Podcasts about Japan

What if the antidote to our frenzied, overscheduled lives isn't found in distant places or grand revelations, but in the radical act of paying attention? Writer Pico Iyer—who famously traded a corner office in Manhattan for a single room in Japan with no bed, no phone, and no distractions —sits down with Kelly to explore the art of staying curious in an age of constant noise. They wander through ideas about beginner's mind, the tyranny of busyness, and why sometimes the most luxurious thing we can do is nothing at all. Along the way, they discover that wonder is something we awaken by noticing what's already here, hidden in plain sight, just waiting for us to look up from our phones and see. This episode and our entire Super Traits series was made possible by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. To learn more, please visit: templeton.org. Recorded at The Aspen Ideas Festival. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Orphaned and kicked out of work, Kazuo Taoka was an unlikely candidate to become one of postwar Japan's most important characters. But by combining violence with a talent for legitimate business and corruption, the immaculately-suited gangster would lead the Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza syndicate from a ragtag Kobe dockworkers' gang to one of the world's richest underworld forces, spreading from Japan into Southeast Asia and even the United States. That won Taoka plenty of enemies, which he almost always vanquished. But when a young rival yakuza saw Taoka celebrating at a Kyoto nightclub, the ensuing chaos would plunge Japan's criminal scene into chaos — and the country's one true Godfather would never be the same again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan and Max recap a jet-lagged Japan ski mission, widebody travel wins and fails, and the realities of surviving brutal time zone changes. In the Mailbag, they dig into Saab war stories, Autoland edge cases, NBAA training standards, airline-branded watches, and career wins from listeners making the jump into jets. The Flight Advice segment centers on a sobering accident discussion and the risks of slipping from airline discipline into lightly regulated operations. As always, it's equal parts technical insight, hard-earned perspective, and questionable footwear choices. Southwest Airlines Breitling Interest Form Dave's Cosmic Subs TimeShifter Jet Lag App Show Notes 0:00 Intro & Travel Updates 9:23 Restaurant Dilemma 17:46 Gulfstream SVS Flier & Clawdbot 27:59 NTSB Report Update 37:52 Reviews & Comments 41:45 Mailbag 1:00:19 Flight Advice Our Sponsors Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast. Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more. Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more. The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more. Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program. Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more. VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more. ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.   Feedback & Contact Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at info@21fivepodcast.com. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates). The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

At least three workers at a Vancouver-based mining company operating in Mexico who were kidnapped last month are confirmed dead. And our guest fears they are victims of cartel infighting. Months after making history as Japan's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi leads her party to a landslide victory. And a Tokyo reporter tells us her win could mean more pressure on foreigners living in the country. Previously thought to be extinct, the greater Bermuda snail is now thriving, after being bred and then released by keepers at an English zoo. Fearing he'd be the last doctor left at his community's clinic, our guest approached the municipality with an idea: help recruit new talent, but using local tax dollars to cover some of the clinic's costs.Friends and former students of Don Glickman recently got a surprise postcard from the longtime professor stating: "If you're reading this I'm dead, and I really liked you." As it Happens, the Monday edition. Radio that appreciates the desire to have the final word.

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 18:00 (JST), February 10

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 14:00 (JST), February 10

This week, Thomas sits down with acclaimed essayist, author, and speaker Pico Iyer to discuss travel and writing as meditative practices, the spiritual power of stillness and quiet, and how creative work generates a sense of agency in a chaotic world.Pico shares incredible anecdotes from his international travels, many monastic retreats, decades of journeys with the Dalai Lama, and intimate time spent with beloved musician and Buddhist Leonard Cohen.It's an uplifting conversation on how to pull inspiration from impermanence and see personal challenges as opportunities for transformation and liberation.✨ Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:

Moritz Simon Geist is a music producer and researcher working with sound, robotics and algorithms. Beginning his academic career in semiconductor sciences as a PhD student, Geist made a career shift to focus on art and music, where he now merges sound with robotics and algorithms. His approach to electronic music, which involves creating sound through mechanical robots, has earned him international recognition. In 2012, Geist's first work, the "Drum Robot MR-808," went viral, and he has since explored the sound making and producing of electronic music with robots and mechanics as well as releasing many influential and viral works. Geist's compositions are influenced by a broad range of musical styles, including various electronic music genres and classical music, creating a unique and experimental sound. Over the years, he has collaborated with a range of renowned artists, including Mouse On Mars, Tyondai Braxton, Robert Lippok, and Thieß Mynther. His work has been showcased at many international venues and events such as the Venice Biennale, South by Southwest (SXSW), the Philharmonie de Paris, and the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. He has also presented his work in Japan, Australia, and South Korea. From 2017 - 2020 he held a master class at the NYU Berlin. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, such as the ISEA Conference 2024, the Working Grant ZER01NE Seoul in 2023, German Pop Music Prize 2022, and the VIA VUT Award in 2019. Life and education Geist has a classical music education on piano, clarinet and classic music, but turned to electronic, punk and noise music in his student years. After finishing his diploma in electrical engineering and starting his PhD in a research facility, he turned to work as a freelance artist full-time in 2012. Works In 2012 Geist build his first robotic music instrument the “MR-808”, designed after the classic electronic drum machine “TR-808”. The “MR-808” features 12 drum instruments which are beaten by small robots, such as a snare, toms or bass drum. The instrument is controlled with MIDI, and can be played by the audience. The work gained a lot of attention online and was displayed at many occasions. The installation won the Cynetart Prize 2014 and is part of the touring exhibition 'Electro' by the Philharmonie de Paris alongside works of Jeff Mills and Jean-Michel Jarre. Tripods One (2017) In 2017 Geist released the installation “Tripods One”, which is a small robotic music system featuring five robotic percussive robots. In an interview for the magazine Fast Company Geist states he wanted to create DIY futuristic instruments which have something new to them, and which don't reference something that already exists. The installation won the Visual Music Award 2017 and was nominated for the design price of saxonia 2018. Album “Robotic Electronic Music” (2018) In 2018 Geist released his debut Album “Robotic Electronic Music” distributed by Kompakt Distribution and produced by Andi Thoma from the band Mouse On Mars. On the 8-Track Album, Geist used only physical instruments, and it was sold with the claim of being the first techno album entirely played by robots. Collaboration In 2014, Geist started a collaboration with the electronic duo Mouse On Mars. They played together at international occasions, such as the Moog Festival or at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. In 2018, the Mouse on Mars Album Dimensional People was released, for which Geist built a custom made robotic music system. With this system it is possible to trigger various objects and percussion elements with MIDI. Exhibitions Since 2016, Geist has exhibited several works at museums, for example at the AIx Music exhibition at the Ars Electronica Center or at the Science Museum Milano. In 2019, Geist was nominated for the VIA/VUT Award alongside Holly Herndon, who won the title. Since 2020, Geist runs a studio also doing corporate works in Dresden, Germany

S&P futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today. Asian markets ended mostly higher on Tuesday. Japan's Nikkei climbed +2.4% to a record high for the second consecutive session, driven by a post-election rally and a +10% gain in Softbank. South Korea and Taiwan also posted gains, supported by optimism over potential tariff reprieves. European markets are narrowly mixed in early trading. Companies Mentioned: Clear Channel Outdoor, Stripe

