed shift to a full maritime services ban still have hit a few political hurdles, but the immediate direction of EU policy promises to significantly ratchet up the sanctions imposed on Russian oil. This increased pressure coincides with an influx of shadow fleet tonnage back into the Russian flag, a lot of which switched following US intervention in Venezuela. That Moscow is keeping a closer eye on its fleet may be evidence that Europe's pressure (not to mention US boardings) is working and the shadow fleet is beginning to feel the heat. Speaking on this week's edition of the Lloyd's List podcast: Bridget Diakun, Senior Risk and Compliance Analyst Tomer Raanan, Maritime Risk Analyst Richard Meade, Editor-in-Chief
We've been sold a cartoon version of the Middle East and this episode blows it up with five explosive threads most people still aren't connecting. From President Trump's Iran endgame and why Israel may be pushed to strike first, to jaw-dropping scenes from a massive Munich rally where Iranians openly embraced Israelis, the hosts lay out what's really shifting beneath the headlines and what it could mean for regime change, regional alliances and the propaganda narratives finally starting to crack. You'll also learn why major NGOs and media talking points are suddenly wobbling, how power and perception shape “humanitarian” stories and why the panel argues the biggest battles right now are truth, legitimacy and moral clarity.
Tensions with Iran are escalating as U.S. forces continue to build up in the region. The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Ward breaks down a new option that President Trump is weighing against Tehran. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office. Fiona Hamilton of The Times of London joins to discuss why. A proposed rent-control law in Massachusetts has local Democrats. The Wall Street Journal’s Jared Mitovich explains why lawmakers in the state are at odds. Plus, Trump’s new “Board of Peace” met for the first time, a federal advisory commission approved plans for the new White House ballroom, and a big night for Team USA on the ice. Today’s episode was hosted by Cecilia Lei.
Renee Rogers from Ono talks to James about supporting drivers following a fleet collision.Renee is founder and chief executive of Ono, a company that supports drivers and fleets in the aftermath of some of the most stressful incidents on the road, helping them navigate both the human and organisational impacts of collisions. She also serves as a trustee of the Association for Road Risk Management (ARRM), the professional body focused on managing work-related road risk and championing evidence-led, safesystem thinking across organisations of all sizes. In this conversation James Luckhurst explores how her work with Ono and ARRM fits into the Safe System approach, what that means for employers and professional drivers, and how better post‑crash support and leadership can contribute to a future free from death and serious injury on our roadsOno Website
Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1wBbajkdji5hoQJLPLTwVg/join #TruckNHustle #Trucks #trucking We're back with Brock Phillips, CEO of TruckLife Logistics and an OG TNH guest. After 10 years in business, Brock returns to share the real journey — from a young trucking entrepreneur chasing growth… to a seasoned veteran who's weathered one of the toughest markets in trucking history. He opens up about losing a major portion of his business when the market collapsed — and how he stayed in the fight when most folded. This isn't a highlight reel. It's survival. It's resilience. It's what 10 years in trucking really looks like. If you're in this industry, this conversation will hit home. Special thanks to our guest: Brock Phillips https://www.instagram.com/bphilllips
Fleet is changing. Fast. On this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton (VP of Product) is joined by Jenelle Hansen (VP of Customer Success) to talk about the changing face of fleet leadership and what that means for fleet maintenance software.From the exodus of retiring Baby Boomers to the influx of tech-savvy leaders from outside the industry, Jenelle and Marc break down the shift in mindset, tools, and expectations. Fleet managers aren't just responsible for vehicles anymore—they're expected to analyze data, optimize workflows, and speak the language of leadership.The discussion covers how new fleet leaders are approaching automation, digital transformation, implementation, and training, and why your FMIS needs to be more than a repository for work orders. If you're a fleet leader looking to gain operational efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and prove your team's value to stakeholders, this episode is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:The "changing of the guard" in fleet is real, and it's changing the role of the fleet managerWhy newer fleet leaders are laser-focused on data, automation, and reportingCommon mistakes to avoid during software implementationWhy consistency, communication, and clean data are key to long-term successHow training (or the lack of it) can make or break your software ROIWhy implementation is not a burden—it's an opportunity to improve processes and lead with intentionMarc Canton is the Vice President of Product at RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With decades of experience in fleet and product strategy, Marc helps shape the future of RTA's FMIS platform to meet the evolving needs of modern fleet operations.Jenelle Hansen is RTA's Vice President of Customer Success. She leads the teams responsible for implementation, training, and ongoing support. Jenelle and her team sit on the front lines of fleet modernization, helping customers adapt, optimize, and thrive. Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213
The biggest American armada in two decades is assembling in the Middle East as negotiations fail. Today chief international correspondent Cameron Stewart joins us to step though Iran’s options from here, the Pentagon’s strategic calculations and what would happen to the agents of Iranian terror around the world, including in Australia. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Neil Hughes-Hutchings, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at AfterAthena Ltd, explores the significant topic of "grey fleet" vehicles. Neil defines grey fleet vehicles as those owned and driven by employees for business purposes, including those under cash allowance schemes. He emphasizes the importance of employers understanding their responsibilities under health and safety legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Dean & Sofie's $50,000 Rumour File - Do you have a rumour? Call 133 882 or email breakfast@4bc.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart EU PLANS 70% LOCAL CONTENT RULE FOR EV AID https://evne.ws/4tHvjle FARLEY PITCHES US–CHINA EV JVS TO TRUMP https://evne.ws/4ayRLpn VOLVO ROLLS OUT VOLVO CAR UX UPDATE https://evne.ws/4qK0RUM UK POWER PUSHES NUCLEAR, SOLAR AND GRIDS https://evne.ws/4tJHs9p MARUTI SUZUKI LAUNCHES E VITARA WITH BATTERY LEASE https://evne.ws/4s1OhRX UK LEADS EUROPE ON ZERO EMISSION BUS SALES https://evne.ws/46inqJ0 TESLA ADDS FIVE AUSTIN ROBOTAXI CRASH REPORTS https://evne.ws/4qOcBWq OZEV ASKS INDUSTRY ABOUT NATIONAL EV CHARGING SIGNS https://evne.ws/4qNXZXg CANADA'S CHINA EV QUOTA TEMPTS VOLVO https://evne.ws/3MOccp0 MAN RUNS MEGAWATT CHARGING TEST IN SWEDISH WINTER https://evne.ws/3ZLf2Os MASERATI QUIETLY SLASHES US FOLGORE EV PRICES https://evne.ws/4aBg3xy
India's navy has begun seizing shadow fleet tankers in its exclusive economic zone. If India continues down this path, other countries will likely join the bandwagon, marking the end of the shadow fleet.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan
Will it be neck and neck for Ian in Rochester & Matt in Fleet?
An interview between Aaron Jarvis (Geotab, VP EMEA) and Raymond Kelly (Circet, Group Services Director UK & Ireland) discussing the successful rollout of Geotab telematics across Circet's fleet. Raymond Kelly highlights why they selected Geotab, the successful rapid implementation across 80% of their fleet, and their focus on driver safety through a rewarding scorecard system. The discussion also covers how the technology is essential for accurate ESG reporting by providing physical fuel consumption data and enabling seamless management of their emerging EV fleet.
AI is at the center of the Marine Corps' digital transformation efforts, from edge communication to cybersecurity. Marine Corps AI Lead Maj. Christopher Clark said AI it must be adapted to the physical and technical constraints of vehicles and equipment used on the front lines. To tackle these constraints, the Marine Corps is organizing an AI workshop this March to bring together fleet-level problem solvers and industry innovators to identify and experiment with high-value solutions. Using Corps-wide talent, Clark said, USMC can find the best solutions to pressing problems. He added that recent research from a Marine Corps AI fellowship demonstrated that generative AI can perform this task with a 50% increase in speed, allowing networks to be established much faster than through traditional methods. Clark also discussed the ways USMC is using AI to augment Marines talent, enhance data readiness for mission and reduce the fatigue associated administrative and intelligence work.
