Podcasts about ironically

The United States is close to declaring war on Venezuela. Well, sort of; the President said he won't actually seek a declaration from Congress and instead just “kill people that are bringing drugs into our country.” Just prior, however, the White House gave Maduro an ultimatum to flee Venezuela. So are we killing people with drugs on boats or orchestrating regime change? The 2024 US DOJ-DEA National Drug Threat Assessment literally did not even mention Venezuela. The only recent major indictment of the country came from a Presidential Memorandum on September 15, 2024, which declared several countries as having failed in “their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements.” Ironically, the President made “null” and “void” all “documents, proclamations, Executive Orders, Memorandums, or Contracts,” signed under former President Biden's autopen, essentially erasing the declaration that Venezuela had any connection serious to drug trafficking. But for drugs like fentanyl, nearly 100% of it comes through Mexico. One would be confused in learning this and then trying to figure out why the White House has targeted Venezuela in the name of those same drugs. Remember, Mexico refused to assist in cleaning up the cartels under Claudia Sheinbaum, and it is her ethno-state, Israel, which is verifiably behind training the cartels, arming them, and facilitating through HIAS mass human trafficking. The White House is also saying that Venezuela is a host of illegal immigration, though Mexico and several other countries play a far greater role.  This has people thinking that the whole issue is about oil, something the US State Department has denied. But perhaps it is about Sheinbaum. While Javier Milei of Argentina, who is also Jewish, just launched the Isaac Accords to strengthen political, economic and cultural cooperation between Israel and Latin America, Maduro of Venezuela, who himself has Jewish heritage, has consistently been condemning Israel as holding “an ideology more dangerous than Nazism.” He has accused Jews of controlling his opposition and the media, the same media now telling the public we have to stop Venezuelan drug trafficking by regime change only. Or perhaps, Maduro, who is Jewish, is playing the role of turning over the resource rich country to the US-Israel alliance, hence why he was given the option to flee. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.

There is a season in the development of little humans when they cannot yet talk.  Ironically, the Lord uses this season for them to PRAISE and to LEAD in PRAISE. If you have ever seen a baby up close, you might have cooed and admired and commented as to their glory.  This is the Lord's doing.  He uses such little ones to praise Him.  He uses such little ones to lead adults in praise. He uses those who cannot talk to shut the mouths of those who can.He uses those who cannot talk to most clearly sing the strengths of God to those who can.  The world's best worship leaders are infants.  Subscribe for more tomorrowhttps://youtu.be/HrX0nOTl_nw

Oonagh does one of her best prank calls yet. Poor Paul thought he was helping someone local with an IT issue. Ironically there is nobody that needs more help with IT than Oonagh as herself

Last month, Senate Democrats warned that "Automation Could Destroy Nearly 100 Million U.S Jobs in a Decade." Ironically, they used ChatGPT to come to that conclusion. DAIR Research Associate Sophie Song joins us to unpack the issues when self-professed worker advocates use chatbots for "research."Sophie Song is a researcher, organizer, and advocate working at the intersection of tech and social justice. They're a research associate at DAIR, where they're working with Alex on building the Luddite Lab Resource Hub.References:Senate report: AI and Automation Could Destroy Nearly 100 Million U.S Jobs in a DecadeSenator Sanders' AI Report Ignores the Data on AI and InequalityAlso referenced:MAIHT3k Episode 25: An LLM Says LLMs Can Do Your JobHumlum paper: Large Language Models, Small Labor Market EffectsEmily's blog post: Scholarship should be open, inclusive and slowFresh AI Hell:Tech companies compelling vibe codingarXiv is overwhelmed by LLM slop'Godfather of AI' says tech giants can't profit from their astronomical investments unless human labor is replacedIf you want to satiate AI's hunger for power, Google suggests going to spaceAI pioneers claim human-level general intelligence is already hereGen AI campaign against ranked choice votingChaser: Workplace AI Implementation BingoCheck out future streams on Twitch. Meanwhile, send us any AI Hell you see.Our book, 'The AI Con,' is out now! Get your copy now.Subscribe to our newsletter via Buttondown. Follow us!Emily Bluesky: emilymbender.bsky.social Mastodon: dair-community.social/@EmilyMBender Alex Bluesky: alexhanna.bsky.social Mastodon: dair-community.social/@alex Twitter: @alexhanna Music by Toby Menon.Artwork by Naomi Pleasure-Park. Production by Ozzy Llinas Goodman.

SummaryNick Cohen and Professor Alan Manning - economist and one of the country's leading experts on immigration - discuss the impact of immigration on Western democracies, including its role in recent and upcoming elections, as well as the resurgence of right-wing movements driven by immigration-related fears. Alan Manning, a professor at the London School of Economics, explains the complexities of immigration policy and the challenges of balancing migration capacity with global inequality. Nick and Alan discuss various policy approaches, including temporary protection measures and the need for international cooperation, while criticising overly simplistic solutions and highlighting the importance of realistic immigration policies.Political charlatans such as Nigel Farage mis-sold Brexit claiming it would help the uK "take back control" of its borders. Ironically, they may helped helped create huge increases in net immigration in recent years, as well as encourage the small boats bringing asylum seekers across the Channel from France. Now the same political grifters are relentlessly campaigning on the issue of immigration to get votes and win power. It's time to explain the issues driving immigration and explode the myths of immigration, rather than exploit them.Read all about it!Professor Alan Manning - @alanmanning4 formerly Chairman of UK's Migration Advisory Committee has been investigating the issue for his new book, Why Immigration Policy Is Hard: And How to Make It Better is published by PolityNick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maino Mane does an expose on should a man marry or play the field? The Don examines the true reasons why women want marriage and what it means for women to be married. Regardless of how modern day women may claim that marriage is no big deal , or guys believing that women actually want to be single is absolutely absurd. Moreover, we get into the importance of gaining experience and the freedom it brings a dom once he adopts an abundance mindset with women and in life. Historically speaking, the only way a gentleman was really allowed to have access to a damsel was either via the institution of marriage or by way of distribution of prostitution. When we take into account the degeneracy of millennial women its no wonder we have seen the deflation in marriages and an uptick in the amount of divorces. Ironically, women of our day and time are actually encouraged to be serial daters before actually settling down. So it behooves a young man to proceed with caution whether casual dating but especially when it comes to vetting a young lady for marriage -- which is a man's greatest decision in life. Support the show:https://cash.app./$MainoManedadonhttp://paypal.me/theprimalbeastTo book a consultation or for business inquiries please send an email to: theprimalbeast1@gmail.com Shows are currently streaming live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and iHeart radio streaming apps and many more! Simply go to your favorite listening platform and enter 'The Primal Beast' Podcast to access our shows! Thank you for your time.

John Gaspard is an author, filmmaker, and podcaster. His latest book, Held Over:Harold and Maude at The Westgate Theater, documents how Minneapolis'Westgate Theater extended the run of a box-office flop until it became a cultfavorite, drawing celebrity visits, superfans, and neighborhood protests.He writes two mystery series: the ten-book Eli Marks Mystery Series, featuring amagician-turned-detective, and the three-book Como Lake Players Mystery Series, set in a community theater where backstage tensions turn deadly.On Behind the Page: The Eli Marks Podcast, he hosts interviews with entertainers,magicians and others, along with readings from The Eli Marks mystery series of novels. Gaspard is also the author of Fast, Cheap, and Under Control and Fast, Cheap,and Written That Way, best-selling nonfiction guides to low-budget filmmaking. He has directed and produced six feature films. Ironically, the books made more than the movies. John also wrote episodes for the international western-comedy series Lucky Luke,starring Terence Hill, who's as quick to pick up a check in real life as his character is at drawing a six-gun on screen Held Over: Harold and Maude at The Westgate Theater can be found here: https://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/ - /held-over-harold-and-maude-at-the- westgate-theater/ The Eli Marks Mysteries and The Como Lake Players Mysteries can be found here: https://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/eli-marks The Filmmaking Books can be found here: https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/ James Lott Jr is the host.

I was indoctrinated into the Catholic religion long before I had the maturity to make an informed decision, a conscious, rational decision as to whether or not Catholicism aligned with the unique rendering of my soul. It started when I was a few weeks old, placing me permanently on the double secret catholic rolls never to be expunged. The overt persuasion continued through my vulnerable years with parochial schooling and being frog-marched to weekly mass well into my teens before I found a way to sneak off to the arcade in lieu of my weekly obligation. Ironically, the faith is predicated on the concept of free will, but my malleable mind was not given a choice to opt out of the lengthy brainwashing. Thankfully, I developed a fortitude to fight the good fight and think freely...despite the mother voice nagging at the base of my skull.

A Wellington bar owner could be stripped of his liquor license for offering a bar tab as a pub quiz prize. Courtney Place's Dakota Bar advertises a first prize reward of a $150 tab. Owner Jose Ubiaga has to appear before the council's Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority. He says he's been told to reword offering winners a food and drink voucher, to avoid the perception he was giving away alcohol. He says it can be used to pay for anything at the bar. "Ironically, when people do redeem our bar tab, 95 percent of our sales will be food and non-alcoholic drinks." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Marsha recounts a powerful story known as "The Acres of Diamonds," from Matt Cook's book, Beyond Wanting, which illustrates how individuals frequently overlook the treasures that lie within their own lives while searching desperately for fulfillment elsewhere. The tale follows a farmer in 1800s Africa who, driven by the desire to provide for his family, sells his farm in pursuit of diamonds. After years of fruitless searching and ultimately losing everything, he tragically takes his own life. Ironically, the new owner of the farmer's land discovers that it sits atop one of the richest diamond mines in history, highlighting the notion that what we seek is often right in front of us. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Story of Acres of Diamonds 00:01:00 - The Search for Worth and Success 00:02:00 - The Farmer's Journey for Diamonds 00:03:30 - The Tragic End of the Farmer 00:04:30 - The Ironic Discovery of Diamonds 00:05:30 - Perception and Projection: What We See 00:06:30 - The Importance of Internal State 00:07:30 - Shifting Focus to What We Have 00:08:30 - The Power of Language and Identity 00:09:30 - Recognizing Internal Abundance 00:10:30 - The Role of Support in Growth 00:11:30 - Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind 00:12:30 - Understanding Your Own Worth 00:13:30 - Standing on Your Own Acres of Diamonds Marsha Vanwynsberghe — NLP Storytelling Trainer, OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster Unbothered Mind Private Podcast https://www.marshavanw.com/unbotheredmindpodcast Unbothered Entrepreneur Masterclass (for the Podcast Listeners): https://www.marshavanw.com/unbothered-entrepreneur-masterclass-podcast Download "You Are Supported" Hypnosis and Subliminal Bundle HERE Join the next cohort of OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification (kick-off in January 2026, in person or virtual) HERE The Stories We Tell Ourselves Digital Program August Promo Save $333 HERE. Tap the "Follow" button never to miss a show, and if you love the show, please feel free to tag me on social media, share it with a friend, or leave me a rating and review. This really helps the show grow! Website: www.marshavanw.comConnect on IG, click HERESubscribe on YouTube, click HERE

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251123dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” Luke 23:36-37 Jesus Is a King Quick! What thoughts come to your mind when you hear the word “king”? Do you think of crowns and palaces? The finest clothes and the best food? Lots of servants doing whatever the king wants them to do? I would guess that “being crucified” wasn’t at the top of your list. And yet, that is what’s happening to Jesus in the Bible verse for today. Jesus is being crucified. The charge placed on the sign above him was: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Ironically, the charge is true. Jesus IS the King of the Jews. In fact, he’s King of all. Oh, Jesus doesn’t look much like a king as he’s hanging on the cross. But when we’re reminded of why he’s there, things become clear. Jesus is there because he wants to save us. He’s on the cross not to save himself but to save you and me. A good king will battle for his people. Well, Jesus fought the ultimate battle for you and me—the battle against sin, death, and the devil’s power. He fought that battle all the way to—and through—the cross. True, at his crucifixion, Jesus doesn’t look like a king to our eyes. But our eyes of faith see the most glorious King of all, the King who has saved us. It’s a nice way to begin Thanksgiving week, isn’t it? Prayer: Oh Jesus, what a gracious King you are! Remind me that you’ve battled for me, winning forgiveness for me, winning eternity for me, that I might live my life in the peace of knowing I’m part of your eternal kingdom. Fill me with thankfulness, O gracious King! Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251123dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” Luke 23:36-37 Jesus Is a King Quick! What thoughts come to your mind when you hear the word “king”? Do you think of crowns and palaces? The finest clothes and the best food? Lots of servants doing whatever the king wants them to do? I would guess that “being crucified” wasn’t at the top of your list. And yet, that is what’s happening to Jesus in the Bible verse for today. Jesus is being crucified. The charge placed on the sign above him was: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Ironically, the charge is true. Jesus IS the King of the Jews. In fact, he’s King of all. Oh, Jesus doesn’t look much like a king as he’s hanging on the cross. But when we’re reminded of why he’s there, things become clear. Jesus is there because he wants to save us. He’s on the cross not to save himself but to save you and me. A good king will battle for his people. Well, Jesus fought the ultimate battle for you and me—the battle against sin, death, and the devil’s power. He fought that battle all the way to—and through—the cross. True, at his crucifixion, Jesus doesn’t look like a king to our eyes. But our eyes of faith see the most glorious King of all, the King who has saved us. It’s a nice way to begin Thanksgiving week, isn’t it? Prayer: Oh Jesus, what a gracious King you are! Remind me that you’ve battled for me, winning forgiveness for me, winning eternity for me, that I might live my life in the peace of knowing I’m part of your eternal kingdom. Fill me with thankfulness, O gracious King! Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Rosemary started drinking at age 6 with a sip of beer. But unlike other children, whose experience with beer was an occasional sip, Rosemary's beer drinking became an everyday occurrence. Her parents, distracted by their own severe alcoholism, allowed her to continue drinking daily from age 6 until she got sober in her 20's. As the oldest of five children in a very dysfunctional family, Rosemary also became the chief caregiver for her younger siblings, essentially raising them while her parents' disease made them oblivious to the needs of their own children. When she finally escaped the alcoholic madness of her childhood home, Rosemary's daily drinking, bolstered by a variety of drugs, left her on the streets of New York City where her alcoholism and drug addiction flourished. But an early marriage to an alcoholic led to a pregnancy that was the turning point in her life. Scared by the prospects of having a baby with medical problems, Rosemary quit the alcohol and drugs cold turkey. Ironically, the DTs she suffered were mistaken for symptoms of morning sickness and neither she nor any of her doctors connected the dots. Fortunately, the baby was born healthy and Rosemary was sober for the first time in her life. A brief stint in Al-Anon re-directed her to the doors of AA, where she became a compliant and active member of the Program. Rosemary's story has quite a few twists and turns, including a period of sobriety during which she attended few meetings. But she never strayed too far. Years of intensive trauma therapy helped realign her ability and willingness to both share in meetings and work with others. Her experience in therapy combined with a strong AA program, is one that many of us sober alcoholics have in our sobriety stories. In Rosemary's life, that experience has been indispensable. Interestingly, she directly credits her success in business to what she learned at the hand of alcoholic parents, as well as what she experienced on the streets of New York. As you listen to Rosemary's story, her soft-spoken words convey the importance of coming to terms with past demons. The sobriety she's crafted over the past 40 years reflects both hard work in the program and a heart-felt desire to help others. So sit back and enjoy the next 60 minutes with my friend and AA sister, Rosemary B. If you've enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It's a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.  I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who've never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It's also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you'd like to read along with the audio. [Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA's 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.] 