The Big Game happened yesterday. And so did the Bad Bunny halftime show. We have thoughts. Monkeygate continues. Remember? When Trump posted an image of the Obamas as monkeys? You don't remember? Well, let us remind you. Japan's conservative party continues to make big gains. We'll tell you how the world is reacting. Zohran's warmth of collectivism has swept through New York like a purging fire. The death toll of NYC's socialist experiment is already at 17 and that's just the homeless. But wait, there's more. GUEST: Josh Firestine Link to today's sources: https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/sources-february-9-2026 Let my sponsor American Financing help you regain control of your finances. Go to https://americanfinancing.net/crowder or call 800-974-6500. NMLS 182334, http://nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Foundation Daily is made up of premium ingredients to reduce inflammation and stress and promote clean energy and mental clarity. Subscribe now and receive 40% off for life. https://foundationdaily.com/ DOWNLOAD THE RUMBLE APP TODAY: https://rumble.com/our-apps Join Rumble Premium to watch this show every day! http://louderwithcrowder.com/Premium Get your favorite LWC gear: https://crowdershop.com/ Bite-Sized Content: https://rumble.com/c/CrowderBits Subscribe to my podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/576250/rss FOLLOW ME: Website: https://louderwithcrowder.com/ X: https://x.com/scrowder Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/louderwithcrowder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevencrowderofficial Music by @Pogo

Our first caller's ex reached out the moment she got engaged…does she tell her fiancé? The second caller is considering flying to Japan to see an old fling in the middle of her divorce. And our final caller is torn over whether to let her estranged father walk her down the aisle.   "You have the right to have expectations of your dad and be disappointed by his shortcomings, but you're choosing to have no relationship with your father..."   The Viall Files is going LIVE with the new cast of Temptation Island on May 6th! Presale is already open if you use code JOKES. General sale starts Friday January 23rd @10am PT. For more information, please visit netflixisajokefest.com.    Want ad free episodes and incredible bonus content?  Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/  Love drama, tough questions, and Nick's honest advice? Follow @asknickviall on Instagram and Tiktok for dating and relationship advice from someone who's seen it all    HEY! YOU! DO YOU NEED DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE?  Email asknick@theviallfiles.com and be a part of future Ask Nick episodes!   Subscribe to The ENVY Media Newsletter Today: https://www.viallfiles.com/newsletter    Listen to Humble Brag with Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff now!  Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humble-brag-with-crystal-and-cynthia/id1774298881  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NWA8LBk15l2u5tNQqDcOO?si=3b868996930347e8  Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humblebragpod   Listen To Disrespectfully with Katie Maloney and Dayna Kathan now! Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disrespectfully/id1516710301 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6DW1KeDX6SpoVEuQpl7z?si=c35995a56b8d4038 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCh8MqSsiGkfJcWhkan0D0w To Order Nick's Book and/or learn more about the show, go to: https://viallfiles.com   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Merit Beauty - The RealReal is the most trusted name in authenticated luxury resale, With over ten thousand new arrivals daily, no one does resale like The RealReal. And now, get TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS OFF off your first purchase when you go to https://therealreal.com/files Helix Sleep - Go to https://helixsleep.com/viall for 27% off sitewide for their President's Day Sale. Grammarly - In a world of generic AI, don't sound like everyone else. With Grammarly, you never will. Download Grammarly for free at https://Grammarly.com. Tonal - Right now, Tonal is offering our listeners $200 off your Tonal purchase with promo code VIALL. That's https://Tonal.com.  Caraway - Caraway's cookware set is a favorite for a reason, it can save you up to $190 versus buying the items individually. Plus, if you visit https://Carawayhome.com/VF10 you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase. Bilt - Join the loyalty program for renters at https://joinbilt.com/viall    To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles     Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (00:50) - Caller One (24:41) - Caller Two (55:37) - Caller Three   Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @justinkaphillips @the_mare_bare @izeweaver  

Episode 5129: MAGA Victory In Japan; Mainstream Says Evangelicals See Viciousness As a Virtue

Episode 1891 - brought to you by our incredible sponsors: Brunt - Get $10 Off at BRUNT with code HARDFACTOR at www.bruntworkwear.com/HARDFACTOR Quince -  Refresh your winter wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/HARDFACTOR for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.LUCY -  100% pure nicotine. Always tobacco-free. LUCY's the only pouch that gives you long-lasting flavor, whenever you need it. Get 20% off your first order when you buy online with code (HARDFACTOR).  00:00:00 Timestamps 00:01:30 Super Bowl hangover anyone? 00:05:45 Will gets propositioned in Cabo 00:14:00 Japan's female Prime Minister on fire and Wes' Japan trip 00:21:00 The DOJ getting dunked on by Europe and the Clinton testimony   00:25:00 Savannah Guthrie kidnapped Mom update 00:32:50 Olympics update 00:35:30 Will's algorithm from magical mushrooms to addiction-causing brain chips 00:41:30 Super Bowl portal foot videos And much more Thank you for listening and supporting the pod! Go to patreon.com/HardFactor to join our community, get access to Discord chat, bonus pods, and much more - but Most importantly: HAGFD!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has led her party to a decisive election victory. Her Liberal Democratic Party won more than two thirds of the seats in the lower house of parliament. It gives Ms Takaichi wide scope to push through her conservative agenda. She's promised to boost defence spending, tighten immigration and revise Japan's pacifist constitution. Also: Thailand's incumbent prime minister has claimed victory, after early vote counts gave him a big lead in the country's general election. The Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner, Jimmy Lai, has been sentenced to twenty years in prison under the territory's strict national security law, which China says is necessary for stability. The man convicted of shooting dead fifty one people at two mosques in New Zealand seven years ago has begun an appeal against his conviction and sentence. The Seattle Seahawks have won the Super Bowl -- the biggest prize in American football.