We'd be very happy if you support us! https://www.storynory.com/support-us/ The Fox Princess Hello, this is Jana, and I'm here with one of our Small Stories. It's about a fox who can change shape. And although it's very much set in London, stories of shape-shifting foxes originally come from Korea and the Far East A fox went to watch the Changing of the Guard. She poked her nose through the railings of the palace. A boy pointed and called out, "Fox!" The fox did not want a guard to spot her. So she turned into a princess. The guard opened the gate and bowed. Inside the palace, the red-headed princess gazed around. Everything was shiny and grand. Then she smelt something nice. She followed her nose to the kitchen. The cook looked up. "What would you like, Your Highness?" he asked. She replied, "Chicken wings… And a saucer of warm milk." She went upstairs to a bedroom. A footman brought a plate of chicken wings and a saucer of warm milk. She ate every last bite and lapped up the milk. After that, she went downstairs again. A young princeling smiled at her. "Let's play hide and seek," he said. She closed her eyes and counted to twenty. She opened them. She sniffed. And she found him hiding under the grand piano. They went out into the garden. The princeling closed his eyes and counted to 20. The princess turned back into a fox and hid under the shed. The princeling searched. He looked behind the trees and inside the summer house. But he could not find her. Then the King's dogs came into the garden. The fox felt scared. She ran. Across the grass, through the palace, and out of the front gates. A guard shouted, "Fox!" But she was gone. Back to the park. And that was the Small Story of the Fox Princess, written by Bertie, and read by me, Jana. And please don't forget, if you support us financially, via PaPal, Patreon or any other way, you can ask us for a first name shout out. And you can take part in our monthly writing competitions. See Storynory for details. For now, from me, Jana, goodbye. Song The Fox Princess Count to twenty. Don't look around. Listen out - for the slightest sound. Feel a shimmer, or a spark — A rusty streak, through the dark . Shape shifts, flame flicks, Moonlight shines, on your skin Is this a game Or the world we are living in You're so magical… Wild at heart. Princess of nowhere — Master of art. You're so magical… Seen, then gone. Only a pawmark Lingering on. You're so magical… Changing your face. Fairytale figure, Leaving no trace. You're so magical… Fleet and free. Princess of maybe — Who could you be?
Fleet Maintenance Secrets for Owner-Operators with Mike Gomes of Bison Transport In this episode, we sit down with Mike Gomes of Bison Transport to talk about practical maintenance tips for owner-operators and how leveraging fleet maintenance systems can boost uptime, reduce breakdowns, and improve long-term success. Mike shares insights on preventative maintenance, cost control, using in-house systems effectively, and why proactive servicing can make or break your bottom line. If you're an owner-operator looking to grow, reduce downtime, and operate like a pro — this episode is packed with value.
The superyacht industry is growing fast. Fleet expansion is accelerating, new builds are increasing, and operational demands are becoming more complex across the sector.But growth without alignment creates risk.In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down with Joey Meen, IAMI GUEST Director and President of the Superyacht Alliance, to discuss the coordinated effort now underway to raise standards across the superyacht industry.The Superyacht Alliance is not a discussion panel. It is a working coalition of associations focused on practical reform. The conversation explores crew welfare, fatigue and minimum manning realities, harmonisation of operational standards across vessel sizes, clearer employment contracts, onboarding consistency, and the development of a Superyacht Qualifications Framework to create structured career pathways both onboard and ashore.With more than 600 large yachts currently under construction worldwide, retention, training, and operational consistency are no longer secondary concerns. They are structural imperatives.This episode offers a serious look at how the industry is addressing safety culture, workforce sustainability, and long-term professional credibility.Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website.Supported by ATPI TravelATPI Travel supports the global yachting and maritime industry with specialist travel solutions designed for complex crew logistics, operational travel, and industry mobility.
0:14 Introduction to the Podcast2:28 Finding Value in Trash6:23 Parables of Treasure9:19 Understanding Salvation's Cost13:20 God's Perspective on Value14:03 Children as Treasures19:03 The Simplicity of Love20:21 Closing Prayer and ReflectionsSign up for my newsletter to receive fresh posts, encouragement, and Bible reflections straight to your inbox. There is a blog post that accompanies this episode at PrMarlon.comConnect with me.Check out our church at Cloverdale.orgThe intro music Fleet of Happy Fingers by Ryan Bell
00:00 Intro01:01 Utah forces Chinese Company to sell land01:44 Phony marriages for U.S. military base access04:02 CIA video recruiting Chinese officers as spies05:49 U.S. warns on China's deals in Venezuela07:39 A declining China‑Venezuela relationship08:26 U.S.‑Taiwan reach reciprocal trade deal10:35 New NATO Arctic mission to defend against Russia, China11:07 Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat, arrests skipper11:41 2 Chinese nat'ls charged with spying on Buddhist group12:52 Foreign cars flow into Russia via China14:41 China deal offers zero tariffs to S. African exports15:12 Lessons from China's Cultural Revolution: Xi van Fleet
Join host Stephen Ibaraki in a deeply moving conversation with Fleet Maull, Founder of Heart Mind Institute and Prison Mindfulness Institute. Fleet shares his extraordinary journey from a turbulent childhood and struggles with addiction to serving 14 years in federal prison — and ultimately transforming his life into one of service, leadership, and global impact.In this powerful episode, Fleet reveals how adversity became his greatest teacher. From founding national prison mindfulness and hospice movements while incarcerated to building the globally recognized Heart Mind Institute, his story is a testament to radical responsibility, resilience, and servant leadership.Key themes explored in this episode:Turning trauma into transformationThe power of radical responsibilityBuilding trust and leadership behind barsIntegrating Buddhism, neuroscience, and indigenous wisdomThe importance of meta-learning in a rapidly changing worldRebuilding life and career after prisonFounding and scaling Heart Mind Institute
As artificial intelligence reshapes military operations at breakneck speed, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is launching an accelerated master's degree aimed at pushing AI-literate officers into the fleet as early as 2027. Speaking at AFCEA/USNI West in San Diego, Capt. Mike Owen, co-chair of the NPS AI Task Force, said the new program is designed to close a widening gap between the pace of technological change and the Department of the Navy's ability to train personnel to use emerging tools. Owen said NPS teams are also traveling to major Navy and Marine Corps hubs to deliver AI 101 and prompt-engineering workshops. He added that the rollout of GenAI.mil and increased access to AI models are enabling NPS students to explore the technology more deeply and deliver new capabilities to the Navy.
