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We are back with our first episode of 2026 as we work our way through the dog days of the MLS offseason. We'll check in on the Seattle Sounders and assess their offseason to date, including the news that the Rave Green have officially re-signed Paul Rothrock. Will they show ambition and sign more players, or is this it for Craig Waibel and Co.? We'll also discuss some of the other big headlines from around the league, including Riqui Puig's injury setback for the LA Galaxy.Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Ari Liljenwall Noah RiffeSPONSORSHaxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.Seattle Sounders Tickets - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.MLS Season Pass - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2025 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.Contact: lobbingscorchers@justoncemedia.com
Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has systemically targeted Ukraine's civilian infrastructure–especially its energy systems–as a core part of Russia's strategy. Since the start of the war, there has been over 2000 air, drone, and artillery attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Electricity grids, nuclear power plants, transmission lines, gas facilities, dams and water supply systems have all been turned into battlegrounds. This week alone, Russia's overnight strikes hit energy and industrial infrastructure so hard that more than a million households in Odessa were left without power. This conflict is redefining what modern war looks like, where critical infrastructure is not just collateral damage but a deliberate target, where the frontlines runs not only through trenches but through the power grids. To unpack this further, we are joined by Theresa Sabonis-Helf, she is a professor at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service Masters program, serving as the Chair of the Science, Technology and International Affairs concentration. Prior to joining Georgetown, she was a Professor of National Security Strategy at the National War College. She has lived and worked in seven countries of the former USSR and has assisted two of these countries with the development of their National Security Strategies.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Visit Conducttr to learn more.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.Tell us what you liked!
In Luke 3, a crowd gathers around a radical man named John the Baptist to ask a simple but searching question: “What should we do?” They're hoping for a radical answer—one that will spark real change in their lives. As a new year begins, maybe you're asking a similar question, praying, “Lord, what should I be doing?” John's response is surprising, because instead of calling for dramatic gestures, he points them toward faithful obedience right where they already are.Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--We lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:
In this episode, Rachel Flannery, U.S. Army Reserve, takes us through her career progression from the Active Component to a career as a National Security Attorney at the Department of Homeland Security, via Georgetown and an LLM, in pursuit of her goal to "Pivot With Intention."
Christine Riccio & Natasha Polis talk all things nerdy in the book, tv, movie, pop culture, fandoms, and how they integrate into their adult lives. Today they're going through their top 25 moments of 2025! The last episode of 2025!! PLUS they chat the Taylor Swift doc and more! After this episode we'll be on hiatus for two weeks, then, we'll be back for season 4!! Today in Fangirl Tea Time: Join Christine and Natasha for more stories about their recent life escapades. Support the pod by joining the Forking Fangirls Patreon community: http://patreon.com/thoseforkingfangirls MAIN DISCUSSION STARTS AT: 25:00 Follow the visual show on our Youtube: http://youtube.com/@thoseforkingfangirls Preorder Christine's new book THIRTY, FLIRTY, & FOREVER ALONE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662532156 THE THIRTY FLIRTY AND FOREVER ALONE BOOK TOUR: Brooklyn, New York - January 6th @ Word Bookstore - 7PM in conversation with Alexandria Bellefleur RSVP: https://withfriends.co/event/27177316/christine_riccio Collingswood, New Jersey / Philly area - January 7th Kiss & Tale Romance Bookshop - 6pm in conversation with Hannah Nicole Maeher TICKETS: https://kisstalebookshop.com/events/3873820260107 Memphis, TN - January 9th Novel Memphis - 6pm in conversation with Kelsey Impicciche 387 Perkins Ext., Memphis, TN 38117 RSVP: https://novelmemphis.com/event/2026-01-09/christine-riccio-w-kelsey-impicciche-thirty-flirty-and-forever-alone Austin, TX - January 11th Lark & Owl Booksellers - 7pm In conversation with Natasha Polis 205 6th St Suite 101, Georgetown, TX 78626 TICKETS: https://www.larkandowlbooksellers.com/products/christine-riccio-author-event-thirty-flirty-and-forever-alone JANUARY - 14 - Culver City, CA The Ripped Bodice - 7pm in conversation with Olivie Blake/Alexene Farol Follmuth 3806 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232 TICKETS: https://www.therippedbodice.com/events-and-tickets Add Thirty Flirty & Forever Alone on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230393104-thirty-flirty-and-forever-alone Check out Natasha's sewing classes: https://www.natashapolis.com/ Join our patron to get 10 dollars off the classes! Website: https://thoseforkingfangirls.com/ Email us feedback: thoseforkingfangirls@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseforkingfangirls/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/forkfangirlspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thoseforkingfangirls Get Christine's novel Attached at the Hip: https://a.co/d/grmPeVy Check out the Selkie Collection and get 10% off your order with code TASHAPOLIS https://selkiecollection.com/collections/all
3:40 - Madison St. Rose Interview - Princeton Senior GuardAround the Tri-State22:50 - Seton Hall storms back to stun Marquette32:00 - St. John's tops Georgetown on New Year's Eve; Rick Pitino praises Zuby Ejiofor40:15 - UConn rolls over Xavier; Dan Hurley on Alex Karaban51:25 - Princeton snaps 8-game losing streak with OT win over Vermont