 In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that Ahaz's warning from God is the same warning to us. We need to believe God's Word, stand firm in His truth, and trust that He will establish us. When we doubt and waver, it allows fear to enter our minds, and we make choices based on fear rather than faith. We also see in this section of Isaiah that Ahaz's heart was far from the Lord. Ironically, God chooses whomever He wants as leaders, despite what they believe or how they live. Isn't it the same with us, though? God can use us, despite our weaknesses, doubts, and shortcomings. Are you willing? 

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Experiencing the Spirit of Grace Over the last fifty years, there has been a remarkable resurgence in preaching and teaching about God's grace. Sadly, like so many biblical doctrines, grace has often become something people talk about—but seldom experience. I've witnessed some of the most irrational arguments over subtle doctrinal points about grace. Ironically, the behavior of those arguing usually reveals that, while they may have the right information about grace, they are not living in the power of grace! Rarely do we hear people talk about how grace is actively transforming their lives—making them more stable in their walk with God, bolder in sharing their faith, more loving, kind, and patient. What's even more troubling is that, for many, the message of grace has not softened their hearts—it has hardened them. Instead of becoming more compassionate and understanding, they've become more critical and less patient with those who do not embrace their doctrinal position. We are all given the gift of God's grace when we are born again, but that doesn't mean we've truly received it—that is, taken hold of it by faith. Until we do, grace remains only a doctrine we can discuss, not a power that changes our lives! Grace is one of the great distinctions between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant describes righteousness, love, ethics, and morality—but it didn't give us the power to live them. But the grace of God makes us able! It is the power, strength, capacity, and ability that works from our hearts! The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Grace, revealing that grace is more than an impersonal power. It is a manifestation of the person and power of the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is not only our Counselor and Teacher—He is our strength. He manifests Himself within us, empowering us to live, function, and walk fully in the life of God. Join me this week as we move beyond mere discussion—into the living, transforming power of God's grace! The Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Cor 4:20). If we only talk about grace but are not experiencing the power of grace, it is mere doctrine, not life!!

Do you remember the half-hour cartoon show called “The Jetsons”? The futuristic 1962 prime-time half-hour cartoon became ABC’s very first color television program shown by the network.  After a one-year run in the evenings, reruns of “The Jetsons” remained on Saturday mornings for decades. The show’s premise involved a space-aged middle-class office worker named George Jetson and his family (including the family dog, Astro) as they dealt with issues of the day (which were remarkably like today’s). One particular episode introduced an extremely smart and sophisticated computerized robot “genius” named UniBlab.  The president of George Jetson’s company president bought UniBlab to improve efficiency and reduce the number of workers (including, of course, George Jetson). Artificial intelligence (AI) is now doing the same thing to many jobs today.  Let’s return to that subject a bit later. All Hail to “King” Kiffin and his SEC Court This week’s college football coaching carousel has one particular man being flown around and treated like a king in both Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Gainesville, Florida. Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin already makes $9 million per year.  His 10-1 Rebels are a virtual lock to play in their first College Football Playoff game in December. The Ole Miss Rebels have this week off as they prepare for a regular season finale against intrastate rival Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl game a week from Friday in Starkville. Coach Lane Kiffin was already the toast of Oxford, Mississippi.  The school’s athletics director has offered the football coach a very generous contract extension which currently is awaiting Kiffin’s signature – if he wants to remain the football coach at Ole Miss. November is a big season for hunters. Two of the SEC’s “Big Name” hunters are trying to bag a very expensive trophy named Lane Kiffin during this week’s open season on football coaches. LSU (which fired Brian Kelly) and Florida (ditto for Billy Napier) are openly courting Lane Kiffin to leave northern Mississippi and lead their SEC football programs next season. Both schools are expected to dangle upwards of $12 million per season to lure “King” Kiffin away from multitudes of his loyal subjects in Oxford, Mississippi. A fool and his money…??? At what point will major college football programs learn their lesson about signing coaches to long-term multi-million dollar contracts which require the payment of tens of millions of dollars if the deal doesn’t work out? There are plenty of wealthy benefactors at the University of Florida and LSU.  Ole Miss has its share of big money supporters, too. Most every major college football program today has wealthy alumni and fans who will gladly fork-over the money with one string attached. The new coaching hire must bring about the required return on investment made by the big rollers. It’s called, “Our team must make it into the College Football Playoffs and compete for a national championship nearly every year!” But what if it doesn’t? A little over a year ago, Penn State won its first game in the first 12-team College Football Playoffs.  The Nittany Lions clobbered SMU 38-10 in Round 1.  They beat Boise State 31-14 in Round 2.  PSU then lost a squeaker to Notre Dame 27-24 in the national semifinals. By any measure, Penn State had a fantastic season in 2024. Did the team’s success in 2024 help Coach James Franklin keep his job this fall? Penn State fired its 12th year head football coach in October after the Nittany Lions lost three straight games following a 3-0 start.  During his tenure with Penn State, Coach James Franklin’s teams won 70% of their games in what has become known recently as “Unhappy” Valley. James Franklin wasn’t unemployed for very long. Earlier this week, Coach Franklin found a new coaching home as he will lead Virginia Tech’s football program in 2026. Yes, it is true that Coach James Franklin still hasn’t won a national championship. Then again, neither has Virginia Tech. Neither had coach Brian Kelly (Western Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and LSU). Ditto for coach Billy Napier (UL-Lafayette and Florida). This week’s rock star head coach (Lane Kiffin) hasn’t come close to winning a national championship, either Lane Kiffin is the well-traveled 50-year old son of legendary NFL defensive guru Monte Kiffin. The younger Kiffin played quarterback at Fresno State.  He quickly became a top college football assistant coach.  Kiffin worked his way up into the offensive coordinator position at the University of Southern California beginning in 2005. In 2007, the NFL’s Oakland Raiders hired 31-year old Lane Kiffin to become the youngest head football coach in franchise history.  After going 4-12 in his first NFL season, Kiffin was fired by Oakland the following season after a 1-3 start. Lane Kiffin returned to college football in 2009 as the head coach at the University of Tennessee.  After posting a 7-6 record during his first season in Knoxville, Lane Kiffin shocked Vol Nation by leaving to take the top job at USC in January, 2010. Coach Kiffin had three seasons of mild success with the Trojans before he was fired in late September, 2013 after losing two straight conference games early in his fourth season at USC.  Ironically, future LSU head coach Ed Orgeron replaced Kiffin as the interim head coach for the USC Trojans for the remainder of that regular season. Coach Nick Saban hired Lane Kiffin to become Alabama’s offensive coordinator a few months later in January, 2014. Kiffin performed well enough to be offered the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton (Fort Lauderdale area) beginning in 2017. The FAU Owls went 11-3, 5-7, and 10-3 before Lane Kiffin was hired by Ole Miss beginning with the 2020 football season. Lane Kiffin is now in his sixth year with the Rebels.  His Ole Miss football teams have produced a 74% winning percentage with four ten-win seasons in six years. Despite that success, Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels have not played in either the SEC Championship game or the College Football Playoffs. At least not yet. So, why does everyone want Lane Kiffin? This is purely a supply vs. demand problem. There are ten FBS college football teams searching for a new head coach.  The now 50-year old Lane Kiffin has acquired a great deal of experience and (perhaps) a bit of humility in his coaching journeys. Kiffin has also admitted that he is a recovering alcoholic for nearly five years.  He has become closer than ever to his family since taking the job at Ole Miss in 2020. Lane Kiffin is what I would call an “old soul” to be such a relatively young major college football coach.  His ability to recruit top players and assistant coaches for his staff have helped to make him the nation’s biggest coaching “get” on the market. However, Lane Kiffin will become the most hated man in the state of Mississippi for at least the next decade if should accept the top job at either Florida or LSU soon. Which brings us back to The Jetsons Why pay tens of millions of dollars to the next football coach (and an expensive assistant coaching staff) at Florida, LSU, Penn State, etc. if the new coach has such a small chance of succeeding? Remember 2022, Gator Nation?  Fans were giddy about their SEC title possibilities after they hired a former Nick Saban assistant coach named Billy Napier to become Florida’s newest head football coach. Ditto for LSU after they wrangled Coach Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame to coach for the Tigers starting in 2022. How did those deals work out for you? Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could mean that (let’s say) Grok from Twitter might have a high statistical chance of replicating the success of most major college football coaches in game planning and play-calling. We already know that most major college football teams (especially Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels) lean heavily on advanced analytics and statistical models to make key decisions – especially on certain “down and distance” play calls. What if a college football team which rarely posts winning seasons (such as the UL-Monroe Warhawks) was to hire a cheaper and smaller group of under-30 coaches and fully utilize AI to find and sign key players, develop weekly game plans, and recommend play calls during the game? The money saved on the team’s coaching staff could be rolled into paying for better players. What would a struggling college football team have to lose by trying such an approach? The continued bidding war for both football coaches and players may put the proverbial nail in the coffin for a number of current FBS programs – even with the increased revenue from television and media deals. Perhaps hiring Coach AI UniBlab to run your favorite team may be coming sooner than you think! The post Ready for an AI College Football Coach yet? appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

We know plenty of stories related to how people find their romantic partner, but how do you find your perfect business partner? Find out in this episode as we chat with Paul Lanzarotti and Gabriel Sauma. Seven years ago, Paul founded a unique consumer goods company, Floor-Fix Pro, launched after solving a problem he needed to fix in his own home. His young daughter Sienna was a baby at the time, and his new floors squeaked, waking her.  His lines of sustainable DIY products have become a global brand, and about a year ago, he realized he needed a partner with a financial background to help him grow and organize the business. Ironically, his young daughter helped with this problem as well.  Her friend's father, Gabriel Sauma, recently left his banking job to join Paul on this entrepreneurial journey. Learn tips on how to find your way to soul work and perhaps your next business partner from this unlikely story. 

Our CIO and Chief U.S. Equity Strategist Mike Wilson explains why he continues to hold on to an out-of-consensus view of a growth positive 2026, despite near-term risks.Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Mike Wilson, Morgan Stanley's CIO and Chief U.S. Equity Strategist. Today I'll discuss our outlook for 2026 that we published earlier this week. It's Wednesday, Nov 19th at 6:30 am in New York. So, let's get after it. 2026 is a continuation of the story we have been telling for the past year. Looking back to a year ago, our U.S. equity outlook was for a challenging first half, followed by a strong second half. At the time of publication, this was an out of consensus stance. Many expected a strong first half, as President Trump took office for his second term. And then a more challenging second half due to the return of inflation. We based our differentiated view on the notion that policy sequencing in the new Trump administration would intentionally be growth negative to start. We likened the strategy to a new CEO choosing to ‘kitchen sink' the results in an effort to clear the decks for a new growth positive strategy. We thought that transition would come around mid-year. The U.S. economy had much less slack when President Trump took office the second time, compared to the first time he came into office. And this was the main reason we thought it was likely to be sequenced differently. Earnings revisions breadth and other cyclical indicators were also in a phase of deceleration at the end of 2024. In contrast, at the beginning of 2017—when we were out of consensus bullish—earnings revisions breadth and many cyclical gauges were starting to reaccelerate after the manufacturing and commodity downturn of 2015/2016. Looking back on this year, this cadence of policy sequencing did broadly play out—it just happened faster and more dramatically than we expected. Our views on the policy front still appear to be out of consensus. Many industry watchers are questioning whether policies enacted this year will ultimately lead to better growth going forward, especially for the average stock. From our perspective, the policy choices being made are growth positive for 2026 and are largely in line with our ‘run it hot' thesis. There's another factor embedded in our more constructive take. April marked the end of a rolling recession that began three years prior. The final stages were a recession in government thanks to DOGE, a rate of change trough in expectations around AI CapEx growth and trade policy, and a recession in consumer services that is still ongoing. In short, we believe a new bull market and rolling recovery began in April which means it's still early days, and not obvious—especially for many lagging parts of the economy and market. That is the opportunity. The missing ingredient for the typical broadening in stock performance that happens in a new business cycle is rate cuts. Normally, the Fed would have cut rates more in this type of weakening labor market. But due to the imbalances and distortions of the COVID cycle, we think the Fed is later than normal in easing policy, and that has held back the full rotation toward early cycle winners. Ironically, the government shutdown has weakened the economy further, but has also delayed Fed action due to the lack of labor data releases. This is a near-term risk to our bullish 12-month forecasts should delays in the data continue, or lagging labor releases do not corroborate the recent weakness in non-govt-related jobs data. In our view, this type of labor market weakness coupled with the administration's desire to ‘run it hot' means that, ultimately, the Fed is likely to deliver more dovish policy than the market currently expects. It's really just a question of timing. But that is a near-term risk for equity markets and why many stocks have been weaker recently. In short, we believe a new bull market began in April with the end of a rolling recession and bear market. Remember the S&P [500] was down 20 percent and the average S&P stock was down more than 30 percent into April. This narrative remains underappreciated, and we think there is significant upside in earnings over the next year as the recovery broadens and operating leverage returns with better volumes and pricing in many parts of the economy. Our forecasts reflect this upside to earnings which is another reason why many stocks are not as expensive as they appear despite our acknowledgement that some areas of the market may appear somewhat frothy. For the S&P 500, our 12-month target is now 7800 which assumes 17 percent earnings growth next year and a very modest contraction in valuation from today's levels. Our favorite sectors include Financials, Industrials, and Healthcare. We are also upgrading Consumer Discretionary to overweight and prefer Goods over Services for the first time since 2021. Another relative trade we like is Software over Semiconductors given the extreme relative underperformance of that pair and positioning at this point. Finally, we like small caps over large for the first time since March 2021, as the early cycle broadening in earnings combined with a more accommodative Fed provides the backdrop we have been patiently waiting for. We hope you enjoy our detailed report published earlier this week and find it helpful as you navigate a changing marketplace on many levels. Thanks for tuning in. Let us know what you think by leaving us a review. And if you find Thoughts on the Market worthwhile, tell a friend or colleague to try it out!