Episode Synopsis: Today, we are talking about Red Fleet State Park and the park's recent $7 million transformation. We go behind the scenes with Uintah County Tourism Director Lesha Coltharp and Red Fleet State Park Manager Cole Unsworth as they reveal the story behind Red Fleet State Park's renovations. This episode follows the vision, planning, and collaboration that brought the renovation to life—expanding campgrounds, adding new water access points, an aqua park, and brand-new mini-cabins—making Red Fleet fully remodeled and ready for adventure. Watch the Documentary Series Watch this episode of Small Town Comeback, an original documentary series, at www.smalltowncomeback.org Show Notes: Visit the town in Vernal, Utah: dinoland.com Sponsors This episode is brought to you by: Uintah County Travel and Tourism Uintah County Economic Development Vernal City Credits: This show is produced by Summer Creative Agency and V6 Media. Host: Becca Summers Audio Engineer: Coby Coonradt Assistant Producer: Eden Bostrom
It has been a dizzying week in UK politics since the publication of the latest of the Epstein files, and the revelations of his links to Westminster. But as the politics took over, it is the voice of survivors that is the centre of this story.This Friday Lewis is joined by Natalie Fleet, Labour MP for Bolsover, to discuss the politics of the last week, finding a voice for the women and victims of grooming, and whether she trusts the Prime Minister to deliver.The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/
Nvidia Corporation will lease a data center in Storey County, Nevada, financed by a $3.8 billion junk-bond sale. The bond deal, backed by Tract Capital, increased by $150 million due to strong demand, targeting a yield around 6%. This move reflects a trend of using high-yield bonds for AI infrastructure projects. Nvidia's lease is initially for 16 years, with options for two additional 10-year extensions. Tract Capital's Fleet strategy focuses on building data centers for hyperscalers, with Fleet I being the borrower for this bond. The proceeds will reduce the equity contribution for the project. Nvidia continues to expand its AI capabilities by designing complex chips and developing open-source AI models.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Should Home Service Companies Stop Buying Vans?In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Nashville operator Jack Carr to break down one of the most overlooked expenses in home services:Fleet decisions.With service vans now costing $60,000+ and fuel and repair costs climbing, John and Jack make the case for a radical shift:Ford Mavericks for service… and trailers for installs.They unpack why the Maverick may be the most capital-efficient vehicle for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses, how truck stock changes operational discipline, and whether modular install trailers could replace box trucks altogether.If you're scaling a trades business and trying to protect cash flow, this episode offers a practical framework for building a leaner, smarter fleet.Key Topics Covered:Why service vans have become a drag on the balance sheetThe real economics of Maverick vs high-roof Transit vansFuel savings, lower capital costs, and fleet scalabilityTruck stock limits in HVAC compared to plumbing and electricalThe “install trailer” system: modular packouts for equipment installs
"Shipping in 2026 is going to get darker." - Michelle Wiese Bockmann, Senior Maritime Intelligence Analyst, Windward Right now, somewhere between 900 and 2,000 aging oil tankers are operating in the shadows. They are carrying sanctioned crude from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. This so-called "shadow fleet" often sails under false flags, spoofs its locations, turns off monitoring systems, transfers their cargo at sea, and sometimes operates without insurance. These dangerous vessels are increasingly being boarded, seized, escorted into port, and tied up in court, but enforcement at sea is messy, expensive, and legally complex. One company… GMS… thinks they have an answer. They believe they can scrap about 100 of these seized, sanctioned ships annually - if (and it is a big IF) they are given permission by the U.S. Treasury to acquire them. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner explores three interconnected questions: What is actually being done to get shadow fleet tankers off the water? What happens to the ships — and the oil, and the crew — after they are seized? And what are the second- and third-order effects for global shipping markets, risk, and supply chains? Links: Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement
Behind every commercial vehicle is a driver facing increased pressure and rising safety concerns. Today at Geotab Connect, Geotab Inc. announced the expansion of the GO Focus Family to include the new GO Focus Pro Dash Cam. The launch comes as Geotab research highlights a critical tension in the transport industry: while 95% of Irish commercial drivers recognise the benefits of video telematics for their own protection, they are operating under unprecedented strain. Other recent Geotab findings show that 99% of Irish drivers believe road risks have increased over the last five years, with work-related stress identified as a primary driver of declining road safety.This protection has become a business necessity as road accidents now cost the European economy an estimated €180 billion annually — representing approximately 2% of the EU's GDP. In this landscape, data insights are essential to defend both the organisation's bottom line and the professional integrity of the person behind the wheel. Geotab's GO Focus Pro addresses these challenges by combining full 360-degree visibility with AI-powered coaching and in-cab alerts. While high-impact collisions can result in severe human and financial consequences, lower-speed incidents, such as backing or docking, remain common sources of preventable damage, often caused by blind spots and limited visibility. By proactively addressing both safety-critical and operational risks, GO Focus Pro helps reduce incidents, lower stress behind the wheel, and support broader business objectives. "AI delivers its greatest impact when it helps prevent risk in the moment, not after the fact," said Claude Hochreutiner, Principal Video Program Manager at Geotab. "GO Focus Pro brings real-time intelligence into the cab, giving drivers greater awareness and confidence while enabling fleets to take a more proactive approach to safety. By combining 360-degree visibility with high-precision AI, we're helping organizations protect their drivers, reduce operational risk, and build safer roads for everyone." GO Focus Pro: 360-degree visibility GO Focus Pro is natively integrated into the MyGeotab platform to provide fleets the most complete safety video telematics solution available, combining full surround visibility with higher-end AI models and continuous inference. Key capabilities include: 360-Degree Visibility: Support for up to five weatherproof auxiliary cameras, providing complete coverage of the vehicle, driver, cargo, and surrounding environment, including trailers. Predictive AI Safety Features: Detection of traffic-light violations, forward-collision warnings, and vulnerable road users in blind spots using AI models on external auxiliary cameras. Driver Score: An automated scoring system that helps identify repeat infractions and risky behavior patterns, such as mobile phone use or fatigue, to prioritise coaching and recognise safe driving. Smart Sequence: A streamlined, high-signal view of the most important fleet events, reducing noise and minimising the staff required for review. Automated Coaching & Sessions: Real-time in-cab audio alerts enable immediate self-correction, while managers can assign and track coaching sessions directly within the platform. AI Driver Assignment: Automated identification of the driver behind the wheel through existing RFID/NFC cards or face, simplifying administration and improving data accuracy. Zero-Latency Backup Monitor: An instant, latency-free video feed to support precise backing, docking, other low-speed manoeuvers, and blind spot overview. No Systematic Human Review: Unlike many market alternatives, GO Focus Pro uses a full AI-driven pipeline without systematic human review based in faraway parts of the world. With full surround video coverage and predictive AI, GO Focus Pro gives fleets the visibility and intelligence needed to protect drivers, vehicles, and the communities they serve. The solution accelerates incident investigations, helps defend ag...
