Podcasts about Happy Valley

Penn State defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim joins The Lions Den to talk about his journey to Happy Valley, transferring from Oklahoma State, his dominant high school football career and the mindset he brings to the Nittany Lions.Nnodim opens up about recording an incredible 30 sacks and 59 tackles for loss in just two high school seasons, why football is “90% mental,” and why his mentality starts with being hungrier than the player across from him. He also explains what he wants Penn State fans to see when they turn on the tape: a fast, explosive, aggressive defensive lineman flying around and making plays.But this episode goes well beyond football. Armstrong tells stories about getting destroyed 72–10 in Madden, attempting his own childhood haircut with scissors, growing up competing with his brothers, gaining weight with some help from Church's Chicken, wrestling before becoming a standout football player and eventually reaching a place he says he always dreamed of playing: Penn State.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Last time we spoke about the beginning of the Battle of Hong kong. Japan's rise as a threat to British interests accelerated through the 1920s and intensified after invading China. Britain's response remained contradictory—diplomatically conciliatory yet militarily apprehensive. While Singapore and Malaya received substantial reinforcements, Hong Kong was acknowledged indefensible, yet the 1936 Defence Scheme attempted to fortify it as an island fortress. Governor Northcote urgently advocated evacuation, recognizing the futility of defense. London rejected this, fearing it would demoralize China and forfeit sovereignty claims. Reinforcement requests from commanders like Grasett fell on deaf ears until Grasett independently lobbied Canadian leaders. This persistence finally convinced Churchill to dispatch two additional battalions. On December 8, 1941, Japanese forces attacked across three fronts with overwhelming force. Within hours, the RAF was destroyed on the ground, demolitions proved ineffective, and British units rapidly retreated toward the Gin Drinkers Line, facing an enemy that outnumbered and outmaneuvered them from the opening moments.   #217 The Battle of Hong Kong Part 2: the Island Aflame Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Around 1500 hours on 9 December, Colonel Doi of the 228th Regiment arrived at Needle Hill, just north of the Gin Drinkers Line, ahead of his main force. For two hours he studied the British defensive positions through binoculars, noting trenches and bunkers—and to his surprise, washing lines fluttering with white clothes. The sight spoke volumes about the 2 Royal Scots' lax discipline. Then fog descended, reducing visibility to barely twenty meters, and heavy rain obscured the landscape. Doi sensed a fleeting advantage but lost radio contact with his battalions. Worse still, the Shing Mun Redoubt lay outside his regimental boundary, making an unauthorized attack a serious breach of protocol. When his units finally arrived, supporting artillery remained unavailable, held up by demolished roads. Doi chose to attack anyway. Doi ordered the 2nd Battalion to scout the eastern approach while the 3rd Battalion spearheaded the main assault. Major Nishiyana commanded the 3rd, sending Lieutenant Wakabayashi and Kasugai with 150 volunteers to lead. The Shing Mun Redoubt itself comprised five concrete pillboxes and an artillery observation post, connected by underground tunnels named after London landmarks—Piccadilly, Haymarket, and others. The whole complex sat on small rises above Jubilee Dam, then the British Empire's tallest. Defending the redoubt was A Company, 2 Royal Scots, under Captain Jones—just three officers and 39 men. One platoon of 25 soldiers under 2nd Lieutenant Thompson held the forward positions. Against this stood 150 Japanese attackers, with another 1,500 troops in reserve. Battalion orders forbade using the concrete works as fighting positions; they were meant for the Vickers machine-gun team and artillery protection. No mines could spare the redoubt's perimeter. On the night of the 9th, roughly half the defenders sheltered in the observation post while the remainder manned pillboxes 401b and 402. At 2000 hours, Thompson led a nine-man patrol northward to check Needle Hill and Shing Mun Valley. Despite two and a half hours in the field, the patrol returned at 2220 hours without detecting the Japanese force massing just 500 meters away. By that time, Lieutenant Kasugai's assault group had crossed Jubilee Dam undetected, bypassed unmanned Post X, and assembled below Pillbox 401b. At 2200 hours, Japanese sappers cut through two lines of wire. At 2300—H-Hour—Lance Corporal Laird heard movement in the bushes and opened fire. The Japanese answered with grenades and rushed the pillbox lines. One team entered the tunnel system; another hurled grenades through the air vents. Corporal Campbell swung his Vickers toward Pillbox 401, catching Japanese headquarters personnel in the open. Sergeant Robb mustered a counter-attack force of thirteen men. Five fell as casualties—Laird, Basnett, Coyle, Casey, and Jardine. Casey was killed; only Jardine escaped. The alert triggered gunfire from the observation post's defenders, and Forward Observer Wilcox called down 4.5-inch and 6-inch artillery fire. Without strong reinforcement and leadership, four Royal Scots and an Indian sentry abandoned the northern positions and withdrew to the observation post. Captain Jones received orders from Brigade to counter-attack, but delegated the task to Thompson. As Thompson attempted to leave the observation post, he found the gate locked from outside. This calamity had a backstory: just before the attack, Thompson had admitted a civilian at the request of Force 163 (SOE's sabotage unit in Singapore). Private Wylie had taken the observation post key from Lance Naik Kishan Singh and, upon exit, locked the gate behind him. The three officers were now literally locked out of the battle. Second Lieutenant Mochizuki and his platoon infiltrated through open trenches and began attacking the observation post from above, attempting to breach the hatches. The defenders held for three hours before Japanese sappers forced explosives down the air vents. At 0230 hours, the blast killed two Indian signallers inside. Thompson sustained a severe eye wound from grenade shrapnel; Jones and Warrant Officer Mead were both wounded. The remaining fifteen defenders surrendered; eleven became casualties. Meanwhile, a Rajput patrol engaging Japanese forces in the river valley managed to drive them back toward the redoubt. One final pillbox endured for another eleven hours before suffering the same sapper treatment. By 0400 hours on 10 December, the entire redoubt was lost. For just two killed, the Japanese had achieved a decisive victory—the breakthrough that would shift the entire campaign's trajectory. By dawn, a Japanese flag flew triumphantly from Point 255.   Major-General Maltby's assessment was stark: "This was calamitous, for Shing Mun was the key to the whole of the left position." Yet the Japanese perspective differed sharply. Having achieved a breakthrough, Colonel Doi received astonishing orders to withdraw—his success had transgressed into the 230th Regiment's sector and violated the meticulously prepared war plan. Doi refused. After heated confrontation with Major-General Ito and Lieutenant-General Sakai, his insubordination was later censured, though a divisional staff officer, Oyadomani, bore the scapegoat's burden of rebuke for failing to restrain Doi's initiative. With Shing Mun secured, Doi methodically fed reinforcements into the position. Throughout December 10th, the Japanese remained uncertain of their advantage and adopted a cautious strategy, probing British lines to exploit the evident disorder. Brigadier Wallis ordered the Royal Scots to mount an immediate dawn counterattack supported by the Rajputs and artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel White demurred; his battalion lacked any reasonable prospect of success. The resulting counterattack proved half-hearted at best. At first light on December 11th, the Japanese pressed Golden Hill forcefully, only to be repulsed by Captain Newton's Rajputs and gunfire from HMS Cicala. White positioned D Company in shallow shell scrapes and rusted wire—inadequate defenses against Japanese assault. Captain Pinkerton led a desperate bayonet charge that morning, temporarily clearing the Japanese and enabling the evacuation of wounded. Yet B, C, and D Companies absorbed devastating losses; Captains Rose and Richardson fell commanding their positions. With the Royal Scots collapsing, X Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and armored support rushed westward to seal the widening gap along Castle Peak Road. Meanwhile, Maltby grappled with alarming reports: Japanese landings on Lantau Island southwest of Hong Kong. Heavy artillery drove them back. A second probe at Aberdeen, where Special Naval Landing Forces approached within 300 yards of the naval base, was repelled by Canadian machine-gun fire. In hindsight, these were mere feints—never intended as the primary thrust. The stratagem succeeded. Maltby retained his island reserves—the Middlesex and two Canadian battalions—precisely where they would be needed. Had Wallis executed a forceful counterattack on December 10th with the Royal Scots and brigade reserves, the Rajputs might have retaken Shing Mun while the Japanese remained disorganized. Instead, Colonel Doi faced a furious Sakai, who had flown down from 38th Division headquarters at Taipo for what amounted to a pre-court-martial examination. The moment passed. After only 48 hours of combat, Maltby concluded the mainland was indefensible. The three battalions would withdraw intact to Hong Kong Island to assume their fortress defense roles. The naval commodore objected—demolitions, supply transfers, and troop ferrying required more time. The evacuation order was deferred 24 hours until noon on December 11th. At that hour, the decision was finalized: the mainland would be abandoned under cover of darkness. Further demolitions followed—the China Light and Power Station, the cement works on Tsing Yi Island, the docks. Yet Brigadier Wallis believed this merely a precautionary measure; he anticipated holding the mainland for at least another week. The withdrawal avoided Kowloon's congested streets, where street fighting and fifth columnists might have entrapped the British—a calculation that proved prescient, as an IJA advance column of 350 men from the 3/230th infiltrated Kowloon on the morning of December 12th to cut off the retreating garrison. The Royal Scots and Canadians retired south to Shamshuipo Barracks and Jordan Road Pier in western Kowloon; the Rajputs and supporting gunners withdrew eastward to Ma Lau Tong, which anchored the fortified Devil's Peak Peninsula. Maltby intended to hold this commanding position permanently—it was easily supplied across the narrow Lyemun Strait. The evacuation proceeded largely as planned. The Canadians and Royal Scots embarked on the afternoon and evening of December 11th under Punjabi covering fire. The Punjabis faced a harder journey—a moonlit scramble along steep Kowloon hills laden with supplies but critically short of mules. One group lost its way at a crucial junction, splitting into two columns. One proceeded toward Devil's Peak as planned; Battalion Headquarters descended into Kai Tak Airport, threaded through Kowloon City, and was evacuated by Star Ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui, fighting until the final moment as the last man boarded. The Rajputs' commander, unable to reach his Punjabi counterpart, abandoned Ma Lau Tong for the closer Hai Wan line near Devil's Peak. By 0400 hours on December 12th, the Punjabis and one Rajput company, accompanied by the gunners of the 25th Medium Battery, crossed Lyemun Strait to Hong Kong Island. Morning evacuations continued with minimal Japanese interference—a surprising restraint. Naval support proved crucial. The withdrawal completed by the morning of December 13th, though 170 mules were lost to the desertion of Chinese laborers—a deprivation that would haunt the subsequent campaign. During this passage, the IJN attempted shore bombardment. The Japanese cruiser and supporting vessels found themselves outranged by the defenders' 9.2-inch guns. The damage inflicted proved sufficient to discourage future naval adventures; for the remainder of the battle, the IJN maintained a cautious distance and played only a peripheral role. The speed and execution of the withdrawal apparently caught the Japanese unprepared. Their most probable expectation had been a full-scale assault on Devil's Peak accompanied by heavy bombardment—a day earlier, an assault without artillery preparation had been driven back with severe losses. The British appeared stronger than anticipated. The defense of the mainland had lasted only five days. With the mainland secured, the Japanese pivoted toward Hong Kong Island. The first move was diplomatic rather than military. At 0900 hours on December 13th, a small boat bearing a white flag crossed the harbor. It carried Colonel Toda, Lieutenant Mizuno, Mr. Othsu Dak, and two European women—the prominent and heavily pregnant Mrs. Macdonald and Mrs. C. R. Lee, wife of the Governor's secretary, accompanied by her two dachshunds. The surrender terms were flatly rejected. Major Boxer delivered the written refusal personally. Mrs. Macdonald remained in Hong Kong to give birth; Mrs. Lee and her dogs returned to Kowloon. The Japanese commenced systematic shelling of selected targets. On December 13th, a 9.2-inch gun on Mt. Davis was silenced; Belcher's Fort sustained damage. The following day, a 3-inch mount on Mt. Davis was hit, killing Chinese gunners and triggering morale collapse; some deserted. On December 15th, the barrage shifted to the northern shoreline, deliberately targeting pillboxes. At 2100 hours that night, approximately three Japanese companies attempted crossing the harbor in rubber rafts toward Pakshawan but were driven off by machine-gun fire. Fifth columnists intensified their operations—signaling with mirrors, sniping from concealed positions, spreading propaganda to encourage Chinese desertion. Their impact might have been catastrophic had not Rear-Admiral Chan and Colonel Yee, armed with tommy guns and grenades, systematically eliminated many of these saboteurs. By December 16th, half the pillboxes between the racecourse and Lyemun Strait lay destroyed. The intended crossing site was unmistakable. On December 17th, the Japanese dispatched a second peace mission—Colonel Toda's team now accompanied by Mrs. Lee with her dachshunds and a pregnant Russian woman. Again, the overtures were rebuffed. On December 18th, the bombardment reached new intensity. Oil storage tanks ignited, sending dense black smoke cascading across the northeast corner of the island—perfect concealment for what was to come. All signs pointed to imminent assault.  I want to note something here, you sometimes hear about how race played a role in the Pacific War and indeed it did. Racist attitudes were found on both the western and Japanese side of the war. There is a fantastic book dedicated to this by the way called, War without Mercy by John Dower, highly recommend it. What is interesting is how these racial attitudes actually affected decision making during the war. Take General Sakai's night amphibious assault for example. Western soldiers such as the Canadians in Hong Kong reported they were told by their commanders that quote "Don't worry about the Japanese, they can't see at night, they all wear glasses" another Canadian soldier wrote in a diary "They don't see well, especially at night we knew this as a matter of fact." Indeed the week before the outbreak of the battle of Hong Kong, Canadian officers attending a briefing by a British officer were informed that "Japan's aircraft were mostly obsolete, its air force had little practice in night flying, and its pilots were myopic and thus unable to carry out dive-bombing attacks". You might be asking yourself, why did they think the Japanese were myopic? The scientific explanation of the day was this "That the Japanese suffered widespread inner-ear damage. What caused this? Japanese motherhood, the practice of strapping babies to their mothers backs, it was explained caused their heads to bounce about, like when they harvested rice and permanently impaired their sense of balance". I particularly love this quote, one of my professors dedicated an entire class to the bizarre racial attitudes before and after the pacific war. There was a belief the Japanese could not see well at night, many western air force commanders actually believed there were times of day like at dawn or dusk where Japanese pilots would not operate because of this hindrance. American military commentator Fletcher Pratt in 1939 analyzed Japan's military strengths and explained it had four major weaknesses. The first was scarcity of resources such as iron, and steel. The second was that the Japanese "can neither make good airplanes nor fly them well" as a result of " the Japanese as a race have defects of the tubes of the inner ear, just as they are generally myopic. This gives them a defective sense of balance, the one physical sense in which an aviator is not permitted to be deficient.". The third was that the Japanese were short-tempered and were inclined to waste men unnecessarily when operations did not go well. The fourth was that the Japanese would simply never date to provoke a war with the US. Again Mr Pratt was an American military commentator whose information came from multiple accounts given by high ranking military officials! The British military maintained that the Japanese avoided night operations on land because they were simply incapable of caring them out well, while they avoided nighttime aerial attacks, as well as dive-bombing for the same reasons Pratt said quote "their pilots were poor and their aircraft inferior.". So take this all to mind when I talk about how certain ranking officers go about making their decisions. By the evening of 14 December, evacuated mainland units had regrouped on Hong Kong Island. The defensive structure was restructured into two brigades: Brigadier Wallis commanded the East Brigade from Taitam Gap, while Brigadier Lawson headed the West Brigade from Wongneichong Gap. This reorganization placed the 5/7 Rajputs across the north-east perimeter, defending over 3,500 metres of coastline with B Company positioned on the hills behind Taikoo Docks. The Royal Rifles of Canada held the north-east corner from Stanley to points south, with reserve positions at Lyemun. Two HKVDC companies supported from Taitam Valley and Pottinger Gap, while the veteran Hughsiliers manned the North Point power station. British