# Supreme Court's Trump Trials: A Week of Historic Decisions AheadAs we kick off 2026, the Supreme Court is preparing for what could be one of the most consequential months in recent judicial history. Next week, the justices will begin hearing arguments in cases that could fundamentally reshape American law, presidential power, and individual rights. Let me walk you through what's coming and why it matters.The most immediate case hits the core of executive authority. On January 21st, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Trump v. Cook, a case centered on whether President Donald Trump can fire Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Cook began her fourteen-year term on the board in 2023. Trump attempted to remove her in August, alleging mortgage fraud that occurred before her appointment. Here's the legal tension: the Federal Reserve Act explicitly states that the president can only remove board members for cause. Trump's lawyers argue he should be able to dismiss her freely, while Cook's team contends the removal protections exist for a reason, to insulate the Fed from political pressure.What makes this case historic is its broader implications. According to analysis from Georgetown professor Stephen Vladeck, the Trump administration has filed nineteen shadow docket applications in its first twenty weeks, matching what the entire Biden administration filed over four years. If the Court rules in Trump's favor on the Cook case, it would overturn nearly a century-old precedent protecting independent agency commissioners from arbitrary dismissal. That could reshape how federal agencies operate and their independence from political winds.But the Fed case isn't the only executive power question before the justices. The Supreme Court's January calendar also includes Trump v. Barbara, which will examine whether Trump's executive order eliminating birthright citizenship can stand. This order aims to deny citizenship to children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants. Such a ruling would overturn protections established by the 14th Amendment that the Court has maintained for over a century. Multiple courts have already temporarily blocked the order's enforcement, signaling serious constitutional concerns.There's also the tariffs case. Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump will determine whether Trump can invoke a national emergency to impose extensive tariffs on foreign goods without congressional approval. Trump has called this the most significant case ever. The stakes are enormous. If the Court rules against him, the government might need to reimburse over one hundred billion dollars in tariffs already collected, and Trump's ability to use emergency declarations for economic policy would be severely constrained.Beyond Trump's cases, listeners should know that on January 13th, the Court will hear arguments in cases challenging state bans on transgender students participating in sports that align with their gender identity. These cases raise questions about the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause and Title IX protections against sex-based discrimination in education.As these arguments unfold over the coming weeks, decisions are expected before the end of June. The Court's rulings could reshape the balance between presidential power and institutional independence, alter immigration law, transform federal economic policy, and redefine civil rights protections. These aren't abstract legal questions, listeners. They'll affect real people's lives and how American government functions.Thank you for tuning in. Come back next week for more analysis as these historic arguments begin. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
On Wednesday's edition of WagerTalk Today, Bryan Power gives best bets in Knicks vs Spurs in NBA Action & the Cotton Bowl matchup Miami vs Ohio State in the CFB Quarterfinals. Bryan Leonard breaks down the Citrus Bowl, Michigan vs Texas & the Orange Bowl, Oregon vs Texas Tech in CFP Quarterfinal action. Drew Martin joins the show to talk some CBB Action between St John's vs Georgetown & the Sun Bowl between Arizona St vs Duke! Andy Lang provides props and shares free picks – don't miss out!Intro 00:00Bryan Power 2:55Miami vs Ohio State 2:45Knicks vs Spurs 9:51Drew Martin 16:50Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs Duke 16:56Getting the Best of the Number? 19:00CBB: St. John's vs Georgetown 22:12Bryan Leonard 27:11Michigan vs Texas 27:55Oregon vs Texas Tech 32:33WTF or LFG: Follow or Fade this Play? 42:00All Around the World Free Plays (NHL, NBA & CFB Picks) 45:15
Athletics catching prospect & Georgetown University alum Owen Carapellotti joins Dylan Campione & Georgetown's Head Coach Edwin Thompson on today's edition of 'Talkin with T' to discuss his baseball journey! From the past four years on the Hilltop, the transition to pro ball and what made Georgetown the perfect landing spot, Owen covers it all. To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on a future episode, or a topic you want to have covered, let us know at SideRetiredPod@Gmail.com or on our social medias @SideRetiredPod on Instagram, Tik Tok & X (Twitter).
Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!Forgive the rough cut! I am having no end of trouble on my end -- the least effect of which is, I cannot put a standard podcast out. But I did make a recording for you! Hopefully my technical problems will be worked out by next Tuesday.Also, you'll note I didn't include 10 brand new books -- just 9. Forgive me!My top books of 2025, including holdovers, are ...Charlotte's Web, by E.B. WhiteCoolidge, by Amity ShlaesA Farewell to Arms, by Ernest HemingwayThe Good Earth, by Pearl S. BuckThe Fire of His Genius, by Kirkpatrick SaleI Only Read Murder, by Ian and Will FergusonMightier than the Sword, by David S. ReynoldsMayflower, by Nathan PhilbrickThe Time it Never Rained, by Elmer KeltonThe Cheating Culture, by David CallahanPresenting Buffalo Bill, by Candace FlemingEndurance, by Alfred LansingThe Sunflower, by Simon WiesenthalCheck out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.
Sean/a Smith:Sean/a's bold style and vibrant spirit made her a beloved figure in La Jolla—despite being unhoused for years. When Dr. Kirsten Harrison learned Sean/a's story, she was moved to help. Their connection sparked a shared journey of healing, advocacy, and transformation. From life on the streets to co-author and national speaker, Sean/a now champions intersex rights and dignity for the marginalized, always grounded in her deep sense of community.Dr. Kirsten Harrison:Dr. Kirsten Harrison is a psychologist specializing in trauma, with research experience at UCLA and advanced studies at institutions like Georgetown, Harvard, and Pepperdine. But her greatest education has come from working directly with survivors of PTSD, DID, and near-death experiences. Inspired by their resilience, she continues to share her expertise with compassion and purpose, guided by the strength of those she serves.In This EpisodeDr. Kirsten's websiteI, Sean/a: The Story of A Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired A CommunityBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSa———If you'd like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.Thank you to our Sponsors:Incogni - Use code [traumatherapist] and get 60% off annual plans: https://incogni.com/traumatherapistJane App - use code GUY1MO at https://jane.app/book_a_demoJourney Clinical - visit https://join.journeyclinical/trauma for 1 month off your membershipTherapy Wisdom - https://therapywisdom.com/jan/
Doing good to others is never a show; when it is, it’s just an act. Drawing from this season of giving, Pastor Jeremy reminds us that Jesus wanted His disciples to be ‘like Santa’. Here’s how…
Sunday sermons from Main Street Baptist Church in Georgetown, TX - New episodes every Monday!