As medium‑ and heavy-duty electric vehicles move rapidly from pilots to scaled deployments, utilities are navigating new pressures, opportunities, and load implications across their systems. In this episode of The EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman meets with EPRI electric transportation experts Mike Rowand and Watson Collins to explore what 2026 has in store for fleet electrification. Drawing on decades of utility experience and EV experience, they reflect on key shifts observed in 2025, from evolving market behavior to the transition from pilot projects to large-scale deployments. The conversation highlights why interest in fleet electrification remains strong, even amid broader industry uncertainty, and examines how EV load growth could eventually outpace data center demand. Mike and Watson also break down EPRI's latest EVs2Scale planning tools – eRoadMap and GridFAST – and discuss how these resources equip utilities to plan confidently for an increasingly electric transportation future. Learn more about GridFAST: https://www.gridfast.com/about Learn more about eRoadMap: https://eroadmap.epri.com/ If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share! And please consider leaving a review and rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Follow EPRI: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/epri/ Twitter https://twitter.com/EPRINews EPRI Current examines key issues and new R&D impacting the energy transition. Each episode features insights from EPRI, the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, and from other energy industry leaders. We also discuss how innovative technologies are shaping the global energy future. Learn more at www.epri.com
This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Adam Silbernagel, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at Summit School Services and a 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting MST Technology Panelist. Adam shares his professional background and how he found his way into the student transportation industry, along with his first impressions after attending his first live NSTA meeting in Fort Lauderdale. Adam gives listeners a unique perspective on the MST panel, Averting Disaster: Tech Goes Down—Be Prepared, and discusses how contractors can maintain operations when critical technology systems fail. The duo explore the increasing reliance on software and telematics in school transportation, the challenges that it creates for contractors, and how leaders balance operational needs with IT priorities. Shifting to a more personal note, Adam reflects on being named a finalist for the 2026 ChicagoCIO ORBIE Awards and shares some marathon training stories. Curt and Adam dive into some Big Ten basketball talk before wrapping up with where listeners can learn more about Summit School Services. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop- NSTA Vendor Partners can take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that will help you reach your target audience - private school bus operators!Support the show
In this episode James and Frank walk through the latest Copilot CLI power-ups—Autopilot loops, experimental Fleet/parallel agents, and Opus model/context updates—while demoing how they used plan mode to spin up a full MAUI pet‑insulin app end-to-end. Learn what Autopilot and Fleet actually do, how parallel agents orchestrate work, plus practical tips (watch your context window, use plan mode) for turning AI agents into fast prototypes. Follow Us Frank: Twitter, Blog, GitHub James: Twitter, Blog, GitHub Merge Conflict: Twitter, Facebook, Website, Chat on Discord Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface ⭐⭐ Review Us ⭐⭐ Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm
Send me a messageIf 98% of your emissions sit in your supply chain, what does that say about your resilience when things start to break?In this episode of the Resilient Supply Chain Podcast, I'm joined by Keith O'Flynn, Group Supply Chain Sustainability Manager at John Sisk & Son. Construction is often labelled slow, conservative, and carbon-heavy. But beneath the surface, it's becoming a stress test for how resilient modern supply chains really are. With regulation tightening, data under scrutiny, and material risks rising, this conversation lands right at the intersection of resilience, sustainability, and operational reality.You'll hear how Sisk discovered that Scope 1 and 2 account for just 2% of its emissions, while a staggering 98% sit upstream in the supply chain, turning decarbonisation into a resilience challenge overnight. We break down why concrete and steel dominate risk exposure, and how low-carbon alternatives are finally moving from theory to site-ready practice.You might be surprised to learn why construction sites can burn more energy after hours than during the working day, how poor emissions data can be wrong by ±100%, and why better visibility is now as critical as better materials. We also dig into supplier engagement at scale, the limits of hydrogen hype, and why resilience increasingly depends on standards, trust, and data you can actually defend.
The sheriff's department said they were told their cars were going to be repossessed for non-payment and that the commissioners were supposed to take care of it; the commissioners said there is no crisis and the problems are the fault of the sheriff. This is happening in Ohio. https://www.lehtoslaw.com
In this episode, we look at a Superpower that has forgotten to pay its internet bill.From the Baltic Sea—where the Russian Navy recently surrendered a ship to Estonian customs inspectors without firing a shot—to the "Digital Stalingrad" in the Donbas where soldiers are resorting to medieval torture just to unlock Starlink terminals, the collapse is becoming impossible to hide.We dive deep into the "Zombie Economy" where interest rates have hit 21%, citizens are stealing butter locked in security cases, and the new "Russian Dream" is modeled after North Korea. We also expose the "Photoshop Front," where propagandists are inventing fake magazine covers because reality has become too depressing to print.Finally, we analyze a bombshell report from Meduza proving that the decision to destroy Ukraine wasn't a reaction to NATO, but a premeditated plan from 2004, and end with philosopher Dmitry Bykov's terrifying diagnosis of Russia's "Anthropological Catastrophe."Topics Covered:The Banana Republic Fleet: How Estonian special forces raided a Russian ship (and the Z-bloggers lost their minds).The Black Sea Ghost Fleet: Why the "Naval Superpower" is hiding behind Turkish oil tankers.The Photoshop War: Debunking the fake covers of Libération and Le Parisien.Digital Cannibalism: The "White List" Starlink block and the horrific consequences for POWs.The Butter Crisis: Why dairy products now have anti-theft alarms.The "Onion Lord": How a German AfD politician used Belarusian slave labor.The Origin of the Lie: New evidence that the war was planned in 2013.The Verdict: Why the "Crab Bucket" ideology guarantees collapse.Help us get trucks to the front!https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-the-eastern-borderSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theeasternborder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why does Russia send so many ships through the Channel? What does a ‘feminist' approach to cancer involve? And who is Mickey's new boss? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Felicity Capon, Hariet Marsden and Jamie Timson.Image credit: Damien Meyer / AFP / Getty Images
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…we are joined by HII's EVP for Maritime Systems and Corporate Strategy, Eric Chewning, where we discuss the integration of crewed and uncrewed systems, as well as the type of technology and partnership[s needed to build the future fleet. Please send us feedback by DM'ing @CavasShips or @CSSProvision or you can email chriscavas@gmail.com or cservello@defaeroreport.com.
Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.1857 SAN MATEO CHURCH, CARACAS
In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton is joined by Lincey Araya, Fleet Services and Field Program Manager at the University of South Florida, to explore one of the most pressing challenges in university and government fleets: centralization.Lincey shares her bold journey of transforming a fragmented, underperforming campus fleet operation into a unified and efficient service-based model. Facing pushback, budget turf wars, and deep-seated "we've always done it this way" culture, Lincey challenged the status quo and built a collaborative, data-driven operation that now services more than 25% of campus assets and continues to grow.Through grit, relationship-building, and sharp analytical thinking, she reveals how she created a path for department-level fleets to "opt-in," developed a phased motor pool strategy, and partnered with procurement to prevent unnecessary purchases. If you're a fleet manager trying to justify your in-house shop, boost utilization, or prove ROI to leadership, this episode is packed with gold.Key Takeaways:How decentralization kills efficiency, especially in higher edStrategies for overcoming resistance to changeTurning "impossible" into a phased, opt-in solutionWhy stakeholder collaboration beats top-down mandatesCreative budget reallocation that accelerates fleet transformationWhy "fleet as a service" wins over "fleet as a czar"Speaker Bios:Lincey Araya is the Fleet Services and Field Program Manager at the University of South Florida. With a background in the collision repair industry and as a certified ASE and I-CAR mechanic, she brings over 20 years of technical and operational experience. Her leadership focuses on elevating fleet service delivery, data-driven management, and building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement across campus operations.Marc Canton is the VP of Product & Consulting at RTA: The Fleet Success Company and co-host of The Fleet Success Show. With two decades of university operations experience and deep expertise in fleet centralization, consulting, and operations strategy, Marc helps public sector fleets maximize performance, reduce cost, and improve stakeholder satisfaction. Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213