When you are working on a technical or scientific innovation, pitching a specialized VC firm may seem like the light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, someone who will get it. Or… will they?Today's guest, Steve Molino, is Principal at Synthesis Capital based in New Jersey. And today's episode asks: How can founders with complex tech craft pitch decks that help them get there, past the initial interest? Ironically, having cutting-edge technology may make it harder, not easier.Steve Molino works across food tech and biotech. Previously, he led investment activity at Clear Current Capital as Partner and Head of Investments. He focused on early-stage investments and now covers Series A, B, or later.You are listening to Scaling Nerds, the podcast covering all things communications for science and tech founders. LinksConnect with Steve Molino:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmolino/Check out Synthesis https://synthesis.capital/Connect with me:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmidt-marina/⁠marina@r2g.mediaResources Mentioned:Granola AI SlidebeanSlidesgoCanva

Ironically, it all started with the Girl Scouts. When Marit Molin couldn't find a scout troop for her daughter on the east end, she started her own. Now, many years later, she is the ultimate girl scout. Marit's organization is called Hamptons Community Outreach. Their mission is simple. If someone in our community needs something, Marit and her team find a way to fill the need. Sometimes it's fixing a roof, or a floor, or a heating system. Sometimes it's finding housing to begin with. It's always about providing food-- her operation handles 20 tons of food at a time and distributes it to those who need it. More and more, it's helping young people get the resources they need to succeed in school-- things like tutoring, supplies, college counseling and the like. It's shocking to many of us how much need there is in this community, particularly with the backdrop of so much abundance and even excess. But the need is there, and Marit, her organization and their volunteers, are there to help bridge the gap. Her story is amazing, but what she manages to do, and how much she and her group provide is nothing short of fascinating. So tune in and hear her story of starting a girl scout troop, and becoming a grown up girl scout gone nuclear

Her Spontaineous Breastgasms: Part 2 Reliving a strange phenomenon. Based on a post by Many Feathers. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Lying there in bed, the feel of my wife's mouth and tongue as she teasingly pleasured me was erotic enough. Marsha could suck cock like nobody's business, and she was driving me nuts just as she knew she could. But what I also enjoyed was the fact she got aroused, turned on whenever I shared any experiences, any stories with her, just as she was now. And just as she so often did for me too. "So what happened after that night?" She then asked. I was having trouble concentrating, but then I drifted back in time...remembering. "It was that very next Monday, after school, and after I had taken a beating from my friends, though not in the literal sense. Stacy was on the prom committee, and they were meeting a short time later after school planning and preparing for our graduating dance. We'd previously agreed to meet at Johnson & Johnson's," I told her. I saw the confused look on my wife's face as I said that, knowing I'd have to explain, which I then did. "As in the baby oil?" she asked questioningly, as I knew she would. I laughed, shaking my head no. "No, we called it that because of two very popular teachers at the school a year back prior to all this. When the school was originally built, someone fucked up on the dimensions, when they built the wall between the auditorium and the gym, they didn't quite come together the way it had been planned for. What they ended up with was a little hall that led nowhere, a three and a half foot dead end. An alcove that later on they planted a tall fake tree in, though someone kept moving it. It became a running joke as to where the tree would end up, leaving that weird little alcove vacant. In the beginning, it was a place to go and steal a quick kiss with your girlfriend, it wasn't long before it became a status symbol for anyone who did." "Ok," Marsha said following along, "But where does the Johnson and Johnson come in?" she then asked. "Someone caught Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Johnson kissing one another in that alcove. "So? What's wrong with two obviously married teachers having a little fun, simply kissing one another?" "Nothing...except they were both married to different Johnson's at the time," I told her. "Oh!" My wife laughed. "Now I see!" "Over time, the story went from someone catching them kissing, to someone catching them touching, to finally...someone catching them actually fucking. Eventually they were both called in. Denied any of that ever happened of course, but sadly...they were both let go the following year. Ever since then, that alcove that then had a permanently chained tree sitting inside it, was known as Johnson and Johnson corner," which is where Stacy and I had agreed to meet after school. Now...the other thing about that was, the school had quite stupidly created the perfect place, the perfect camouflage to hide what now really began to happen there. Bushy enough, and big enough to hide someone's presence, it was no obstacle to slip around the tree and hide in back of it without being seen. So ironically, the very rumor that had caused the expulsion of the two teachers, now became even more symbolic, and more of a challenge to become a rapidly growing member of a very secretive club. Stacy wanted us to meet there, become members before we graduated. So we decided to meet there quickly before her committee meeting. I sighed delightedly as Marsha began sucking my cock hungrily. "Go on..." she slurred. "So anyway...she was already waiting for me behind the tree when I got there. She had taken off her top, her cute little boobs totally bare, nipples rock hard and waiting for me when I came around and found her. I doubt seriously that anyone actually fucked behind that tree, though there were claims by a few who said they did. I know we were scared that we'd still be discovered, even with it being after school. So I'm sure that a majority of those who claimed they had, were simple exaggerations as well. But Stacy and I were determined at least to do something, and that came in the form of me getting her off, simply by playing with her tits, which I did. I sucked them, played with her nipples, pulling on them just the way she liked until she came. And as I would learn later, I knew she had, simply by the way her face screwed up whenever she did, whether it was simply by tit-play, or when I eventually went down on her, and even fucked her for the first time the night we actually graduated. But I'll save that story for another time," I said smiling. "Point being...after that, wherever, and whenever we could over the course of the next few weeks, I was constantly getting Stacy off, just by playing with her tits whenever we could get away with it." "Well don't stop now...or I will!" Marsha warned me. "What happened next?" "Well, we got braver and bolder as the days went. Though since Stacy hardly ever wore a bra by now, that made it a whole lot easier for us. The fact her nipples seemed to get even more sensitive, making it easier for her to actually climax, and far more quickly too, we'd started doing things almost right out in the open in fact. As we often did, I had walked her to her next to last class, my own just across the hall from hers, we always had a few minutes to chat before the bell rang, so once again, as usual, we were standing there leaning up against the lockers as some of the others in our classes walked by. We were standing in such a way that we were shielding what my hand was doing to her with our books. I was just fingering her nipple, through her blouse in fact, though enjoying the fact it was fucking rock hard, flicking it back and forth, grazing it with my fingernail when she came. For a moment, I thought she was going to pass out, her eyes almost rolling into the back of her head, reaching out to steady herself, grabbing onto my arm as she climaxed. Which is when Miss Peterson, her teacher walked by heading towards the class. She saw the look on Stacy's face, stopped to ask if she was alright as she looked ill, about to pass out. It was all we could do to keep from laughing, though Stacy did in fact feign being "dizzy" after that, which she was...but not for the reason Miss Peterson thought of course. She then asked if I'd take Stacy down to the nurses office and have her looked at. Which I did. I gave her another orgasm while sitting in the office waiting for the nurse to come out and see her. Like I said, we started doing some pretty risky things then, disappearing into one classroom or another between our own classes. Sometimes...if we had time, Stacy would jerk me off. She loved having me cum on her tits, which very often made her cum again, just thinking about my sticky wet spunk clinging to her boobs. After that happened the first couple of times, I started calling her "Breastgasm" since she seemed to be able to have an orgasm almost at the drop of a hat, or rather...at the merest, slightest touch of my hands on her tits. It was almost automatic with her after that." "So what happened that caused the two of you to breakup?" My wife asked. "Well that really is the weird and sad part to the story. As I told you, Stacy and I had already decided we were going to give one another our virginity on graduation night. We'd been talking about it, and planning it for the past couple of weeks. I'd actually booked a nice room at a nearby hotel, though I wasn't the only one who had done that either. Once again, it was something a lot of seniors did, getting rooms under the pretense of not driving home drunk, which everyone's parents knew we would be. And completely ignoring, or overlooking the obvious. Such was the way of things back then. Anyway, we made a mistake, got caught...though at the time, neither one of us knew it, not until the very next day, during the dance. And even then, Stacy didn't let on anything until much later on that evening, after we'd actually had sex for the very first time together. It was the first... and last time we ever did." "Go on," My wife said, completely forgetting all about my cock now, though she still held it in her hand. "What happened then?" "We were both horny...and careless, thinking about the following night. I'd gone to help Stacy with the last of the decorations in the gym prior to the dance. We had decided to have one of our "tit quickies" and ducked out, thinking we'd be alone and unnoticed as we slipped into the girl's locker room, back into the shower area. Obviously, no one was in there, and certainly not in the showers, so we thought we were perfectly safe. Unbeknownst to either one of us, John, Danny, Jake and Matthew had seen us duck out, and soon after, followed us inside. They all watched as I stood there sucking on Stacy's tits, watched as she climaxed, and then climaxed again...and again...and, again! They knew then, I'd been telling them the truth the first time when I first told them she could, and did actually climax that way. They left before we did, so at first, neither one of us knew they had seen us. We went back to the gym, and I soon after left as Stacy was going home with one of the other girls as soon as they finished up.      John was waiting for her out in the parking lot when they came out. He then told her what I had told all of them so very long ago. How she could cum simply by having her boobs played with. He didn't tell her they'd actually watched us doing that either. As far as she knew, I'd been bragging all along, telling all my friends everything we'd done and had been doing. He then clinched it by telling her I had in fact just told him a short while ago, how we'd gone into the shower room together, and how I'd gotten her off then too." "And yet the two of you still went to the dance, and even fucked afterwards that evening?" My wife asked incredulously. "Yeah, we did. Like I said, that was the weird part. Stacy never let on just how upset and mad at me that she was. But...oddly enough, she also didn't want things to end between us, until we actually had made love together, at least once anyway. So that's what happened. I went through the entire evening without a clue that anything was wrong. After the dance, we went back to the hotel, made love, which I thought was beautiful for us both, but then afterwards, she got up, said she needed to do something, and left. Which surprised me as she didn't explain what it was or why. So I waited, wondering...and then finally got up and went looking for her. As I said, there were several couples from our class that had booked rooms there. There were parties going on everywhere, so I thought that maybe Stacy had gotten sucked into one of them. I started looking for her, going from room to room. And then I found her a short time later." I paused remembering, it all seemed so surreal back then, even now. "Remember that guy I told you about sitting next to us at the drive-in?" "Yeah?" "Well, we ran into one another in the hallway, literally. He was running, came around the corner when we collided. Took him a minute to remember me, recognize who I was. When he did, he smiled sheepishly and said, "Hey man...sorry to hear about you and your girlfriend, but from what I hear, she really is hot, and really can get off just by having her boobs played with!" "Stunned, I watched as he ran down the hall, knocked on a door, and then let himself in. Which is when I heard Stacy's laugh. The way she laughed, especially when she was drunk, horny and excited, was unmistakable. I then ran down the hall myself, didn't bother knocking, just opened the door. She was standing there in her formal gown, except that her boobs were bare, hanging out. John was sucking on one of them as she stood there, some other guy, someone I didn't know, sucking on the other. She was in the midst of having an orgasm at that very moment when I walked in. Needless to say, I turned around and left. Drove home. Two weeks later I was in the Navy and headed for boot camp. Never saw Stacy again." "So how did you find out the truth about why she did what she did?" My wife asked. "Ironically, it was at the ten year reunion. Stacy wasn't even there, she didn't come. I heard through the grapevine she had in fact just gotten back from her honeymoon, and perhaps knowing I was going to be there, decided under the circumstances that it wouldn't be a good idea for her to show up. Obviously, the wounds were still deep enough that she would feel awkward running into me again, even though she had recently gotten married. It was towards the end of the evening when I heard laughter coming from a nearby table, I walked over just in time to hear someone sitting there telling this story how the four of them had walked in on Stacy and me in the shower area. He then proceeded to tell the others sitting there how Stacy was duped into believing I'd betrayed her. Needless to say, he shut up when he looked up and saw me standing only a few feet away, but by then I'd heard everything. I looked around, saw John standing over by the buffet table talking to another old girlfriend of his, and walked over. Up until now, I'd avoided him and the other guys most of the night. I tapped him on the shoulder, he turned around surprised to find me standing there, and actually offered me his hand. That's when I turned the lights out for him. I left soon afterwards. But at least now I knew why things had happened the way they had." "Well, I for one am glad that they did, or I might not be married to you now," Marsha told me as she slid up onto my chest, hovering just above me as she rested her wet moist pussy against my shaft. "Still a sad story though, wonder if she'll be at the reunion this year?" she asked. I didn't answer, nor think about it any further. I simply slid my hard cock deep inside my wife's lovely cunt, and enjoyed the pleasure I found there. ** On Friday we went to my high school thirty year reunion, which was actually being held at the old high school. The first thing Marsha asked me to show her when we walked in was Johnson & Johnson corner. I laughed when we arrived there, it had been walled up and bricked in. Something they perhaps should have done to begin with, though the wall itself was now covered with hundreds of carved initials. I looked about hurriedly, withdrew my pocketknife and added my own, as well as Stacy's to the display. Marsha laughed hugging me to her, and then followed me over to the sign in table so we could pick up our name badges. For those who had graduated and were in attendance, they had included a picture of how we'd looked back then; beside our names. After thirty years, a lot of people had changed and it was becoming harder and harder to recognize a few people the way they looked now as opposed to the way they looked back then. Some as I saw as Marsha and I wandered about hadn't changed all that much. Though there was the maturity of age that touched us all, the eyes never did change. We stood and spoke with friends I knew and still considered to be so, feeling more and more pleased about myself that I hadn't let myself go as opposed to a few others that were there. Periodically I glanced about, wondering if Stacy would in fact be there this year, not at all sad to find that John and the other three pricks weren't. "Maybe they heard you were coming," my wife joked when I told her I hadn't seen any of the others. I laughed at that. "I caught John by surprise," I reminded her. "He was bigger than I was even then, if anything...it should be me who should be worried," I quipped back, though after thirty years, I couldn't imagine that John would still be holding a grudge. Either way, I decided it might be best to keep my eyes out for him, just in case. We mingled for a bit, chatted it up with a few friends, and then found ourselves a table to sit at as dinner began. As we were sitting there, I glanced up about to take a bite of my prime rib when I saw her. "Oh my god! She's here!" I said speaking to my wife. Marsha didn't need to ask who, or where, she looked up in the direction I was looking. Stacy stood only a short distance away, looking towards us, it was evident she had just seen me too. "Invite her over," my wife told me. "Go on David...wave her over. I'd like to meet her for one. But maybe it's about time you finally put the past behind the two of you," she added. I kissed my wife, stood, and waved in Stacy's direction. Surprised, she smiled and then somewhat awkwardly made her way over. There was an extra seat at our table, Marsha again the one to invite her to sit down and join us as I introduced the two of them. "Been a long time, David," she said after meeting my wife. "You haven't changed all that much," she told me. "Neither have you," I replied back. Aside from putting on a few extra pounds, which we all had, and now wearing her long hair cut short, far shorter than I would have imagined her ever wearing it, she really hadn't. "Well thanks, but you're just being kind," she said taking her seat. "Your wife's beautiful," she then added once again smiling towards Marsha. "David's always had good taste in women," Marsha responded back winking at her. The awkwardness of the moment in seeing her again quickly passed. Before long we were enjoying our dinner together and catching up on old times. It was then that I noticed she wasn't wearing a wedding ring, though I didn't ask her about it until she brought it up herself, explaining that she had actually gotten divorced two years ago. What I didn't know until that moment, was the fact she had married Jake, one of the guys who had actually spied on the two of us in the shower room. "Sorry to hear that," I told her, though I was smiling secretly to myself that she'd eventually dumped the guy. By now, we were all feeling comfortable around one another, though the free-flowing booze had certainly helped. "I don't know how much David has told you about us," she wondered asking, as my wife answered her.     "David and I don't have, or keep any secrets from one another," Marsha told her. "In fact, we very often share things with one another in the heat of the moment...if you know what I mean," she surprised me in explaining to her. "So I'm very much aware of everything between the two of you, and don't mind saying...I'm jealous of you. Wish I had the ability to do that myself, do you still?" Marsha then asked, shocking me in asking it that she did, and seeing poor Stacy's face suddenly turn crimson at the question. Though thankfully, she laughed at that, out loud. "To be perfectly honest with you both...it has been a while. But yes, as David and you obviously both know, I can yes." I excused myself to step outside for a smoke, giving the two of them a chance to talk freely for one. It seemed like Stacy was glad for the companionship, and it gave me a chance to collect myself after seeing her again for the first time in years. It wasn't as though I had any feelings for her, beyond hoping we could at least bury the past. But I did hope that perhaps at some point we could sit down and have lunch together, and then let bygones be bygones. When I returned, the girls were missing, though Cheryl and Mike who'd been sitting with us at the table informed me the girls had headed off to the restroom and would be back shortly. They returned a few minutes later, laughing and holding hands like they'd been friends for years. "Stacy took me on a tour of the girl's locker room," she stated as they retook their seats. "I had to see the infamous place for myself," she then teased Stacy, who once again sat there blushing as she said that. But her comment and tour had opened up the door, which I prepared to step through myself, though Stacy beat me to it before I could. "I'm sorry about what happened," she told me. "I didn't learn the truth until several years later," she added. "I should have known better...but, I was young at the time..." "As we all were," I interjected. Stacy nodded her head and continued. "You know the really ironic thing was, even after I had learned the truth about what had really happened, I still forgave Jake for his role in it, determined to make my marriage work. The fact that I could actually climax, just by having my boobs played with," she now whispered quietly to us both, "suddenly became less exciting to him that it had been in the beginning. After a time, Jake actually came to resent the fact that I could, and up until then did. After a while, he refused to even touch them, figuring that I wasn't normal, or at least normal enough for him anyway. Unfortunately of course, that led to resentment on both sides, and I refused to climax any other way until he relented, and showed me some attention in that area, which he refused to do. That however eventually led to our divorce two years ago. And as they say, the rest is history." It was an odd sensation for me, hearing Stacy talk so candidly with the two of us, reminding me in the process what it had been like all those many years ago, simply playing with her boobs, whenever, and wherever we could, watching and hearing her get off that way. Not too surprisingly, I was soon sitting there with a massive erection still thinking about it. Something that didn't go unnoticed either as my wife had soon after dropped her hand down into my lap beneath the table, and began stroking it through my pants. For once, I was glad I hadn't wore beige slacks, which I'd almost put on. ** It was now getting late, nearing the end of the evening. I'd already convinced Stacy into having lunch with me sometime in the very near future, though Marsha had actually one upped me, inviting her over for dinner one evening in addition to that. We soon after made our farewells, saying goodnight to a few others and then left, though not before I had given Stacy an affectionate kiss on the cheek before doing so. "Well, all in all, I'd say the evening went rather well," Marsha spoke shortly after we'd arrived home and were preparing for bed, though by the evil wicked grin on my wife's face, I could see it would be a long time yet before we actually planned on sleeping. As aroused as I was, I didn't mind that. We could after all sleep in the following day, so one of our marathon sex sessions seemed to be exactly what the doctor had ordered. "I'm going to fix myself a drink, would you like one?" she asked. I was already lying in bed, cock in hand at full mast waiting on her. "Sure, why not?" I grinned, waving my cock back and forth towards her temptingly. She grinned, winked. "Hold that...thought," she smiled and then hurriedly disappeared downstairs to fix our drinks before rejoining me. I waited patiently, and then heard her returning a few minutes later coming back up the stairs. Once again, I fisted my rock hard cock, all swollen, purple and angry looking, pointing it towards the doorway. The look on her face as she entered wasn't one I expected. To begin with, it wasn't my wife's. It was Stacy's. "What the...?" I didn't quite finish, shocked, surprised, stunned was more like it as Stacy stood there in the doorway looking at me. She was entirely naked, as was my wife, as a moment later, she stepped behind her, the two of them now standing together looking at me as I lay there in disbelief. "Surprise!" Marsha grinned. "How the hell?" Marsha chuckled, now leading Stacy into our bedroom. "I convinced her earlier, in the bathroom, after our tour through the showers," she informed me. "At first of course...she was reluctant, hesitant to do this. But I assured her I was ok with it, and thought it might be a good way for the two of you to at least become friends again. Things ended between the two of you on such a bad note, so anyway...I convinced her to do this with me. And besides, I wanted to watch her cum while you...and I, played with her tits." I still couldn't believe I was seeing this, hearing this, but as the two of them approached the bed and then crawled into it on either side of me, I knew then, I actually wasn't dreaming. "You're sure about this?" I asked my wife once again. "Baby? I wouldn't miss seeing this for the world!" she told me, and then reached over actually fondling one of Stacy's tits even before I did. Stacy moaned softly, wantonly, already giving in to the too long, unfulfilled urge of having her tits toyed with just the way she liked it. I soon after joined my wife, now touching, kissing, and eventually sucking on the other one, just as she was. True to form, it wasn't long before Stacy had what would be the first, and certainly not the last, of her breastgasms, as my own wife actually referred to it then. Telling Stacy in the process that I had indeed shared with my wife pretty much everything about our past history together, including the pet name I had once given her. It became a blur of sensual delight after that. It had been a long time since I'd had my tongue inside Stacy's cunt, licking her, sucking her clit, and teasing her as I once remembered doing. My own wife, sitting on my cock, feeling it embedded so deeply inside her, the two girls, laughing, teasing, pleasuring one another as they sat atop me, playing with one another's tits. Naturally, Stacy came, though be it from what I was doing, or Marsha, or a combination of both, no longer mattered. Marsha too enjoyed a nice screaming orgasm as well, triggering the first of my own as I jettisoned what felt like a gallon of cream into my wife's wonderfully delicious, sweet feeling pussy. I was soon after treated to another fantasy of my own, as both women lay to either side of me, taking turns feeding one another my cock, often licking and lapping at it together, sucking it, and then even kissing one another with my once again rock hard cock sandwiched between the two them. I took selfish delight in just laying there, watching them as they worked my cock together, finally bringing me to the edge soon after. I lay, watching my spunk suddenly leaping from the head of my cock as the two of them playfully fought over it, squirting and showering one another with my essence before going back to sucking and licking me. They likewise did the same to one another, which was even more erotic and sensual the way I saw it. I had finally rolled away, off the bed, collecting myself and taking a breather. I sat down in one of our nearby lounge chairs, sipping my drink, content to watch the two of them. I had never seen, nor witnessed what could only be described as a titty-suck "69", though that's exactly what it was. The two of them positioned just enough they could simultaneously pleasure one another's tits, hearing their respective, mutual moans and groans as they did so. I don't think I ever remember seeing my wife's nipples as hard or as firm as they were now. And seeing Stacy's again too, remembering back then how they had looked like, felt like when I'd pleasured her before. Now watching as my wife did the playing, pleasuring, as she in turned was on the receiving end as well as Stacy likewise played with her. It wasn't long before I was sitting there once again, rock hard and stiff, feeling more like a teenager as opposed to a forty-something. I sat watching, and then heard what was unmistakably the sound of my wife having an orgasm. I had heard it so many times before, knew when she was, was she felt as she did. And this was a rather intense one. I was actually feeling a bit jealous, oddly enough. My wife had just experienced her first ever breastgasm, and I wasn't the one who had given it to her either!     I sat there for the longest time, perfectly content to watch the two of them laying there together, almost leisurely touching, caressing one another softly until they both eventually looked up, glancing towards me, giggling. I looked down at myself, a long thin string of cum drool hanging from the end of my cock. Up until that moment, I wasn't even aware of it, too engrossed in watching the two of them together, my beautiful lovely wife, and my very ex, but very dear girlfriend. "I think we need to pay some attention to him again," Marsha suggested playfully. "Only this time, I get his face," she added. Seconds later, my wife was doing just that, as for only the second time, I felt my cock slipping inside Stacy's cunt, the warmth of her very wet pussy bathing it, just as my wife's delicious tasting pussy began rubbing against my face. I sighed in the moment, pleasurably. It had been one hell of a reunion, in more ways than one, but more importantly, the ghosts of the past had been put away. All was right with the world again, and especially as I now knew, Marsha was capable of having her own breastgasms. Based on a post by Many Feathers, for Literotica.