Takaichi Sanae's gamble to call a general election has paid off. How will the prime minister's thumping victory change Japan? New legislation in Republican states could imperil academic freedom. And why “Taxi Driver” resonates 50 years after the film's release.For more on Japan's economy, listen to last week's episode of Money TalksListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mazel Morons! Today we ask the age old question- why is fast food - and 7-Eleven - better everywhere except America? From Japan's convenience-store perfection to Montreal McDonald's, we unpack how we ended up settling for worse food at higher prices. We also get into snow-day culture, Josh's PSA on snow-shoveling heart attacks, Ben's new phone-free Shabbat routine, parenting screen-time guilt, and a full nostalgia run through Wayne's World and Austin Powers. Plus, we answer YOUR questions about beer toots, friendship politics, and gluten delusion. Leave us a voicemail here!Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! Sponsors:Caraway's cookware set is a favorite for a reason, it can save you up to $190 versus buying the items individually. Plus, if you visit Carawayhome.com/GOOD10 you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase. Right now LMNT is offering a free 8-count Sample Pack of their most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/goodguys Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to Quo.com/goodguys. Quo - no missed calls, no missed customers.For a limited time, Home Chef is offering my listeners FIFTY PERCENT OFF and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life! Go to HomeChef.com/goodguys. Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I'll take the mounjaro route, you take the good ol' dirty sprite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Takaichi Sanae's gamble to call a general election has paid off. How will the prime minister's thumping victory change Japan? New legislation in Republican states could imperil academic freedom. And why “Taxi Driver” resonates 50 years after the film's release.For more on Japan's economy, listen to last week's episode of Money TalksListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined once again by outdoor filmmaker and long-distance backpacker, Lauren "Longway" Roerick.  Lauren shares the highs and lows of a massive year of international backpacking and adventure, including dragging her "indoor cat" brother along on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan and her not in such great shape dad on the Camino del Norte in Spain, her less than stellar experience on the Via Dinarica and how one especially unfortunate stretch in Montenegro ultimately forced her off trail, quickly rinsing the palette with some gorgeous hiking on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, and her experience hiking the Santa Fe to Taos Trail as part of our "get paid to thru-hike" sponsorship. We also learn more about Lauren's background, including a chaotic international divorce, learning calculus in Chinese, and how she once sang opera although refuses to do so for you- we forgive her and this is a fun, inspirational chat regardless. We wrap the show with a hidden gem thru-hike in New York, a Triple Crown of Pop (not SODA!), and what trail traditions should be celebrated on spring equinox. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. [divider] Interview with Lauren Roerick Lauren's Instagram Lauren's Youtube Lauren's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:04:57 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek and apply for the Badger Sponsorship!  00:09:10 - Introducing Lauren Roerick. 00:10:10 - Discussion about Te Araroa 00:13:30 - Discussion about a near hypothermia experience in the Tararua Mountains 00:19:10 - Give us an overview of the Santa Fe to Taos Trail 00:26:45 - Any standout stories from the Tahoe Rim Trail? 00:27:55 - Tell us about the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan 00:35:00 - Discussion about Lauren's tea ceremony experience 00:37:20 - What did you do during your three years living in Taiwan? 00:39:20 - Did you really move to California to study and sing opera? 00:43:30 - Discussion about Lauren moving frequently 00:47:35 - Tell us about your hometown 00:49:50 - Tell us about starting a sales agency 00:55:20 - Who is the 88 Temple Pilgrimage for? 00:58:20 - Tell us about bikepacking around Taiwan 01:05:50 - What's the least safe you felt during your international travels? 01:21:15 - Tell us the good parts of the Via Dinarica 01:28:35 - Tell us about hiking in Georgia 01:35:35 - How often do you get recognized? 01:37:00 - Was the Santa Fe to Taos Trail boring in comparison? 01:39:08 - Tell us about the trail you hiked with your dad 01:43:40 - How did the Camino rank against other trails you hiked last year? 01:46:24 - Discussion about  01:51:45 - Do you have general tips for international travel and hiking? 01:58:35 - What is next on your hiking schedule for 2026? 02:03:15 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking? Segments Trek Propaganda: The Epic 358-Mile Thru-Hike in New York You've Never Heard Of by Alex McClain QOTD: Summer solstice is hike naked day. What should spring equinox be? Fear of the Week Triple Crown of pop/soda Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jason Kiser, Krystyn Bell, Luke Netjes, Matt from Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, SPAM, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Monday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan warns listeners to brace for market volatility as a wave of economic data and algorithm-driven trading threatens Wall Street, even as the underlying Trump economy remains relatively strong. He then exposes massive fraud inside Washington's $30 billion welfare system, explains a major court ruling that could finally end "catch and release" by allowing the detention of illegal migrants without bond, and breaks down why Democrats are quietly backing away from ICE body cameras amid fears the footage would expose activist violence. The episode turns global with explosive allegations of Deep State manipulation inside U.S. intelligence involving Tulsi Gabbard, violent left-wing attacks tied to the Olympic Games in Italy, and growing signs of national decline in the West as pride in the country collapses among younger generations. Bryan closes with unsettling political developments in the United Kingdom, a pivotal election in Japan that could ripple into U.S. markets, and promising medical research pointing to new treatments for brain health, mental illness, and epilepsy.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: February 9 2026 Wright Report, Wall Street volatility algos Bloomberg Goldman Sachs, TANF welfare fraud slush fund states, Mississippi volleyball stadium TANF, PPP loan fraud SBA audit, Fifth Circuit asylum detention without bond, end catch and release Trump DOJ, ICE body cameras Democrat opposition, Renee Good Alex Pretti video fears, Tulsi Gabbard intel whistleblower NSA fake calls, Deep State Crossfire Hurricane parallels, Italy Olympic left-wing terrorism Meloni, Marquette poll Democrats no pride, UK terrorist runs for office Birmingham, Keir Starmer Epstein fallout Labour, Japan election Takaichi supermajority yen carry trade risk, brain health aging cells epilepsy anxiety mitochondria

In this WWII Prequel, the Empire of Japan and the Soviet Union fight over the Mongolian border, a stretch of lifeless steppe with no cover, trees, or established supply lines. In what has been dubbed a "border conflict" tens of thousands of men, thousands of trucks, and hundreds of tanks are rushed to the frontline that only barely escapes spiraling into a much larger war...at least for a few years. Sources: Edward Drea. Nomohan: Japanese-Soviet Tactical Combat, 1939. Edward Drea. Tradition and Circumstances: The Imperial Japanese Army's Tactical Response to Khalkhin Gol. Glenn Barnett. Russo-Japanese Clash at the Battle of Nomohan. WWII History. May 2005. 4#3 Amnon Sella. Nomohan: Khalkin Gol: The Forgotten War. Journal of Contemporary History (1983) 18#4 Anthony Beevor. The Second World War. Alexi Shishov. Russia and Japan. The history of military conflicts

On the Monday after the Super Bowl, Craig Collins is in for Greg Corombos, and he and Jim Geraghty cheer the weekend's election in Japan and the prospect of stronger ties between Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi and President Trump; lament a new Wall Street Journal report indicating the system of block grants to the states has enabled waste and fraud, and of course, discuss the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny.Please visit our great sponsors:Download Noble Gold's free Wealth Protection Kit — visit https://NobleGoldInvestments.com/3ML to learn how to build lasting financial security.Upgrade your sleep with Brooklyn Bedding and get 30% off sitewide at https://BrooklynBedding.com when you use promo code 3ML at checkout.Find your way forward with BetterHelp when you sign up at https://www.BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month.Upgrade your wardrobe with Mizzen & Main — get 20% off your first purchase at https://MizzenandMain.com with promo code 3ML20.New episodes every weekday. 

This episode is brought to you by Troscriptions and Strong Coffee Company. What if the smallest molecule in the universe could have the biggest impact on your health? Welcome "Greg the Hydrogen Man" to explore the science, controversy, and real-world application of hydrogen water and molecular hydrogen therapy. This conversation goes beyond hydration — it explores how hydrogen acts as a biological signal, how it interacts with oxygen, and why it may be foundational to cellular health. Whether you're into biohacking, longevity, performance, or holistic health, this episode will challenge how you think about water and what it means to truly nourish the body. ----- 00:00 – Why water can heal… or harm 02:30 – Why most hydrogen devices are problematic 05:00 – Japan's longevity advantage explained 07:45 – Hydrogen, gut health, and gas signaling 10:00 – What hydrogen water actually is 14:00 – The healing waters of Lourdes & hydrogen discovery 17:30 – Why hydrogen is different from all antioxidants 19:30 – Mitochondria, oxidative stress & disease 22:45 – Hydrogen and stroke recovery in Japan 26:30 – Why clean water matters before hydrogen 30:00 – Live blood analysis: clean water vs hydrogen water 33:30 – How hydrogen acts as a cellular signal 36:00 – Morning hydrogen water protocol 40:30 – The Japanese hydrogen machine origin story 43:00 – How long before people feel results 45:30 – Safety, medications & contraindications 48:30 –Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Try Calm by Troscriptions and use checkout code EVERFORWARD Save 15% on organic coffee and lattes with code CHASE at https://www.StrongCoffeeCompany.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube Greg's YouTube channel

Twice now, figure skaters at the Winter Olympics were told the music they wanted to skate to — and had been practicing to — could not be used. Spain's Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté, who wanted to skate to songs and sounds from "Minions," has since secured the rights. Today, we look into the complicated world of sports, music, and copyright. Also on the program: stocks soar in Japan and what warming waters mean for Maine's fishing industry.

Hong Kong authorities today sentenced pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai to 20 years behind bars. And the Milan Cortina Olympics are the first to feature a ban on ski wax containing PFAS, the forever chemicals linked to a range of health problems and diseases. Also, Japan's Sanae Takaichi took a huge risk calling for a snap election just 110 days into her first term as prime minister. Today, she won big. Plus, in a large archive building in Tirana, Albania's capital, a team recently began reviewing 45 years of films produced at the behest of former dictator Enver Hoxha.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Twice now, figure skaters at the Winter Olympics were told the music they wanted to skate to — and had been practicing to — could not be used. Spain's Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté, who wanted to skate to songs and sounds from "Minions," has since secured the rights. Today, we look into the complicated world of sports, music, and copyright. Also on the program: stocks soar in Japan and what warming waters mean for Maine's fishing industry.