Strange Legends of the PHANTOM FLEETBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
A vessel carrying Russian oil suffered an explosion off the coast of Senegal last December, prompting investigations into the presence of a Russian shadow fleet in African waters. The tanker is reportedly among several vessels trying to flout US, EU and UK sanctions on Russia.And - even though the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is over, several incidents from the tournament hosted by Morocco have raised questions about African identity.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Basma El Atti and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: David Nzau Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla
This special episode jumps out of our usual chronological retelling of British broadcasting's back-story, for the tale of pirate radio, especially Radio Caroline, courtesy of broadcaster, author and radio expert Ray Clark. Ray's book Radio Caroline: The True Story of the Boat that Rocked is highly recommended - a fascinating part of cultural history that he's brilliantly researched and retold. Get it from his website or where you get books (link below). Plus, as host Paul prepares for a new live show (Four Monarchs and a Mic: The BBC's Royal Engineer) on influential Outside Broadcast engineer RH Wood, this episode's bookended with some classic clips of Woody's broadcasts - coronations, state funerals, Churchill's war speeches, the Crystal Palace fire, the Boat Race, the first rugby commentary (re-enactment!)... Oh and a certain drunken commentary - Tommy Woodroffe on how 'The Fleet's Lit Up'. Hear it as you've never heard it before, with the engineer's commentary of what came before and after - how and why Tommy ended up inebriated on air, and where he went next... What a tale. Rebellion and rogueishness in the air then, and on it. Enjoy! (And if you like it, share it? Thanks, pals) SHOWNOTES: Ray Clark's website is rayradio.co.uk - get his Radio Caroline book there For more on pirate radio history, see offshoreradio.co.uk or offshoreechos.com Paul's new live show on OB engineer RH Wood - if you're quick - is on at Leicester Comedy Festival on Sat 7 Feb - Four Monarchs and a Mic: The BBC's Royal Engineer. If you're not quick, would you like it performed near you? Get in touch with Paul. Details of this and other shows at www.paulkerensa.com/tour Paul's Radio 4 drama about the first radio drama The Truth About Phyllis Twigg is very much still on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ntmx Original podcast music is by Will Farmer. This podcast is not made by today's BBC. It's just about the old BBC. Support us on Patreon (£5/mth - thanks if you do!), for bonus videos, writings, readings etc. All keeps Paul in books and web hostings - so this podcast is what it is thanks to kinds patrons there. Thanks! Share/rate/review this podcast if you have a spare 5mins - it all helps. Next time, Episode 114: The First BBC Armistice Broadcast of 1923 More on this broadcasting history project at paulkerensa.com/oldradio
Last time we spoke about the battle of Nanchang. After securing Hainan and targeting Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway corridors, Japan's 11th Army, backed by armor, air power, and riverine operations, sought a rapid, surgical seizure of Nanchang to sever eastern Chinese logistics and coerce Chongqing. China, reorganizing under Chiang Kai-shek, concentrated over 200,000 troops across 52 divisions in the Ninth and Third War Zones, with Xue Yue commanding the 9th War Zone in defense of Wuhan-Nanchang corridors. The fighting began with German-style, combined-arms river operations along the Xiushui and Gan rivers, including feints, river crossings, and heavy artillery, sometimes using poison gas. From March 20–23, Japanese forces established a beachhead and advanced into Fengxin, Shengmi, and later Nanchang, despite stiff Chinese resistance and bridges being destroyed. Chiang's strategic shift toward attrition pushed for broader offensives to disrupt railways and rear areas, though Chinese plans for a counteroffensive repeatedly stalled due to logistics and coordination issues. By early May, Japanese forces encircled and captured Nanchang, albeit at heavy cost, with Chinese casualties surpassing 43,000 dead and Japanese losses over 2,200 dead. #187 The Battle of Suixian–Zaoyang-Shatow Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Having seized Wuhan in a brutal offensive the previous year, the Japanese sought not just to hold their ground but to solidify their grip on this vital hub. Wuhan, a bustling metropolis at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers, had become a linchpin in their strategy, a base from which they could project power across central China. Yet, the city was far from secure, Chinese troops in northern Hubei and southern Henan, perched above the mighty Yangtze, posed an unrelenting threat. To relieve the mounting pressure on their newfound stronghold, the Japanese high command orchestrated a bold offensive against the towns of Suixian and Zaoyang. They aimed to annihilate the main force of the Chinese 5th War Zone, a move that would crush the Nationalist resistance in the region and secure their flanks. This theater of war, freshly designated as the 5th War Zone after the grueling Battle of Wuhan, encompassed a vast expanse west of Shashi in the upper Yangtze basin. It stretched across northern Hubei, southern Henan, and the rugged Dabie Mountains in eastern Anhui, forming a strategic bulwark that guarded the eastern approaches to Sichuan, the very heartland of the Nationalist government's central institutions. Historian Rana Mitter in Forgotten Ally described this zone as "a gateway of immense importance, a natural fortress that could either serve as a launchpad for offensives against Japanese-held territories or a defensive redoubt protecting the rear areas of Sichuan and Shaanxi". The terrain itself was a defender's dream and an attacker's nightmare: to the east rose the imposing Dabie Mountains, their peaks cloaked in mist and folklore; the Tongbai Mountains sliced across the north like a jagged spine; the Jing Mountains guarded the west; the Yangtze River snaked southward, its waters a formidable barrier; the Dahong Mountains dominated the center, offering hidden valleys for ambushes; and the Han River (also known as the Xiang River) carved a north-south path through it all. Two critical transport arteries—the Hanyi Road linking Hankou to Yichang in Hubei, and the Xianghua Road connecting Xiangyang to Huayuan near Hankou—crisscrossed this landscape, integrating the war zone into a web of mobility. From here, Chinese forces could menace the vital Pinghan Railway, that iron lifeline running from Beiping (modern Beijing) to Hankou, while also threatening the Wuhan region itself. In retreat, it provided a sanctuary to shield the Nationalist heartlands. As military strategist Sun Tzu might have appreciated, this area had long been a magnet for generals, its contours shaping the fates of empires since ancient times. Despite the 5th War Zone's intricate troop deployments, marked by units of varying combat prowess and a glaring shortage of heavy weapons, the Chinese forces made masterful use of the terrain to harass their invaders. Drawing from accounts in Li Zongren's memoirs, he noted how these defenders, often outgunned but never outmaneuvered, turned hills into fortresses and rivers into moats. In early April 1939, as spring rains turned paths to mud, Chinese troops ramped up their disruptions along the southern stretches of the Pinghan Railway, striking from both eastern and western flanks with guerrilla precision. What truly rattled the Japanese garrison in Wuhan was the arrival of reinforcements: six full divisions redeployed to Zaoyang, bolstering the Chinese capacity to launch flanking assaults that could unravel Japanese supply lines. Alarmed by this buildup, the Japanese 11th Army, ensconced in the Wuhan area under the command of General Yasuji Okamura, a figure whose tactical acumen would later earn him notoriety in the Pacific War, devised a daring plan. They intended to plunge deep into the 5th War Zone, smashing the core of the Chinese forces and rendering them impotent, thereby neutralizing the northwestern threat to Wuhan