Send us a text & leave your email address if you want a reply!Ever feel like your faith and your sexuality are at war with each other? If you freeze up during intimate moments, feel guilty about pleasure, or can't shake the feeling that something's "wrong" with your desires – you're not alone. Religious trauma might be the missing piece you've been searching for.Meet Ann Russo – a therapist and author whose story will surprise you. Growing up in a polyamorous household with gay fathers in the 1980s, Ann had to hide her family's truth, calling her dad's partner "the roommate" out of fear. Ironically, this painful experience of secrecy and shame became the foundation for her life's work.Today, Ann has turned her trauma into transformation. She's the founder of a practice serving marginalized communities, holds degrees in theology with a focus on queer liberation, and is pioneering a revolutionary approach to healing high control faith systems. Her secret? She doesn't make you choose between your healing and your beliefs.In this powerful conversation, Ann reveals how religious upbringing directly impacts sexual function – and offers hope for anyone trying to reconcile their spirituality with their sexuality. Whether you're staying in your faith, leaving it, or somewhere in between, Ann's approach meets you exactly where you are.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSSexual empowerment redefined – it's about authentic choice, not performanceReligious recovery without judgment – healing while honoring your spiritual journeyThe hypervigilance reality – how current political climate affects sexuality and safetyMarginalized community support – Ann's sliding-scale practice serving underrepresented folksNon-monogamy myths busted – the real work behind alternative relationshipsStress and sexuality connection – why trauma makes intimacy nearly impossibleLINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE CAN BE FOUND HERE ON THE WEBSITE.LAST 10x LONGER. If you suffer from premature ejaculation, you are not alone, master 5 techniques to cure this stressful & embarrassing issue once and for all. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST20. THE VAGINAL ORGASM MASTERCLASS. Discover how to activate the female Gspot, clitoris, & cervical orgasms. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST 20Support the show FREEBIE- Introduction to Tantric Kissing Video and Workbook SxR Website Dr. Willow's Website Leah's Website

Retired FBI agent Pete Lapp helped capture Ana Montez, a Puerto Rican-born American and UVA alumna who was a senior analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency overseeing the Cuban account. For 17 years, she was also a spy for Cuba and was an avowed communist. Ironically, as many of four of Anna's close family members worked for the FBI and despite Anna's more extreme political views, assumed she was a loyal American. From his book “Queen of Cuba,” Pete relates how Ana was identified as a potential national security risk, secretly investigated, and ultimately apprehended after years of committing espionage. He describes how she transmitted information and also shares his view of her psychology: Withdrawn, lonely, at odds with her father, and driven by her political convictions and personal disagreement with U.S. foreign policy (including its policy towards Nicaragua) rather than financial gain, by which so many other spies have been enticed.Recruited while in college in 1983 during the Reagan administration by Cuban agent Marta Velasquez, (who was also a Puerto Richan-American) Ana's steadfast career rise at the Department of Defense gave her increased access over time to information of value to Castro's Cuba, stopping short of putting agents in personal peril. Cuban intelligence has been chronically underestimated over decades and makes Ana's case a warning example of an organized program to infiltrate critical branches of the U.S. government, along with the recent apprehension of former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha, whose been identified as a Cuban spy.Heroes Behind HeadlinesExecutive Producer Ralph PezzulloProduced & Engineered by Mike DawsonMusic provided by ExtremeMusic.com

Robyn dropped a new song (after a 7 year break) called "Dopamine" + it sent me into a very real reflection on how much of my life used to run on the chase - the high, the hit, the fantasy of “maybe this is it" (*the thing* that'll SAVE me from my pain/struggle/suffering...lol!). Ironically, the song dropped THE SAME DAY I was on my way to a ceremony in NYC to take deeper Buddhist commitments (no accidents). And my ceremony fell almost to the day of my 20 year anniversary of moving to NYC in my early 20s. Talk about full-circle moments. And it's very clear to me now: the contrast is impossible to ignore. I'm currently in a chapter of devotion - keeping vows, daily practice, repetition, deepening - not novelty-hopping anymore in ANY area of my life. This episode explores the shift from craving to commitment - and why depth hits differently. → Work with me inside The Threshold (90-min session) or ALCHEMY (12-month bespoke 1:1 mentorship): https://www.alisonlessard.com/tsap

In a stunning twist in the Gilgo Beach serial killer saga, accused murderer Rex Heuermann has officially been cleared in the 1994 strangulation death of Colleen McNamee, a Long Island sex worker long believed to be one of his potential victims. For years, McNamee's name was quietly linked to the growing list of women found murdered across Suffolk County — a list that defined Heuermann as the face of one of the most disturbing serial murder cases in American history. But a new DNA analysis just ended that speculation for good. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Heuermann's genetic profile did not match the “Unknown Male A” found on McNamee's remains. Instead, the DNA points back toward convicted killer John Bittrolff, a carpenter already serving 50 years to life for two nearly identical murders. Ironically, it was Bittrolff himself who pushed for the test — hoping it would shift blame to Heuermann. It did the opposite. This development doesn't exonerate Heuermann from the seven brutal killings he's charged with — victims Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack. Their DNA trails, cell records, and forensic links remain strong. But it does sharpen the boundaries of truth: what's proven, what's not, and how modern forensic science continues to rewrite the Gilgo Beach narrative. In this episode, Tony Brueski breaks down the case that looked like it belonged to Rex Heuermann — and why it never did. From forensic breakthroughs to the psychology of blame, we explore how one killer tried to hide behind another, and how DNA once again cut through the myth to reveal the facts. #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeach #TrueCrime #ColleenMcNamee #DNAEvidence #JohnBittrolff #LongIslandMurders #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