and Canadian artillery provided fire support across the northern approaches. The West Brigade held the north-western and south-western shores. The 2/14 Punjab stretched from Causeway Bay to Belcher's Point, protecting Government House and General Maltby's headquarters, with battalion headquarters at Mid-Level. The Winnipeg Grenadiers covered the south-west from Wanchai Gap, with one company detached to the brigade headquarters at Wongneichong Gap. The 2 Royal Scots, severely mauled at Shing Mun, were held in reserve with fresh replacements from the HKVDC. The Middlesex Regiment's companies were dispersed along 72 pillboxes encircling the entire shoreline, while an improvised Z Company of clerks, musicians and cooks defended battalion headquarters at Leighton Hill. Supporting artillery included 9.2-inch and 6-inch guns on Mt Davis and 4.7-inch guns at Belcher's Point. As darkness fell on 17 December, Japanese reconnaissance swimmers reached Taikoo, confirming the crossing site despite detection. Reinforcements arrived: 18 additional heavy bombers from Guangzhou and 26 fighters from Taiwan joined the aerial assault. The crescendo of artillery fire on the 18th, combined with masses of small craft gathering across the harbour, signalled the imminent invasion. Japanese divisional headquarters shifted to Ma Tau Wei near Kai Tak Airport; the 23rd Army moved to Taipo. The invasion force disposed itself with the right flank embarking from east and west of Kai Tak, the left from Devil's Hill area. At 1800 hours, the invasion order was issued; by 1930 hours Sakai himself arrived in Kowloon to oversee the crossing. At precisely 2000 hours, the 2/228th Regiment silently paddled their collapsible craft toward Taikoo Docks and the nearby sugar factory as artillery support commenced. Colonel Doi embarked with 80 headquarters personnel aboard a large barge, leading the second wave. The conditions favoured the invaders—a moonless night, sporadic showers, and thick black smoke from burning oil tanks obscured their movement. They reached the midpoint undetected before searchlights and machine-gun fire scattered the small boats, separating commanders from their units. Despite this chaos, the assault pressed forward. At 2140 hours the artillery shifted to deeper targets; at 2145 hours the first wave of 3/230th landed at North Point, followed minutes later by 2/228th and then 2/229th. Three red flares signalled a successful landing. All six Japanese battalions were ashore by midnight, though wire fencing delayed their advance and Bren carriers added to the confusion on the beach. General Sano arrived at Taikoo one hour later. The 5/7 Rajputs bore the initial brunt of the assault. Despite days of preliminary shelling, the Rajputs mounted a stubborn defence; Japanese casualties mounted rapidly. The anti-tank company suffered so grievously that only a single gun remained operational. The Japanese plan was tactical rather than frontal—bypass isolated positions for later elimination and push rapidly toward high ground. Overwhelmed by numerical superiority and losing most of their officers, Rajput resistance gradually crumbled. Contradicting all evidence, Maltby remained convinced the main Japanese assault would strike directly at Victoria from Kowloon. He therefore withheld the counter-attack, instead dispatching a platoon of Middlesex troops, Royal Marines, naval personnel, and the Rajputs' reserve company—supported by artillery—to establish a defensive line blocking the Japanese advance toward Central District. Three HKVDC armoured cars were sent to protect East Brigade headquarters; two more reinforced the Middlesex battalion headquarters. It was manifestly inadequate against six Japanese battalions. In post-war dispatches, Maltby conceded his grave miscalculation: he believed he faced at most two battalions, not a full division. As the 3/230th broke through D Company of the 5/7 Rajputs, the 2/230th came ashore nearby and wheeled westward toward Victoria. Their advance halted abruptly at the North Point power station, held by an extraordinary force: four officers and 36 men of the HKVDC Hughsiliers Platoon—alongside 39 civilian volunteers from China Light & Power and Hong Kong Electric, including the station manager Vincent Sorby—plus eight Free French soldiers commanded by Captain Jacques Egal, a Shanghai businessman turned soldier. Without exception, these men were World War I veterans, many aged 55 or older. Some had fought in the Boer War. Major J. J. Patterson, the Hughsiliers' commander, had served with Allenby's Camel Corps and been mentioned in dispatches six times; he was chairman of Jardine Matheson and a legislative councillor. Private Sir Edward Des Voeux, 8th Baronet, a millionaire bullion trader and secretary of the Hong Kong Club, had enlisted as a private when deemed too old for mobilization. Private T. A. Pearce, 67 years old, was chairman of J. D. Hutchison & Company and secretary of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Captain Bruch, the second-in-command, aged 60, chaired a major trading house. The list extended through Hong Kong's business elite, each choosing to fight rather than flee. These old men held an entire regiment at bay. When Patterson called for aid, Maltby dispatched an HKVDC armoured car with a platoon from Z Company, 1 Middlesex, but the reinforcement was ambushed before reaching the station; only nine soldiers, including 2nd Lieutenant Caruthers, broke through. Unable to dislodge the defenders by assault, the Japanese resorted to bombardment. By 0145 hours on 19 December, surrounded and ammunition exhausted, the defenders withdrew to King's Road behind a disabled bus. The Japanese deployed three machine guns, killing or mortally wounding all but Private Geoghan. A Japanese officer, believing all dead, cautiously approached—only to have Geoghan, despite his wounds, surge from cover and charge. He killed the officer and four soldiers before collapsing from wounds. Somehow Geoghan survived. Those old men—civilians and reservists, businessmen and veterans—held the entire western Japanese advance for 18 hours, buying Maltby precious time to withdraw forces and establish a new defensive line. Their stand at North Point became one of the campaign's most improbable acts of defiance. As the 2/229th Regiment advanced southward toward Mt Parker, the 3/229th landed at Aldrich Bay and turned eastward toward Lyemun, where they seized an HKVDC 6-inch gun. Major Bishop of the Royal Rifles of Canada, unaware of the landings, dispatched 15 Platoon under Lieutenant Scott to check on A Company of the Rajputs. Unexpectedly, they encountered armed men in civilian clothes at Lyemun's gate—the first indication of the Japanese presence on the island. Yet senior officers dismissed initial reports of landings and lost positions as exaggerated, a critical miscalculation that proved catastrophic. At Lyemun Fort, the 5th Anti-aircraft Battery of the HKVDC was caught completely unaware and surrendered after minimal resistance. The Japanese then committed one of many atrocities that would characterize the battle, bayoneting 29 survivors. Alerted by 15 Platoon's report, Bishop attempted a counter-attack with two platoons to retake the fort, but the defenders could not scale the six-meter wall and withdrew with nine men killed. As the 2/229th pressed southward toward Mt Parker, they overran the Salesian Mission, which had been converted into an Advance Dressing Station. No. 8 Company of the 2/229th systematized a massacre of medical personnel and the wounded—an atrocity that would later become pivotal evidence at Colonel Tanaka's war crimes trial. Yet amid the chaos, several medical staff and wounded survived to testify: Gunners Y. K. Chan and Martin H. C. Tso of the 5th Battery, Captain Osler Thomas of the HKVDC, Captain Martin Banfill of the Royal Canadian Medical Corps, and Corporal Norman Leath of the Royal Army Medical Corps. C Company of the Royal Rifles, reinforced with captured Japanese machine guns abandoned by fleeing Rajputs, inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with one Japanese company suffering over 65 percent losses. Yet overwhelmed by superior numbers and suffering nearly two platoons worth of casualties themselves, the Canadians were forced to withdraw, leaving only a reinforcement platoon under Lieutenant Blaver on Mt Parker. When Captain Clerke arrived at dawn with 16 Platoon to reinforce the position, he found over 100 Japanese already entrenched. With no artillery support and only two platoons available, Clerke had no choice but to withdraw, abandoning Mt Parker to the enemy. By dawn on the 19th, the East Brigade faced catastrophe. Infantry strength had been halved, and losses of artillery were equally devastating. A series of misunderstandings and misinterpreted orders led coastal gun crews at Capes D'Aguilar and Collinson to destroy their own guns in confusion or lose them to the advancing Japanese. Of the entire artillery complement, only one 18-pounder and two 3.7-inch field guns remained operational. Wongneichong—literally "yellow muddy creek" in Chinese—occupies the center of Hong Kong Island, a valley separating the eastern hills (Mt Parker, Mt Butler, Jardine's Lookout) from the western massif (Mt Nicholson, Mt Cameron, Victoria Peak). This narrow gap formed the critical artery linking northern and southern Hong Kong, making Brigadier Lawson's decision to place West Brigade Headquarters there strategically sound yet tactically vulnerable. Recognizing the exposed position after the landings, Major Lyndon had located an alternative site south of Mt Nicholson, scheduled to open the following day. In response to the Japanese landings, Lawson dispatched three platoons of Winnipeg Grenadiers to block the advance. Lieutenant C. D. French took 18 Platoon to Mt Butler, Lieutenant G. A. Birkett's 17 Platoon moved to Jardine's Lookout, and Lieutenant L. B. Corrigan's platoon took the north-west approach to the Gap. As on Mt Parker, both French and Birkett were killed almost immediately, their small forces overwhelmed by battalion-strength enemy forces with artillery support. By morning on the 19th, two battalions each of the 230th and 228th Regiments were pushing for the high ground. The 2/230th rapidly occupied Jardine's Lookout while the 3/230th moved to Mt Nicholson and the 2/228th advanced toward the Gap itself. No. 3 Company of the HKVDC under Major E. Stewart held pillboxes around Jardine's Lookout, while No. 1 Company under Captain Penn defended Taitam Valley with forward positions at Quarry Gap. The pillboxes, despite heavy bombardment, held longer than anticipated—some for as long as 24 hours. Stewart maintained his company headquarters until the 22nd, four days of continuous fighting without adequate ammunition, food, or water. No. 3 Company suffered 80 percent casualties and ceased to exist as a cohesive unit. Realizing that the enemy had penetrated to Mt Butler, Brigadier Lawson decided counter-attack was essential. Major A. B. Gresham of A Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, was ordered to retake Mt Butler and clear Jardine's Lookout. The Canadians initially succeeded, with Warrant Officer 2 J. R. Osborne leading a bayonet charge, but a strong counter-attack by three Japanese companies drove them back by 2200 hours. The Canadians held firm until 1500 hours, when Gresham attempted surrender despite waving a white flag—the Japanese shot him regardless. In the chaos that followed, a Canadian killed a Japanese officer in response, triggering a grenade barrage. Warrant Officer Osborne caught the grenades and hurled them back as fast as they came, but one landed in an impossible position. Without hesitation, Osborne threw himself on the grenade to save his comrades. This act of supreme self-sacrifice earned him a Victoria Cross—the first Canadian VC of World War II. At dawn on the 19th, Maltby dispatched A Company of the 2 Royal Scots under Captain K. J. Campbell to reinforce the Gap, but they lost all their officers with only 15 men reaching Lawson's headquarters. A group of sailors under Commander A. L. Pears came from the south, but were ambushed en route; only a few reached the Postbridge—a house just south of the Gap—which became an isolated strongpoint. The 3/230th captured the police station perched on a mound at the southern point of the Gap, then swept eastward to seize the anti-aircraft guns of 7th Battery (barely 250 meters from brigade headquarters) and continued uphill toward Taitam Hill to capture additional 6-inch and 3.7-inch guns. Maltby's response was to call down final protective fire from the HKSRA in Happy Valley, inflicting massive casualties on the 3/230th. At 1000 hours on the 19th, Lawson reported that his headquarters was surrounded and he was about to "go outside and shoot it out." Captain H. A. Bush provided covering fire as Lawson and his entire staff, including Middlesex signallers, were cut down by machine-gun fire across the Gap. Lawson's body was discovered two days later halfway up the hill behind his headquarters, dead from a gunshot wound to the thigh. Lieutenant Kerfoot of the 2/14 Punjab with his three Bren carriers arrived minutes too late to save him. IJA who saw the fight made a note stating "he died heroically". At 1330 hours on the 19th, Maltby issued "Operation Order No. 6" calling for a massive counter-attack to commence 90 minutes later. The plan was ambitious: A and D Companies of the 2/14 Punjab were to attack east from Victoria to North Point to relieve the Hughsiliers, while HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the 2 Royal Scots were to attack the Gap and Jardine's Lookout. Eight field guns were promised but never materialized. There was no reconnaissance, no proper orders, and minimal coordination. The Canadians were to rendezvous with the 2 Royal Scots at Middle Gap at 1530 hours, but the Scots were late; the Canadians advanced without them. Captain Pinkerton of D Company, 2 Royal Scots, was ordered at the last minute to attack up Wongneichong Gap Road—the same route A Company had taken only seven hours earlier and been decimated—because it was reported as "lightly held." Captain A. M. S. Slater-Brown led the advance with three Bren carriers and attached engineers, followed by D Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers. Just as the carriers reached the burnt-out trucks of A Company, they too were ambushed. Mortars and machine-gun fire rained down from Jardine's Lookout, where the Japanese occupied captured HKVDC pillboxes. Slater-Brown and 2nd Lieutenant Bell, the battalion intelligence officer, were killed instantly. The Royal Scots waited in the roadside ditches until 0200 hours before launching an attack on the police station, reaching the steps before Pinkerton was severely wounded. Captain Ford's composite company attack at 0300 hours also failed. Simultaneously, C Company under Lieutenant F. L. Stanier attacked Jardine's Lookout—also unsuccessfully. This series of piecemeal assaults cost the Royal Scots eight officers and 68 soldiers. Growing increasingly desperate, Maltby ordered Major Hodkinson, Officer Commanding HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, to attack the Gap and proceed to Mt Parker. Requesting reinforcements from A Company and the Royal Scots, Hodkinson launched his assault with covering fire from Lieutenant Corrigan on Mt Nicholson. The Grenadiers managed to reach Mt Nicholson with only five unwounded men, though Corrigan's group advanced to within 300 meters of the Gap road. Then came an unexpected stroke of fortune: while skirting Mt Nicholson, Hodkinson's group stumbled upon approximately 500 Japanese—probably from the 3/230th—eating lunch without posting sentries. The Winnipeg Grenadiers unleashed devastating fire, inflicting heavy casualties. By 1745 hours, Hodkinson's force was only 100 meters from Repulse Bay Road. With four men and a 2-inch mortar, Hodkinson worked his way to the abandoned brigade headquarters, bringing 20 walking wounded with him. He established a foothold at the Gap, receiving orders to attack the police station at 2200 hours. Two HKVDC armoured cars with Vickers machine guns came in support, but accurate enemy fire disabled both. Like Pinkerton before him, Hodkinson reached near his objective before being severely wounded. For this action of determination and courage, Hodkinson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. By the morning of the 20th, the Japanese had consolidated control of the Gap, but elements of D Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, still held various pillboxes north of the position. Initially, 17 and 18 Platoons occupied forward positions with Company Headquarters and 16 Platoon in reserve, positioned across Wongneichong Road almost directly opposite brigade headquarters. Forward positions were rapidly overrun and cut off from the company. They fought without officers until withdrawal to battalion headquarters became necessary. With Captain A. S. Bowman killed and Captain R. W. Philips wounded, command fell to Lieutenant T. A. Blackwood. An attempt by B Company to relieve D Company on the evening of the 20th failed catastrophically, killing all officers and 29 men. With fewer than 50 men remaining—all wounded—Lieutenant Blackwood continued inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese until 22 December, when exhaustion and the complete absence of ammunition, food, and water forced surrender. D Company killed over 200 Japanese soldiers. Post-war Japanese reports refused to believe that a single company had held the Gap for so long. For their stubborn defense, Philips and Blackwood were awarded the Military Cross, and three enlisted men received the Military Medal. The battle of Wongneichong Gap was characterized by fragmented planning and poor coordination. On the night of the 19th-20th, no fewer than three separate companies attacked the police station, with another company assaulting Jardine's Lookout—all within five hours, all independently organized by local commanders. Had these disparate actions been coordinated into a single simultaneous assault, fortress headquarters' objectives might well have been achieved. By the end of the 20th, the British had lost the vital ground of Wongneichong, though Postbridge House remained as an isolated holdout. For the Japanese, Wongneichong became the single costliest engagement since the invasion began, with over 800 casualties and the regimental commander of the 3/230th seriously wounded. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me.   Japanese landings on 18-19 December overwhelmed the East Brigade. Brigadier Lawson died defending the vital Gap. Desperate, uncoordinated counter-attacks by British and Canadian troops failed to dislodge the enemy. D Company Winnipeg Grenadiers held the position for four days against overwhelming odds before surrendering. The Japanese suffered 800 casualties but secured this critical strategic ground.