once and for all. From April onward, the Japanese mobilized with meticulous preparation, amassing troops equipped with formidable artillery, rumbling tanks, and squadrons of aircraft that darkened the skies. Historians estimate they committed roughly three and a half divisions to this endeavor, as detailed in Edward J. Drea's In the Service of the Emperor: Essays on the Imperial Japanese Army. Employing a classic pincer movement, a two-flank encirclement coupled with a central breakthrough, they aimed for a swift, decisive strike to obliterate the main Chinese force in the narrow Suixian-Zaoyang corridor, squeezed between the Tongbai and Dahong Mountains. The offensive erupted in full fury on May 1, 1939, as Japanese columns surged forward like a tidal wave, their engines roaring and banners fluttering in the dust-choked air. General Li Zongren, the commander of the 5th War Zone, a man whose leadership had already shone in earlier campaigns like the defense of Tai'erzhuang in 1938, issued urgent orders to cease offensive actions against the Japanese and pivot to a defensive stance. Based on intelligence about the enemy's dispositions, Li orchestrated a comprehensive campaign structure, assigning precise defensive roles and battle plans to each unit. This was no haphazard scramble; it was a symphony of strategy, as Li himself recounted in his memoirs, emphasizing the need to exploit the terrain's natural advantages. While various Chinese war zones executed the "April Offensive" from late April to mid-May, actively harrying and containing Japanese forces, the 5th War Zone focused its energies on the southern segment of the Pinghan Railway, assaulting it from both sides in a bid to disrupt logistics. The main force of the 31st Army Group, under the command of Tang Enbo, a general known for his aggressive tactics and later criticized for corruption, shifted from elsewhere in Hubei to Zaoyang, fortifying the zone and posing a dire threat to the Japanese flanks and rear areas. To counter this peril and safeguard transportation along the Wuhan-Pinghan Railway, the Japanese, led by the formidable Okamura, unleashed their assault from the line stretching through Xinyang, Yingshan, and Zhongxiang. Mobilizing the 3rd, 13th, and 16th Divisions alongside the 2nd and 4th Cavalry Brigades, they charged toward the Suixian-Zaoyang region in western Hubei, intent on eradicating the Chinese main force and alleviating the siege-like pressure on Wuhan. In a masterful reorganization, Li Zongren divided his forces into two army groups, the left and right, plus a dedicated river defense army. His strategy was a blend of attrition and opportunism: harnessing the Tongbai and Dahong Mountains, clinging to key towns like lifelines, and grinding down the Japanese through prolonged warfare while biding time for a counterstroke. This approach echoed the Fabian tactics of ancient Rome, wearing the enemy thin before delivering the coup de grâce. The storm broke at dawn on May 1, when the main contingents of the Japanese 16th and 13th Divisions, bolstered by the 4th Cavalry Brigade from their bases in Zhongxiang and Jingshan, hurled themselves against the Chinese 37th and 180th Divisions of the Right Army Group. Supported by droning aircraft that strafed from above and tanks that churned the earth below, the Japanese advanced with mechanical precision. By May 4, they had shattered the defensive lines flanking Changshoudian, then surged along the east bank of the Xiang River toward Zaoyang in a massive offensive. Fierce combat raged through May 5, as described in Japanese war diaries compiled in Senshi Sōsho (the official Japanese war history series), where soldiers recounted the relentless Chinese resistance amid the smoke and clamor. The Japanese finally breached the defenses, turning their fury on the 122nd Division of the 41st Army. In a heroic stand, the 180th Division clung to Changshoudian, providing cover for the main force's retreat along the east-west Huangqi'an line. The 37th Division fell back to the Yaojiahe line, while elements of the 38th Division repositioned into Liushuigou. On May 6, the Japanese seized Changshoudian, punched through Huangqi'an, and drove northward, unleashing a devastating assault on the 122nd Division's positions near Wenjiamiao. Undeterred, Chinese defenders executed daring flanking maneuvers in the Fenglehe, Yaojiahe, Liushuihe, Shuanghe, and Zhangjiaji areas, turning the landscape into a labyrinth of ambushes. May 7 saw the Japanese pressing on, capturing Zhangjiaji and Shuanghe. By May 8, they assaulted Maozifan and Xinji, where ferocious battles erupted, soldiers clashing in hand-to-hand combat amid the ruins. By May 10, the Japanese had overrun Huyang Town and Xinye, advancing toward Tanghe and the northeastern fringes of Zaoyang. Yet, the Tanghe River front witnessed partial Chinese recoveries: remnants of the Right Army Group, alongside troops from east of the Xianghe, reclaimed Xinye. The 122nd and 180th Divisions withdrew north of Tanghe and Fancheng, while the 37th, 38th, and 132nd Divisions steadfastly held the east bank of the Xianghe River. Concurrently, the main force of the Japanese 3rd Division launched from Yingshan against the 84th and 13th Armies of the 11th Group Army in the Suixian sector. After a whirlwind of combat, the Chinese 84th Army retreated to the Taerwan position. On May 2, the 3rd Division targeted the Gaocheng position of the 13th Army within the 31st Group Army; the ensuing clashes in Taerwan and Gaocheng were a maelstrom of fire, with the Taerwan position exchanging hands multiple times like a deadly game of tug-of-war. By May 4, in a grim escalation, Japanese forces deployed poison gas, a violation of international norms that drew condemnation and is documented in Allied reports from the era, inflicting horrific casualties and compelling the Chinese to relinquish Gaocheng, which fell into enemy hands. On May 5, backed by aerial bombardments, tank charges, and artillery barrages, the Japanese renewed their onslaught along the Gaocheng River and the Lishan-Jiangjiahe line. By May 6, the beleaguered Chinese were forced back to the Tianhekou and Gaocheng line. Suixian succumbed on May 7. On May 8, the Japanese shattered the second line of the 84th Army, capturing Zaoyang and advancing on the Jiangtoudian position of the 85th Army. To evade encirclement, the defenders mounted a valiant resistance before withdrawing from Jiangtoudian; the 84th Army relocated to the Tanghe and Baihe areas, while the 39th Army embedded itself in the Dahongshan for guerrilla operations—a tactic that would bleed the Japanese through hit-and-run warfare, as noted in guerrilla warfare studies by Mao Zedong himself. By May 10, the bulk of the 31st Army Group maneuvered toward Tanghe, reaching north of Biyang by May 15. From Xinyang, Japanese forces struck at Tongbai on May 8; by May 10, elements from Zaoyang advanced to Zhangdian Town and Shangtun Town. In response, the 68th Army of the 1st War Zone dispatched the 143rd Division to defend Queshan and Minggang, and the 119th Division to hold Tongbai. After staunchly blocking the Japanese, they withdrew on May 11 to positions northwest and southwest of Tongbai, shielding the retreat of 5th War Zone units. The Japanese 4th Cavalry Brigade drove toward Tanghe, seizing Tanghe County on May 12. But the tide was turning. In a brilliant reversal, the Fifth War Zone commanded the 31st Army Group, in concert with the 2nd Army Group from the 1st War Zone, to advance from southwestern Henan. Their mission: encircle the bulk of Japanese forces on the Xiangdong Plain and deliver a crushing blow. The main force of the 33rd Army Group targeted Zaoyang, while other units pinned down Japanese rear guards in Zhongxiang. The Chinese counteroffensive erupted with swift successes, Tanghe County was recaptured on May 14, and Tongbai liberated on May 16, shattering the Japanese encirclement scheme. On May 19, after four grueling days of combat, Chinese forces mauled the retreating Japanese, reclaiming Zaoyang and leaving the fields strewn with enemy dead. The 39th Army of the Left Army Group dispersed into the mountains for guerrilla warfare, a shadowy campaign of sabotage and surprise. Forces of the Right Army Group east of the river, along with river defense units, conducted relentless raids on Japanese rears and supply lines over multiple days, sowing chaos before withdrawing to the west bank of the Xiang River on May 21. On May 22, they pressed toward Suixian, recapturing it on May 23. The Japanese, battered and depleted, retreated to their original garrisons in Zhongxiang and Yingshan, restoring the pre-war lines as the battle drew to a close. Throughout this clash, the Chinese held a marked superiority in manpower and coordination, though their deployments lacked full flexibility, briefly placing them on the defensive. After protracted, blood-soaked fighting, they restored the original equilibrium. Despite grievous losses, the Chinese thwarted the Japanese encirclement and exacted a heavy toll, reports from the time, corroborated by Japanese records in Senshi Sōsho, indicate over 13,000 Japanese killed or wounded, with more than 5,000 corpses abandoned on the battlefield. This fulfilled the strategic goal of containing and eroding Japanese strength. Chinese casualties surpassed 25,000, a