Global markets are starting the week on a stronger footing. Japan's Nikkei surged nearly 4% to a record high after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a historic supermajority victory. The yen strengthened as investors priced in political stability and potential fiscal expansion. Meanwhile, gold climbed back above $5,000 per ounce and silver extended its rally amid continued geopolitical tension around U.S.–Iran negotiations. In the U.S., traders are positioning ahead of key labor market and inflation data that will test expectations for a June Federal Reserve rate cut. Treasuries dipped after reports that Chinese regulators told banks to reduce exposure to U.S. bonds. Bitcoin rallied to $72,000 over the weekend before pulling back toward $68,000, while ETF outflows slowed considerably after two heavy weeks. A busy week ahead...

In our news wrap Monday, the search for Nancy Guthrie entered its second week with an apparent ransom deadline hours away, the U.S. military boarded a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pushing her conservative agenda forward after her party secured a supermajority in Sunday's parliamentary election. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Takaichi Sanae won a landslide victory in Japan's snap election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last time we spoke about The Battle of Suixian–Zaoyang-Shatow. Following the brutal 1938 capture of Wuhan, Japanese forces aimed to solidify their hold by launching an offensive against Chinese troops in the 5th War Zone, a rugged natural fortress in northern Hubei and southern Henan. Under General Yasuji Okamura, the 11th Army deployed three divisions and cavalry in a pincer assault starting May 1, 1939, targeting Suixian and Zaoyang to crush Nationalist resistance and secure flanks. Chinese commander Li Zongren, leveraging terrain like the Dabie and Tongbai Mountains, orchestrated defenses with over 200,000 troops, including Tang Enbo's 31st Army Group. By May 23, they recaptured Suixian and Zaoyang, forcing a Japanese withdrawal with heavy losses, over 13,000 Japanese casualties versus 25,000 Chinese, restoring pre-battle lines. Shifting south, Japan targeted Shantou in Guangdong to sever supply lines from Hong Kong. In a massive June 21 amphibious assault, the 21st Army overwhelmed thin Chinese defenses, capturing the port and Chao'an despite guerrilla resistance led by Zhang Fakui. Though losses mounted, Japan tightened its blockade, straining China's war effort amid ongoing attrition.   #188 From Changkufeng to Nomonhan Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Well hello again, and yes you all have probably guessed we are taking another detour. Do not worry I hope to shorten this one a bit more so than what became a sort of mini series on the battle of Changkufeng or Battle of Lake Khasan. What we are about to jump into is known in the west as the battle of khalkin Gol, by the Japanese the Nomohan incident. But first I need to sort of set the table up so to say. So back on August 10th, 1938 the Litvinov-Shigemitsu agreement established a joint border commission tasked with redemarcating the disputed boundary between the Soviet Union and Japanese-controlled Manchukuo. However, this commission never achieved a mutually agreeable definition of the border in the contested area. In reality, the outcome was decided well before the group's inaugural meeting. Mere hours after the cease-fire took effect on the afternoon of August 11, General Grigory Shtern convened with a regimental commander from Japan's 19th Division to coordinate the disengagement of forces. With the conflict deemed "honorably" concluded, Japan's Imperial General Headquarters mandated the swift withdrawal of all Japanese troops to the west bank of the Tumen River. By the night of August 13, as the final Japanese soldier crossed the river, it effectively became the de facto border. Soviet forces promptly reoccupied Changkufeng Hill and the adjacent heights—a move that would carry unexpected and profound repercussions. Authoritative Japanese military analyses suggest that if negotiations in Moscow had dragged on for just one more day, the 19th Division would likely have been dislodged from Changkufeng and its surrounding elevations. Undoubtedly, General Shtern's infantry breathed a sigh of relief as the bloodshed ceased. Yet, one can't help but question why Moscow opted for a cease-fire at a juncture when Soviet troops were on the cusp of total battlefield triumph. Perhaps Kremlin leaders deemed it wiser to settle for a substantial gain, roughly three-quarters of their objectives, rather than risk everything. After all, Japan had mobilized threatening forces in eastern Manchuria, and the Imperial Army had a history of impulsive, unpredictable aggression. Moreover, amid the escalating crisis over Czechoslovakia, Moscow may have been wary of provoking a broader Asian conflict. Another theory posits that Soviet high command was misinformed about the ground situation. Reports of capturing a small segment of Changkufeng's crest might have been misinterpreted as control over the entire ridge, or an imminent full takeover before midnight on August 10. The unexpected phone call from Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov to the Japanese embassy that night—proposing a one-kilometer Japanese retreat in exchange for a cease-fire along existing lines—hints at communication breakdowns between Shtern's headquarters and the Kremlin. Ironically, such lapses may have preserved Japanese military honor, allowing the 19th Division's evacuation through diplomacy rather than defeat. Both sides endured severe losses. Initial Japanese press reports claimed 158 killed and 740 wounded. However, the 19th Division's medical logs reveal a grimmer toll: 526 dead and 914 injured, totaling 1,440 casualties. The true figure may have climbed higher, possibly to 1,500–2,000. Following the armistice, the Soviet news agency TASS reported 236 Red Army fatalities and 611 wounded. Given Shtern's uphill assaults across open terrain against entrenched positions, these numbers seem understated. Attackers in such scenarios typically suffered two to three times the defenders' losses, suggesting Soviet casualties ranged from 3,000 to 5,000. This aligns with a Soviet Military Council investigation on August 31, 1938, which documented 408 killed and 2,807 wounded. Japanese estimates placed Soviet losses even higher, at 4,500–7,000. Not all victims perished in combat. Marshal Vasily Blyukher, a decorated Soviet commander, former warlord of the Far East, and Central Committee candidate, was summoned to Moscow in August 1938. Relieved of duty in September and arrested with his family in October, he faced charges of inadequate preparation against Japanese aggression and harboring "enemies of the people" within his ranks. On November 9, 1938, Blyukher died during interrogation a euphemism for torture-induced death.Other innocents suffered as well. In the wake of the fighting, Soviet authorities deported hundreds of thousands of Korean rice farmers from the Ussuri region to Kazakhstan, aiming to eradicate Korean settlements that Japanese spies had allegedly exploited. The Changkufeng clash indirectly hampered Japan's Wuhan offensive, a massive push to subdue China. The influx of troops and supplies for this campaign was briefly disrupted by the border flare-up. Notably, Kwantung Army's 2nd Air Group, slated for Wuhan, was retained due to the Soviet threat. Chiang Kai-shek's drastic measure, breaching the Yellow River dikes to flood Japanese advance routes—further delayed the assault. By October 25, 1938, when Japanese forces captured Hankow, Chiang had relocated his capital to distant Chungking. Paradoxically, Wuhan's fall cut rail links from Canton inland, heightening Chiang's reliance on Soviet aid routed overland and by air from Central Asia. Japan secured a tactical win but missed the decisive blow; Chinese resistance persisted, pinning down a million Japanese troops in occupation duties. What was the true significance of Changkufeng? For General Koiso Suetaka and the 19th Division, it evoked a mix of bitterness and pride. Those eager for combat got their share, though not on their terms. To veterans mourning fallen comrades on those desolate slopes, it might have felt like senseless tragedy. Yet, they fought valiantly under dire conditions, holding firm until a retreat that blended humiliation with imperial praise, a bittersweet inheritance. For the Red Army, it marked a crucial trial of resolve amid Stalin's purges. While Shtern's forces didn't shine brilliantly, they acquitted themselves well in adversity. The U.S. military attaché in Moscow observed that any purge-related inefficiencies had been surmounted, praising the Red Army's valor, reliability, and equipment. His counterpart in China, Colonel Joseph Stilwell, put it bluntly: the Soviets "appeared to advantage," urging skeptics to rethink notions of a weakened Red Army. Yet, by World War II's eve, many British, French, German, and Japanese leaders still dismissed it as a "paper tiger." Soviet leaders appeared content, promoting Shtern to command the Transbaikal Military District and colonel general by 1940, while honoring "Heroes of Lake Khasan" with medals. In a fiery November 7, 1938, speech, Marshal Kliment Voroshilov warned that future incursions would prompt strikes deep into enemy territory. Tokyo's views diverged sharply. Many in the military and government saw it as a stain on Imperial Army prestige, especially Kwantung Army, humiliated on Manchukuo soil it swore to protect. Colonel Masanobu Tsuji Inada, however, framed it as a successful reconnaissance, confirming Soviet border defense without broader aggression, allowing the Wuhan push to proceed safely. Critics, including Major General Gun Hashimoto and historians, questioned this. They argued IGHQ lacked contingency plans for a massive Soviet response, especially with Wuhan preparations underway since June. One expert warned Japan had "played with fire," risking Manchuria and Korea if escalation occurred. Yet, Japanese commanders gleaned few lessons, downplaying Soviet materiel superiority and maintaining disdain for Red Army prowess. The 19th Division's stand against outnumbered odds reinforced this hubris, as did tolerance for local insubordination—attitudes that would prove costly. The Kremlin, conversely, learned Japan remained unpredictable despite its China quagmire. But for Emperor Hirohito's intervention, the conflict might have ballooned. Amid purges and the Czech crisis, Stalin likely viewed it as a reminder of eastern vulnerabilities, especially with Munich advancing German threats westward. Both sides toyed with peril. Moderation won in Tokyo, but Kwantung Army seethed. On August 11, Premier Fumimaro Konoye noted the need for caution. Kwantung, however, pushed for and secured control of the disputed salient from Chosen Army by October 8, 1938. Even winter's chill couldn't quench their vengeful fire, setting the stage for future confrontations. A quick look at the regional map reveals how Manchukuo and the Mongolian People's Republic each jut into the other's territory like protruding salients. These bulges could be seen as aggressive thrusts into enemy land, yet they also risked encirclement and absorption by the opposing empire. A northward push from western Manchuria