Penn State football has a new feel under Matt Campbell. Todd Blackledge and I were in Happy Valley and had to break down what we saw from Rocco Becht, the Nittany Lions' roster, and why this team can compete right away.Welcome to today's episode of Y-Option - fueled by our founding sponsor 76, keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat.I've always felt that the best coaches have a conviction in their style, vision, theme and philosophy. Coach Campbell has that in spades, which is a core reason why we think PSU will have long term success.We share that Penn State has the talent to win in year one, how Rocco Becht's experience and toughness shape the offense, why the tight end room and offensive line matter, and what Tony Rojas and the defense need to become as the season goes on. We also double down on Matt Campbell's culture, the transfer-heavy rebuild, and why the schedule gives Penn State a real path to a strong first season.Thanks for listening!Much love and stay steady,Yogi

Last time we spoke about the reaction after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. After four years of fighting Japan almost alone, China's Chiang Kai-shek learned of Pearl Harbor with profound relief. Japan's attack, meant to neutralize American naval power, instead galvanized the entire Western world against Tokyo. Within hours, Chiang declared war on the Axis powers, transforming China from an isolated nation to a recognized Allied member. The strategic mathematics were clear to Chiang: America's industrial might would ultimately crush Japan. China simply needed to survive long enough. The United States quickly formalized this partnership, pledging military support through Lend-Lease and elevating Chiang to leadership of Allied forces in the China theater. Yet Pearl Harbor brought catastrophe for Western civilians in China. Americans and Britons, previously protected as neutral foreigners, were suddenly rounded up and interned in camps. For many, decades of presence in China ended in hasty evacuation, leaving behind lives built over generations.   #216 The Battle of Hong Kong Part 1: The Approaching Storm Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Japan emerged as a significant threat to British interests during the 1920s following the collapse of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. This concern intensified dramatically after Japan's invasion of China, with the ensuing Sino-Japanese War escalating tensions further. British assets in the region came under direct assault, including attacks on Western military and commercial vessels such as HMS Ladybird. Yet despite these provocations, the British Government maintained an inconsistent stance toward Japan, responding with only feeble diplomatic and military countermeasures. This contradiction characterized London's approach: while diplomatic channels remained conciliatory, military planners viewed Japan with genuine apprehension. During the 1930s, Singapore and Malaya represented Britain's most valuable and prosperous holdings in the Far East and consequently received substantial garrison reinforcements. By contrast, Hong Kong was widely acknowledged to be indefensible—a conclusion reached repeatedly by successive military studies. Despite this consensus, the British Government proceeded with the Hong Kong Defence Scheme in 1936, which aimed to transform Hong Kong Island into a fortified redoubt while establishing delaying positions in Kowloon and the New Territories. The Hong Kong Garrison's mandate was straightforward: repel external attacks and prevent enemy use of the harbour and dry dock. The underlying strategy relied on a simple principle: hold Hong Kong Island as an impregnable fortress and await relief from the Royal Navy. Consequently, protecting the harbour became the paramount objective. Japanese strategists were correctly identified as Hong Kong's primary threat, with military planners anticipating attack from the sea rather than overland. To counter such an offensive, the defence scheme incorporated five successive layers of protection: naval mines fitted with indicator nets and anti-submarine booms formed the first barrier; coastal artillery provided the second; beach installations featuring pillboxes, wire entanglements and mines constituted the third; infantry strongpoints positioned on commanding heights guarded against amphibious landings; and finally, a mobile reserve force stood ready to counterattack and eliminate any successful enemy incursion. The 1936 plan also mandated extensive fortification of Kowloon's bottleneck approaches through bunkers, trenches and blocked passages, with a principal defensive line—resembling a miniature Maginot Line—constructed across the mountains immediately north of Kowloon. The garrison structure comprised three infantry battalions plus the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps (HKVDC), a unit approximately regiment-strength equipped with armoured cars, engineers, artillery, anti-aircraft guns and infantry. These forces organized into three brigades: mainland, island, and garrison reserve. The air component was planned to be formidable: a reconnaissance squadron, a fighter-bomber squadron, two torpedo squadrons and a flight of auxiliary spotting aircraft operated by the HKVDC. Naval forces consisted of a modest destroyer contingent, an MTB flotilla, gunboats and patrol vessels. When Japan occupied Guangzhou, Hong Kong found itself effectively encircled. In response, limited conscription was implemented, though restricted to non-Chinese males for HKVDC service. Chinese personnel were largely confined to non-combat positions such as air-raid precautions and medical duties. The expanding Japanese threat prompted a substantial expansion of the Hong Kong Garrison to four regular infantry regiments—two British units (one specializing in medium machine-gun support) and two Indian regiments. Supporting forces included two coastal artillery regiments, a field artillery regiment-plus, and an anti-aircraft regiment. The Royal Navy expanded to include the 2nd MTB flotilla (eight 60-foot, 29-knot motor torpedo boats armed with twin torpedoes and eight Lewis guns each, plus two smaller 55-foot vessels), four shallow-draught river gunboats (HMS Cicala, Tern, Moth and Robin), four aging World War I S-class destroyers (HMS Thracian, Thanet, Scout and Tenedos—the last transferred to Singapore in 1939), HMS Cornflower sloop, and various auxiliary vessels including tugs, boom defence ships and minelayers. The Fleet Air Arm deployed three Supermarine Walruses—single-engine reconnaissance amphibians—at Kai Tak Airport. The Royal Air Force remained the weakest service, equipped with only four Vickers Wildebeest torpedo-bombers and a handful of HKVDC aircraft: one Avro Tutor, two Hornet Moths and two Cadet biplanes. When World War II erupted in Europe, Britain's focus necessarily shifted to national survival, inevitably leaving distant imperial outposts like Hong Kong neglected. Rather than receive reinforcements, Hong Kong actually lost capable personnel; many veteran troops were repatriated to Europe, leaving behind a less proficient garrison. Peacetime duties had proven a poor preparation for combat—officers and men had passed their time socializing rather than maintaining combat readiness. Governor Sir Geoffrey Northcote persistently urged London to adopt a firmer stance against relentless Japanese provocations: aircraft incursions, sinking of junks and fishing vessels, and infiltration by Taiwanese fifth columnists (Japan had colonized Taiwan in 1895). Recognizing the hopelessness of his position, Northcote recommended withdrawal in October 1940, arguing that defending the colony would inevitably result in mass civilian casualties and widespread destruction—a pragmatic assessment given Hong Kong's indefensible state. London categorically rejected this proposal, reasoning that withdrawal would demoralize China, embolden Japan and undermine American confidence in British resolve. Underlying this decision was an additional consideration: the long-standing dispute over Hong Kong's sovereignty. Since Britain acquired Hong Kong in 1841, the prospect of surrendering it, even temporarily, raised fears about reclaiming it afterward. Preserving the appearance of British determination was deemed crucial to demonstrating to Chiang Kai-shek, Nationalist China's leader, that Britain intended to retain the territory. Despite these political calculations, London consistently refused fresh troop deployments. Major-General A. E. Grasett, the China theatre commander, requested reinforcements only to face rejection—London offered only Indian or other colonial forces. Air Chief Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham, appointed British commander in the Far East in 1941, likewise pressed for garrison strengthening, to no avail. The situation shifted dramatically after Grasett, a retired Canadian who had recently left his China post, travelled to Britain via Canada. Upon arriving in Canada, he independently approached his former classmate Major-General Crerar, Chief of the Canadian General Staff, and advocated for reinforcement. Grasett argued persuasively that deploying two or more additional battalions would enable the Hong Kong garrison to withstand an extended siege. When Grasett reached London in early September 1941, he presented this case directly to the British Chiefs of Staff, simultaneously proposing that Canada could provide the extra units. His arguments proved persuasive; the Chiefs of Staff altered course and convinced a reluctant Churchill to reconsider. In light of accelerating Japanese pressure, Britain substantially enlarged the Malaysia/Singapore garrison from nine to 32 battalions and despatched two capital ships—HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse—to the region, reasoning that this show of force would deter Japanese aggression against British Far Eastern interests, including Hong Kong. The original defence strategy envisaged holding Hong Kong Island exclusively while denying the harbour to attackers. A single battalion (the Punjabis) would execute delaying actions across the New Territories, followed by a three-battalion defensive stand on the Gin Drinkers Line. This brief mainland resistance would allow time for demolishing stores, power installations, docks and wharves, clearing food stocks and removing vital matériel before withdrawing to Hong Kong Island for a protracted resistance awaiting relief from Singapore or American forces from the Philippines. The Gin Drinkers Line—styled after the French Maginot Line in miniature—ran approximately 18 kilometres south of the Sino-Hong Kong border. Beginning near Gin Drinkers Bay west of Kowloon, it extended 17 kilometres across the Kowloon Peninsula hills toward its eastern extremity. The strategic expectation was that this line would delay the Japanese assault for three weeks or longer, permitting battalion withdrawal to Hong Kong Island for sustained resistance while mainland forces completed evacuation procedures. The 1937 war plan stipulated that four battalions would be necessary for an effective delaying action and seven for an adequate Gin Drinkers Line defence—figures which excluded the aircraft and naval support essential to success. With only a single army brigade available and virtually no air capability, planners abandoned the mainland defence concept, leaving defensive works incomplete and deteriorating under tropical conditions. Chinese personnel were conspicuously absent from initial war preparations and strategic planning, only being incorporated late in the process. The largest Chinese component was the volunteer contingent serving with the HKVDC. On the regular army side, approximately 150 Chinese recruits were enlisted in mid-1941 for the 5th Anti-Aircraft Regiment. The Hong Kong Chinese Regiment, hastily constituted on 3 November 1941, comprised officers borrowed from British and Indian units alongside 52 Chinese junior NCOs and other ranks with minimal training. A Royal Engineers troop staffed entirely by Chinese soldiers saw service, and some Chinese personnel served with the Royal Navy and Dockyard Defence Corps. Chinese participation increased substantially in auxiliary services—air-raid precautions, auxiliary police, nursing, St John Ambulance and fire brigades. This reluctance to fully integrate Chinese forces likely reflected prevailing attitudes of the era. Pre-war British propaganda had frequently mocked Japanese military capability, portraying officers and soldiers as myopic and incompetent. Japanese combat prowess was systematically underestimated; their victories in China were attributed to facing inferior opposition rather than evidence of genuine military strength. Japanese weaponry was dismissed as inferior to European standards. Consequently, British confidence remained high that the colony could hold indefinitely if adequately reinforced. In September 1941, Hong Kong received heartening news: two additional Canadian battalions would be deployed to the garrison. Brigadier John Maltby promptly revived the pre-war plan for defending the Gin Drinkers Line, developing a strategy centred on three mainland battalions (2nd Royal Scots, 5/7 Rajputs and 2/14 Punjab) supported by HKVDC elements and four artillery troop detachments, while three island battalions (1st Middlesex, Royal Rifles of Canada and Winnipeg Grenadiers) bolstered by the bulk of the HKVDC would hold Hong Kong Island. Command responsibility was divided between two brigades: the Island Brigade (Hong Kong Infantry Brigade) under Brigadier Lawson, a recently arrived Canadian, and the mainland Kowloon Infantry Brigade under Brigadier Wallis. The Canadian regiments arrived on 16 November 1941. Maltby was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1911, and  saw extensive service across multiple campaigns: World War I, the Persian Gulf (1913–14), and the North-West Frontier (1923–24). His early promise earned him selection for accelerated advancement through prestigious staff colleges at Quetta and RAF Andover. By 1937, he was again serving on the North-West Frontier, and by 1939 commanded both the 3rd Jhelum Brigade (later the Calcutta Brigade) and the 19th Infantry Brigade in Deccan. In 1940, posted to China, Maltby orchestrated the closure of the North China Command by withdrawing two infantry battalions from Shanghai. Promoted to major-general as GOC China in August 1941, he had only three months to prepare the colony's defenses, a race against time he could not win.  The Gin Drinkers Line occupied a naturally dominant position atop mountains spanning northern Kowloon's breadth, yet possessed inherent weaknesses that would prove fatal. The line lacked defensive depth and remained vulnerable to flanking manoeuvres, with two sectors representing particular danger: Customs Pass and the gap between Golden Hill and Laichikok Peninsula near Gin Drinkers Bay. Given the extended front, each battalion arranged its forces in a string of platoon positions with gaps covered by daytime fire and nighttime patrols. One company per battalion could be held in reserve within prepared positions guarding the most dangerous sectors. The reserve company of the centre battalion (2/14 Punjab) initially advanced as forward troops, screening demolition operations and delaying the enemy's initial thrust. The hasty decision to establish mainland defences meant that essential support systems—communication networks, artillery registrations, mortar calibrations—remained incomplete when combat commenced. Ammunition shortages compounded the problem. For instance, the 2/14 Punjab conducted only a single 3-inch mortar practice session before the attack; adequate ammunition arrived only in November and totalled a mere 70 rounds per battalion for both training and combat. These mortars were registered for the first time in their battle positions, with combat beginning just 12 hours later. The 2-inch mortar situation was even more desperate: troops received live ammunition only as fighting started, making their baptism of fire an actual combat situation. Transportation deficiencies—trucks and animals in short supply—forced manual ammunition transport across Hong Kong's challenging terrain, imposing severe physical demands on already stretched personnel.   On 6 November 1941, Imperial Japanese Headquarters ordered its Commander-in-Chief in China to prepare plans for capturing Hong Kong. The 23rd Army, part of the China Southern Expeditionary Army Group and commanded by Lt. Gen. Sakai Takashi with Maj. Gen. Kuribayashi Tadamichi serving as Chief of Staff, would form the invasion's backbone. All preparations were to be completed by the end of November 1941. The operation, designated 'Operation C', sought to 'seize Hong Kong within ten days'. Takahashi was the son of a factory worker, and rose through the ranks to become a veteran of China campaigns. He was tasked with capturing Hong Kong using the 38th Division normally assigned to the Southern Expeditionary Army Group. Despite setbacks and humiliation over requests for additional resources—particularly following intelligence reports of tanks (actually Bren carriers) in Hong Kong—Sakai remained determined to succeed. He served as Governor of Hong Kong from 26 December 1941 to 20 February 1942. Kuribayashi, best remembered as the Japanese commander at Iwo Jima, graduated from the Army Academy in 1914 specializing in cavalry. He served as deputy military attaché to Washington and Canada and studied at Harvard University. In December 1941, he held the position of Chief of Staff to the 23rd Army during the Hong Kong operation. Operation C followed a straightforward strategic framework. A blocking force would prevent Chinese interference from the rear, while the main invasion force would spearhead the assault. The 23rd Army, comprising four divisions plus a mixed brigade and two infantry regiments, received the assignment to attack Hong Kong. Of these four divisions, only the 38th played a substantive role in the invasion itself. The attack employed a combined-arms approach. Naval forces would establish a blockade and deliver bombardment while aircraft targeted key installations. Ground forces from the 38th Division—specifically the 228th, 229th, and 230th Regiments—would execute the land invasion using a three-pronged strategy. The right column would sweep westward in a wide arc, clearing Castle Peak Road and targeting the western flank of the Gin Drinkers Line near Laichikok Peninsula. The centre force would press directly through the line's middle, while the left column would cross Tidal Cove (Tolo Harbour) toward Kai Tak Airport and eastward toward Devil Peak, a crucial defensive position. The objective was to annihilate British forces on the mainland and compel Hong Kong's surrender through sustained bombardment. Should British forces resist, the island phase of the campaign would commence. Securing the rear against the Chinese National Army of the 7th Military District and Communist guerrillas fell to the 66th Regiment, normally part of the 51st Division but attached to the 38th for this operation. The 66th would simultaneously occupy and secure rear areas throughout the New Territories and Kowloon while the three assault regiments engaged the main defensive forces. This rearguard operation was organised into columns named after their commanding officers: Kitazawa, Kobayashi, Sato, and Araki. The Japanese selected the narrowest approach between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, targeting the eastern coast near Lyemun Passage where only 410 metres of water separated the mainland from the island. Upon landing, forces would rapidly advance inland to seize the critical junction of Wongneichong Gap, then pivot westward and southward to capture Victoria City and the remainder of Hong Kong. The naval contingent divided into two groups: the Bombardment Group and the Attack Group. Approximately 300 personnel from the Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF) were attached to the invasion force. Air support came from the First Air Brigade under Col. Habu Hideharu, which contributed 56 light bombers and fighters. Their mission was to neutralise the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, thereby securing aerial and maritime superiority for the ground campaign.   