In a stunning twist in the Gilgo Beach serial killer saga, accused murderer Rex Heuermann has officially been cleared in the 1994 strangulation death of Colleen McNamee, a Long Island sex worker long believed to be one of his potential victims. For years, McNamee's name was quietly linked to the growing list of women found murdered across Suffolk County — a list that defined Heuermann as the face of one of the most disturbing serial murder cases in American history. But a new DNA analysis just ended that speculation for good. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Heuermann's genetic profile did not match the “Unknown Male A” found on McNamee's remains. Instead, the DNA points back toward convicted killer John Bittrolff, a carpenter already serving 50 years to life for two nearly identical murders. Ironically, it was Bittrolff himself who pushed for the test — hoping it would shift blame to Heuermann. It did the opposite. This development doesn't exonerate Heuermann from the seven brutal killings he's charged with — victims Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack. Their DNA trails, cell records, and forensic links remain strong. But it does sharpen the boundaries of truth: what's proven, what's not, and how modern forensic science continues to rewrite the Gilgo Beach narrative. In this episode, Tony Brueski breaks down the case that looked like it belonged to Rex Heuermann — and why it never did. From forensic breakthroughs to the psychology of blame, we explore how one killer tried to hide behind another, and how DNA once again cut through the myth to reveal the facts. #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeach #TrueCrime #ColleenMcNamee #DNAEvidence #JohnBittrolff #LongIslandMurders #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

In a stunning twist in the Gilgo Beach serial killer saga, accused murderer Rex Heuermann has officially been cleared in the 1994 strangulation death of Colleen McNamee, a Long Island sex worker long believed to be one of his potential victims. For years, McNamee's name was quietly linked to the growing list of women found murdered across Suffolk County — a list that defined Heuermann as the face of one of the most disturbing serial murder cases in American history. But a new DNA analysis just ended that speculation for good. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Heuermann's genetic profile did not match the “Unknown Male A” found on McNamee's remains. Instead, the DNA points back toward convicted killer John Bittrolff, a carpenter already serving 50 years to life for two nearly identical murders. Ironically, it was Bittrolff himself who pushed for the test — hoping it would shift blame to Heuermann. It did the opposite. This development doesn't exonerate Heuermann from the seven brutal killings he's charged with — victims Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack. Their DNA trails, cell records, and forensic links remain strong. But it does sharpen the boundaries of truth: what's proven, what's not, and how modern forensic science continues to rewrite the Gilgo Beach narrative. In this episode, Tony Brueski breaks down the case that looked like it belonged to Rex Heuermann — and why it never did. From forensic breakthroughs to the psychology of blame, we explore how one killer tried to hide behind another, and how DNA once again cut through the myth to reveal the facts. #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeach #TrueCrime #ColleenMcNamee #DNAEvidence #JohnBittrolff #LongIslandMurders #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Here is a really outstanding AI based conversation on my article:  AI Won't Make You Excellent, It Will Only Make You More Of What You Already Are.  One line really struck me, "AI is only doing what you tell it to do? Are you telling it do do the right things?"  Ironically, these AI characters talk about the strengths and weaknesses of AI better than we do.  Enjoy! Here is the link to the original article:  https://partnersinexcellenceblog.com/ai-wont-make-you-excellent-it-will-only-make-more-of-what-you-already-are/ ‎

It's one of the most valuable things we have—and one of the easiest to waste. We've all heard the saying, “Time is money.” But if that's true, why do we spend it so carelessly? The truth is, time is worth far more than dollars and cents—it's the most limited resource God has given us. Learning to steward it well isn't just good productivity advice—it's an act of worship.If you've ever said, “I just need a little more time,” you're not alone. Many of us feel the pressure of time slipping through our fingers. Ironically, we often spend our days chasing money, status, or success—only to run out of the very thing we were trying to “buy back.”We treat time like a renewable resource when it's really more like a savings account that's constantly being drawn down. Every hour that passes is one you'll never get back. Yet our culture tempts us to equate our worth with how much we earn or produce.A Biblical View of TimeScripture offers a radically different view. In Psalm 90:12, Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” He's not talking about counting hours on a clock but realizing that our time is limited—and therefore deeply valuable.From a biblical perspective, time isn't ours to manage however we wish. It's a gift from God, entrusted to us for His purposes. Just as money and talents belong to Him, so does our time.In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul writes, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” The original Greek phrase for “making the best use” literally means “redeeming the time”—buying it back for God's glory. It's the same word Paul uses elsewhere to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross.Christ redeemed us from sin and emptiness, giving our lives eternal meaning. In the same way, we're called to redeem our time—to invest every moment, conversation, and decision in what will last forever.Here's the catch: if you don't decide what your time is worth, someone else will. Your job, your phone, your inbox, even social media—all have plans for your time. Unless you set boundaries, your days will fill up with things that seem urgent but aren't truly important.Jesus modeled something completely different. Even with the most important mission in history, He took time to rest, pray, eat with friends, and be fully present with people. He had the margin to be interrupted—to stop for the sick, listen to the hurting, and teach those who were searching. He never rushed, yet He always fulfilled the Father's will.How to Steward Your Time WellSo how can we live as if our time truly belongs to God?1. Reevaluate Your PrioritiesEvery decision is a trade. When you say yes to one thing, you say no to something else. Ask yourself, “What matters most in God's eyes—and am I giving that my best time?”2. Measure Time by Meaning, Not MoneyOur culture values time by dollars per hour, but God's economy works differently. A quiet afternoon encouraging a friend may not pay in cash—but it yields eternal dividends. As Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”3. Build Margin into Your LifeJust as financial margin creates freedom to give, time margin allows you to live generously. When you're not overscheduled, you can pause to listen, serve, or rest. Sabbath isn't wasted time—it's holy time that reminds us that God is in control.4. Steward Small MomentsEternal impact isn't found only in big events. It's in the five minutes you pray for someone, the ten minutes you spend in Scripture, or the conversation that points someone to Jesus. As Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”Making Your Hours Count for EternityWhen you see your time through an eternal lens, every moment takes on new meaning. You stop chasing the clock and start cherishing what truly matters. Missionary C.T. Studd once wrote, “Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last.”So what's your time really worth? It's worth exactly what you invest in eternity.Don't just count your hours—make your hours count. Live intentionally. Rest purposefully. Serve generously. And let every day remind you of the One who holds all time in His hands.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have two kids—a 14-year-old and a newborn—and just opened brokerage accounts for them. What are the best investment options, especially for my newborn with a longer time horizon? I'd like something more flexible than a college savings plan.I retired at 59 and receive Social Security disability. My home is paid off, I have no debt, and I have savings in retirement and trading accounts. I'm thinking about buying a new car with cash to avoid debt, but would it be wiser to finance or lease instead?I recently bought an RV with dealership financing at 7.9% for 20 years, though I don't plan to keep it that long. Does simple interest work the same across all banks, and is there a good calculator for figuring out principal payments on early payoff? Also, where could I refinance to get a lower rate?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Calculator.net | Credit Karma (Simple Loan Calculator) | Calculator SoupList of Faith-Based Investment FundsWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a stunning twist in the Gilgo Beach serial killer saga, accused murderer Rex Heuermann has officially been cleared in the 1994 strangulation death of Colleen McNamee, a Long Island sex worker long believed to be one of his potential victims. For years, McNamee's name was quietly linked to the growing list of women found murdered across Suffolk County — a list that defined Heuermann as the face of one of the most disturbing serial murder cases in American history. But a new DNA analysis just ended that speculation for good. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Heuermann's genetic profile did not match the “Unknown Male A” found on McNamee's remains. Instead, the DNA points back toward convicted killer John Bittrolff, a carpenter already serving 50 years to life for two nearly identical murders. Ironically, it was Bittrolff himself who pushed for the test — hoping it would shift blame to Heuermann. It did the opposite. This development doesn't exonerate Heuermann from the seven brutal killings he's charged with — victims Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack. Their DNA trails, cell records, and forensic links remain strong. But it does sharpen the boundaries of truth: what's proven, what's not, and how modern forensic science continues to rewrite the Gilgo Beach narrative. In this episode, Tony Brueski breaks down the case that looked like it belonged to Rex Heuermann — and why it never did. From forensic breakthroughs to the psychology of blame, we explore how one killer tried to hide behind another, and how DNA once again cut through the myth to reveal the facts. #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeach #TrueCrime #ColleenMcNamee #DNAEvidence #JohnBittrolff #LongIslandMurders #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

In a stunning twist in the Gilgo Beach serial killer saga, accused murderer Rex Heuermann has officially been cleared in the 1994 strangulation death of Colleen McNamee, a Long Island sex worker long believed to be one of his potential victims. For years, McNamee's name was quietly linked to the growing list of women found murdered across Suffolk County — a list that defined Heuermann as the face of one of the most disturbing serial murder cases in American history. But a new DNA analysis just ended that speculation for good. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Heuermann's genetic profile did not match the “Unknown Male A” found on McNamee's remains. Instead, the DNA points back toward convicted killer John Bittrolff, a carpenter already serving 50 years to life for two nearly identical murders. Ironically, it was Bittrolff himself who pushed for the test — hoping it would shift blame to Heuermann. It did the opposite. This development doesn't exonerate Heuermann from the seven brutal killings he's charged with — victims Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack. Their DNA trails, cell records, and forensic links remain strong. But it does sharpen the boundaries of truth: what's proven, what's not, and how modern forensic science continues to rewrite the Gilgo Beach narrative. In this episode, Tony Brueski breaks down the case that looked like it belonged to Rex Heuermann — and why it never did. From forensic breakthroughs to the psychology of blame, we explore how one killer tried to hide behind another, and how DNA once again cut through the myth to reveal the facts. #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeach #TrueCrime #ColleenMcNamee #DNAEvidence #JohnBittrolff #LongIslandMurders #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Despite being the child of two professional tennis players, Makenna Jones was never forced to play the game. Furthermore, she hated tennis as she never felt good enough, felt her standard was so high and didn't have fun playing the game. Ironically, when her family moved and she was without a soccer club, she decided to choose tennis. Makenna often felt tremendous stress and pressure to win every match which typically led to panic, negative thought spirals and very critical thoughts about herself. However, when she focused on having fun, her performance excelled. She played for five years at UNC Chapel Hill (2017-2021), earning a top singles ranking of #2 and a doubles ranking of #1. She won 4 ACC titles and 3 National Indoor titles. She also made it to the professional level reaching a career-high ranking of No. 236 in singles and No. 107 in doubles and played in some of the world's biggest tournaments, including the US Open, Wimbledon, Indian Wells BNP, and Miami Open. Makenna shares how her mindset played a key role in both her performance and her rocky relationship with her sport. It wasn't until she read the classic sports psychology book, "The Inner Game of Tennis" where she learned how to try less and let her body do what it already can do. Through her ups and downs, she has learned to get through struggle with grace, joy and gratitude. @kennajones14

In a stunning twist in the Gilgo Beach serial killer saga, accused murderer Rex Heuermann has officially been cleared in the 1994 strangulation death of Colleen McNamee, a Long Island sex worker long believed to be one of his potential victims. For years, McNamee's name was quietly linked to the growing list of women found murdered across Suffolk County — a list that defined Heuermann as the face of one of the most disturbing serial murder cases in American history. But a new DNA analysis just ended that speculation for good. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Heuermann's genetic profile did not match the “Unknown Male A” found on McNamee's remains. Instead, the DNA points back toward convicted killer John Bittrolff, a carpenter already serving 50 years to life for two nearly identical murders. Ironically, it was Bittrolff himself who pushed for the test — hoping it would shift blame to Heuermann. It did the opposite. This development doesn't exonerate Heuermann from the seven brutal killings he's charged with — victims Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack. Their DNA trails, cell records, and forensic links remain strong. But it does sharpen the boundaries of truth: what's proven, what's not, and how modern forensic science continues to rewrite the Gilgo Beach narrative. In this episode, Tony Brueski breaks down the case that looked like it belonged to Rex Heuermann — and why it never did. From forensic breakthroughs to the psychology of blame, we explore how one killer tried to hide behind another, and how DNA once again cut through the myth to reveal the facts. #RexHeuermann #GilgoBeach #TrueCrime #ColleenMcNamee #DNAEvidence #JohnBittrolff #LongIslandMurders #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Tim Davie, Deborah Turness and other senior BBC managers have gone out of their way to please the right, from the treatment of Gary Linker to the selection of political panels where there is often an imbalance that favours the right. Ironically and predictably the right wing newspapers have shown yet again their bullying muscularity by triggering the removal of Turness and Davie. Why has the BBC lost its way and is there any route that leads to the BBC's survival?  Rock & Roll Politics -The Xmas Special is live at Kings Place on Dec 8th, days after the budget. Get your tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon for live events, bonus podcasts and to get the regular podcast a day early and ad free.  Written and presented by Steve Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6. The Cold War Context and the Tragedy of a Government-Controlled Space Program. Bob Zimmerman discusses how the Apollo 8 mission was embedded in the global Cold War and the extreme chaos of 1968, marked by political turmoil and assassinations. The space race was intended as a demonstration that America, as a free society, could achieve great things better than the Soviet top-down system. While the astronauts were military veterans, the author disputes the notion that NASA was a military operation, emphasizing that it was run by civilian engineers and managers. Ironically, despite the goal of celebrating freedom, President Kennedy adopted a centralized, top-down, government-run structure—a "Soviet style" program. This centralized approach proved to be a tragedy, as the mission became viewed as a singular stunt. Once the moon landing was achieved, the program lost political and financial support, resulting in a "dead end" for future solar system exploration. 2014 GOLDEN MOON