through Mongolia could sever the MPR and Soviet Far East from the USSR's heartland. Conversely, a pincer movement from Mongolia and the Soviet Maritime Province might envelop and isolate Manchukuo. This dynamic highlights the frontier's strategic volatility in the 1930s. One particularly tense sector was the broad Mongolian salient extending about 150 miles eastward into west-central Manchukuo. There, in mid-1939, Soviet-Japanese tensions erupted into major combat. Known to the Japanese as the Nomonhan Incident and to the Soviets and Mongolians as the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, this clash dwarfed the earlier Changkufeng affair in scale, duration, and impact. Spanning four months and claiming 30,000 to 50,000 casualties, it amounted to a small undeclared war, the modern era's first limited conflict between great powers. The Mongolian salient features vast, semiarid plains of sandy grassland, gently rolling terrain dotted with sparse scrub pines and low shrubs. The climate is unforgivingly continental: May brings hot days and freezing nights, while July and August see daytime highs exceeding 38°C (100°F in American units), with cool evenings. Swarms of mosquitoes and massive horseflies necessitate netting in summer. Rainfall is scarce, but dense morning fogs are common in August. Come September, temperatures plummet, with heavy snows by October and midwinter lows dipping to –34°C. This blend of North African aridity and North Dakotan winters supports only sparse populations, mainly two related but distinct Mongol tribes. The Buriat (or Barga) Mongols migrated into the Nomonhan area from the northwest in the late 17th to early 18th centuries, likely fleeing Russian expansion after the 1689 Treaty of Nerchinsk. Organized by Manchu emperors between 1732 and 1735, they settled east of the river they called Khalkhin Gol (Mongolian for "river"), in lands that would later become Manchukuo. The Khalkha Mongols, named for the word meaning "barrier" or "shield," traditionally guarded the Mongol Empire's northern frontiers. Their territories lay west of the Buriats, in what would become the MPR. For centuries, these tribes herded livestock across sands, river crossings, and desert paths, largely oblivious to any formal borders. For hundreds of years, the line dividing the Mongolian salient from western Manchuria was a hazy administrative divide within the Qing Empire. In the 20th century, Russia's detachment of Outer Mongolia and Japan's seizure of Manchuria transformed this vague boundary into a frontline between rival powers. The Nomonhan Incident ignited over this contested border. Near the salient's northeastern edge, the river, called Khalkhin Gol by Mongols and Soviets, and Halha by Manchurians and Japanese, flows northwest into Lake Buir Nor. The core dispute: Was the river, as Japan asserted, the historic boundary between Manchukuo and the MPR? Soviet and MPR officials insisted the line ran parallel to and 10–12 miles east of the river, claiming the intervening strip. Japan cited no fewer than 18 maps, from Chinese and Japanese sources, to support the river as the border, a logical choice in such barren terrain, where it served as the sole natural divider. Yet, Soviets and Mongolians countered with evidence like a 1919 Chinese postal atlas and maps from Japanese and Manchukuoan agencies (1919–1934). Unbeknownst to combatants, in July 1939, China's military attaché in Moscow shared a 1934 General Staff map with his American counterpart, showing the border east of the river. Postwar Japanese studies of 18th-century Chinese records confirm that in 1734, the Qing emperor set a boundary between Buriat and Khalkha Mongols east of the river, passing through the hamlet of Nomonhan—as the Soviets claimed. However, Kwantung Army Headquarters dismissed this as non-binding, viewing it as an internal Qing affair without Russian involvement. Two former Kwantung Army officers offer a pragmatic explanation: From 1931 to 1935, when Soviet forces in the Far East were weak, Japanese and Manchukuoan authorities imposed the river as the de facto border, with MPR acquiescence. By the mid- to late 1930s, as Soviet strength grew, Japan refused to yield, while Mongolians and Soviets rejected the river line, sparking clashes. In 1935, Kwantung Army revised its maps to align with the river claim. From late that year, the Lake Buir Nor–Halha sector saw frequent skirmishes between Manchukuoan and MPR patrols. Until mid-1938, frontier defense in northwestern Manchukuo fell to the 8th Border Garrison Unit , based near Hailar. This 7,000-man force, spread thin, lacked mobility, training, and, in Kwantung Army's eyes, combat readiness. That summer, the newly formed 23rd Division, under Kwantung Army, took station at Hailar, absorbing the 8th BGU under its command, led by Lieutenant General Michitaro Komatsubara. At 52, Komatsubara was a premier Russian specialist in the Imperial Army, with stints as military attaché in the USSR and head of Kwantung's Special Services Agency in Harbin. Standing 5'7" with a sturdy build, glasses, and a small mustache, he was detail-oriented, keeping meticulous diaries, writing lengthy letters, and composing poetry, though he lacked combat experience. Before departing Tokyo in July 1938, Komatsubara received briefings from Colonel Masazumi Inada, AGS Operations Section chief. Amid planning for Changkufeng, Inada urged calm on the Manchukuo-MPR border given China's ongoing campaigns. Guidelines: Ignore minor incidents, prioritize intelligence on Soviet forces east of Lake Baikal, and study operations against the Soviet Far East's western sector. Familiar with the region from his Harbin days, Komatsubara adopted a low-key approach. Neither impulsive nor aggressive, he kept the green 23rd Division near Hailar, delegating patrols to the 8th BGU. An autumn incident underscores his restraint. On November 1, 1938, an 8th BGU patrol was ambushed by MPR forces. Per Japanese accounts, the three-man team, led by a lieutenant, strayed too close to the border and was attacked 50 meters inside Manchukuo. The lieutenant escaped, but his men died. Komatsubara sent an infantry company to secure the site but forbade retaliation. He pursued body recovery diplomatically, protested to MPR and Soviet officials, and disciplined his officers: garrison leaders got five days' confinement for poor troop training, the lieutenant thirty days. Despite this caution, pressures at AGS and KwAHQ were mounting, poised to thrust the 23rd Division into fierce battle. Modern militaries routinely develop contingency plans against potential adversaries, and the mere existence of such strategies doesn't inherently signal aggressive intentions. That said, shifts in Japan's operational planning vis-à-vis the Soviet Union may have inadvertently fueled the Nomonhan Incident. From 1934 to 1938, Japanese war scenarios emphasized a massive surprise assault in the Ussuri River region, paired with defensive holding actions in northwestern Manchuria. However, between mid-1938 and early 1939, a clandestine joint task force from the Army General Staff  and Kwantung Army's Operations Departments crafted a bold new blueprint. This revised strategy proposed containing Soviet forces in the east and north while unleashing a full-scale offensive from Hailar, advancing west-northwest toward Chita and ultimately Lake Baikal. The goal: sever the Transbaikal Soviet Far East from the USSR's core. Dubbed Plan Eight-B, it gained Kwantung Army's endorsement in March 1939. Key architects—Colonels Takushiro Hattori and Masao Terada, along with Major Takeharu Shimanuki—were reassigned from AGS to Kwantung Army Headquarters to oversee implementation. The plan anticipated a five-year buildup before execution, with Hattori assuming the role of chief operations staff officer.  A map review exposes a glaring vulnerability in Plan Eight-B: the Japanese advance would leave its southern flank exposed to Soviet counterstrikes from the Mongolian salient. By spring 1939, KwAHQ likely began perceiving this protrusion as a strategic liability. Notably, at the outbreak of Nomonhan hostilities, no detailed operational contingencies for the area had been formalized. Concurrently, Japan initiated plans for a vital railroad linking Harlun Arshan to Hailar. While its direct tie to Plan Eight-B remains unclear, the route skirted perilously close to the Halha River, potentially heightening KwAHQ's focus on the disputed Mongolian salient. In early 1939, the 23rd Division intensified reconnaissance patrols near the river. Around this time, General Grigory Shtern, freshly appointed commander of Soviet Far Eastern forces, issued a public warning that Japan was gearing up for an assault on the Mongolian People's Republic. As Plan Eight-B took shape and railroad proposals advanced, KwAHQ issued a strikingly confrontational set of guidelines for frontier troops. These directives are often cited as a catalyst for the Nomonhan clash, forging a chain linking the 1937 Amur River incident, the 1938 Changkufeng debacle, and the 1939 conflict.Resentment had festered at KwAHQ over perceived AGS meddling during the Amur affair, which curtailed their command autonomy. This frustration intensified at Changkufeng, where General Kamezo Suetaka's 19th Division endured heavy losses, only for the contested Manchukuoan territory to be effectively ceded. Kwantung Army lobbied successfully to wrest oversight of the Changkufeng salient from Chosen Army. In November 1938, Major Masanobu Tsuji of KwAHQ's Operations Section was sent to survey the site. The audacious officer was dismayed: Soviet forces dominated the land from the disputed ridge to the Tumen River. Tsuji undertook several winter reconnaissance missions. His final outing in March 1939 involved leading 40 men to Changkufeng's base. With rifles slung non-threateningly, they ascended to within 200 yards of Soviet lines, formed a line, and urinated in unison, eliciting amused reactions from the enemy. They then picnicked with obentos and sake, sang army tunes, and left gifts of canned meat, chocolates, and whiskey. This theatrical stunt concealed Tsuji's real aim: covert photography proving Soviet fortifications encroached on Manchukuoan soil. Tsuji was a singular figure. Born of modest means, he embodied a modern samurai ethos, channeling a sharp intellect into a frail, often ailing body through feats of extraordinary daring. A creative tactician, he thrived in intelligence ops, political scheming, aerial scouting, planning, and frontline command—excelling across a tumultuous career. Yet, flaws marred his brilliance: narrow bigotry, virulent racism, and capacity for cruelty. Ever the ambitious outsider, Tsuji wielded outsized influence via gekokujo—Japan's tradition of subordinates steering policy from below. In 1939, he was a major, but his pivotal role at Nomonhan stemmed from this dynamic. Back in Hsinking after his Changkufeng escapade, Tsuji drafted a response plan: negotiate border "rectification" with the Soviets; if talks failed, launch an attack to expel intruders. Kwantung Army adopted it. Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Otozaburo Yano flew to Tokyo with Tsuji's photos, seeking AGS approval. There, he was rebuffed—Changkufeng was deemed settled, and minor violations should be overlooked amid Tokyo's aversion to Soviet conflict. Yano's plea that leniency would invite aggression was countered by notes on Europe's tensions restraining Moscow. Yano's return sparked outrage at KwAHQ, seen as AGS thwarting their imperial duty to safeguard Manchukuo. Fury peaked in the Operations Section, setting the stage for Tsuji's drafting of stringent new frontier guidelines: "Principles for the Settlement of Soviet-Manchukuoan Border Disputes." The core tenet: "If Soviet troops transgress the Manchukuoan frontiers, Kwantung Army will nip their ambitions in the bud by completely destroying them." Specific directives for local commanders included: "If the enemy crosses the frontiers … annihilate him without delay, employing strength carefully built up beforehand. To accomplish our mission, it is permissible to enter Soviet territory, or to trap or lure Soviet troops into Manchukuoan territory and allow them to remain there for some time… . Where boundary lines are not clearly defined, area defense commanders will, upon their own initiative, establish boundaries and indicate them to the forward elements… . In the event of an armed clash, fight until victory is won, regardless of relative strengths or of the location of the boundaries. If the enemy violates the borders, friendly units must challenge him courageously and endeavor to triumph in their zone of action without concerning themselves about the consequences, which will be the responsibility of higher headquarters." Major Tsuji Masanobu later justified the new guidelines by pointing to the "contradictory orders" that had hamstrung frontier commanders under the old rules. They were tasked with upholding Manchukuo's territorial integrity yet forbidden from actions that might spark conflict. This, Tsuji argued, bred hesitation, as officers feared repercussions for decisive responses to incursions. The updated directives aimed to alleviate this "anxiety," empowering local leaders to act boldly without personal liability. In truth, Tsuji's "Principles for the Settlement of Soviet-Manchukuoan Border Disputes" were more incendiary than conciliatory. They introduced provocative measures: authorizing commanders to unilaterally define unclear boundaries, enforce them with immediate force "shoot first, ask questions later", permit pursuits into enemy territory, and even encourage luring adversaries across the line. Such tactics flouted both government policy and official army doctrine, prioritizing escalation over restraint. The proposals sparked intense debate within Kwantung Army's Operations Section. Section chief Colonel Takushiro Hattori and Colonel Masao Terada outranked Tsuji, as did Major Takeharu Shimanuki, all recent transfers from the Army General Staff. Tsuji, however, boasted longer tenure at Kwantung Army Headquarters since April 1936 and in Operations since November 1937, making him the de facto veteran. Hattori and Terada hesitated to challenge the assertive major, whose reputation for intellect, persuasion, and deep knowledge of Manchuria commanded respect. In a 1960 interview, Shimanuki recalled Tsuji's dominance in discussions, where his proactive ideas often swayed the group. Unified, the section forwarded Tsuji's plan to Kwantung Army Command. Commander Lieutenant General Kenkichi Ueda consulted Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai and Vice Chief General Otozaburo Yano, seasoned leaders who should have spotted the guidelines' volatility. Yet, lingering grudges from AGS "interference" in past incidents like the Amur River and Changkufeng clouded their judgment. Ueda, Isogai, and Tsuji shared history from the 1932 Shanghai Incident: Tsuji, then a captain, led a company in the 7th Regiment under Colonel Isogai, with Yano as staff officer and Ueda commanding the 9th Division. Tsuji was wounded there, forging bonds of camaraderie. This "clique," which grew to include Hattori, Terada, and Shimanuki, amplified Tsuji's influence. Despite Isogai's initial reservations as the group's moderate voice, the guidelines won approval. Ueda issued them as Kwantung Army Operations Order 1488 on April 25, 1939, during a division commanders' conference at KwAHQ. A routine copy reached AGS in Tokyo, but no formal reply came. Preoccupied with the China War and alliance talks with Germany, AGS may have overlooked border matters. Colonel Masazumi Inada, AGS Operations head, later noted basic acceptance of Order 1488, with an informal expectation—relayed to Hattori and Terada—of prior consultation on violations. KwAHQ dismissed this as another Tokyo intrusion on their autonomy. Some Japanese analysts contend a stern AGS rejection might have prevented Nomonhan's catastrophe, though quelling Kwantung's defiance could have required mass staff reassignments, a disruptive step AGS avoided. Tsuji countered that permitting forceful action at Changkufeng would have deterred Nomonhan altogether, underscoring the interconnectedness of these clashes while implicitly critiquing the 1939 battle's location. Undeniably, Order 1488's issuance on April 25 paved the way for conflict three weeks later. Japanese records confirm that Khalkha Mongols and MPR patrols routinely crossed the Halha River—viewed by them as internal territory, 10 miles from the true border. Such crossings passed uneventfully in March and April 1939. Post-Order 1488, however, 23rd Division commander General Michitaro Komatsubara responded aggressively, setting the stage for escalation. The Nomonhan Incident ignited with a border clash on May 11–12, 1939, that rapidly spiraled into a major conflict. Over a dozen "authoritative" accounts exist, varying in viewpoint, focus, and specifics. After cross-referencing these sources, a coherent timeline emerges. On the night of May 10–11, a 20-man Mongolian People's Republic border patrol crossed eastward over the Halha River (known as Khalkhin Gol to Mongols and Soviets). About 10 miles east, atop a 150-foot sandy hill, lay the tiny hamlet of Nomonhan, a cluster of crude huts housing a few Mongol families. Just south flowed the Holsten River, merging westward into the broader Halha. By morning on May 11, Manchukuoan forces spotted the MPR patrol north of the Holsten and west of Nomonhan. In the MPR/Soviet perspective, Nomonhan Hill marked the Mongolia-Manchuria border. To Manchukuoans and Japanese, it sat 10 miles inside Manchukuo, well east of the Halha. A 40-man Manchukuoan cavalry unit repelled the Mongolians back across the river, inflicting initial casualties on both sides—the Manchukuoans drawing first blood. The MPR patrol leader exaggerated the attackers as 200 strong. The next day, May 12, a 60-man MPR force under Major P. Chogdan evicted the Manchukuoans from the disputed zone, reestablishing positions between the Halha and Nomonhan. The Manchukuoans, in turn, reported facing 700 enemies. Sporadic skirmishes and maneuvering persisted through the week. On May 13, two days post-clash, the local Manchukuoan commander alerted General Michitaro Komatsubara's 23rd Division headquarters in Hailar. Simultaneously, Major Chogdan reported to Soviet military command in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital. What began as a Mongolian-Manchukuoan spat was poised to draw in Soviet and Japanese patrons. Attributing the May 10–11 violation hinges on border interpretations: both sides claimed the Halha-Nomonhan strip. Yet, most accounts concur that Manchukuoan forces initiated the fighting. Post-May 13 notifications to Moscow and Tokyo clarify the record thereafter. Midday on May 13, Komatsubara was leading a staff conference on the newly issued Kwantung Army Operations Order 1488—Major Tsuji Masanobu's aggressive border guidelines. Ironically, the first Nomonhan combat report arrived mid-discussion. Officers present recall Komatsubara deciding instantly to "destroy the invading Outer Mongolian forces" per Order 1488. That afternoon, he informed Kwantung Army Headquarters of the incident and his intent to eradicate the intruders, requesting air support and trucks. General Kenkichi Ueda, Kwantung commander, approved Komatsubara's "positive attitude," dispatching six scout planes, 40 fighters, 10 light bombers, two anti-aircraft batteries, and two motorized transport companies. Ueda added a caveat: exercise "extreme caution" to prevent escalation—a paradoxical blend of destruction and restraint, reflective of KwAHQ's fervent mood. Ueda relayed the details to Tokyo's Army General Staff, which responded that Kwantung should handle it "appropriately." Despite Kwantung's impulsive reputation, Tokyo deferred, perhaps trusting the northern strategic imbalance, eight Japanese divisions versus 30 Soviet ones from Lake Baikal to Vladivostok, would enforce prudence. This faith proved misguided. On May 14, Major Tsuji flew from KwAHQ for aerial reconnaissance over Nomonhan, spotting 20 horses but no troops. Upon landing, a fresh bullet hole in his plane confirmed lingering MPR presence east of the Halha. Tsuji briefed 23rd Division staff and reported to Ueda that the incident seemed minor. Aligning with Order 1488's spirit, Komatsubara deployed a force under Lieutenant Colonel Yaozo Azuma: an armored car company, two infantry companies, and a cavalry troop. Arriving at Nomonhan on May 15, Azuma learned most MPR forces had retreated westward across the Halha the prior night, with only token elements remaining, and those withdrawing. Undeterred, he pursued. The advance met scant resistance, as foes had crossed the river. However, Japanese light bombers struck a small MPR concentration on the west bank, Outpost Number 7, killing two and wounding 15 per MPR reports; Japanese claimed 30–40 kills. All agree: the raid targeted undisputed MPR territory. Hearing of May 15's events, Komatsubara deemed the Mongolians sufficiently rebuked and recalled Azuma to Hailar on May 16. KwAHQ concurred, closing the matter. Soviet leaders, however, saw it differently. Mid-May prompted Soviet support for the MPR under their 1936 Mutual Defense Pact. The Red Army's 57th Corps, stationed in Mongolia, faced initial disarray: Commander Nikolai Feklenko was hunting, Chief of Staff A. M. Kushchev in Ulan Ude with his ill wife. Moscow learned of clashes via international press from Japanese sources, sparking Chief of Staff Boris Shaposhnikov's furious inquiry. Feklenko and Kushchev rushed back to Ulaanbaatar, dispatching a mixed force—a battalion from the 149th Infantry Regiment (36th Division), plus light armor and artillery from the 11th Tank Brigade—to Tamsag Bulak, 80 miles west of the Halha. Led by Major A. E. Bykov, it bolstered the MPR's 6th Cavalry Division. Bykov and Cavalry Commander Colonel Shoaaiibuu inspected the site on May 15, post-Azum's departure. The cavalry arrived two days later, backed by Bykov (ordered to remain west of the river and avoid combat if possible). Some MPR troops recrossed, occupying the disputed zone. Clashes with Manchukuoan cavalry resumed and intensified. Notified of renewed hostilities, Komatsubara viewed it as defiance, a personal affront. Emboldened by Order 1488, he aimed not just to repel but to encircle and annihilate. The incident was on the verge of major expansion. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The ghosts of the Changufeng incident have come back to haunt both the USSR and Japan. Those like Tsuji Masanobu instigated yet another border clash that would erupt into a full blown battle that would set a precedent for both nations until the very end of WW2. 