On the eve of war, the British garrison numbered 13,981 all ranks, including nursing staff and St John Ambulance personnel. Of these, 8,919 were British and Canadian, with 4,402 Indian and Chinese. The core infantry force comprised 5,422 regular soldiers, complemented by approximately 6,000 additional personnel across artillery, engineering, naval, and Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps (HKVDC) units. By 1941, the Royal Navy had become a shadow of its former self as the once-dominant China Squadron. Of the three World War I destroyers present on 8 December, two had been sent to Singapore—the third undergoing repairs—by 1930. This redeployment stemmed partly from the futility of defending the colony and partly from a commitment by senior US Navy officers: Britain would reinforce Singapore with Hong Kong's fleet in exchange for four American destroyers at Singapore. This American guarantee, however, never materialized. The defensive infrastructure focused primarily on countering a seaborne attack: twenty-nine coastal guns (9.2in., 6in., 4.7in., and 4in. calibres), ten 18- and 2-pounder beach defense guns, and twenty-eight field guns (60-pounder, 6in., 4.5in., and 3.7in. calibres). The Hong Kong Garrison's infantry comprised four regular army battalions—two British and two Indian—bolstered by five HKVDC infantry companies, each averaging 100 men. The 1st Middlesex Regiment, deployed in August 1937, served as a machine-gun battalion equipped with forty-eight Vickers medium machine guns. Having been abroad since 1931, the regiment had deteriorated through protracted garrison service, Hong Kong being among the softest postings available. From September 1939 onward, all regiments—including the 5/7 Rajputs (arrived June 1937) and the 2/14 Punjab—experienced systematic loss of experienced officers and NCOs to other theaters. The Royal Scots proved particularly hard hit, suffering disciplinary problems and an unusually high court-martial rate. Units like the Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Artillery suffered critical leadership gaps that went unaddressed. By December 1941, many formations fielded inexperienced replacement troops, significantly undermining combat readiness. The Punjabis exemplified these deficiencies. Stationed in Hong Kong since November 1940, they received their vehicles and mortars only in August 1941—three months before combat. Compounding this, forty percent of their strength consisted of raw recruits arrived just in October. When war erupted, artillery regiments found themselves relying on junior officers in senior roles, with British commanders unfamiliar with Urdu directing Indian troops, a handicap that severely compromised effectiveness. Deficient equipment compounded leadership shortages. Shells dating from 1918 detonated prematurely upon discharge, while ammunition shortages crippled operations. On 8 December, all field guns deployed with merely 100 rounds apiece, with 200 rounds held in reserve for the entire campaign, and coastal guns received only 25 rounds each. Insufficient cross-training meant many infantrymen failed to understand the artillery "clock face" targeting system, causing them to miss their objectives. Malaria devastated European troops, particularly the Royal Scots. Of approximately 770 personnel, at least 180 suffered recurring malarial episodes from the Shing Mun Redoubt area's notoriously endemic conditions. Staff shortages forced nearly every unit to promote junior officers to positions beyond their rank, exacerbating structural weaknesses. Although the Canadians' arrival bolstered the garrison, significant handicaps undermined their effectiveness. Both battalions carried a C-class designation—deemed unfit for foreign service—having spent years in soft garrison postings without rigorous training. The deficit was stark: each Canadian soldier received only thirty-five rifle practice rounds. The two battalions incorporated 115 men with fewer than sixteen weeks' training, while sixty-two of seventy-five recruits joining the Winnipeg Grenadiers in June came directly from a training depot lacking even basic rifles. Twelve percent of the Canadian force remained untrained. Equipment deficiencies proved even more damaging. A standard 1941 Canadian infantry battalion required 102 motor vehicles—including twenty-two Universal Carriers, thirty-seven ¾-ton trucks, thirteen 1-ton trucks, thirty-one bicycles, and twenty-two Boys anti-tank rifles. When the Canadians landed, logistical failures left them with only six Bren carriers, two water tankers, twelve ¾-ton trucks, and a single Boys anti-tank rifle. Although they carried 3in. mortars, neither ammunition nor radios accompanied them. Canada possessed only 300 3-inch mortar bombs in its entire inventory at that time, making any allocation to Hong Kong impossible. A second vessel, the SS Don Jose, was dispatched with replacement vehicles and equipment but never reached Hong Kong before 8 December. The Japanese seized it en route to Manila. Despite these shortcomings, the force departed on 27 October with 1,975 men and arrived on 16 November. Intelligence estimates regarding Japanese available forces varied widely, ranging from two to four divisions. On 6 December evening, Chinese reports confirmed the previous day's arrival of three Japanese divisions at Buji township, located eight miles from the border in what is now Shenzhen. Earlier, around 1 November, a Japanese deserter provided intelligence of significant troop concentrations north of the frontier, including large-calibre artillery indicative of at least divisional strength.   The Hong Kong invasion force comprised three service branches: the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) deployed the 38th Infantry Division, the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) committed the Second China Fleet, and the Imperial Japanese Air Force (IJAF) contributed the 1st Air Group. Command of the ground assault rested with Lieutenant-General Sano Tadayoshi of the 38th Division, supported by Major-General Ito Takeo heading the infantry group, while supporting arms including artillery, engineers, armor, and transport fell under Sano's authority. The main assault force consisted of three infantry regiments from the 38th Division, each led by a colonel: the 228th under Doi Teihichi, the 229th under Tanaka Ryosaburo, and the 230th under Shoji Toshishige. The 38th Division itself was a standard 1940s B-class infantry division of approximately 20,000 troops (ranging from 18,000–21,000 depending on operational requirements), organized into three regiments with three battalions each. Reflecting the Japanese army's reliance on animal and human transport, each regiment fielded roughly 3,800 troops supported by some 700 horses. Battalion strength averaged around 1,071 personnel, with companies numbering approximately 180 men. Japanese infantry battalions of this period featured a distinctive organization: rifle platoons consisted of four sections (three equipped with rifles and light machine guns, one with light mortars and rifles), complemented by an additional heavy machine-gun company fielding twelve Type 92 weapons and a troop of light artillery—likely Type 92 70mm infantry guns. The divisional field artillery regiment operated 75mm Type 41 mountain guns organized into three 688-man battalions, each with two troops of two guns. Mountain artillery units, numbering 36 guns total, carried additional personnel (3,400) and animals (1,400) to navigate the terrain complexities of Hong Kong operations. Recognizing the need for overwhelming firepower to compel Hong Kong's surrender, the IJA augmented the invasion force with heavy artillery—15cm and 24cm howitzers commanded by Major-General Kitashima Kineo. News of the Canadian reinforcements arriving in Hong Kong forced a reassessment. Commander-in-Chief Sakai Takashi of the 23rd Army informed his superiors that the original ten-day timeline was unrealistic and requested additional troops. Although most formations were already committed to other operations, Imperial Headquarters eventually authorized two depot regiments from Japan to support the campaign. Intended for second-line duties rather than frontline combat, these units were to be returned promptly after freeing experienced personnel for Hong Kong operations. This arrangement allowed the 19th and 20th mixed brigades—approximately 6,000 men organized in five infantry battalions, a field artillery battalion, and an engineer battalion—to be released for Hong Kong. However, Sakai's request for reinforcements met with disapproval from Imperial Headquarters, and he received an unmistakable message: a swift, decisive campaign was essential. His situation worsened when Japanese agents mistakenly identified British Bren carriers as tanks, forcing Sakai to improvise armor by raiding the 1st Reserve Tank Battalion and tankette units from infantry depot divisions. In attempting to secure additional armor from the 11th Army's 9th Reconnaissance Regiment, Sakai encountered resistance. General Hata Shunroku lodged sustained complaints with senior officials, and Sakai received a sharp rebuke—further requests would not be entertained, and his replacement would follow if necessary. Stung by this loss of face, Sakai abandoned all additional requests and became even more determined to achieve success. Vice-Admiral Niimi Masaichi, commanding the 2nd China Expeditionary Fleet, oversaw the entire naval element, divided into bombardment and attack groups. His flagship, the light cruiser Isuzu, carried Captain Ura Koichi, who simultaneously commanded the bombardment group. This naval force assembled ships from various China Expeditionary Fleet units, particularly from the Canton Special Base Force, 15 Squadron, and 11 Torpedo Boat Division at Guangzhou. Reflecting Niimi's lack of confidence in the army's air support capabilities, the seaplane tender IJN Kamikawa Maru joined the operation on his insistence, providing organic naval aviation against the threat posed by British Wildebeests. Niimi also petitioned for destroyers IJN Wakaba and Yugure to counter the three British destroyers, though this request was denied. The Special Naval Landing Forces (SNLF) were assigned to conduct diversionary attacks south of Hong Kong Island, intended to distract British forces from the main land invasion thrust. The IJAF's 1st Air Brigade, commanded by Colonel Habu Hideharu, centered on the 45th Air Regiment with 34 Kawasaki Ki-32 Type 98 'Mary' light bombers. This composite force drew aircraft and units from airfields across China and Manchuria—Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, and Qiqihar—all assembled at Baiyun Aerodrome in Guangzhou on 7 December 1941. Supporting the 1st Air Brigade were the 10th Independent Squadron under Captain Takatsuki Akira with 13 Nakajima Ki-27 Type 97 'Nate' fighters, 3 Mitsubishi Ki-15 Type 97 'Babs' command reconnaissance aircraft from the 18th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron, and the 44th Independent Squadron fielding 6 Tachikawa Ki-36 Type 98 'Ida' observation aircraft. Years before the invasion, the Japanese cultivated an extensive network of agents and sleeper operatives in Hong Kong, methodically gathering intelligence and mapping military installations. This sophisticated network proved remarkably effective: invasion maps carried by IJA officers were actually Hong Kong Government and British military maps, overprinted with Japanese annotations and interpretations. British officers later discovered in captivity that the Peninsula Hotel's regular barber was a Japanese Navy lieutenant-commander who had exploited the intimate setting to extract valuable information about British force dispositions. Intelligence operatives infiltrated every level of Hong Kong society—the garrison tailor and barber both served as spies. This groundwork enabled exceptional accuracy in artillery fire and bombing campaigns. The Japanese further leveraged criminal networks, recruiting gangsters throughout Hong Kong and Guangdong province with money and arms, turning them into irregular auxiliaries supporting the invasion.   On Sunday, 7 December, seven hundred members of the 2nd Royal Scots and Middlesex Regiment marched to St John's Cathedral for the morning service. As Major-General Maltby read a passage from Matthew, his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant I. MacGregor, delivered an urgent message that would change everything. Preparations for conflict had already begun. On 5 December, the HKVDC had mobilized fully, yet Hong Kong's broader population remained unmoved—the Happy Valley racetrack reported record attendance that very day. The contrast was stark: while one institution prepared for war, another celebrated as though nothing threatened. Japanese forces had been positioned advantageously since autumn 1941. The 23rd Army was already stationed west of Guangzhou, with contingents scattered across Foshan Town, Zhuhai, and other locations on the Pearl River delta. Upon orders for war on 1 December, they faced minimal distances to cover. The army regrouped at Humen, Shilong Town, and Guangzhou itself—staging areas for the invasion. The first visible signs arrived on 4–5 December when Japanese forces landed at Mirs Bay; the 228th Regiment moved into its staging area at Buji Town, now part of Shenzhen City. Maltby received these reports and immediately departed the cathedral service to issue urgent stand-to orders. Yet skepticism persisted within military circles. Some dismissed the threat, dismissing such intelligence as "astonishingly erroneous." Meanwhile, the Imperial Japanese Navy massed in the waters beyond Hong Kong's horizon. The Kowloon Infantry Brigade held a stretched defensive line: the 5/7 Rajputs anchored the centre, the 2/14 Punjab the east, and the 2nd Royal Scots the west. Forward positions extended far—C Company, 2/14 Punjab, under Major S. Burns ranged along Castle Peak Road toward Yuen Long. The brigade screen, C Company of the 2/14 Punjab, held Shueng Shui and Taipo Market with four Bren carriers and two armoured cars from the HKVDC, backed by engineers and the 22nd Fortress Company. The Hong Kong Infantry Brigade held Hong Kong Island itself. The Winnipeg Grenadiers occupied Victoria City on the north-west coast, while the Royal Rifles of Canada stretched along the north-east shores from Saukiwan to Lyemun. Brigadier Lawson commanded from his headquarters at Wongneichong Gap in the island's centre. At 0355 hours on 8 December, the code word "Blossom Blossom" was transmitted. Eleven minutes later, Lieutenant-General Sakai ordered the invasion to commence. Fifty minutes after that, at 0445 hours, Major Charles Boxer—a fluent Japanese speaker formerly of the Lincolnshire Regiment—was roused by Radio Tokyo announcing that war was imminent. Governor Young and Major-General Maltby were informed at once. By 0500 hours, the forward demolition points had been blown by Major Gray, OC of C Company 2/14 Punjab, and the HKVDC engineers under Major J. H. Bottomley. At 0645 hours, the garrison received formal notification: Britain and Japan were at war. Seventy-five minutes later, air-raid sirens wailed. Within moments, smoke billowed from Kai Tak Airport as Japanese aircraft destroyed virtually the entire air garrison. The Wildebeests, Walruses, HKVDC biplanes, and several civilian planes were engulfed in flames. Only two Ju-52s of the Eurasia Corporation and one CNAC T-32 Condor escaped destruction—dispersal bays had never been built due to lack of funds. The Japanese then turned to secondary targets, bombing Shamshuipo Camp and the neighbouring police station. The Canadians suffered few large-scale casualties in the initial strikes, though Sergeant Routledge and Signalman Fairley of the signal platoon were wounded—the first Canadian soldiers injured in World War II. Remarkably, Hong Kong Island's theatres, cinemas, and restaurants continued operating as though the island faced no peril. Japanese demolition efforts proved only minor obstacles. Bridges blown were quickly replaced. The invasion proceeded on three fronts: the 230th Regiment advanced westward along the northern route toward Yuen Long and Castle Peak, targeting the northern slope of Tai Mo Mountain. The 228th Regiment drove down the centre, following the Sheung Shui–Taipo–Kowloon road toward Grassy Hill north of the Shing Mun Redoubt. The 229th Regiment, crossing at Sha Tau Kok and by boat at Starling Inlet, proceeded via Taipo toward Tai Shui Hang and Ma On Mountain. Whenever confronted with strongly defended positions, the Japanese bypassed them entirely rather than engage. The first day brought scattered but spirited resistance. Around 1300 hours, the Punjabis inflicted the first serious check, drawing blood from advancing Japanese forces. At 1830 hours, they ambushed and decimated several Japanese platoons south of Taipo market town. The HKVDC's armoured cars and Bren carriers struck similar successes nearby. The 2 Royal Scots' reconnaissance platoon clashed with elements of the 229th Regiment around Yuen Long. Despite these minor victories, Japanese momentum continued. Armed with stolen British maps and guided by fifth columnists, they pushed forward relentlessly. By late afternoon on the 8th, the Punjabis withdrew toward Grassy Hill to avoid being outflanked. The artillerymen of the 12th Battery engaged an IJN destroyer and Japanese forces around Taipo, inflicting heavy casualties. Farther south near Shatin, on the Taipo–Kowloon highway, rapidly advancing Japanese troops surprised the defenders and severed the fuse at an HKVDC demolition point. Their triumph proved momentary; the engineers completed the backup circuit and detonated the bridge, destroying it along with the Japanese soldiers crossing it. By early morning on 9 December, orders came to withdraw all mainland units to the Gin Drinkers Line. The Punjabis, already at Shatin Wai overlooking Tide Cove, held their position under pressure and continuous shelling for the next two days. The HKVDC withdrew to Fotan, a village south of Shatin. Maltby ordered D Company, 5/7 Rajputs, under Captain H. R. Newtons to Smuggler's Ridge to close the gap between the 2 Royal Scots and 2/14 Punjab. HKVDC armoured cars and Bren carriers continued patrols along Castle Peak Road while HMS Cicala, having survived two air attacks, maintained station in Castle Peak Bay. Despite an IJN blockade, the destroyers HMS Thanet and Scout slipped anchor and escaped to Singapore around 2130 hours. The surviving CNAC and Eurasia aircraft took off with high-value evacuees: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's widow and her two equally renowned sisters—the Soong sisters—along with Chinese Finance Minister H. H. Kung. Also departing was Lieutenant-Colonel H. Owen-Hughes of the HKVDC, who carried orders to coordinate with the Chinese Nationalist Army for a rear-guard attack on Japanese forces to relieve the pressure on Hong Kong. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. On 8 December 1941, Japan attacked Hong Kong with the 38th Division, supported by naval and air forces. Despite British defenses manned by undertrained, under-equipped troops, Japanese forces advanced rapidly across three fronts. Within hours, the RAF was destroyed, demolitions proved futile, and British units withdrew toward the Gin Drinkers Line facing overwhelming odds.