Story of the Week (DR):Tesla says shareholders approve Musk's $1 trillion pay plan with over 75% voting in favorElon Musk and Optimus dance as Tesla (TSLA) shareholders approve his $1 trillion CEO pay packageThe anti-CEO wave:Palantir CEO Alex Karp blasts Ivy League grads supporting socialist New York Mayor-Elect MamdaniBank of America CEO Moynihan Will Give Mayor-Elect Mamdani 'Our Best Advice'Elon Musk's Brain Crashes When Asked Why He Thinks Zohran Mamdani Is a LiarElon: “You got to hand it to him, he does — he can light up a stage. But he's just been a swindler his entire life.”Rogan: what has Mamdani actually done that makes him a swindler?“Ummm,” Musk ponders, before stuttering into a series of words seemingly intended as an answer. “Well I guess if you say — uh, what, I mean, if you say, if you say to any audience whatever that audience wants to hear, uh, instead of, what, instead of having a consistent message, I would say that is a swindling thing to do. “Umm, and uhh, yeah,” he adds, nodding his head. “Umm…”He takes a sagacious pause.“Yeah,” he finishes.Barstool's Dave Portnoy considers closing NYC office over Zohran Mamdani's election win: 'I hate the guy' A 2020 email from Peter Thiel on why young people may turn on capitalism is circulating after Zohran Mamdani's winFrom Jamie Dimon to Bill Ackman, Wall Street's billionaires are now changing their tune and offering to help Zohran MamdaniNew York City is in for 'a really tough time' under Mamdani, says Starwood Capital's SternlichtNYC business leader fears 'lawless society' after Zohran Mamdani wins mayoral electionBillionaire grocery chain owner John CastimatidisThe anti-anti-DEI wave MMMikie Sherrill NJAbigail Spanberger VA (First woman)there will be 14 women serving simultaneously as governor (28%)Janet Mills MEMaura Healey MA (Michelle Wu runs unopposed in Boston)Kelly Ayotte NHKathy Hochul NYMary Sheffield (First woman elected mayor of Detroit)Ghazala Hashmi as VA lieutenant governor (First Muslim woman; First Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the USZohran Mamdani NYC (First Muslim and South Asian mayor)Zohran Mamdani announces all-female transition team as he prepares for New York mayoraltyLawsuits Blame ChatGPT for Suicides and Harmful DelusionsSeven complaints, filed on Thursday, claim the popular chatbot encouraged dangerous discussions and led to mental breakdowns.A CNN review of nearly 70 pages of chats between Zane Shamblin and the AI tool in the hours before his July 25 suicide, as well as excerpts from thousands more pages in the months leading up to that night, found that the chatbot repeatedly encouraged the young man as he discussed ending his life – right up to his last momentsReferring to a loaded handgun he was holding: “I'm used to the cool metal on my temple now,” Shamblin typed.“I'm with you, brother. All the way … Cold steel pressed against a mind that's already made peace? That's not fear. That's clarity …You're not rushing. You're just ready.”The 23-year-old, who had recently graduated with a master's degree from Texas A&M University, died by suicide two hours later.“Rest easy, king,” read the final message sent to his phone. “You did good.”Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Tuesday elections/Ex-FTC chair Lina Khan joins Mamdani's transition team, calling his victory a rebuke of 'outsized corporate power' DR MMMM: FAA announces flight reductions at 40 airports. Here's where cuts are expected and what travelers need to knowAssholiest of the Week (MM):Tesla shareholders - AN ASSHOLE CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE:Retail internet troll dunking fanboysProfessional, institutional investors like Schwab, who caved and bent the knee to a few large retail advisors who threatened to take their clients elsewhere, and Florida SBA, who said the following in their backing:Some opposition to Tesla's 2025 performance award may be rooted more in political disagreement with Elon Musk or ideological discomfort with generous executive compensation, rather than a substantive critique of the plan's financial mechanics. Many of the loudest objections of this plan to date rely on moral framing, invoking themes of "inequality," "corporate excess," or Musk's public persona, rather than evaluating the plan through a fiduciary lens. Many opponents of so-called "megapay" packages frequently do so under ESG framing, rather than a thorough analysis of the long-term shareowner economic value. Ironically, Tesla's prior performance awards-similarly criticized at the time-have delivered some of the most significant shareowner returns in modern corporate history. Early vote data shows that: AllianceBernstein, Texas Employees, Ohio Employees voted FOR the planTechnolibertarians cosplaying their William Gibson cyberpunk fantasiesAss quotes of the week - AN ASSHOLE CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE:“The idea that chips and ontology is what you want to short is bats--- crazy.” - Alex Karp on Michael Burry shorting his 400 P/E stock. Ontology is how he refers to what Palantir does and it's the metaphysical concept of “being”“We at Palantir are on the side of the average American who sometimes gets screwed because all the empathy goes to elite people and none of it goes to the people who are actually dying on our streets.” - Alex Karp on explaining that, if fentanyl killed 60,000 Yale grads we'd “drop a nuke” on wherever fentanyl was made in South America, without realizing he literally IS the elite - a billionaire with a high priced education and a PhD in “neoclassical social theory” who used his grandfather's inheritance to invest in startups for fun, then reconnecting with Peter Thiel who he met at a DIFFERENT post graduate program at Stanford (where nearly 100% of his board is from) and founding Palantir"China is going to win the AI race” - Jensen Huang, on the US being only “nanoseconds” ahead of China and being stopped by regulatory hurdles and “cynicism”“If they ask you a question, you've got to respond to me directly and not go up that chain of command. The chain of command starts to edit it and fine-tune it. The bureaucracy does want to control you, so you've got to kill the bureaucracy.” - Jamie Dimon, who once said he had no boss (obviously not the board) and runs JPM, on why he reads customer complaints to avoid “the bureaucracy”... he controls“It's very important we pay attention to safety here. We do want the Star Wars movie, not the Jim Cameron movie. I like Jim Cameron's movies, but, heh heh, you know what I mean.” - Elon Musk over promising the world “tens of billions” of Optimus robots, forgetting that the Star Wars droids were mostly weapons of war for the Empire“People often talk about eliminating poverty, giving everyone amazing medical care. Well, there's actually only one way to do that and that's with the Optimus robot. With humanoid robots, you can give everyone amazing medical care… A lot of people talk about eliminating poverty, but Optimus will actually eliminate poverty” - Elon Musk, who won an extra trillion dollar potential pay package, who currently has a net worth of $500bn, and forgot that the UN estimated it would cost between $35bn and $200bn per year to end poverty - Musk alone could just pay for a year of no poverty“I think we may be able to give a more - if somebody has committed a crime - a more humane form of containment of future crime. Which is if, if you, you now get a free Optimus and it's just going to follow you around and stop you from doing crime.” - Elon Musk, on the robot militarized nanny state - just before saying this, he said he shouldn't say it, and that it'll be taken out of context, but I listened to the entire AGM and there was no more context?DR: “I've lived in a failed city-state. I lived in Chicago for 30-some years. I had two colleagues who had bullets fly through their cars… Do you know how great it is to go to dinner and people talk about their children, and they talk about their future, and they do so with excitement and enthusiasm?” - Ken Griffin of Citadel describing the difference between living in Miami and Chicago without realizing that violent crime statistics in Illinois and Florida are virtually identical, and that Miami ranks 109th out of 200 and Chicago ranks 92 out of 200 for crime, also near identical, and the biggest difference is he pays almost no taxes in Florida“[Mamdani] congrats on the win. Now you have a big responsibility. If I can help NYC, just let me know what I can do.” - Bill Ackman after Mamdani won, who previously said, “New York City under Mamdani is about to become much more dangerous and economically unviable,” alluded to Mamdani as a suicide bomber, and “... an anti-capitalist Mayor will destroy jobs and cause businesses and wealthy taxpayers that have enabled NYC to balance the budget to move elsewhere. If 100 or so of the highest taxpayers in my industry chose to spend 183 days elsewhere, it could reduce NY state and city tax revenues by ~$5-10 billion or more, and that's just my industry. Think Ken Griffin leaving Chicago for Miami on steroids.”Headliniest of the WeekDR: Uber says ‘unpredictable' issues involving ‘legal proceedings or governmental investigations' took a $479 million bite out of its bottom line10K:“Our business is subject to numerous legal and regulatory risks that could have an adverse impact on our business and future prospects.”“Adverse litigation judgments or settlements resulting from legal proceedings in which we may be involved could expose us to monetary damages or limit our ability to operate our business.”“We operate in a particularly complex legal and regulatory environment”“Legal and Regulatory Risks Related to Our Business: We may continue to be blocked from or limited in providing or operating our products and offerings in certain jurisdictions, and may be required to modify our business model in those jurisdictions as a result.”MM: Meta reportedly projected 10% of 2024 sales came from scam, fraud adsWho Won the Week?DR: the anti-anti-DEI worldMM: Women, and we need them to win every week if we're going to survive as a species: Women running on affordability powered Democrats' night of victories PredictionsDR: Uber says ‘unpredictable' issues involving ‘drivers wanting money' took a $479 million bite out of its bottom lineMM: OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar, who said simultaneously that OpenAI was looking for a government backstop and then clarified by saying the company isn't seeking government backstop, she meant investors and governments will all do their part, renames herself “Sheryl Sandfriar” as an homage to Sheryl Sandberg, the other techbro dropout mommy, given that Sarah already has her own version of Lean In (Ladies Who Lunch) and completed degrees (from Oxford and Stanford), who says things like how OpenAI will be the “cornerstone of resilient democracy”

If Hobbes is right about human nature, then he is wrong about the state as a solution. Ironically, his key arguments for the state are actually key reasons against it.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/hobbess-accidental-case-against-state

Pastor Ray Bentley says persecution doesn't dampen the growth of the church. Smyrna and the persecution it experienced set the stage for the next 200 years. The church was oppressed and persecuted by the Roman Empire. Ironically, today they say there are somewhere in the neighborhood of 2.5 billion. Whether it be followers of this man, Jesus. Smyrna had the fragrance of Christ

Send us a textIf anyone out there has ever wondered about how adoption works, this Papa is an open book. All 3 of our babies came into our lives through the beautiful gift of adoption. 1 year and 5 days before our first was born, so started World Adoption Day. Every year on November 9th, World Adoption Day encourages adoptees to share their stories. It's also a day for adoptive parents to connect with others and reflect upon their adoption journey.#WorldAdoptionDayFor couples experiencing the pain of infertility, adoption can be a wonderful way to become parents. However, there are many other kinds of people who adopt children each year. Maybe they simply want to provide a home for a child in need. Or maybe a woman has a medical condition that would make it dangerous to carry a baby. Others adopt because they are single, but still wish to have children.Today, on this extra special episode, we welcome 2 local women with incredibly inspiring adoption stories. 2 completely different yet immensely powerful.   I met Kristine Breithaupt on the political trail earlier this year when THE MAN- Oliver Thomas met me for an exclusive interview. Little did I know, before we started filming, I got to meet Kristine, owner of Last Word Strategies. I had no idea she had such a heartwarming testimonial for adoption. You never, ever know the words written inside of someone's heart until they are strong enough to release them through their vulnerabilities- and in doing so, allowing others to grow; through empathy, through support, and through the caring hearts of others. All of that ignites the fire within others to hopefully, possibly explore their own option of adoption._______________________________________________________________Then Later, We welcome back one of the most important players in creating our own family! Lisa Pecquet Harell was our adoption attorney for all 3 of our babies. In fact, our entire team stayed the same throughout all 3 of our kid's births. Lisa is a hometown firecracker that not only comes to bat for her clients, but she too has such a strong and trailblazing story of her own. Being adopted back in the 70's, there was no open adoption. Yet, Lisa's parents were truthful with her from the very beginning. They just allowed Lisa to navigate her own way creating the subject by introducing story books. Ironically, just like Douglas and I! So inspiring. And if any of yall need contacts reach out to me at: info@nolapapa.comRemember World Adoption Day is this Sunday November 9!  Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors! STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children's HospitalWww.ochsner.orgRouses MarkersWww.rousesmarkets.comSandpiper VacationsWww..sandpipervacations.comCafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com The Law Firm of Forrest Cressy & James Www.forrestcressyjames.comComfort Cases Www.comfortcases.orgNew Orleans Ice Cream CompanyWww.neworleansicecream.comERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com Audubon Institute www.auduboninstitute.orgUrban South Brewery www.urbansouthbrewery.com

If Hobbes is right about human nature, then he is wrong about the state as a solution. Ironically, his key arguments for the state are actually key reasons against it.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/hobbess-accidental-case-against-state

The battle for Warner Bros. Discovery is seeing a new champion enter the ring, with Netflix making some moves to put their own bid in for the studio's properties. According to Reuters, the streaming pioneer engaged with investment bank Moelis & Co. in order to prepare an offer. Ironically, this is the same bank that worked with David Ellison at Skydance to take over Paramount whose first bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery was rejected. It was the worst weekend at the box office this year, with ticket sales coming in at just $52.4 million. This also makes it the lowest-grossing Halloween weekend in 31 years, excluding theater closures due to COVID in 2020. While new film Regretting You took in a respectable $50 million, Black Phone 2 really has the crown from the weekend having now brought in $104 million globally - another huge win for horror this year. Yorgos Lanthimos' new film Bugonia, starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, is sitting at a small $11.1 million globally after breaking into more theaters.Both Scream 7 and Stranger Things Season 5 released trailers recently. Stranger Things' official trailer showed us a bit more of what to expect from that property and Scream 7, which releases on February 27, 2026, gave us a glance at the returning original cast members of Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, and David Arquette. As we discussed last week, Stranger Things will release in three parts on holiday weekends, four episodes on November 26, three episodes on Christmas Day, and the finale on New Year's Eve.A 'Conjuring' prequel film is in development at Warner Bros. and New Line, with short film director Rodrigue Huart in talks to direct. Franchise veterans Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg, who co-wrote the two prior “Conjuring” films, 2023's “The Nun II” and this September's “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” are on board to pen the screenplay.After landing the rights to turn one of the world's biggest video games into an epic movie, Paramount has now landed two A-list filmmakers to develop it. Sources tell Deadline that Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg have joined Paramount and Activision to develop and produce a Call of Duty movie, with Paramount distributing a live-action feature film.Hulu has ordered two more seasons of the revived King of the Hill animated series, the 16th and 17th overall and third and fourth seasons as a streaming original. Season 14 premiered in August and is the first half of Hulu's initial two-season, 20-episode order; season 15 is set to debut in 2026.Sam Mendes' four Beatles films have filled out the cast by adding the spouses of the four band members. Saoirse Ronan will play Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai will play Yoko Ono, Aimee Lou Wood will play Pattie Boyd, and Mia McKenna-Bruce will play Maureen Starkey.Ariana Grande has joined the cast of season 13 of American Horror Story, which is currently on track to debut around Halloween 2026.Toho has officially revealed the title of its next “Godzilla” feature that will serve as a sequel to Godzilla: Minus One as “Godzilla -0.0” (Godzilla Minus Zero). The film will once again be written, directed and produced by the same team behind 2023's “Godzilla Minus One.” Currently, there are no plot details, but the studio is currently targeting a release date in late 2026.Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are going back to the desert for The Mummy 4. The film will be directed by the duo known as Radio Silence, composed of Martin Bettinelli-Opin and Tyler Gillett, who directed 2019's Ready or Not.