In this episode, salon owner and color specialist Kimberly Christoph shares her 22-year journey from behind the chair to opening her own salon (Mane Street Georgetown) in DC. She speaks honestly about financial risk, long-term planning, continuous education, and how building with purpose shaped the kind of salon, culture, and experience she wanted to create.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:
Where do we stand on God’s prophetic calendar? The events of this past year—even the last few days, are a mind-blowing reminder not to neglect God’s work—there may not be much time left…
Tonight we're chatting with Christina Kovac, author of the new book WATCH US FALL. Christina Kovac is a mystery author and former DC broadcast news producer with 17 years of experience managing Washington, DC newsrooms and producing crime and political stories. Her career in television journalism spanned Fox Five's Ten O'Clock News, ABC affiliate WJLA, and NBC News. She is the author of The Cutaway and lives with her family outside Washington, DC.In the book, main character Lucy is part of a small, tight-knit group of friends known as the Sweeties who live in a Georgetown row house, focused on their careers and romantic drama until one of them, Addie's, ex-boyfriend, an up-and-coming newscaster, suddenly goes missing. WATCH US FALL is out this month from Simon & Schuster.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/castle-of-horror-podcast--4268760/support.
For all the talk of abundance, what's really abundant these days are the morbid symptoms of a dying international system. According to Georgetown's Charles Kupchan, these symptoms include the endless wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Trump's frenetic demolition-man act, and the rise not just of China but of India and Turkey. As the Pax Americana of the post-World War Two era withers away, the key question is what comes next. “The old is dying and the new cannot be born,” Kupchan quotes the Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci. “In this interregnum,” Gramsci explains, “a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.” But for all the abundance of symptoms, there's an acute scarcity of cures in our post-Pax Americana world. Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe
Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica
This week's episode rewinds the chaotic final days of Sherrone Moore's tenure, as five women—speaking anonymously and not alleging anything criminal—describe a pattern of uncomfortable interactions with the former coach. From erratic emotional swings to late‑night DMs and the now‑identified apartment break‑in involving Paige Shiver, we unpack how a five‑year timeline of awkward encounters painted a picture of a man unraveling.Then we hit the news cycle you might've blinked and missed: • Devin Bush is found not guilty after a domestic dispute that somehow began with mashed potatoes and ended with conflicting stories, a smashed phone, and a judge ruling prosecutors didn't prove intent to harm. • Georgetown's Ed Cooley earns a one‑game suspension after launching a water bottle into the stands post‑loss. • Samson Nacua—yes, Puka's brother—is arrested after allegedly taking Lakers forward Adou Thiero's vehicle for a valet‑assisted joyride to the One Hotel in West Hollywood. The investigation rolls on.And finally, this week's Biggest Pickle: Brian Smith. The former Ohio University football coach managed to turn his office into a low‑budget Mad Men set—bourbon drawer included—before a string of letters, reprimands, and an investigation into an alleged relationship with a student ended in his firing. He's 45, looks older, and apparently thought dating someone college‑aged was a brilliant life choice. Smith is fighting the dismissal, but the timeline is… a lot.It's a full plate of sports chaos, questionable decisions, and the kind of stories that make you wonder how any of these people thought this would end well.
Jesus commanded us to love our enemies, but what does that look like? Most people can’t imagine, and even fewer do. Christians must…
This episode explores what China's subnational climate experiments tell us about the possibilities and limits of climate leadership in an era of intensified geopolitics. We discuss how China's domestic governance dynamics matter for international climate cooperation and competition, especially as Chinese actors become central in the global low-carbon transition. Thus, we turn our attention away from headline-grabbing climate summits and national pledges to examine the less visible, but often decisive, actors shaping China's low-carbon transition. Implementing a Low-Carbon Future: Climate Leadership in Chinese Cities (Oxford University Press, 2025), a new book by Weila Gong, opens the black box of subnational climate governance in China and asks: who actually makes low-carbon policy work on the ground? Our guest, Weila Gong, is a visiting scholar at UC Davis's Center for Environmental Policy and Behavior and a nonresident scholar at UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center. She has held fellowships at Georgetown, Harvard, and UC Berkeley School of Law, and brings more than a decade of experience studying the politics and policies of low-carbon energy transitions in China. Her work is timely. Despite being the world's largest carbon emitter, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, commitments that place it at the center of global climate cooperation and competition. We're recording this episode in November 2025 as COP30 unfolds in Brazil, and at a moment when China is stepping into a more assertive role as a climate-technology power. Chinese officials and firms increasingly frame the country's dominance in renewables, electric vehicles, and clean-energy supply chains as central to the global transition. Yet, as Gong's book shows, climate leadership is not only forged through clean technologies or in international negotiating rooms and national policy announcements. It is also built, often unevenly, across hundreds of cities and counties within China. At the heart of this variation, Gong identifies a pivotal group of actors: mid-level local bureaucrats. These officials function as “bridge leaders,” translating national directives into locally workable policies, mediating between political leadership changes, and sustaining experimentation over time. In doing so, they challenge top-down views of China's climate governance and reveal how bottom-up dynamics shape both domestic outcomes and China's role as a global climate leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