Penn State defensive end Max Granville has been around football his entire life — and now he wants to add his name to one of the strongest edge-rusher traditions in college football.The Sugar Land, Texas native shares how his father helped develop his game from an early age, including early-morning workouts and even putting on his old football pads to help Max sharpen his technique. Granville also recalls the freshman-year scoop-and-score that changed his high school career and the three-sack playoff performance that showed him college football could become a reality.Granville explains why Penn State's history at defensive end ultimately brought him to Happy Valley, pointing to players like Abdul Carter, Chop Robinson and Micah Parsons as examples he hopes to follow. He also discusses transforming his body after arriving at Penn State, the impact of the coaching staff, his faith, and what he hopes his legacy will eventually mean both on and off the field.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Welcome back to the Nittany Blues Podcast! In this episode, the conversation focused on the latest updates from Penn State's fall football camp, breaking down position battles, player development, and which Nittany Lions are set to make the biggest impact this season. The discussion explored Matt Campbell's early influence and the overall vibes in Happy Valley as anticipation builds for the start of the 2026 college football season. Listeners can expect detailed analysis of the key storylines in football, insight into other major Penn State sports like wrestling, basketball, and women's volleyball, and candid takes on the university's NIL landscape and program investment challenges. Plus, the episode features a game-by-game football schedule preview and comprehensive season record predictions, setting the stage for what's shaping up to be an exciting year for Penn State athletics.