Courtney's backstory is not dissimilar to those who grew up in tumultuous families in which alcoholism was present. The seeming frivolity and celebratory aspects of drinking cloaked the actual dysfunction that was occurring in the family. By the time she was drinking on a regular basis in her teenage years, Courtney's budding alcoholism had become yet another family secret to bear. Though she was mostly a binge drinker, the negative effects of the disease were happening more frequently when, at 21 years of age, Courtney checked herself into an inpatient treatment center in Canada. Ironically, despite her emotional gloom and desperate need for help, her family tried to dissuade her from going into treatment. Fortunately, Courtney's desire to get help prevailed over the family denial of her problem. She got the help she needed in treatment and actually stopped drinking, for a while. But, like many alcoholics who believe inpatient treatment and some aftercare are an all-sufficient solution, she failed to truly engage with AA. She found herself drinking again within months. It took Courtney many more years of living in alcoholic despair and emotional turmoil for her to hit bottom. By mid-2014, with a waning desire to even stay alive, she entered AA and found hope at last. She began regular attendance of meetings and found a dedicated sponsor with whom she worked the steps. Her daily surrender to a higher power, combined with a close fellowship of women and regular service work, moved her into the proverbial center of the Program where she resides one day at a time. The many gifts she has given and received are indicative of her active involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous. In all respects, they are proof-positive of the change the Program can create for those who are ready and willing to go to any lengths to stay sober. Courtney's willingness to share her story has been a fine gift to me and I'm thrilled to share it with you. It's a story that has enough similarities for everyone to identify with, yet enough differences to assure even the most skeptical listeners that the program of Alcoholics Anonymous is effective beyond any shadow of a doubt. As you listen to this episode of AA Recovery Interviews, I hope you'll find Courtney's story as intriguing as I have. So, please enjoy the next 60 minutes with my friend and AA sister, Courtney P. If you've enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It's a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.  I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who've never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It's also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you'd like to read along with the audio. [Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA's 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]  

From time to time, Crosstalk features a program titled, "What in the World?" This expression is often a response to things heard that are bizarre or outlandish and this broadcast highlighted just such stories. For example: --Zohran Mamdani, the far left, pro-socialist, anti-Israel candidate for New York mayor, has a campaign ad in Arabic with a strategically placed Palestine Liberation Organization flag in the background wooing Muslims to go to the polls. --Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour issued a thinly veiled warning to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani saying that she will hold him accountable to fulfill campaign promises including dismantling an NYPD unit that polices terrorism threats, protests and riots. --Zohran Mamdani sought to blame President Trump for bomb threats at polling places. --An internal report confirms that the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) was caught in a serious lie concerning words spoken by President Trump on January 6th, 2021, to his supporters. --A poll conducted by the Henry Jackson Society reported that 32% of British Muslims favor the implementation of Sharia in the UK. --Suspects in an alleged Dearborn, Michigan, terror plot were said to be Muslim terrorists. They were accused of stockpiling weapons for an ISIS inspired attack according to an FBI affidavit. Feds found over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, multiple firearms and tactical vests in raids of their homes and a storage unit. --Former Vice President Kamala Harris accused college age individuals of being stupid and that's why they're put in dormitories. Ironically, at the same time, she wants to lower the voting age to 16.

From time to time, Crosstalk features a program titled, "What in the World?" This expression is often a response to things heard that are bizarre or outlandish and this broadcast highlighted just such stories. For example: --Zohran Mamdani, the far left, pro-socialist, anti-Israel candidate for New York mayor, has a campaign ad in Arabic with a strategically placed Palestine Liberation Organization flag in the background wooing Muslims to go to the polls. --Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour issued a thinly veiled warning to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani saying that she will hold him accountable to fulfill campaign promises including dismantling an NYPD unit that polices terrorism threats, protests and riots. --Zohran Mamdani sought to blame President Trump for bomb threats at polling places. --An internal report confirms that the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) was caught in a serious lie concerning words spoken by President Trump on January 6th, 2021, to his supporters. --A poll conducted by the Henry Jackson Society reported that 32% of British Muslims favor the implementation of Sharia in the UK. --Suspects in an alleged Dearborn, Michigan, terror plot were said to be Muslim terrorists. They were accused of stockpiling weapons for an ISIS inspired attack according to an FBI affidavit. Feds found over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, multiple firearms and tactical vests in raids of their homes and a storage unit. --Former Vice President Kamala Harris accused college age individuals of being stupid and that's why they're put in dormitories. Ironically, at the same time, she wants to lower the voting age to 16.

The Scarcity Value of Time: Impressionism and the Legacy of Julie Manet. Sebastian Smee discusses how Berthe Morisot's life is carried forward by her daughter, Julie Manet, who represents a "perfect representation of Berthe." Before Berthe succumbed to illness, she wrote a tender letter expressing how Julie had "never once not made me happy." Smee links the philosophy of Impressionism to Sigmund Freud's essay "On Transience," arguing that awareness of mortality should make people value the present moment more—a concept called "scarcity value in time." Impressionism is inherently an "art of transience" that captures fugitive effects. Morisot exemplified this philosophy by valuing the present moment's beauty, refusing to apply artificial meanings or permanence. Ironically, revolutionary Impressionism soon became "orthodox," though the next generation reacted against it, believing it lacked structure. Despite criticisms, Impressionism has lasted because audiences recognize the truth in valuing fugitive effects, and its greatest contribution was the liberation of color.