It was a slow start for St. John's as Harvard hung around for the first 10 minutes in Queens. Eventually St. John's pressure picked up and it was too much for the Crimson to handle. St. John's will take on Georgetown on New Years Eve night in DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode explores what China's subnational climate experiments tell us about the possibilities and limits of climate leadership in an era of intensified geopolitics. We discuss how China's domestic governance dynamics matter for international climate cooperation and competition, especially as Chinese actors become central in the global low-carbon transition. Thus, we turn our attention away from headline-grabbing climate summits and national pledges to examine the less visible, but often decisive, actors shaping China's low-carbon transition. Implementing a Low-Carbon Future: Climate Leadership in Chinese Cities (Oxford University Press, 2025), a new book by Weila Gong, opens the black box of subnational climate governance in China and asks: who actually makes low-carbon policy work on the ground? Our guest, Weila Gong, is a visiting scholar at UC Davis's Center for Environmental Policy and Behavior and a nonresident scholar at UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center. She has held fellowships at Georgetown, Harvard, and UC Berkeley School of Law, and brings more than a decade of experience studying the politics and policies of low-carbon energy transitions in China. Her work is timely. Despite being the world's largest carbon emitter, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, commitments that place it at the center of global climate cooperation and competition. We're recording this episode in November 2025 as COP30 unfolds in Brazil, and at a moment when China is stepping into a more assertive role as a climate-technology power. Chinese officials and firms increasingly frame the country's dominance in renewables, electric vehicles, and clean-energy supply chains as central to the global transition. Yet, as Gong's book shows, climate leadership is not only forged through clean technologies or in international negotiating rooms and national policy announcements. It is also built, often unevenly, across hundreds of cities and counties within China. At the heart of this variation, Gong identifies a pivotal group of actors: mid-level local bureaucrats. These officials function as “bridge leaders,” translating national directives into locally workable policies, mediating between political leadership changes, and sustaining experimentation over time. In doing so, they challenge top-down views of China's climate governance and reveal how bottom-up dynamics shape both domestic outcomes and China's role as a global climate leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies
This episode explores what China's subnational climate experiments tell us about the possibilities and limits of climate leadership in an era of intensified geopolitics. We discuss how China's domestic governance dynamics matter for international climate cooperation and competition, especially as Chinese actors become central in the global low-carbon transition. Thus, we turn our attention away from headline-grabbing climate summits and national pledges to examine the less visible, but often decisive, actors shaping China's low-carbon transition. Implementing a Low-Carbon Future: Climate Leadership in Chinese Cities (Oxford University Press, 2025), a new book by Weila Gong, opens the black box of subnational climate governance in China and asks: who actually makes low-carbon policy work on the ground? Our guest, Weila Gong, is a visiting scholar at UC Davis's Center for Environmental Policy and Behavior and a nonresident scholar at UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center. She has held fellowships at Georgetown, Harvard, and UC Berkeley School of Law, and brings more than a decade of experience studying the politics and policies of low-carbon energy transitions in China. Her work is timely. Despite being the world's largest carbon emitter, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, commitments that place it at the center of global climate cooperation and competition. We're recording this episode in November 2025 as COP30 unfolds in Brazil, and at a moment when China is stepping into a more assertive role as a climate-technology power. Chinese officials and firms increasingly frame the country's dominance in renewables, electric vehicles, and clean-energy supply chains as central to the global transition. Yet, as Gong's book shows, climate leadership is not only forged through clean technologies or in international negotiating rooms and national policy announcements. It is also built, often unevenly, across hundreds of cities and counties within China. At the heart of this variation, Gong identifies a pivotal group of actors: mid-level local bureaucrats. These officials function as “bridge leaders,” translating national directives into locally workable policies, mediating between political leadership changes, and sustaining experimentation over time. In doing so, they challenge top-down views of China's climate governance and reveal how bottom-up dynamics shape both domestic outcomes and China's role as a global climate leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science
This episode explores what China's subnational climate experiments tell us about the possibilities and limits of climate leadership in an era of intensified geopolitics. We discuss how China's domestic governance dynamics matter for international climate cooperation and competition, especially as Chinese actors become central in the global low-carbon transition. Thus, we turn our attention away from headline-grabbing climate summits and national pledges to examine the less visible, but often decisive, actors shaping China's low-carbon transition. Implementing a Low-Carbon Future: Climate Leadership in Chinese Cities (Oxford University Press, 2025), a new book by Weila Gong, opens the black box of subnational climate governance in China and asks: who actually makes low-carbon policy work on the ground? Our guest, Weila Gong, is a visiting scholar at UC Davis's Center for Environmental Policy and Behavior and a nonresident scholar at UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center. She has held fellowships at Georgetown, Harvard, and UC Berkeley School of Law, and brings more than a decade of experience studying the politics and policies of low-carbon energy transitions in China. Her work is timely. Despite being the world's largest carbon emitter, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, commitments that place it at the center of global climate cooperation and competition. We're recording this episode in November 2025 as COP30 unfolds in Brazil, and at a moment when China is stepping into a more assertive role as a climate-technology power. Chinese officials and firms increasingly frame the country's dominance in renewables, electric vehicles, and clean-energy supply chains as central to the global transition. Yet, as Gong's book shows, climate leadership is not only forged through clean technologies or in international negotiating rooms and national policy announcements. It is also built, often unevenly, across hundreds of cities and counties within China. At the heart of this variation, Gong identifies a pivotal group of actors: mid-level local bureaucrats. These officials function as “bridge leaders,” translating national directives into locally workable policies, mediating between political leadership changes, and sustaining experimentation over time. In doing so, they challenge top-down views of China's climate governance and reveal how bottom-up dynamics shape both domestic outcomes and China's role as a global climate leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies
This episode explores what China's subnational climate experiments tell us about the possibilities and limits of climate leadership in an era of intensified geopolitics. We discuss how China's domestic governance dynamics matter for international climate cooperation and competition, especially as Chinese actors become central in the global low-carbon transition. Thus, we turn our attention away from headline-grabbing climate summits and national pledges to examine the less visible, but often decisive, actors shaping China's low-carbon transition. Implementing a Low-Carbon Future: Climate Leadership in Chinese Cities (Oxford University Press, 2025), a new book by Weila Gong, opens the black box of subnational climate governance in China and asks: who actually makes low-carbon policy work on the ground? Our guest, Weila Gong, is a visiting scholar at UC Davis's Center for Environmental Policy and Behavior and a nonresident scholar at UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center. She has held fellowships at Georgetown, Harvard, and UC Berkeley School of Law, and brings more than a decade of experience studying the politics and policies of low-carbon energy transitions in China. Her work is timely. Despite being the world's largest carbon emitter, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, commitments that place it at the center of global climate cooperation and competition. We're recording this episode in November 2025 as COP30 unfolds in Brazil, and at a moment when China is stepping into a more assertive role as a climate-technology power. Chinese officials and firms increasingly frame the country's dominance in renewables, electric vehicles, and clean-energy supply chains as central to the global transition. Yet, as Gong's book shows, climate leadership is not only forged through clean technologies or in international negotiating rooms and national policy announcements. It is also built, often unevenly, across hundreds of cities and counties within China. At the heart of this variation, Gong identifies a pivotal group of actors: mid-level local bureaucrats. These officials function as “bridge leaders,” translating national directives into locally workable policies, mediating between political leadership changes, and sustaining experimentation over time. In doing so, they challenge top-down views of China's climate governance and reveal how bottom-up dynamics shape both domestic outcomes and China's role as a global climate leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/chinese-studies
Ann takes the show on the road to Georgetown to visit Ride On Center for Kids (ROCK) "Healing Through Horses". She talks with Stephanie Troxell, Instructor, and Nancy O'Meara Krenek, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, about the program and especially the Veteran's Services. We get some great Christmas music from Colin Dexter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode explores what China's subnational climate experiments tell us about the possibilities and limits of climate leadership in an era of intensified geopolitics. We discuss how China's domestic governance dynamics matter for international climate cooperation and competition, especially as Chinese actors become central in the global low-carbon transition. Thus, we turn our attention away from headline-grabbing climate summits and national pledges to examine the less visible, but often decisive, actors shaping China's low-carbon transition. Implementing a Low-Carbon Future: Climate Leadership in Chinese Cities (Oxford University Press, 2025), a new book by Weila Gong, opens the black box of subnational climate governance in China and asks: who actually makes low-carbon policy work on the ground? Our guest, Weila Gong, is a visiting scholar at UC Davis's Center for Environmental Policy and Behavior and a nonresident scholar at UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center. She has held fellowships at Georgetown, Harvard, and UC Berkeley School of Law, and brings more than a decade of experience studying the politics and policies of low-carbon energy transitions in China. Her work is timely. Despite being the world's largest carbon emitter, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, commitments that place it at the center of global climate cooperation and competition. We're recording this episode in November 2025 as COP30 unfolds in Brazil, and at a moment when China is stepping into a more assertive role as a climate-technology power. Chinese officials and firms increasingly frame the country's dominance in renewables, electric vehicles, and clean-energy supply chains as central to the global transition. Yet, as Gong's book shows, climate leadership is not only forged through clean technologies or in international negotiating rooms and national policy announcements. It is also built, often unevenly, across hundreds of cities and counties within China. At the heart of this variation, Gong identifies a pivotal group of actors: mid-level local bureaucrats. These officials function as “bridge leaders,” translating national directives into locally workable policies, mediating between political leadership changes, and sustaining experimentation over time. In doing so, they challenge top-down views of China's climate governance and reveal how bottom-up dynamics shape both domestic outcomes and China's role as a global climate leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John 18, paraphrase, Pilate is having a conversation with Jesus, and asks Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus looked at Pilate and said, “The royal power of my kingdom realm is not from this realm.” Then Pilate said, “so You are a king?” Jesus said, “I AM, I was born a King, and THIS IS WHY I HAVE COME INTO THIS REALM.” Here's just a few other reasons mentioned in the scriptures of why Jesus came to earth: Matthew 5, I came to fulfill the Law and Prophets Matthew 10, I came to bring a sword, (to set apart from the world for loyalty) Luke 4, I came to preach the gospel of the Kingdom Luke 12, I came to set fire on the earth, ( a holy reverence) John10, I came that you may have abundant life 1 Timothy 1, He came to save sinners 1 John 3, He came to destroy the works of the devil
Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!So, it's the week of Christmas. And it's episode #350. I didn't plan to save the "Smiles" episode for a week like this, but now I'm glad I did. We'll discuss why smiles are so rare in the Bible and why you shouldn't worry about it; how the cutest little girl and the saddest "Little Tramp" in the history of Hollywood combined forces to drag us out of a national malaise; and how games in general, and one small game in particular, has brought smiles to our faces for years.Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.