From Hartley, Iowa to Happy Valley, Kooper Ebel has been shaped by football, family, faith and small-town pride.The Penn State linebacker opens up about growing up as the oldest of seven kids, learning the game from his father, overcoming self-doubt and why his trust in Coach Matt Campbell helped bring him to Penn State. Ebel also talks about the tradition of Linebacker U, his ability to “flip the switch” on game day and finally getting the chance to experience the legendary Penn State White Out from the field after growing up watching it on TV.Get to know Kooper Ebel and the person behind the jersey as he begins the next chapter of his football journey in Happy Valley.Subscribe for more Penn State Football player profiles, behind-the-scenes access and exclusive Nittany Lions content.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Send us Fan MailEpisode 168 - By Hol and JoeThis week we are joined by Holly and Joe, who have created a fish printing kit to help you turn your catch into an artwork to capture the memory of an epic catch! Their ‘By Hol and Joe' kits are available online as well as a range of coastal inspired t-shirts. This is all inspired by their adventures while travelling around the coast of Australia, including some great times here in SA. We chat about how they have combined their loves of fishing and design into a great product and how easy it is for everyone to make some cool artwork!We also have a winner to our ‘Funniest Fishing Story' Competition - Paul Seyfang is the winner of the large Shimano tackle bag for his story involving 3 Snapper and 2 sets of lost false teeth!As always we have all the news in South Australian Fishing, including:The Ardrossan Jetty re-opens after long repairs. A 40m ship to be sunk off Brighton to create a wreck for fishing and diving.Closures are now in place for Murray Cod and Black Bream in certain parts of the state.We also have the latest fishing reports including Rohdey cracking the code at Happy Valley with 3 big Cod, some recent fishing in the Robe Marina and a hot favourite in the lead in the Australian Salmon Fishing Competition.

Meet Jamison Patton, a Penn State football safety whose journey began in Des Moines, Iowa.After growing up playing football, basketball and baseball, Patton helped Roosevelt High School end a losing streak of approximately 120 games before continuing his career at Ankeny and Iowa State. Now in Happy Valley, he is ready to bring his experience, physicality and team-first mentality to Beaver Stadium.Patton discusses the coaches who changed his trajectory, overcoming self-doubt, following Matt Campbell to Penn State and how an only child found more than 120 brothers through football.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Happy 1st Friday Edition of the Program!! The Bucks are #1!! One SEC supporter is delusional about it. Indiana gets stronger. The CBJ getting sold and relocated....Browns QB Update. 20 Most Interesting heads to Happy Valley for a look at Penn State. ESPN's Jake Trotter, Rich Scracella of the Reading Eagle, What's Up, #HeyGuys, Higher or Lower, Thing or Not a Thing, Your Officially Endorsed and 3 Things

Before Marcus Neal Jr. arrived at Penn State, he endured two consecutive winless seasons at Raytown South High School. Then, in the first game of his junior year, everything changed: his team finally won, and Neal scored four touchdowns.The Kansas City native has loved football since his father introduced him to tackle football at four years old—sometimes so much that he wore his football pants and cleats to school. In this Penn State Football player profile, Neal discusses the family members and coaches who shaped him, his journey from wide receiver to defensive back, and the mental adjustment required to play college football.Neal also explains why his trust in the Penn State coaching staff made Happy Valley the right destination, how he hopes to inspire children from his hometown, and how he wants to be remembered: a respectful young man off the field and a dog on it.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with animation news from San Diego Comic-Con, Netflix House Philadelphia, and the latest streaming and box-office releases. Drew shares what it was like moderating DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island panel for a packed Ballroom 20 crowd, while Jim explores how animated characters become theme park attractions and merchandise. Then the episode travels back to Disney's postwar era for the story of character actor Billy Gilbert, whose booming personality and famous comic sneeze helped bring Sneezy and Willie the Giant to life. NEWS • Drew Taylor recounts moderating the Forgotten Island panel at San Diego Comic-Con. • Jim visits Universal Studios Theme Park: The Exhibition and explores how animation is translated into rides, animatronics, costumes, and merchandise. • Netflix House Philadelphia brings The Mitchells vs. the Machines and other Netflix films to the big screen inside the Tudum Theater. • Toy Story 5 crosses the billion-dollar mark as Minions & Monsters continues its worldwide theatrical run. • Dragon Striker earns a second season following its Disney+ debut and Comic-Con promotional push. FEATURE • How vaudeville performer and character actor Billy Gilbert became the original voice of Sneezy in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. • Why Walt Disney remembered Gilbert when the studio needed a performer who could make Willie the Giant both threatening and childlike. • The long development journey that transformed The Legend of Happy Valley into the Mickey and the Beanstalk segment of Fun and Fancy Free. • How Willie the Giant continued appearing in Disney projects and theme park locations long after Gilbert's final performance. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored - Instagram: @drewtailored - drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Let the experts at BeOurGuestVacations.com help with your hotel, theme park tickets, and vacation planning. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with animation news from San Diego Comic-Con, Netflix House Philadelphia, and the latest streaming and box-office releases. Drew shares what it was like moderating DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island panel for a packed Ballroom 20 crowd, while Jim explores how animated characters become theme park attractions and merchandise. Then the episode travels back to Disney's postwar era for the story of character actor Billy Gilbert, whose booming personality and famous comic sneeze helped bring Sneezy and Willie the Giant to life. NEWS • Drew Taylor recounts moderating the Forgotten Island panel at San Diego Comic-Con. • Jim visits Universal Studios Theme Park: The Exhibition and explores how animation is translated into rides, animatronics, costumes, and merchandise. • Netflix House Philadelphia brings The Mitchells vs. the Machines and other Netflix films to the big screen inside the Tudum Theater. • Toy Story 5 crosses the billion-dollar mark as Minions & Monsters continues its worldwide theatrical run. • Dragon Striker earns a second season following its Disney+ debut and Comic-Con promotional push. FEATURE • How vaudeville performer and character actor Billy Gilbert became the original voice of Sneezy in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. • Why Walt Disney remembered Gilbert when the studio needed a performer who could make Willie the Giant both threatening and childlike. • The long development journey that transformed The Legend of Happy Valley into the Mickey and the Beanstalk segment of Fun and Fancy Free. • How Willie the Giant continued appearing in Disney projects and theme park locations long after Gilbert's final performance. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored - Instagram: @drewtailored - drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Let the experts at BeOurGuestVacations.com help with your hotel, theme park tickets, and vacation planning. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State's new head coach Matt Campbell has extensive ties to Ohio, from his playing and early coaching career at Mount Union, to his time as the head coach at Toledo, so it wasn't surprising that he was asked a couple of questions involving Ohio State during 2026 Big Ten Media Days.In this special bonus episode, you'll get to hear Campbell discuss the impact that former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel has had on his career, and his decision to take the Penn State job, as well as the role that former OSU running back James Peoples could have on this season's Penn State team. Plus, you'll hear his thoughts on imprinting his culture on the Penn State program, how he'll adapt to the increased expectations in Happy Valley, and more.

This week, Pastor Zac shares a message on what Jesus accomplished when He shed his blood on the cross.Access Church, State College PA, Christian Sermon, Bible Teaching, Sunday Message, Christian Podcast, Expository Preaching, Jesus Christ, Faith, Prayer, Worship, Biblical Teaching, Gospel, Christian Living, Discipleship, Pennsylvania Church, Penn State Community, Happy Valley, Pastor Zac McDonald, Access Church PodcastINFOWebsite: scaccesschurch.comWeekly Updates: bulletin.scaccesschurch.comFOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurchInstagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurchYouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurchGIVE: give.scaccesschurch.comABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Nach siebenmonatiger Pause sind Torsten und Gerry endlich wieder vereint. Und das an einem der heißesten Tage des Jahres. In dieser Comeback-Folge erweisen die beiden SAM NEILl die letzte Ehre und blicken voller Respekt auf seine beeindruckende Karriere zurück. Außerdem nehmen sie den jüngsten SUPERGIRL-FLOP unter die Lupe und hinterfragen die Grenzen zwischen berechtigter Kritik und toxischem Internet-Hate. Weiter geht es mit dem Spielbergs "DISCLOSURE DAY“, , der auf gespaltene Kritik stößt, ehe die beiden analysieren, wie YouTuber mit Phänomenen wie Obsession oder Backrooms gerade das Kino von morgen revolutionieren. Abgerundet wird die Episode durch Serienempfehlungen zu HAPPY VALLEY auf ARTE und der 5. Staffel von THE BEAR bei Disney+. Viel Spaß Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Penn State's new head coach Matt Campbell has extensive ties to Ohio, from his playing and early coaching career at Mount Union, to his time as the head coach at Toledo, so it wasn't surprising that he was asked a couple of questions involving Ohio State during 2026 Big Ten Media Days.In this special bonus episode, you'll get to hear Campbell discuss the impact that former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel has had on his career, and his decision to take the Penn State job, as well as the role that former OSU running back James Peoples could have on this season's Penn State team. Plus, you'll hear his thoughts on imprinting his culture on the Penn State program, how he'll adapt to the increased expectations in Happy Valley, and more.

Penn State's new head coach Matt Campbell has extensive ties to Ohio, from his playing and early coaching career at Mount Union, to his time as the head coach at Toledo, so it wasn't surprising that he was asked a couple of questions involving Ohio State during 2026 Big Ten Media Days.In this special bonus episode, you'll get to hear Campbell discuss the impact that former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel has had on his career, and his decision to take the Penn State job, as well as the role that former OSU running back James Peoples could have on this season's Penn State team. Plus, you'll hear his thoughts on imprinting his culture on the Penn State program, how he'll adapt to the increased expectations in Happy Valley, and more.

Penn State women's soccer goalkeeper Kealey Titmuss joins Her State presented by PAM Health to talk about her journey from one of the nation's top goalkeeper prospects to the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team — and her dream of representing Team USA at the U-20 World Cup.Titmuss takes us inside her recent U.S. National Team camp, matches against England and Colombia, and what it feels like waiting for a potential World Cup roster call. She also breaks down her goalkeeper mentality, including the “be a goldfish” philosophy that helps her immediately move past mistakes.The Grand Blanc, Michigan native discusses beginning soccer at five years old, getting recruited at an early age, graduating high school early, choosing Penn State despite growing up around Michigan, and developing into a more complete goalkeeper in Happy Valley.Plus, Kealey talks penalty-kick strategy, her unforgettable penalty save against Sweden, her professional and NWSL aspirations, the goalkeepers who inspired her, Penn State's 2026 squad and the program's new soccer facility.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State offensive lineman Dominic Rulli's journey to Happy Valley started long before he ever put on the Blue & White jersey.Growing up in Burlington, Kentucky as a kid, Rulli watched Penn State football every Saturday with his family, had LBU posters on his wall and dreamed about Beaver Stadium. Despite receiving no Division I offers out of high school, he found his way to Penn State as a walk-on and is making the most of that opportunity. Turning it into the chance to represent the program he grew up rooting for.Rulli shares his football beginnings as a young running back, the influence of his parents and older brother, his challenging recruiting journey, memories of Christian Hackenberg and Allen Robinson, what it feels like to run into Beaver Stadium and how he has grown into one of the veteran leaders of Penn State's offensive line.He also talks about his passion for working on cars, the standard he wants to set for younger teammates and his excitement for the Nittany Lions heading into the season.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