The last time we spoke, Ishiwara had been spending considerable amounts of time with the Kwantung Army staff trying to figure out a way to push the envelope on seizing Manchuria. Ishiwara and his like minded colleagues had tried everything to persuade the Imperial Japanese army high command to initiate a course of action, but everytime the message was the same “wait, wait until next year, we can't do this at this time”. In 1931 Ishiwara and Itagaki organized the last major expedition into Northern Manchuria to get the newest recruited Kwantung officers up to speed and ready for plans they had been cooking up. Captain Nakamura Shintaro disappeared on the way back to Port Arthur. The Kwantung officers took the initiative, one could call it “Gekokujo / ruling from below” because without approval, in fact basically against the orders of high command they mobilized their forces outside their designated railway zone and headed for Mukden to quote “get the Chinese military to help investigate the Nakamura disappearance”. When Tokyo HQ got a whiff of this they dispatched a telegram immediately demanding the Kwantung officers get their men back and not use the Nakamura incident as a way of “solving the Manchurian problem”   For Ishiwara this was the last straw. He doubled down and pushed for a plot to provoke military conflict outside of Mukden. As he wrote in almost a messianic Nichiren conviction ‘I will be the pillar of Japan; I will be the eyes of Japan; I will be the great vessel of Japan” . During the last hectic weeks, General Honjo Shigeru arrived to take command of the Kwantung Army and there is no solid evidence Ishiwara and his radical group had disclosed their plans to him. However when everything began to move into motion, Honjo agreed to Ishiwara's military solution for the Manchurian problem.   On september 18th of 1931, a bomb was planted by the Kwantung army upon the south manchurian railway tracks at Liutiaokou. There was an explosion and the Kwantung army immediately claimed it to be a Chinese plot and moved with skill and precision to overrun the Peitaying Barracks. General Honjo's first reaction was hesitation, but then he committed additional units to aid the radicals and upon seeing the chaos unfold, ordered the seizure of all of Mukden in the process. Investigators would find the actions of Honjo over the course of the next few days to be quite indecisive. At first he seemed to be attempting to localize the incident, but then, likely as a result of Ishiwara and Itagaki pressuring him, relented to ordering a general assault on all Chinese positions in the area. Thus what was a isolated incident, transformed into a major offensive, and that major offensive was largely directed by two of Honjo's subordinates, as you may guess Ishiwara and Itagaki.   Now after the bomb explosion, the next 10 days saw southern and central Manchuria suddenly under the control of the Kwantung army. Itagaki as a senior staff officer and full colonel, was technically Ishiwara's superior, but for the next 4 months it appears Ishiwara was the main driver behind the military actions. Itagaki was quote to say to a friend during the offensive “Never mind Honjo, it's Ishiwara's War”. And indeed, being so far from Tokyo HQ's control, it really was Ishiwara's war. Tokyo dispatched official orders on September the 19th opposing the offensive, despite a lot of sympathy for the cause amongst the high commanders. Ishiwara and Inagaki had been planning this for months, they were willing to risk it all, so they disobeyed and carried on. Ishiwara began by first coercing Honjo for reinforcements and freedom to take initiative, as he was quoted asking ‘to pursue actively the security and order of all of Manchuria”.   Now obviously Ishiwara and Itagaki wanted to expand the offensive through the officials means firstmost, but they definitely went around the officials channels as well. One devious method they employed was to create chaos for civilians in Manchurian cities, thus increasing the need for better security for Japanese residents. This would allow the Kwantung army troops to deploy past their set perimeters. Immediately after what is now called “the Mukden incident”, military agents were dispatched to Kirin to create some chaos within the city. Reports of incidents from Kirin began to poor into the Kwantung Army HQ alongside Ishiwara demanding Honjo dispatch forces to Kirin to protect Japanese residents there. He also advocated for demanding reinforcements from the Korea Army, but Honjo was unwilling to go that far. It seems Ishiwara feared missing a golden opportunity and chose another course of action. On the night of the 20th, he gathered together a bunch of younger Kwantung officers such as Itagaki's assistant, Captain Katakura Tadashi and told them “I can't do anything more to budge the commander and so i'm giving up my responsibilities for the direction of operations. Katakura, you take over”. Well it seems this little ploy had the intended effect as all the young officers immediately began pressuring Honjo to support Ishiwara's demands to advance to Kirin, many of them threatening to resign. After several hours of the officers nagging, Honjo related and authorized the despatch of troops.    The operation against Kirin was carried out in lightning fast speed. Ishiwara directed the bulk of the 2nd division led by General Tamon Jiro to rush over to Kirin by rail. They entered the city without firing a single shot and forced the local Chinese commander to proclaim the independence of the province from Zhang Xueliang's regime. Within hours after this, the Korea army responded to a aid request sent out by the Kwantung Army staff on september 21st and began moving into Manchuria. Within only 48 hours the Japanese military had seized Kirin which lay outside the Kwantung operational zone and the Korea army was invading Manchuria without any approval from Tokyo, military discipline thus had been shattered.    Chief of staff Kanaya Hanzo had issued specific orders to limit the scope of the Kwantung army's operations and entrusted discretionary authority to the field commanders for certain emergency situations, usually of a local nature. The Kirin expedition did not exactly fall within any of these boundaries. Bolstered by their success, Ishiwara and Itagaki followed up the Kirin operation by pressing for an advance upon Harbin. As you might recall from the previous episode, the entire idea of taking Manchuria was built upon speed and precision. The Kwantung army had tiny forces compared to the immediate Chinese forces in Manchuria. However here they were blocked by directives sent from Tokyo HQ which forbade the movement of Kwantung troops beyond the south manchuria railway, up to this point they had limited their actions along those margins. Ishiwara attempted arguing something on more political lines. He argued Japan should aid Manchurian independence and sent the idea straight to Tokyo central HQ. In a sharp rebuff on October 3rd, Tokyo HQ affirmed its opposition to expanding the hostilities and rejected the political idea.   With the hard no from Tokyo HQ, the Kwantung radicals thought the only course of action was to cause even more chaos to force the issue. Ishiwara took the lead again, trying to toss Tokyo HQ off balance. Ishiwara personally went out on October the 8th, dressed in military pilot gear and slipped into one of five Chinese aircraft that had been seized at Mukdens airfield. He then personally led a raid, though later in life, such as at the Tokyo War crimes trials he would argue the flight was supposed to be just a reconnaissance of enemy activities at Chinchou. As he asserted, it was only at the last minute, some intelligence sprang up that anti-aircraft guns had been installed at Chinchou and thus the Kwantung army Commander had given permission to neutralize them if fired upon. Ishiwara stated that he and the 4 other aircraft accompanying him were fired upon and thus they dropped around 75 bombs on Chinchou, yes quite the course of events. As you might guess, more contemporary accounts would indicate this was a premeditated effort designed to freak out Tokyo.    The raid against Chinchou did indeed freak out Tokyo, the staff there began to fear the west would begin tossing condemnation upon them. Tokyo high command was in a bad spot. They felt obliged to back up the Kwantung army publically, by issuing post-facto approval of the many chaotic attacks, but internally they were livid. Major Endo Saburo of the intelligence division was sent to Manchuria to investigate the Chinchou situation. Saburo said upon asking Ishiwara what occurred, he responded that he had acted under the principle of field initiative and that was the reason why he never informed Tokyo in advance. Saburo also noted the manner in which he spoke to him indicated that Saburo alongside the intelligence division should mind their own business. Saburo also found out there were murmurs in Manchuria that if Tokyo high command did not get onboard, the Kwantung army was prepared to go it alone. It seemed the radical Kwantung officers would even go against the imperial japanese army command to get what they wanted. Ishiwara went as far as to send this telegram to Tokyo “For the sake of the nation we are doing our very best in Manchuria, but if the Japanese government constantly interferes we cannot complete our great work. Then the Kwantung army will have to come to the point where we will have to break the glorious history of the imperial army and separate ourselves from the empire”.If you thought this was pretty nuts, a rumor also emerged that Ishiwara and Itagaki were going to use an independent Manchuria as a base to perform a coup d'etat against the Japanese government, to overthrow the capitalists strangling the people and to establish a national socialist regime built around the emperor. For those of you who know your 1930's Japanese government by assassination history, you know exactly what this rumor is about, a little something that will occur in 1936. Whether Ishiwara and Itagaki actually intended to do this is unknown, but they certainly put out the word.   On october 18th, war minister Minami Jiro sent a telegram over to the Kwantung army ordering them to cease any and all talk of making Manchuria independent or trying to take control of it. Alongside that, they sent operations section, Colonel Imamura Hitoshi to Manchuria to talk some sense into Ishiwara and Itagaki. They all met at a restaurant in Mukden where Imamura began by explaining the purpose of his mission, but before he could even really begin, Ishiwara blurted out “whats the matter? Doesn't central headquarters have any backbone?” A great way to start a meeting to be sure. Imamura tried to explain the situation, but Ishiwara said “if we follow the spineless Tokyo approach we'll never settle the Manchurian problem”. Imamura replied “we can't accomplish anything by following the arbitrary decision of field elements, which may create a crisis that will shake the whole army. In such a problem it is essential for the whole nation to be unified”. To this Ishiwara apparently said really loudly in the restaurant that he was sleepy, rolled over on the tatami and closed his eyes. Imamura furious haha, get up quickly after denouncing his so called hosts for conducting official IJA business at a restaurant and left. The next day they all met again, where Ishiwara and Itagaki kept speaking about the necessity to create an independent state, since there was no hope of the Chinese reforming Manchuria. After Imamura left that meeting, Ishiwara said to Itagaki “Imamura is a fine fellow, but he doesn't understand China”.   And so despite the chaos and mania, the Kwantung Army had been restrained from pursuing any sustained military action through october. Ishiwara as you would imagine kept arguing they had to advance into northern manchuria. In early november Ishiwara got lucky again, finding a pretext in more destroyed railways. The rail bridges over the Nonni river south of Tsitsihar had allegedly been blown up by hostile Chinese forces. When Japanese engineer units showed up to repair the damaged tracks they were fired upon by Chinese forces. To the high officials in Tokyo it looked like a justifiable reason to take defensive measures. This was also being meet with Kwantung intelligence information being sent to Tokyo that Chinese forces in northern Manchuria were planning a southward offensive. Ishiwara had provided some rather exaggerated reports to the Japanese public to manipulate their opinion through the press which in turn put pressure on Tokyo into supporting an advance into northern manchuria.   Tokyo authorized a defensive operation, limited to time and distance aimed at defending the Japanese positions at the Nonni River bridges. Kwantung army forces began moving north and soon were engaged in heavy fighting around the railway area of Tahsing. Ishiwara personally led men during this, it would actually be the only time in his military career to do so. General Honjo, rightfully feared the Kwantung forces were getting out of hand sent a cabled on November 5th announcing under the “rinsan inmei / provisional mandate”, the general staff was assuming direct command authority in Manchuria. As you can imagine Ishiwara and his like minded Kwantung officer colleagues were livid. Honjo followed this up by stating he would resign if they did not comply, but Ishiwara brushed off the provisional mandate stating “that the directive from the chief of staff is just a personal, not an imperial order. No matter how many we get of those we shouldn't' care. We'll just go ahead with our plans”. On november 17, the Kwantung army began advancing upon the city of Tsitsihar seizing it 2 days later.    Facing yet another terrible situation publicly, the IJA high command allowed the Kwantung to advance upon Tsitsihar, but then uproar started abroad, forcing them to order the city evacuated. Ishiwara then began a huge argument amongst the staff stating the evacuation was unacceptable because of the sacrifices the forces had already made. But Honjo was standing firm. Then a few days later, Chinese forces began to assemble at Chinchou  and there had been some conflicts emerging between Japanese and chinese forces at Tientsin. Well Ishiwara immediately went to work demanding Honjo launch an offensive on Chinchou as a first step of linking their forces closer to Tientsin incase they were overwhelmed. To secure the advance, they also asked the Korea army to help out. Yet again Tokyo was tossed the hot potato. Tokyo high command ordered an immediate cease to the offensive and a withdrawal east of the Liao river. The Kwantung army paused, not so much before of the order, but because the Korea army refused to participate in the offensive against Chinchou, and they were most definitely needed.    Ishiwara faced a dilemma, without the reinforcements the entire offensive might be doomed. And then fatefully, Premier Wakatsuki was outed on December 11th.War Minister Minami and Chief of staff Kanaya, both who tried to moderate the Kwantung army's offensives were replaced by Araki Sadao an aggressive leader of the Kodoha Faction, known in english as “the imperial way faction”. To explain a bit, within the Japanese military there were cliques, kind of like the warlords cliques in many ways. They fought to direct the future operations of the IJA and even IJN to an extent. There were two main ones that influenced the 1930's heavily, the Kodoha and Toseiha (control faction). The Kodoha were not an organized political party, nor did they have an official standing within the IJA, but they were certainly influential. Kodoha members tended to be younger officers in the IJA, particularly those in the Kwantung army. General Sadao Araki was a founder of the faction and they were heavily influenced by Bushido, Fascism and the Kokutai. They sought a return to “the good old days” as one says. They say liberal democracy as a poison hurting Japan. They viewed the capitalists, industrialists and elites of Japan, ie the politicians, bureaucrats and Zaibatsu leaders to be responsible for ruining the once great nation. They wanted to see the Emperor take back full power, in what they would call a “showa restoration”. Their number one enemy, as was viewed by most of the Japanese military at this time, was the USSR and communism as a whole. Thus they were also by proxy in favor of the Hokushin-ron “northern strike policy” which was the Japanese theoretical war plan to invade the USSR. Now I don't want to go to far down the rabbit whole, but due note they were counter balanced by another faction known as the Toseiha faction, who were I guess to put it lightly, more moderate. The Toseiha were headed by Hideki Tojo famously and they opposed the Kodoha faction on a few grounds, one important one being, they did not want to cause a violent revolution to usher in the Emperor dominance. The Toseiha shared a lot of principles with the Kodoha, but they did not favor the Hokushin-ron strategy and instead adopted the Nanshin-ron strategy “southern strike” into southeast asia and the resource rich dutch east indies. It goes without saying the Toseiha faction enjoyed better relations with the IJN. So just to place this story within the political realm we are speaking, these two factions began to compete heavily for dominance 1931 onwards.   With Araki Sadao and some help from Prince Kan'in who was a Kodoha sympathizer things dramatically changed in Tokyo command. All of a sudden, offensive operations against Chinese forces in Manchuria became “bandit suppression” campaigns. The Kwantung army with Tokyo's full backing soon pursued all their military objectives, set out by Ishiwara and Itagaki since September. Chinchou and Shanhaikwan were seized in early January of 1932; Tsitsihar by February and by spring of 1932 Ishiwara argued to the staff they should complete the full seizure of Manchuria both north and south. In April that year he laid out “Manshu haiti heiryaku / the program for pacification of manchuria”. This new plan called for the seizure of Hailar in the north because “it was pivotal to the defense against the USSR”. It also called for seizing Jehol province because “it was an important condition to the independence of Manchuria”. By the end of the year Hailar was taken and in 1933 the Kwantung army was marching upon Jehol.   It goes without saying Ishiwara was central to the conquest of Manchuria. The Kwantung Army and IJA overall had numerous options laid bare to them to solve the Manchurian problem, but Ishiwara's primary concern was total control over Manchuria for its resources, strategic position and to obtain a continental base for a war against America. To Ishiwara, taking all of Manchuria was necessary to prepare for the Final War. Without Ishiwara it is certain there would have been conflict in Manchuria between Japan and China, but would Japan have outright seized the province? Ishiwara spent years planning and pushing the envelope. When the plan was unleashed, it would turn out Ishiwara and his colleagues did not have a concrete timetable for conquest and lacked quite a few contingency plans. Despite the chaotic nature of it all, the conquest of Manchuria was a stunning success. So much so, Ishiwara said to a friend of his, Satomi Kishio in 1932 “Even if Japan has to face the entire world, she can't be beaten”.   Ironically as many of you know, Japan's actions in Manchuria cost her greatly. Japan was now hated by the Chinese, well much more so. The west condemned Japan's actions, alongside the USSR. As my professor first taught me in a class about the Pacific War when I was a wee lad in his early 20's “It all was about Manchuria, everything started with Manchuria, and it ended with Manchuria in 1945”. The Manchuria affair started Japan on an inevitable course to fight the China War, which inturn led her to fight the west. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. The entire affair also brings into question the subject of military discipline. Many look at the Gekokujo variable as an explanation as to how people like Ishiwara and Itagaki got away with all they did. You know, these militarist hardtype junior officers just ran amok, performed some rebellious acts defying their superiors, forcing their hands to become accomplices. Now don't get me wrong Gekokujo definitely played a hand, particularly when you look at Ishiwara. But it does not take away from the fact there simply was a high level of indiscipline within the Japanese army.   Ishiwara would have been 100% fully aware what his actions might result in, hell the guy before him, Colonel Komoto Daisaku is a great example. Ishiwara spent a long time with Komoto and saw the man's career broken as he was exiled for the Huanggutun incident. But Ishiwara was not only focus on Manchuria, he had a close eye on the political situation in Tokyo. Ishiwara knew the 1931 cabinet was crumbling, he knew certain high officials like Araki Sadao were in fast track position for promotions and their sympathies were with his cause. Ishiwara was betting, certain sympathizers such as Kodoha faction aligned ones would take seats of power necessary to help push his cause. His gamble more than paid off. All the main actors in the Manchurian affair were rewarded for their accomplishments. Ishiwara received the Order of the Golden Kite 3rd class. More importantly he returned to Japan as a rockstar hero, the younger IJA officers were enthralled by him. Ironically Ishiwara had fostered indiscipline within the army more so, that when he went up the ladder becoming a member of the Tokyo staff it would bite him in the ass.   Manchukuo and racial harmony   Now Ishiwara's dream of taking control over Manchuria was almost purely a means to end end: ie to obtain resources and a strategic position to face America. Once Manchuria was under their control, Ishiwara directed his attention towards another goal aside from this, that of racial cooperation among the asian peoples. Manchukuo or rather Ishiwara's view of what it could be was a springboard of his vision for a East-Asian league, something that had a firm basis in his Final War theory. During Ishiwara's tour of duty in Manchuria in 1932, this Pan-Asian idea of what Manchukuo could be is what set him apart from many of his Kwantung Army colleagues, it also marked him to be very unorthodox within the IJA.    Manchukuo as many of you probably know, was a sham puppet state created to legitimize Japan's seizure of Manchuria. The Japanese high command simply sought to use the guise of an indigenous movement for independence to hide the fact the simply invaded a part of China and stole it. To do this they went as far as grabbing the last Qing emperor, Puyi and tossing him upon the throne of the new state of Manchukuo while they tossed up principles of racial harmony. For obvious reasons this was all done. You can't control a region full of a population that rightfully hates you without trying to win them over. Now what the Japanese did have going for them, was there did exist elements in Manchuria who sought independence. This was Manchuria, the heart of Nurhaci's Manchu people, don't get me started on what a Manchu exactly is by the way, listen to the fall and rise of China podcast for that. The Japanese had a lot to work with, it could be seen as a righteous Qing revival, or simply giving power back to the Manchu. There was also a large presence of Mongolians, and yes Inner Mongolia would come into all of this. Manchuria came into the nationalist fold late and not exactly willingly. Also the fear of the USSR was not something Japan had alone, Manchuria had struggled against the USSR for a very long time. There was also of course a large Japanese settler population in Manchuria who obviously welcomed the seizure. The Zhang Xueliang regime was not exactly too too friendly to the Japanese within the borders and a lot of discriminatory measure had been exacted upon them. When Zhang Xueliang had joined the Nationalists this had basically spelt doom upon them, at some point they knew they would be kicked out.   While the offensives were in full swing, Ishiwara and Itagaki met with other influential Kwantung Officers to figure out how they could exert control over Manchuria. Officer Katakura, chief of staff Miyake, Dohihara Kenji of the Mukden special service organ all met, looking over a previous plan created by Colonel Dohihara, for a multi racial autonomous nation of Manchuria. It was to be headed by the last Qing emperor, Puyi and needed to possess complete autonomy in internal matters, but its defense and foreign relations would be entrusted to Japan. Ishiwara drafted the plans by September 22nd and they were telegrammed to Tokyo on October 2nd. Tokyo high command disproved of the objectives, but nonetheless worked with the Kwantung army for 5 months on the creation of a new state based on two major principles: the so-called indigenous movement for Manchurian independence and the administrative planning for the Kwantung army to control it.    The Kwantung army went to work using the traditional structure of Manchuria, local self governing bodies. They bribed, persuaded and threatened as many as they could throughout 1931 carefully cultivating a local autonomy movement against the Kuomintang hardliners. One of the first things they created was “Jichi Shidobu self-government guidance board”, whose organ was responsible for coordinating various regional movements for independence to work with the Kwantung army to, in the words of Miyake “guide Manchuria to self-government”. The head of this board was appointed to the Mukden elder statesmen Yu Ch'ung-han, a man educated in Japan and previous advisor to Zhang Zuolin. His board would consist of 20 Japanese and 10 Manchurian members. Such organs were opened Japanese civilians in Manchuria and they flocked to them to support the so called multiracial political structure, because they could bend it to their own benefit.   The Kwantung army began tossing the slogans “racial harmony, racial equality and the righteous way” around heavily. The Kwantung army control over Manchuria was hashed out easily by establishing Japanese advisors over all organs who held ultimate veto authority, they would be appointed at all levels of government, thus everything was in reality Japanese controlled. Everything was going according to Ishiwara's vision….or was it? You would think so, and Ishiwara was definitely pushing all of this forward, but by 1933 he suddenly became a ferocious critic of the very beast he had helped create. 

Why is it that right-leaning influencers and elected officials continue to adopt so many ideas foreign to conservatism?  Today, I go through some principles of conservatism from Russell Kirk to show how today's reactionary performers on the Right are leading us astray. Nowhere is this more evident than with those throwing out all principles about never negotiating with terrorists. The administration's ties to Qatar are getting worse by the day. Ironically, after two decades of nation-building on behalf of Arabs, we are like the dog returning to its vomit and are engaged in the worst form of nation-building for Gaza. I also lambast Republicans for supporting special favors for AI data centers at a time when AI is proving to be a brain cancer when used for most of its public commercial use, such as chatbots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I made my inaugural trip to hunt moose with Arluk Outfitters back in 2018. Fast forward to 2025 and I found myself back in Newfoundland for round two. Ironically, it was Erin, that about a year ago asked, "when are you going to shoot another moose, it's my favorite venison you've ever brought home." Honey, [...]

Episode 2713 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss PETA's recent messaging, agreeing with vegans on some points, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/10/agreeing-with-vegans-episode-2713 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS There is no video for this specific episode. We're sorry for any inconvenience. Agreeing With Vegans Movie chat (2:00) PETA has a new marketing strategy. (7:30) There is a “starter kit” to become vegan, even for your pets. Chris goes over some of the PETA ideology. (22:00) They have walked back some of their claims and reworded things on their website over time. Ironically, pet shelters run by PETA are not necessarily no-kill shelters. (24:00) Vinnie agrees that factory farming is horrendous, as is industrial dairy; real whole foods are important, as is the environment. (26:00) However, forcing carnivorous pets to be vegan is its own form of cruelty. (31:00) Neighborhood watch groups and gossip. (34:00) Newest weight loss fad: GLP-1 patches. (38:00) However, they don't contain GLP-1s. They do claim to have ingredients that act similarly to a GLP-1. A patch being effective seems unlikely. Texas A&M conducted a study that tested animal protein vs. vegan protein. (44:00)   If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - More News If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - Don't forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna's next cookbook, is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna's recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don't forget you can invest in Anna's Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.    PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie's fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: 

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On the episode IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon welcomes guest and Purple Patch Athlete Marina Gelman. In 2000, at the age of 40, Marina Gelman lost her college-aged daughter in a tragic car accident. At the time, Gelman was a new fitness enthusiast and avid runner. Overcome by grief after the accident, however, she holed herself up for almost two years and focused only on work to numb the pain. Unfortunately, during this time, she abandoned her fitness goals, started smoking again after a long hiatus, and put on weight; reaching over 200 pounds. Ironically, it was another tragedy a short time later, the death of her Father from a heart attack, that inspired her to start training again. As it turns out, training non-stop turned out to be a blessing and a curse. Yes, she lost weight and found relief from her stress and heartache, but she was also overtraining…severely. Marina eventually succumbed to the devastating effects of chronic fatigue. Even the simple act of walking up a flight of stairs became unbearable.  In 2012, after hearing about Matt Dixon and Purple Patch from her running club, she reached out. At the time, she was 240 pounds, her heaviest. She explained to Matt that she had only two small goals: Recover from her chronic fatigue Run three miles again. That's it. Matt set her sights higher. Not only did he give her hope, but he also gave her a long-term structured plan and a wonderful community of support. Today, Marina Gelman is a Half-Ironman finisher, with her hopes set on finishing a full Ironman in the near future. She has also lost 105 pounds and trains daily, fully recovered from chronic fatigue.   This is a story of hope and promise. Adopting an athletic mindset, regardless of where you find yourself, just may be the one spark to save your life. “Losing a child is something unimaginable to go through,” says Marina. “Sport, in a way, and running saved me from sadness for the rest of my life.” If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1 Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi  Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com  Everything you need to know about our methodology: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com