testament to the ferocity of the struggle. The 5th War Zone seized the initiative in advances and retreats, deftly shifting to outer lines and maintaining positional advantages. As Japanese forces withdrew, Chinese pursuers harried and obstructed them, yielding substantial victories. The Battle of Suizao spanned less than three weeks. The Japanese main force pierced defenses on the east bank of the Han River, advancing to encircle one flank as planned. However, the other two formations met fierce opposition near Suixian and northward, stalling their progress. Adapting to the battlefield's ebb and flow, the Fifth War Zone transformed its tactics: the main force escaped encirclement, maneuvered to outer lines for offensives, and exploited terrain to hammer the Japanese. The pivotal order to flip from defense to offense doomed the encirclement; with the counterattack triumphant, the Japanese declined to hold and retreated. The Chinese pursued with unyielding vigor. By May 24, they had reclaimed Zaoyang, Tongbai, and other locales. Save for Suixian County, the Japanese had fallen back to pre-war positions, reinstating the regional status quo. Thus, the battle concluded, a chapter of resilience etched into the chronicles of China's defiance. In the sweltering heat of southern China, where the humid air clung to every breath like a persistent fog, the Japanese General Staff basked in what they called a triumphant offensive and defensive campaign in Guangdong. But victory, as history so often teaches, is a double-edged sword. By early 1939, the strain was palpable. Their secret supply line snaking from the British colony of Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland was under constant disruption, raids by shadowy guerrilla bands, opportunistic smugglers, and the sheer unpredictability of wartime logistics turning what should have been a lifeline into a leaky sieve. Blockading the entire coastline? A pipe dream, given the vast, jagged shores of Guangdong, dotted with hidden coves and fishing villages that had evaded imperial edicts for centuries. Yet, the General Staff's priorities were unyielding, laser-focused on strangling the Nationalist capital of Chongqing through a relentless blockade. This meant the 21st Army, that workhorse of the Japanese invasion force, had to stay in the fight—no rest for the weary. Drawing from historical records like the Senshi Sōsho (War History Series) compiled by Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies, we know that after the 21st Army reported severing what they dubbed the "secret transport line" at Xinhui, a gritty, hard-fought skirmish that left the local landscape scarred with craters and abandoned supply crates, the General Staff circled back to the idea of a full coastal blockade. It was a classic case of military opportunism: staff officers, poring over maps in dimly lit war rooms in Tokyo, suddenly "discovered" Shantou as a major port. Not just any port, mind you, but a bustling hub tied to the heartstrings of Guangdong's overseas Chinese communities. Shantou and nearby Chao'an weren't mere dots on a map; they were the ancestral hometowns of countless Chaoshan people who had ventured abroad to Southeast Asia, sending back remittances that flowed like lifeblood into the region. Historical economic studies, such as those in The Overseas Chinese in the People's Republic of China by Stephen Fitzgerald, highlight how these funds from the Chaoshan diaspora, often funneled through family networks in places like Singapore and Thailand, were substantial, indirectly fueling China's war effort by sustaining local economies and even purchasing arms on the black market. The Chao-Shao Highway, that dusty artery running near Shantou, was pinpointed as a critical vein connecting Hong Kong's ports to the mainland's interior. So, in early June 1939, the die was cast: Army Order No. 310 thundered from headquarters, commanding the 21st Army to seize Shantou. The Chief of the General Staff himself provided the strategic blueprint, a personal touch that underscored the operation's gravity. The Army Department christened the Chaoshan push "Operation Hua," a nod perhaps to the flowery illusions of easy conquest, while instructing the Navy Department to tag along for the ride. In naval parlance, it became "Operation J," a cryptic label that masked the sheer scale unfolding. Under the Headquarters' watchful eye, what started as a modest blockade morphed into a massive amphibious assault, conjured seemingly out of thin air like a magician's trick, but one with deadly props. The 5th Fleet's orders mobilized an impressive lineup: the 9th Squadron for heavy hitting, the 5th Mine Boat Squadron to clear watery hazards, the 12th and 21st Sweeper Squadrons sweeping for mines like diligent janitors of the sea, the 45th Destroyer Squadron adding destroyer muscle, and air power from the 3rd Combined Air Group (boasting 24 land-based attack aircraft and 9 reconnaissance planes that could spot a fishing boat from miles away). Then there was the Chiyoda Air Group with its 9 reconnaissance aircraft, the Guangdong Air Group contributing a quirky airship and one more recon plane, the 9th Special Landing Squadron from Sasebo trained for beach assaults, and a flotilla of special ships for logistics. On the ground, the 21st Army threw in the 132nd Brigade from the 104th Division, beefed up with the 76th Infantry Battalion, two mountain artillery battalions for lobbing shells over rugged terrain, two engineer battalions to bridge rivers and clear paths, a light armored vehicle platoon rumbling with mechanized menace, and a river-crossing supplies company to keep the troops fed and armed. All under the command of Brigade Commander Juro Goto, a stern officer whose tactical acumen was forged in earlier Manchurian campaigns. The convoy's size demanded rehearsals; the 132nd Brigade trained for boat transfers at Magong in the Penghu Islands, practicing the precarious dance of loading men and gear onto rocking vessels under simulated fire. Secrecy shrouded the whole affair, many officers and soldiers, boarding ships in the dead of night, whispered among themselves that they were finally heading home to Japan, a cruel ruse to maintain operational security. For extra punch, the 21st Army tacked on the 31st Air Squadron for air support, their planes droning like angry hornets ready to sting. This overkill didn't sit well with everyone. Lieutenant General Ando Rikichi, the pragmatic commander overseeing Japanese forces in the region, must have fumed in his Guangzhou headquarters. His intelligence staff, drawing from intercepted radio chatter and local spies as noted in postwar analyses like The Japanese Army in World War II by Gordon L. Rottman, reported that the Chongqing forces in Chaozhou were laughably thin: just the 9th Independent Brigade, a couple of security regiments, and ragtag "self-defense groups" of armed civilians. Why unleash such a sledgehammer on a fly? The mobilization's magnitude even forced a reshuffling of defenses around Guangzhou, pulling resources from the 12th Army's front lines and overburdening the already stretched 18th Division. It was bureaucratic overreach at its finest, a testament to the Imperial Staff's penchant for grand gestures over tactical efficiency. Meanwhile, on the Nationalist side, the winds of war carried whispers of impending doom. The National Revolutionary Army's war histories, such as those compiled in the Zhongguo Kangri Zhanzheng Shi (History of China's War of Resistance Against Japan), note that Chiang Kai-shek's Military Commission had snagged intelligence as early as February 1939 about Japan's plans for a large-scale invasion of Shantou. The efficiency of the Military Command's Second Bureau and the Military Intelligence Bureau was nothing short of astonishing, networks of agents, double agents, and radio intercepts piercing the veil of Japanese secrecy. Even as the convoy slipped out of Penghu, a detailed report outlining operational orders landed on Commander Zhang Fakui's desk, the ink still fresh. Zhang, a battle-hardened strategist whose career spanned the Northern Expedition and beyond , had four months to prepare for what would be dubbed the decisive battle of Chaoshan. Yet, in a move that baffled some contemporaries, he chose not to fortify and defend it tooth and nail. After the Fourth War Zone submitted its opinions, likely heated debates in smoke-filled command posts, Chiang Kai-shek greenlit the plan. By March, the Military Commission issued its strategic policy: when the enemy hit Chaoshan, a sliver of regular troops would team up with civilian armed forces for mobile and guerrilla warfare, grinding down the invaders like sandpaper on steel. The orders specified guerrilla zones in Chaozhou, Jiaxing, and Huizhou, unifying local militias under a banner of "extensive guerrilla warfare" to coordinate with regular army maneuvers, gradually eroding the Japanese thrust. In essence, the 4th War Zone wasn't tasked with holding Chao'an and Shantou at all costs; instead, they'd strike hard during the landing, then let guerrillas harry the occupiers post-capture. It was a doctrine of attrition in a "confined battlefield," honing skills through maneuver and ambush. Remarkably, the fall of these cities was preordained by the Military Commission three months before