James Peoples' journey to Penn State has taken him from Germany to San Antonio, Ohio State and now Happy Valley — all while staying grounded in three priorities: faith, family and football.The Penn State running back sits down to share the story behind his military upbringing, the influence of his parents, how football went from an outlet to a way of life and why his faith has guided him throughout his college football journey. Peoples also discusses arriving at Penn State, learning what it means to be a Nittany Lion, his excitement for the upcoming season and his ultimate goal of reaching the NFL.Every morning, Peoples looks at a sheet on his wall containing three words that define how he wants to live: Faith. Family. Football. In that order.Hear the story of James Peoples and the path that brought him to Penn State.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

Penn State offensive lineman Dominic Rulli's journey to Happy Valley started long before he ever put on the Blue & White jersey.Growing up in Burlington, Kentucky as a kid, Rulli watched Penn State football every Saturday with his family, had LBU posters on his wall and dreamed about Beaver Stadium. Despite receiving no Division I offers out of high school, he found his way to Penn State as a walk-on and is making the most of that opportunity. Turning it into the chance to represent the program he grew up rooting for.Rulli shares his football beginnings as a young running back, the influence of his parents and older brother, his challenging recruiting journey, memories of Christian Hackenberg and Allen Robinson, what it feels like to run into Beaver Stadium and how he has grown into one of the veteran leaders of Penn State's offensive line.He also talks about his passion for working on cars, the standard he wants to set for younger teammates and his excitement for the Nittany Lions heading into the season.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/

This week, Pastor Zac shares about our God who is a sovereign King, worthy of our honor and devotion.Access Church, State College PA, Christian Sermon, Bible Teaching, Sunday Message, Christian Podcast, Expository Preaching, Jesus Christ, Faith, Prayer, Worship, Biblical Teaching, Gospel, Christian Living, Discipleship, Pennsylvania Church, Penn State Community, Happy Valley, Pastor Zac McDonald, Access Church PodcastINFOWebsite: scaccesschurch.comWeekly Updates: bulletin.scaccesschurch.comFOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurchInstagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurchYouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurchGIVE: give.scaccesschurch.comABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Kuol Kuol's path to Penn State is about much more than football.In this exclusive player profile, Kuol shares how his family fled South Sudan, rebuilt their lives in America, and how his mother's sacrifices shaped the player—and person—he is today.He discusses growing up in Dayton, Ohio, playing defensive line before switching to offensive tackle, adding more than 60 pounds during his college development, why he chose Penn State, and what Beaver Stadium means to him before ever playing a home game.If you're a Penn State fan, this interview gives you a look at one of the newest members of the Nittany Lions offensive line and the remarkable journey that brought him to Happy Valley.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Growing Up In Dayton After Leaving South Sudan00:50 His Family's Journey To America01:07 Mom's Impact and Motivation01:54 Finding Football02:18 Falling in Love With Hitting People02:42 When Football Became Real03:03 From 238 Pounds To 30004:05 The Different Standard at Penn State05:07 Excitement Heading Into The SeasonFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #happyvalley

Want to level up your training? Coach Josh Venis has you covered.

Penn State volleyball All-American Kennedy Martin joins Christian Hackenberg and Brian Tripp to discuss her senior season, the championship standard in Happy Valley and what it takes to become a great teammate and leader.Kennedy opens up about building chemistry with Penn State's returning roster, learning from adversity, reuniting with her former setter and training alongside Penn State legend Megan Hodge. She also shares the powerful lesson she learned from her father's eight-year NFL career, her mission trip to the Dominican Republic and three pieces of advice for young volleyball players: have fun, embrace failure and put in the work.Christian and Brian also break down the turmoil surrounding Michigan athletics, the uncertainty of potential NCAA sanctions, Penn State's remarkable quarterback connection to Ohio and the upcoming Big Ten Football Media Days. Plus, they debate whether the ACC or Big 12 is currently college football's third-best conference.Presented by PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/

This week, Pastor Zac talks about how honor means refusing revenge and trusting God with the outcome.Access Church, State College PA, Christian Sermon, Bible Teaching, Sunday Message, Christian Podcast, Expository Preaching, Jesus Christ, Faith, Prayer, Worship, Biblical Teaching, Gospel, Christian Living, Discipleship, Pennsylvania Church, Penn State Community, Happy Valley, Pastor Zac McDonald, Access Church PodcastINFOWebsite: scaccesschurch.comWeekly Updates: bulletin.scaccesschurch.comFOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurchInstagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurchYouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurchGIVE: give.scaccesschurch.comABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Meet Penn State offensive tackle Malachi Goodman as he shares the journey that's shaped him both on and off the field.From growing up in New Jersey as an only child to earning his first college offer, Goodman reflects on the people who helped him along the way—including his mom, his faith, and the coaches who challenged him to find his competitive edge.He also opens up about why Penn State felt like home, the culture inside the Nittany Lions program, why teammates call him "Big Smiley," and the legacy he hopes to leave in Happy Valley.Presented by: PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Growing Up in New Jersey00:42 Faith, Family & Biggest Influences01:22 Loving the Physical Side of Football02:41 First College Offer03:14 Choosing Penn State03:48 The Brotherhood at Penn State04:14 Why He's Called "Big Smiley"04:22 Malachi Demonstrates Bird Calls04:54 The Legacy He Wants to LeaveFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #collegefootball

Jacob Townsend talks with Happy Valley football coach Jason Jarrett ahead of the season for the Warriors. Jason's interview is part of 24 Teams in 24 Days and sponsored by Erwin Paint and Body Shop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of Carter County Midday Monster Media Day sponsored by Big John's Closeouts Jacob Townsend talks with Happy Valley football coach Jason Jarrett ahead of the season for the Warriors. Jason's interview is part of 24 Teams in 24 Days and sponsored by Erwin Paint and Body Shop. Then, Jacob is joined by Unaka football coach O'Brien Bennett before the season for the Rangers. O'Brien's interview is part of 24 Teams in 24 Days and sponsored by Erwin Paint and Body Shop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of Carter County Midday Monster Media Day sponsored by Big John's Closeouts Jacob Townsend is joined by Unaka athletic director Wes Wright, Cloudland athletic director Matt Birchfield, and Happy Valley athletic director Matt Estep ahead of their respective school years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penn State defensive end Ikenna Ezeogu opens up about the journey that brought him to Happy Valley—from growing up around Kansas City to earning his first scholarship offer at Iowa State, following Coach Campbell to Penn State, and discovering a true love for football only after reaching the college level.Ezeogu shares the lessons his parents taught him, why talent alone wasn't enough, what made Penn State the right fit, his unique transfer portal experience that included a trip to Nigeria, and why he hopes fans remember him as both a relentless competitor and an even better person.Presented by: PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:0:00 Meet Ikenna Ezeogu0:30 Growing Up Around Kansas City1:05 Falling in Love with Football2:05 Learning Talent Isn't Enough3:00 Why Penn State Was the Right Choice3:20 A Transfer Journey Through Nigeria4:00 Adjusting to Big Ten Football4:45 The 270-Pound Dirt Bike Rider5:20 The Legacy He Wants to LeaveFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #CollegeFootball

Ben Brahmer's football journey started in Pierce, Nebraska—a town of just 1,800 people. After winning two state championships and developing under coaches he trusted, Brahmer made one of the biggest decisions of his career by following that coaching staff to Penn State.In this Penn State Athletics feature, Brahmer shares what growing up in small-town Nebraska taught him about hard work, why his family shaped who he is, what made Penn State feel like home, and why he's excited to experience Beaver Stadium for the first time.Hear how the tight end built his game through discipline, faith, family, and a blue-collar mindset that's a natural fit for Penn State Football.Presented by: PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Small-Town Nebraska Roots00:18 Family That Built His Work Ethic00:33 Dreaming of Football00:42 Winning State Championships01:07 The Coach Who Changed Everything01:22 Following His Coaches01:42 Why Penn State Was the Right Choice02:15 Why Penn State Fits Him02:27 Adjusting to a New Team02:44 Leading by Example02:55 Golf, Fishing & Life Off the Field03:01 Faith, Family & Staying Grounded03:15 Ready for Beaver Stadium#PennState #WeAre #CollegeFootballTags - Penn State Football, Penn State, Ben Brahmer, Ben Brahmer interview, Penn State Athletics, Nittany Lions, James Franklin, Penn State tight end, College Football, Big Ten Football, Nebraska football, Pierce Nebraska, Football interview, NCAA Football, Tight End, Beaver Stadium, Happy Valley, Penn State players, We Are Penn State, College athlete interview, Blue Collar Football, Penn State 2026, Football recruiting, Athlete story, Penn State offense

The Bucky Report continues the Wisconsin Football 2026 Know Your Foe series with a deep dive into the Penn State Nittany Lions!We're joined by Andrew and Vince from the Nittany Blues Podcast to preview Penn State Football heading into the 2026 college football season. After a stunningly disappointing 2025 season and the end of the James Franklin era, Penn State enters a new chapter under head coach Matt Campbell with major roster turnover and plenty of questions surrounding one of the Big Ten's biggest programs.What went wrong for Penn State in 2025? Can Matt Campbell quickly rebuild the Nittany Lions into a Big Ten contender? What should fans expect from Rocco Becht at quarterback? And what are the biggest strengths, weaknesses and concerns surrounding Penn State's new-look roster?We break down:

Three starters gone — including All-American center Jake Slaughter — and a brand-new position coach. Florida's offensive line got a total makeover this offseason, and today we're breaking down the whole room ahead of the 2026 season.In this episode:- A rebuilt trench — Florida lost Austin Barber, Jake Slaughter, and Damieon George Jr., so new OL coach Phil Trautwein hit the portal hard with four transfer additions- The Penn State pipeline — Trautwein brought Eagan Boyer and TJ Shanahan Jr. with him from Happy Valley; can they lock down left tackle and right guard?- Replacing an All-American — Georgia Tech transfer Harrison Moore vs. former five-star Jason Zandamela in the battle at center- The wildcard — Stanford transfer Emeka Ugorji started 8 games as a true freshman and is pushing for the right tackle job- The veterans — Knijeah Harris anchors left guard, plus where Caden Jones, Roderick Kearney, Bryce Lovett, and TJ Dice Jr. fit- Rotation or starting five? — Trautwein says he'll play as many linemen as earn it; what that means for the two-deepIf you bleed orange and blue, hit SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!#GoGators #FloridaGators #GatorsFootball #JonSumrall #SEC #CollegeFootball #StadiumandGale

Penn State tight end Gabe Burkle shares his football journey from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Happy Valley, reflecting on the family members who shaped his career, why following his coaches to Penn State mattered so much, and what it's like preparing to play in front of more than 100,000 fans at Beaver Stadium.Burkle discusses growing up in Iowa, his father's football influence, memorable high school moments, transferring to Penn State, adjusting to one of college football's biggest environments, his competitive side away from football, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season.Presented by: Pam Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet Gabe Burkle00:08 Growing Up in Iowa00:29 Following His Father's Football Path00:49 So Big He Was Prohibited From Tackling01:03 Favorite High School Football Memories01:17 Why He Chose Penn State02:28 How Teammates Describe Him02:33 Cornhole & Spikeball Competition02:50 Golf, TV Shows & Life Away From Football03:06 Best Golfers on Penn State03:29 Excitement for Beaver StadiumFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#PennState #WeAre #CollegeFootballTags - Penn State Football, Penn State, Nittany Lions, Gabe Burkle, Penn State Tight End, College Football, Big Ten Football, Beaver Stadium, Happy Valley, James Franklin, Penn State Interview, Penn State Athletics, Tight End, Iowa State Football, College Football Interview, NCAA Football, Penn State Fans, We Are, Football Player Interview, Penn State 2026

This week, Pastor Zac speaks on how the mercy we receive from Jesus becomes the honor we extend to others.Access Church, State College PA, Christian Sermon, Bible Teaching, Sunday Message, Christian Podcast, Expository Preaching, Jesus Christ, Faith, Prayer, Worship, Biblical Teaching, Gospel, Christian Living, Discipleship, Pennsylvania Church, Penn State Community, Happy Valley, Pastor Zac McDonald, Access Church PodcastINFOWebsite: scaccesschurch.comWeekly Updates: bulletin.scaccesschurch.comFOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurchInstagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurchYouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurchGIVE: give.scaccesschurch.comABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

The Penn State defensive tackle opens up about growing up in Washington, D.C., the family members who shaped him, the hilarious story of hiding under a tree during his first football practices, earning his first college offer before he even understood recruiting, and why James Franklin ultimately convinced him that Happy Valley was home.Cook also discusses overcoming self-doubt, transforming from a 250-pound defensive end into a Big Ten defensive tackle, and the emotional moment that confirmed Penn State was where he belonged.Presented by: Pam Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet De'Andre Cook00:18 The Family That Built Him00:36 How Football Entered His Life00:57 The Hilarious Pee-Wee Story01:22 High School Football Memories01:44 Coach Lojo Changed Everything02:08 His First College Offer02:41 Overcoming Self-Doubt03:22 Why He Chose Penn State04:03 The Emotional Beaver Stadium Moment04:20 Biggest College Adjustment04:49 Growing Under Penn State Coaches05:18 How He Wants Fans to Remember HimFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #happyvalley #pennstatefootball #nittanylions #jamesfranklin #bigtenfootball #pennstatedefensivetackle #deandrecookpennstate #pennstaterecruiting #pennstateinterview #footballrecruiting #WashingtonDCfootball #ncaafootball #collegeathlete #playerprofile #pennstateathletics #nittanylionsfootball