The Chris Russell Show opens with The Rooster reacting to Thursday Night Football, praising Kyle Shanahan for guiding the 49ers to a win over the Colts despite injuries, and contrasting San Francisco's nearly decade-long roster depth with Washington's early rebuild under Adam Peters. Chris adds some holiday levity by having A-MAC guess his favorite Christmas song and reacts to Pro Bowl honors for Commanders punter Tress Way and returner Jaylin Lane. He then breaks down the challenges facing Washington, noting that comparing Adam Peters to John Lynch is premature, highlighting the team's lack of depth, and explaining why Sam Hartman isn't a viable replacement for Josh Johnson after the Mariota injury. The show wraps with reactions to major sports controversies, including DK Metcalf's two-game suspension for hitting a fan, Georgetown coach Ed Cooley's reckless bottle toss injuring a child, and the latest allegations against former Michigan head coach Sherrod Moore, delivering a mix of NFL insight, candid analysis, and Rooster-style commentary.
In the final hour of The Chris Russell Show, The Rooster dives into some of the most talked-about controversies in sports. Chris reacts to DK Metcalf hitting a fan and receiving a two-game suspension after alleging the fan used a slur against him and his mother. He then discusses Georgetown basketball coach Ed Cooley's reckless bottle toss after a loss that struck a 6-year-old, calling the move both dangerous and dumb. The hour wraps with the latest developments surrounding former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, as more women come forward alleging inappropriate social media messages following his messy firing. A candid, unfiltered hour of reactions, analysis, and Rooster-style takes on the latest headlines.
(00:00-30:04) Are we the only ones in the building today? Best-of vibe. We just have so much to get to. Jackson heading to The Gator Bowl. 70 degrees on Christmas. Could you land a plane if you had to? We got cows in Missouri. Weaving in shout outs to the new OC. The new Michigan Man. Pigskin, porcine. Doug, what's the lede today? Wilson Contreras to the Sox. Poor Nolan. RIP Wheelhouse. Cardinals embracing stepdad life. Grabbing chunks of flesh.(30:12-55:17) Chairman made the trip to Oxford for the Ole Miss vs. Tulane game. Southern belles. Underwhelming stadium in Oxford. Both Group of 5 teams get rolled in the CFP. Which team of the remaining 8 is least likely to win it all? Good time to get out of the Michigan football program. Bears and Packers with a thriller on Saturday. Iceman. Steelers Lions was great last night. The Flyers announcer may be in some trouble. The porta potty guy. Who's the highest profile contact in Martin's phone? Mt. Rushmore of flat tops. Guest roulette.(55:27-1:05:01) The Bee Gees. Barry Manilow on the Walkman. Players and coaches behaving badly. Ed Cooley of Georgetown hit a kid with a water bottle. DK Metcalf getting physical with a fan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Andy starts with the Commanders shutting it down with two games to go, and who will be at QB on Christmas Day. (18:05) The Ed Cooley episode after Georgetown's loss to Xavier. (39:14) More Commanders talk and a look at Philip Rivers' second act tonight on Monday Night Football. To hear the whole show, tune in live from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Monday-Friday. For more sports coverage, download the ESPN630 AM app, visit https://www.sportscapitoldc.com. To join the conversation, check us out on twitter @ESPN630DC and @andypollin1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The boys are back this week to bring you a breakdown of all the sports news from the past week, focusing on the College Football Playoff, Jake Paul's loss vs Anthony Joshua, and NFL Week 16. It's a fun-filled episode with some dramatic takes and forward thoughts on not just football, but baseball ... in Pittsburgh!?!? Don't forget to follow us on all our socials: - @sportsjimmuff on Instagram / Twitter - Sports Stuff with Jim & Muff on Facebook / YouTube Subcribe, comment, rate, review, poke, like, tickle, and get the damn bell on!!!
Good morning, afternoon, and good evening, everybody! Scott Carson here, and boy, are you in for a treat! As we roll into the New Year, many of you are resolving to dive deeper into real estate investing, but that old excuse "I don't have any money" always seems to pop up. Well, prepare to have your mind blown (and your excuses obliterated!) by today's special guest!We've got Lisa Ferris from Georgetown, Texas – a real estate investment legend who's been crushing it for years. She's a master of creative financing, fix & flips, short-term rentals, and leveraging private money. And the best part? She's written a book revealing all her secrets: "How to Find and Fund Any Real Estate Deal: How to Buy Real Estate Without Using Your Own Cash or Credit." Forget the banks; Lisa proves you don't need 'em!Here's what you'll learn from Lisa Ferris (and why you need her book!):The "Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired" Origin Story: Lisa, a 20-year realtor, shares how being "broke" and presented with a "POS house" forced her to embrace creative financing. Her first deal? Wholesaling a property in three hours for $17,000 profit – and she's never looked back!Ron LeGrand's Legacy & Realtor Superpowers: Lisa credits a Ron LeGrand course for igniting her creative financing journey. As a seasoned realtor, she leverages deep market knowledge (knowing which two blocks to avoid and where to buy!) to quickly run numbers and make offers, giving her a serious edge in Central Texas (Belton, Temple, Taylor, Fort Hood) – everywhere but Austin!Win-Win Negotiations for Distressed Sellers: Learn Lisa's approach to seller financing: always offer a higher purchase price and sell the payment amount (never the interest rate!). She focuses on creating win-win scenarios where sellers feel heard and get flexible solutions, even for those with no equity or facing tough situations.Private Money Magic: Just Ask! Lisa's secret to raising capital? Simply ask! Her first private lender was a good friend at McDonald's (true story!). She views it as offering an opportunity for investors to make their money work for them, not begging. Her deals average $200K-$300K and offer 12%+ returns, because as she says, "if you have a good deal, the money is the easiest part."Why Diligence & Community Matter: Lisa uses tools like RehabValuator and creates professional reports (Canva, anyone?) to make her deals attractive. She emphasizes proactive communication with lenders (even using platforms like SiteWire for draws). Plus, she champions local networking with her Centex Dealmakers Group, bringing integrity, training, and real-world deals to Austin's real estate community.Lisa Ferris is living proof that you don't need deep pockets to build a thriving real estate business. Her humor, humility, and rock-solid strategies make her an inspiration. Stop making excuses and start making deals happen!Grab a copy of her game-changing book, "How to Find and Fund Any Real Estate Deal: How to Buy Real Estate Without Using Your Own Cash or Credit," available soon on Amazon. Connect with her on Facebook (Lisa J Ferris) or via email: lisa@ljepropertysolutions.com. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a five-star review, and go out and become a Dealmaker!Watch the Original VIDEO HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join Note Night in America community today:WeCloseNotes.comScott Carson FacebookScott Carson TwitterScott Carson LinkedInNote Night in America YouTubeNote Night in America VimeoScott Carson InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest
Sunday sermons from Main Street Baptist Church in Georgetown, TX - New episodes every Monday!