Live Feb 9, 2026 | Yaron Brook ShowBad Bunny; Racism; Iran; Japan; India; Jimmy Lai; Measles; Immigration | Yaron Brook ShowThe Yaron Brook Show is Sponsored by:-- The Ayn Rand Institute (https://www.aynrand.org/starthere)-- Energy Talking Points, featuring AlexAI, by Alex Epstein (https://alexepstein.substack.com/)-- Express VPN (https://www.expressvpn.com/yaron)-- Hendershott Wealth Management (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4lfC...) https://hendershottwealth.com/ybs/-- Michael Williams & The Defenders of Capitalism Project (https://www.DefendersOfCapitalism.com)Join this channel to get access to perks: / @yaronbrook Like what you hear? Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on new videos and help promote the Yaron Brook Show: https://bit.ly/3ztPxTxSupport the Show and become a sponsor: / yaronbrookshow or https://yaronbrookshow.com/ or / yaronbrookshow Or make a one-time donation: https://bit.ly/2RZOyJJContinue the discussion by following Yaron on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3iMGl6z) and Facebook (https://bit.ly/3vvWDDC )Want to learn more about Ayn Rand and Objectivism? Visit the Ayn Rand Institute: https://bit.ly/35qoEC3#IranRegime #WesternAppeasement #GovernmentShutdown #JudicialActivism #EconomicReality #FraudExposed #AbortionDebate #MoralClarity #Objectivism #Capitalism #IndividualRightsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/yaron-brook-show--3276901/support.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff resigned amid controversy over the Mandelson scandal, and Japan's conservative governing party have won a landslide victory in snap elections. Plus, top academics have dismissed Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh's claim that an AI-induced productivity boom will create room for interest rate cuts. And, Syria has struck a deal that would give them control over major oil and gas fields offering a potential boost to its fragile economy. Mentioned in this podcast:Starmer battles to stay in Number 10 after dramatic exit of McSweeneySanae Takaichi's LDP wins supermajority in Japan electionEconomists reject Kevin Warsh's claim that AI boom will enable rate cutsSyria courts energy majors as it takes control of oilfieldsNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today's FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Julia Webster. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's Global Head of Audio. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poland's economy is expected to be the fastest-growing in Europe this year according to the European Union, with the spending power of its average worker on course to overtake that of Japan.So how, three and a half decades after the fall of communism, has it become a case study of capitalism?We hear from some of the country's biggest companies on that increased consumer power, their ambitions to take on the world with international expansion, and ask what hurdles lie in the way for what one economist calls "Europe's growth champion."If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresented and produced by Will BainBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol.(Picture: An aerial view of Warsaw, Poland, including modern skyscrapers. Credit: Getty Images)