the Japanese even issued their orders, a strategic feint that echoed ancient Sun Tzu tactics of yielding ground to preserve strength. To execute this, the 4th War Zone birthed the Chao-Jia-Hui Guerrilla Command after meticulous preparation, with General Zou Hong, head of Guangdong's Security Bureau and a no-nonsense administrator known for his anti-smuggling campaigns, taking the helm. In just three months, Zhang Fakui scraped together the Independent 9th Brigade, the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Guangdong Provincial Security Regiments, and the Security Training Regiment. Even with the 9th Army Group lurking nearby, he handed the reins of the Chao-Shan operation to the 12th Army Group's planners. Their March guidelines sketched three lines of resistance from the coast to the mountains, a staged withdrawal that allowed frontline defenders to melt away like ghosts. This blueprint mirrored Chiang Kai-shek's post-Wuhan reassessment, where the loss of that key city in 1938 prompted a shift to protracted warfare. A Xinhua News Agency columnist later summed it up scathingly: "The Chongqing government, having lost its will to resist, colludes with the Japanese and seeks to eliminate the Communists, adopting a policy of passive resistance." This narrative, propagated by Communist sources, dogged Chiang and the National Revolutionary Army for decades, painting them as defeatists even as they bled the Japanese dry through attrition. February 1939 saw Commander Zhang kicking off a reorganization of the 12th Army Group, transforming it from a patchwork force into something resembling a modern army. He could have hunkered down, assigning troops to a desperate defense of Chaoshan, but that would have handed the initiative to the overcautious Japanese General Staff, whose activism often bordered on paranoia. Zhang, with the wisdom of a seasoned general who had navigated the treacherous politics of pre-war China, weighed the scales carefully. His vision? Forge the 12th Army Group into a nimble field army, not squander tens of thousands on a secondary port. Japan's naval and air dominance—evident in the devastation of Shanghai in 1937, meant Guangdong's forces could be pulverized in Shantou just as easily. Losing Chaozhou and Shantou? Acceptable, if it preserved core strength for the long haul. Post-Xinhui, Zhang doubled down on resistance, channeling efforts into live-fire exercises for the 12th Army, turning green recruits into battle-ready soldiers amid the Guangdong hills. The war's trajectory after 1939 would vindicate him: his forces became pivotal in later counteroffensives, proving that a living army trumped dead cities. Opting out of a static defense, Zhang pivoted to guerrilla warfare to bleed the Japanese while clutching strategic initiative. He ordered local governments to whip up coastal guerrilla forces from Chao'an to Huizhou—melding militias, national guards, police, and private armed groups into official folds. These weren't elite shock troops, but in wartime's chaos, they controlled locales effectively, disrupting supply lines and gathering intel. For surprises, he unleashed two mobile units: the 9th Independent Brigade and the 20th Independent Brigade. Formed fresh after the War of Resistance erupted, these brigades shone for their efficiency within the cumbersome Guangdong Army structure. Division-level units were too bulky for spotty communications, so Yu Hanmou's command birthed these independent outfits, staffed with crack officers. The 9th, packing direct-fire artillery for punch, and the 20th, dubbed semi-mechanized for its truck-borne speed, prowled the Chaoshan–Huizhou coast from 1939. Zhang retained their three-regiment setup, naming Hua Zhenzhong and Zhang Shou as commanders, granting them autonomy to command in the field like roving wolves. As the 9th Independent Brigade shifted to Shantou, its 627th Regiment was still reorganizing in Heyuan, a logistical hiccup amid the scramble. Hua Zhenzhong, a commander noted for his tactical flexibility in regional annals, deployed the 625th Regiment and 5th Security Regiment along the coast, with the 626th as reserve in Chao'an. Though the Fourth War Zone had written off Chaoshan, Zhang yearned to showcase Guangdong grit before the pullback. Dawn broke on June 21, 1939, at 4:30 a.m., with Japanese reconnaissance planes slicing through the fog over Shantou, Anbu, and Nanbeigang, ghostly silhouettes against the gray sky. By 5:30, the mist lifted, revealing a nightmare armada: over 40 destroyers and 70–80 landing craft churning toward the coast on multiple vectors, their hulls cutting the waves like knives. The 626th Regiment's 3rd Battalion at Donghushan met the first wave with a hail of fire from six light machine guns, repelling the initial boats in a frenzy of splashes and shouts. But the brigade's long-range guns couldn't stem the tide; Hua focused on key chokepoints, aiming to bloody the invaders rather than obliterate them. By morning, the 3rd Battalion of the 625th Regiment charged into Shantou City, joined by the local police corps digging in amid urban sprawl. Combat raged at Xinjin Port and the airport's fringes, where Nationalist troops traded shots with advancing Japanese under the absent shadow of a Chinese navy. Japanese naval guns, massed offshore, pounded the outskirts like thunder gods in fury. By 2:00 a.m. on the 22nd, Shantou crumpled as defenders' ammo ran dry, the city falling in a haze of smoke and echoes. Before the loss, Hua had positioned the 1st Battalion of the 5th Security Regiment at Anbu, guarding the road to Chao'an. Local lore, preserved in oral histories collected by the Chaozhou Historical Society, recalls Battalion Commander Du Ruo leading from the front, rifle in hand, but Japanese barrages, bolstered by superior firepower—forced a retreat. Post-capture, Tokyo's forces paused to consolidate, unleashing massacres on fleeing civilians in the outskirts. A flotilla of civilian boats, intercepted at sea, became a grim training ground for bayonet drills, a barbarity echoed in survivor testimonies compiled in The Rape of Nanking and Beyond extensions to Guangdong atrocities. With Shantou gone, Hua pivoted to flank defense, orchestrating night raids on Japanese positions around Anbu and Meixi. On June 24th, Major Du Ruo spearheaded an assault into Anbu but fell gravely wounded amid the chaos. Later, the 2nd Battalion of the 626th overran spots near Meixi. A Japanese sea-flanking maneuver targeted Anbu, but Nationalists held at Liulong, sparking nocturnal clashes, grenade volleys, bayonet charges, and hand-to-hand brawls that drained both sides like a slow bleed. June 26th saw the 132nd Brigade lumber toward Chao'an. Hua weighed options: all-out assault or guerrilla fade? He chose to dig in on the outskirts, reserving two companies of the 625th and a special ops battalion in the city. The 27th brought a day-long Japanese onslaught, culminating in Chao'an's fall after fierce rear-guard actions by the 9th Independent Brigade. Evacuations preceded the collapse, with Japanese propaganda banners fluttering falsely, claiming Nationalists had abandoned defense. Yet Hua's call preserved his brigade for future fights; the Japanese claimed an empty prize. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The Japanese operations had yet again plugged up supply leaks into Nationalist China. The fall of Suixian, Zaoyang and Shantou were heavy losses for the Chinese war effort. However the Chinese were also able to exact heavy casualties on the invaders and thwarted their encirclement attempts. China was still in the fight for her life.
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In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First up—behind the scenes, U.S. intelligence is raising doubts about whether Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, is truly aligned with Washington's goals, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns that military action remains an option if cooperation falters. Later in the show—Europe moves to crack down on Russia's so-called “ghost tanker” fleet, as more than a dozen countries pledge to obstruct ships suspected of skirting oil sanctions and violating maritime law. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/PDB Nobl Travel: Protect your gear and travel smarter—NOBL's zipper-free carry-on is up to 58% off at https://NOBLTravel.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Watch the full podcast! https://chinauncensored.tv/programs/podcast-324 After underinvesting in shipbuilding for decades, the US is finally getting back in the business with a series of "Trump class" Navy ships. Joining us once again is Captain Jim Fanell. He's the former Director of Intelligence and Information Operations for the US Pacific Fleet. He's also co-author of the book Embracing Communist China: America's Greatest Strategic Failure Join our fight to expose the CCP at https://chinauncensored.tv and get ALL the new full-length interviews! And check out our other channel, China Uncensored: https://www.youtube.com/ChinaUncensored Our social media: X: https://www.x.com/ChinaUncensored Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChinaUncensored Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChinaUncensored #China
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