The Shark Beauty Women's Champion Classic, The Big East Matchup with Providence & Georgetown !
A Baby in a manger seems such a tiny thing, but Christmas is infinitely greater than humanity ever imagined—or ever could (but let’s try anyway)…
The witness of the shepherds shows us that no one is too bad for a Savior, and the witness of Simeon shows us that no one is too good to need a Savior. In Luke chapter 2, Simeon helps us see the meaning of Jesus' arrival more clearly. Today, let's explore three truths Simeon reveals about the coming of Jesus Christ—and consider how our own response to Jesus should shape the way we listen, trust, and live in light of God's salvation.Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--We lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:
Our first speaker will be a very dear friend of mine, Rory MacFarquhar, who previously was a member of Obama's National Security Council. Our second speaker will be Emma Ashford who is a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown and the author of a new book entitled First Among Equals: US Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World. I want to learn from Emma about Trump's realist approach to foreign policy and what that will mean in its application. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe
Send us a textThis week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks to a couple fellas that are new to the Podcast from Trout On The Fly, Fly Fishing Outfitters based out of Bozeman. You will meet Nate Sevane the owner of Trout On The Fly and his Lead Ice Fishing Guide Matt Hoff. They tell Rigger about ice fishing on Georgetown and Canyon Ferry lakes plus two other lakes that Rigger has never talked about on the Podcast, Ennis Lake and Harrison Lake. Ennis Lake is of course not far from Ennis Montana and Harrison Lake is just north of Ennis Lake near the town of Harrison, that lake is also known as Willow Creek Reservoir. When you click here to watch or listen right here and find out if any ice has made it to these 4 lakes as well as learn a TON from Matt about the species that can be found in those lakes as well as some great tips on how find and catch them. Yeah, it always seems ole Rigger finds something new to show us and this week for sure does not disappoint. On top of all that the owner of Trout On The Fly, Nate Sevane will tell you about the iconic rivers that his guides take folks fishing on in the summer including some incredible trips that flow through Yellowstone National Park! So, what are you waiting for gang?! Click here now to watch or listen right here, you are going to love this one for sure! Links:Click Here to learn all about Trout On The Fly, Fly Fishing Outfitters and book a trip with them. They do still have some openings for this winter.To learn more about Ennis Lake and see fish stocking data there click here.Click Here to learn more about and see fish stocking data for the very unique Harrison Lake.To check out the latest fish stocking data and learn about Canyon Ferry click here.Click here to learn about Georgetown Lake and see the stocking data there as well.Questions for Nate Sevane or Matt Hoff? Just click here to send them an email and they will get right back to you.Be sure and tell Rigger what you thought of this Podcast be clicking here to send him an email.Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.
Christine Riccio & Natasha Polis talk all things nerdy in the book, tv, movie, pop culture, fandoms, and how they integrate into their adult lives. Today is their holiday gift exchange special!!! PLUS today they chat: the drama, Taylor Swift, and the new shadowhunters book Better in Black. Today in Fangirl Tea Time: Join Christine and Natasha for more stories about their recent life escapades. Support the pod by joining the Forking Fangirls Patreon community: http://patreon.com/thoseforkingfangirls MAIN DISCUSSION STARTS AT: 25:00 Follow the visual show on our Youtube: http://youtube.com/@thoseforkingfangirls Preorder Christine's new book THIRTY, FLIRTY, & FOREVER ALONE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662532156 THE THIRTY FLIRTY AND FOREVER ALONE BOOK TOUR: Brooklyn, New York - January 6th @ Word Bookstore - 7PM in conversation with Alexandria Bellefleur RSVP: https://withfriends.co/event/27177316/christine_riccio Collingswood, New Jersey / Philly area - January 7th Kiss & Tale Romance Bookshop - 6pm in conversation with Hannah Nicole Maeher TICKETS: https://kisstalebookshop.com/events/3873820260107 Memphis, TN - January 9th Novel Memphis - 6pm in conversation with Kelsey Impicciche 387 Perkins Ext., Memphis, TN 38117 RSVP: https://novelmemphis.com/event/2026-01-09/christine-riccio-w-kelsey-impicciche-thirty-flirty-and-forever-alone Austin, TX - January 11th Lark & Owl Booksellers - 7pm In conversation with Natasha Polis 205 6th St Suite 101, Georgetown, TX 78626 TICKETS: https://www.larkandowlbooksellers.com/products/christine-riccio-author-event-thirty-flirty-and-forever-alone JANUARY - 14 - Culver City, CA The Ripped Bodice - 7pm in conversation with Olivie Blake/Alexene Farol Follmuth 3806 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232 TICKETS: https://www.therippedbodice.com/events-and-tickets Add Thirty Flirty & Forever Alone on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230393104-thirty-flirty-and-forever-alone Check out Natasha's sewing classes: https://www.natashapolis.com/ Join our patron to get 10 dollars off the classes! Website: https://thoseforkingfangirls.com/ Email us feedback: thoseforkingfangirls@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoseforkingfangirls/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/forkfangirlspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thoseforkingfangirls Get Christine's novel Attached at the Hip: https://a.co/d/grmPeVy Check out the Selkie Collection and get 10% off your order with code TASHAPOLIS https://selkiecollection.com/collections/all