From the Bronx to Happy Valley, Ty Blanding's journey to Penn State is built on perseverance, family, and proving people wrong.In this exclusive interview, Ty talks about growing up in New York City, overcoming stereotypes about football players from the Bronx, the influence of his grandmother, why Penn State felt like home, and what excites him most about the upcoming season.He also shares some fun facts—including being one of the pickiest eaters you'll ever meet—and explains why the culture inside Penn State football stands out from everywhere else.Sponsored by: PAM Health - https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet Ty Blanding00:16 Growing Up in the Bronx00:34 The Grandmother Who Inspired Him01:10 First Football Memories01:31 Falling in Love with Football02:04 The Rivalry Win He'll Never Forget02:12 Getting Recruited From New York02:35 NYC Football Stereotype03:16 Finding a New Home in Happy Valley03:56 Steaks Only04:33 Life Beyond Football04:50 Penn State's Road Back to the Top05:03 Building Team ChemistryFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #happyvalley

This week, Pastor Nate dives into Genesis 26 and discusses how God wants to work in your life right where you are now.Access Church, State College PA, Christian Sermon, Bible Teaching, Sunday Message, Christian Podcast, Expository Preaching, Jesus Christ, Faith, Prayer, Worship, Biblical Teaching, Gospel, Christian Living, Discipleship, Pennsylvania Church, Penn State Community, Happy Valley, Pastor Zac McDonald, Access Church PodcastINFOWebsite: scaccesschurch.comWeekly Updates: bulletin.scaccesschurch.comFOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurchInstagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurchYouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurchGIVE: give.scaccesschurch.comABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

The Penn State Nittany Lions' wide receiver woes continue as recruiting setbacks threaten to stall offensive progress, despite recent coaching changes and the arrival of Matt Campbell. With top target Khalil Taylor leaning toward Nebraska and previous commits Jamir Dean and Deshawn Hall lost, questions loom about whether Penn State's scheme or recruiting approach is to blame. Can standout receiver Landon Bloom and potential breakout star Koby Howard reverse the narrative and attract more elite talent through a more aggressive passing attack? Host Zach Seyko teams up with recruiting expert Brian Smith to spotlight quarterback recruiting wins, including a projected commitment from top 10 Pennsylvania quarterback James Armstrong, and discuss how the new NCAA 5-for-5 eligibility rule could give Penn State a competitive edge by building a deep and experienced roster with more players spending four and five years in the weight room. Will these developments reignite Penn State's recruiting momentum or is a cultural reset still needed to draw top-tier wide receiver talent to Happy Valley? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it's time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the community: https://theportal.supercast.com/ Support us by supporting our sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Coaster Kings, Sean and Alex take you to Shanghai for a whirlwind tour of some repeat parks and new parks! This episode discusses Legoland Shanghai, Century Park, People's Park, Shanghai Disneyland, Happy Valley Shanghai, and Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park!

I just got back from Happy Valley 70.3 with 10 athletes on the course.And I've been thinking about what coaches can do RIGHT NOW, in mid to late June, that will pay off all the way through 2027.It's not a funnel. It's not a new offer. It's a team race.In this episode, I'm breaking down why picking a team race (and picking it early) might be the simplest retention move you're not making. We talk about how to choose the right one, when to announce it, how to use it to bring boomerang athletes back and the one thing that makes it a genuine business tool, not just a fun weekend.We also get into what happens when coaches try to do too many, why you probably shouldn't race your own team race and what I learned supporting 10 athletes on course for 24 hours straight.The community that builds around one shared race? You can't manufacture that. But you can create the conditions for it.The Recruitment Engine Masterclass is happening June 23rd and we're opening Content That Recruits for just a few days right after. It's a mid-level, live-taught course starting in July for coaches who want to learn how to do content that actually builds your roster. No matter where you are. Learn more here: https://coachmichellelake.lpages.co/contentthatrecruits/Let me know what you think! If you enjoy the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you left a star rating or written review on your podcast platform of choice. Thanks for listening!Website | Follow Michelle on IG

A Tennessee man heads to his family farm for what should have been an ordinary weekend. His truck is left behind, his valuables are untouched, and his ATV is eventually found in a place that makes almost no sense. More than fifteen years later, despite massive searches and thousands of volunteer hours, no one has ever found a trace of him.Sources: WBIR, Perfex, Charley Project, Strange Outdoors, Wikipedia, Southern StrangeSupport us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, with benefits starting at the $3 tier!Follow us on Instagram at offthetrailspodcastFollow us on Facebook at Off the Trails PodcastIf you have your own outdoor misadventure (or adventure) story that you'd like us to include in a listener episode, send it to us at offthetrailspodcast@gmail.com  Please take a moment to rate and review our show, and a big thanks if you already have!**We do our own research and try our best to cross-reference reliable sources to present the most accurate information we can. Please reach out to us if you believe we have mispresented any information during this episode, and we will be happy to correct ourselves in a future episode.

Penn State Wrestling's success goes far beyond championships.Connor Pierce sits down with Hayden Cunningham, Nate Desmond, Mason Ellis, and returning NCAA Champion Mason Ellis to discuss what truly makes the Nittany Lions different.From poker nights, golf outings, pickleball battles, and Fortnite sessions to the brotherhood that fuels one of the greatest dynasties in college sports, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the culture inside Penn State Wrestling.The team shares stories about Greenberg, team bonding, leadership, championship expectations, and why having fun might actually be the secret to sustained success.Subscribe for more exclusive Penn State Wrestling interviews and behind-the-scenes content from Happy Valley.Chapters:00:00 Meet Hayden Cunningham, Nate Desmond & Mason Ellis00:48 Life Inside A Championship Program01:46 The Strong Team Bond and Culture03:09 Life Outside Wrestling04:44 What Made This Team Different?05:13 The Famous Minivan Story06:48 How Greenberg Changed Team Culture07:45 The Cheesecake Challenge09:14 The Truth About "Locking In"10:22 Enjoying The Grind11:06 Three Words That Define Penn State WrestlingFOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | ⁠https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU⁠► TIKTOK | ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu⁠► INSTAGRAM | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/⁠► YOUTUBE | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1⁠► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#PennStateWrestling #NCAAWrestling #CollegeWrestling

Jackson returns from the sidelines sharing his hip recovery story and cautious plan to rebuild running fitness. Nick Chase breaks down his final weeks of Roth prep, long training blocks, and treadmill hacks for VO2 work, while Garrick Loewen checks in on training, ultra-crewing vibes, and baby-watch updates. The trio digs into three essential run sessions every long-course triathlete should do (over/unders, purposefully paced long runs, and short VO2 hill efforts), plus favorite track workouts like “The Michigan,” treadmill tips, and using a foot pod for consistent pacing. They also recap North American racing (Happy Valley), chat World Cup soccer, TV picks, and finish with a fast-paced pass-or-smash segment and crank-spinning gripes.   Head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code REALTRI15 for 15% off first-time purchases.   If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!   Training Peaks - rts26 for 20% off premium membership Silca - realtrisquad2026 - 15% off   Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes.    Individual Instagram handles: Garrick Loewen - @loeweng Nicholas Chase - @race_chase Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas  

We open with news that Olympic champions Alex Yee and Cassandre Beaugrand are heading to the Diamond League, with Yee racing the 5,000m and Beaugrand the 3,000m at Monaco on July 10, marking Yee's first Diamond League appearance since 2019 and a first-ever start for Beaugrand. Then we cover Taylor Knibb, who claimed her second US Pro Road Nationals time trial title in Charleston, continuing her run as one of the most dangerous dual-sport athletes in the world. We also break down the announcement that Chattanooga will host the Ironman 70.3 World Championship again in 2027, locking in a new five year agreement with the qualifying cycle kicking off on July 5. After the break, we recap Ironman Cairns, where Nick Thompson and Penny Slater both picked up maiden Ironman wins, with Slater inheriting the lead after Regan Hollioake was forced to retire with a torn hamstring while well clear on the bike. We then run through Happy Valley 70.3, where Trevor Foley finally got the better of Sam Long in their fourteenth head to head meeting, and Paula Findlay ran away with a dominant women's win. We close with a preview of WTCS Quiberon, breaking down the start lists and storylines heading into the men's and women's races this weekend. SAVE 35% OFF EVERYTHING AT WWW.HUUBDESIGN.COM USING THE CODE 'Secret-35' To support the podcast please head to: patreon.com/talkingtriathlon To watch this podcast as a video visit: https://bit.ly/3vzSss2  Or check us out on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingtriathlon You can follow James at https://www.instagram.com/bale.james85 You can follow Tim at https://www.instagram.com/tford14

The connections between Hong Kong and Japan began far earlier than many realise. Yet only recently has Hong Kong's historic Japanese community received the attention it deserves through Meiji Graves in Happy Valley: Stories of Early Japanese Residents in Hong Kong (Hong Kong UP, 2024). In this compelling book, Dr Yoshiko Nakano and Georgina Challen guide readers into the Meiji era, reconstructing history through the lives of ordinary people whose stories have long been overlooked. During our interview, Yoshio explained her desire to place this research within a broader East-West framework, a cross-cultural perspective reflected in her own collaboration and long-term friendship with Georgina. Perhaps the book's most moving aspect is the authors' compassion for Kiya Saki, a karayuki-san (sex worker) from Nagasaki who migrated to Hong Kong and later died by suicide. Yoshiko and Georgina spoke movingly about discovering her story. Like Saki, both have experienced life far from home and understand the challenges of building a life as a sojourner. Her tragic fate inspired them to investigate the lives of early Japanese residents through the meticulous study of 470 graves in Happy Valley. Beyond individual tragedies, the book reveals a diaspora divided by deep social tensions. While the Meiji state sought to project the image of a modern, civilised nation, the Japanese community in Hong Kong was effectively a ‘community of two halves'. Elite business figures, including Mitsubishi managers, existed alongside marginalised karayuki-san and boarding-house operators. Yet from this division emerged a remarkable story of solidarity. Through institutions, wealthier members of the community funded healthcare, financial assistance, and dignified burials for those in need. Driven by the necessity of mutual support in a foreign colonial port, they transformed a fragmented group of migrants into a resilient and organised community. This dynamic resonates with Michel Foucault's concept of heterotopia, which views the cemetery as a counter-site where distinctions of class, gender, and status dissolve. The Meiji graves vividly illustrate this reality. In death, social divisions that shaped everyday life become impossible to conceal: the graves of marginalised karayuki-san lie alongside those of the community's elite. Together, they offer a unique window into a history shaped by colonialism, human trafficking, global trade, and Japan's transformation into a world power. Richly narrated and grounded in extensive archival research, Meiji Graves in Happy Valley fills an important gap in the histories of both Hong Kong and Japan. By recovering the experiences of ordinary migrants, merchants, workers and sojourners, it reveals the human stories behind larger processes of migration, empire, and modernisation, offering a fresh perspective on the intertwined histories of Hong Kong and Japan. Yoshiko Nakano is a professor in the Department of International Design Management at Tokyo University of Science. She previously taught Japanese studies at the University of Hong Kong. Georgina Challen holds an MA in literary and cultural studies from the University of Hong Kong. Born in England, she grew up in Switzerland and has called Hong Kong home since 1990. Bing Wang receives her PhD at the University of Leeds in 2020. Her research interests include the exploration of overseas Chinese cultural identity and critical heritage studies. She is also a freelance translator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Ohio State's practice fields were buzzing yesterday. Recruiting camp brought out the stars. Committed quarterbacks. Offered quarterbacks. Elite skill talent. Future impact linemen.Camp also attracted our guys lead by Garrick Hodge and the reporting was intense!We break it all down with Garrick and get Mark Porter's on-the-road vibes after spending yesterday in Happy Valley.Enough for this show? No! Today brings even more camp intrigue at Ohio State and we get you completely set.Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

Paula wins the 70.3 North American Championship in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. Her fourth North American title. We do a full race recap covering Paula's pre-race warmup adjustments, the bike leg where she went full throttle up a climb, fueling breakthroughs, timing chip chafe as a legitimate race threat, and shoutout to Lindee Kent for delivering the best aid station splits anyone has ever heard. Then we get into your questions.This week we discussed:Paula's 70.3 North American Championship race recap: swim warmup changes, crushing the bike climb, and why fueling more actually workedIs Happy Valley the best riding location of any North American 70.3?Paula is a four-time North American champion, most wins of any pro female ever.Front and rear hydration setups explained: torpedo bottles, bento boxes, behind-the-seat cages, and how to actually refill on courseGravel bike vs. road bike as a do-it-all rig, especially for New Zealand chip seal roads (via a hilarious poem)When to switch to race tires before Ironman Lake PlacidIs a swim skin worth it for a 300-meter pool swim sprint triathlon?Pull buoy preferences and swim run buoy sizing for open water racingWhat to actually do with all your Ironman finisher t-shirts and medalsEric's "pro athlete vs. former pro triathlete" status, officially addressedElectric bike pumps for disc wheels: what actually worksA big thank you to our podcast supporters who keep the podcast alive! To submit a question for the podcast and to become a podcast supporter, head over to ThatTriathlonLife.com/podcast