When Jacob Dean looks back on his career, the through-line isn't a straight path — it's a steady climb built on curiosity, discipline, and the courage to rethink what success should look like. Raised in Northeast Ohio in a family of educators, Jacob grew up with a traditional definition of stability: find a good job, work hard, and build a dependable life. Entrepreneurship wasn't part of the conversation. Yet over time, Jacob discovered that he was drawn to something bigger — the intersection of law, business, and strategy.After majoring in finance, Jacob chose law school at a time when the economy was uncertain and job prospects were slim. But that step opened the door to a series of defining opportunities: working in the tax department at Procter & Gamble, clerking for the U.S. Tax Court, completing an LLM at Georgetown, and gaining meaningful experience in both law firm and in-house roles. Each chapter gave him new layers of expertise — tax structure, corporate operations, nonprofit compliance, and business management.Despite the steady progression, something deeper was brewing. Jacob realized that what energized him most wasn't just the practice of law — it was understanding how businesses run, how decisions get made, and how structure shapes success. He enjoyed the legal work, but he felt most at home thinking like an operator and strategist.Then came a turning point: turning 40. Instead of seeing it as a crisis, Jacob treated it as a moment of reflection — a chance to pause long enough to ask, What do I want the next decade to look like? The answer was clear: it was time to build something of his own.With support from family and colleagues, Jacob made the leap into entrepreneurship and launched his own firm. Unlike many attorneys who see the business side as a distraction, Jacob embraces it. He believes law firms should operate like true businesses — strategic, structured, and growth-minded — rather than relying on outdated norms or reactive hiring. His combined experience in tax and corporate law gives him a unique ability to help founders avoid pitfalls and build with intention.In this episode of The Inventive Journey, Jacob shares the decisions that shaped him, the pressure he once felt to take opportunities out of fear, and the mindset shift that now guides his career. He talks openly about learning to trust himself, redefining what a “successful” legal career looks like, and why entrepreneurship still excites him every day.His advice for new founders is refreshingly simple: get good help. Whether you're forming a company, raising capital, managing risk, or planning for growth, trying to do everything alone can cost far more than it saves. Good advisors, good structure, and good decision-making create the runway that businesses need to thrive.Jacob's story isn't just about leaving a job — it's about stepping into a role he was already preparing for through every chapter of his career. It's a reminder that experience compounds, reflection matters, and it's never too late to build a business on your own terms.
Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!Steve Wolfgang, preacher for the Downers Grove church in the Chicagoland area, has been schooling us regarding math, church style, this week. As you likely have figured out, we're wrapping the discussion up with division. What has “split the church” in times past? What “splits” are on the horizon. Or is it even possible to “split the church? in the first place? Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.
We have the first major moves of Seattle Sounders offseason with Tuesday's announcement that free-agents Hassani Dotson and Ryan Sailor have signed with the Rave Green. We'll discuss the implications of Seattle's latest additions and what their roles could look like come 2026.Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Ari Liljenwall Noah RiffeSPONSORSHaxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.Seattle Sounders Tickets - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.MLS Season Pass - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2025 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.Contact: lobbingscorchers@justoncemedia.com
Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!Our favorite category of math in local churches is multiplication, no doubt about it. And in this part of my conversation with Steve Wolfgang, we discuss the pros and cons of growth — and yes, there are cons. We all want the church to grow. But is a quick response a good response? What if any warning signs should be anticipated when the gospel spreads more than we hoped for? Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.
Eric joins the show to talk about his time at Georgetown playing for legendary coach John Thompson in the early days of the Big East conference.
Georgetown professor Rosa Brooks discusses the legality (or the lack) of Trump's drug boat attacks as well as the bonkers National Security Strategy document. Head to https://GhostBed.com/mona and use promo code MONA at checkout to get an EXTRA 10% off—on top of their already-reduced prices.
Today's guest needs no introduction in the world of Turkey hunting and call making. Here from my home state is Mark Prudhomme. Mark has been hunting all of his life, has a professional wildlife and land manager for more than 45 years. He says he has hunted turkeys for 40 years and counting. He has won 17 Grand National Championships including, turkey calling, Owl hooting and Gobbling. 5 Grand National Campion of Champions, 8 World championships including 2 world gobbling championships, 4 world owl hooting and 2 NRA game calling which includes 7 different species. 2 US open owl hooting championships, 2 Grand American Turkey Calling Championships, many state championships in SC and NC. Including the only person to win the state in every game call category. Duck, 2 man Duck, goose, Turkey, and Owl. Mark also qualified for and competed in the World Championship of Duck calling and has won the Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation elk calling contests. Mark Prudhomme was inducted into the NWTF Hall of fame. He loves hunting and shooting with side by side shotguns and also enjoys traditional bow hunting. Mark also has a reputation for making trumpet calls and tube calls for turkeys. Mark says he was saved at an early age and was raised in church and is a member of First Baptist Church in Georgetown, SC where he served as a Deacon. He is married to Michele and has a son Clay. www.taurususa.com www.cva.com www.himtnjerky.com www.murrelloptics.com www.jumpmedic.com www.christianoutdoors.org www.citrusafe.com www.elimishieldhunt.com www.mossyoak.com