This week on DanceSpeak, I sit down with Brian 'Footwork' Green, a master teacher and influential figure in street and club dance culture whose impact spans generations. Recorded live in August 2025, this episode captures Brian's unfiltered thoughts on musicality, lineage, and what often gets misunderstood about street dance. We explore competition versus convention culture, the realities of the dance economy, and the difference between who you are and the artistic name you move under. Brian speaks honestly about off-beat dancing, “auto-tuned” movement, teaching, trends, and what gets lost when dance drifts away from the heart. The conversation also touches on race, representation, and identity in dance spaces—layered, nuanced, and rooted in lived experience rather than soundbites. Insightful, funny, challenging, and deeply grounded in culture, this episode is for dancers who love dance enough to think about it, question it, and keep it alive. Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website – https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home – https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with Brian on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brianfootworkgreen/. You can purchase Brian's on-line dance classes https://www.theybarelyunderstandhello.com/#classes.

Today we're going to connect two stories that, on the surface, look very different. One is Japan, where government bond yields have been rising, and the commentary on financial social media is busy declaring Japan is “blowing up.”The other is the spring of 2023 in the United States, when Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and First Republic, all failed within weeks of each other. These events rhyme because the underlying physics is the same. Duration risk plus leverage plus flighty funding can turn a paper loss into a real loss in about a weekend.Let's start with the basic math. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. That's not an opinion, that's bond arithmetic.--------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

Further reading: I Can Has Mutant Larvae? 200-Year-Old ‘Monster Larva' Mystery Solved ‘Snakeworm' mystery yields species new to science Hearkening back to the hazelworm Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. A few weeks ago when I was researching big eels, I remembered the mystery eel larva we talked about back in episode 49, and that led me down a fun rabbit hole about other mystery larvae. Let's start with that eel larva. Eel larvae can be extremely hard to tell apart, so as a catchall term every eel larva is called a leptocephalus. They're flattened side to side, which is properly referred to as laterally compressed, and transparent, shaped roughly like a slender leaf, with a tiny head at the front. Depending on the species, an eel may remain in its larval form for more than a year, much longer than most other fish, and when it does metamorphose into its next life stage, it usually grows much longer than its larval form. For instance, the larvae of conger eels are only about 4 inches long, or 10 cm, while an adult conger can grow up to 10 feet long, or 3 meters. On January 31, 1930, a Danish research ship caught an eel larva 900 feet deep, or about 275 meters, off the coast of South Africa. But the larva was over 6 feet long, or 1.85 meters! Scientists boggled at the thought that this larva might grow into an eel more than 50 feet long, or 15 meters, raising the possibility that this unknown eel might be the basis of many sea serpent sightings. The larva was preserved and has been studied extensively. In 1958, a similar eel larva was caught off of New Zealand. It and the 1930 specimen were determined to belong to the same species, which was named Leptocephalus giganteus. In 1966, two more of the larvae were discovered in the stomach of a western Atlantic lancet fish. They were much smaller than the others, though—only four inches and eleven inches long, or 10 cm and 28 cm respectively. Other than size, they were pretty much identical to Leptocephalus giganteus. The ichthyologist who examined them determined that the larvae were probably not true eels at all, but larvae of a fish called the spiny eel. Deep-sea spiny eels look superficially like eels but aren't closely related, and while they do have a larval form that resembles that of a true eel, they're much different in one important way. Spiny eel larvae grow larger than the adults, then shrink a little when they develop into their mature form. The six-foot eel larva was actually a spiny eel larva that was close to metamorphosing into its adult form. Not everyone agrees that Leptocephalus giganteus is a spiny eel. Some think it belongs to the genus Coloconger, also called worm eels, which are true eels but which have large larvae that only grow to the same size as adults. But worm eels don't grow much bigger than about two feet long, or 61 cm. If the mystery larvae does belong to the genus Coloconger, it's probably a new species. Until scientists identify an adult Leptocephalus giganteus, we can't know for sure. Another mystery larva is Planctosphaera pelagica, which sits all alone in its own class because the only thing it resembles are acorn worms, but scientists are pretty sure it isn't the larva of an acorn worm. It's not much to look at, since the larva is just a little barrel-shaped blob that grows about 25 mm across. This sounds small compared to the eel larva we just discussed, but it's actually quite large compared to similar larvae. Acorn worm larvae are usually only about a millimeter long. Planctosphaera has been classified as a hemichordate, which are related to echinoderms but which show bilateral symmetry instead of radial symmetry. Hemichordates are also closely related to chordates, which include all vertebrates. They're marine animals that resemble worms but aren't worms, so it's likely that Planctosphaera is also wormlike as an adult. Planctosphaera isn't encountered very often by scientists. It has limited swimming abilities and mostly floats around near the surface of the open ocean, eating tiny food particles. One suggestion is that it might actually be the larva of a known species, but one where an occasional larva just never metamorphoses into an adult. It just grows and grows until something eats it. So far, attempts to sequence DNA from a Planctosphaera hasn't succeeded and attempts to raise one to maturity in captivity hasn't worked either. Some people have estimated that an adult Planctosphaera might be a type of acorn worm that can grow nine feet long, or 2.75 meters, which isn't out of the realm of possibility. The largest species of acorn worm known is Balanoglossus gigas, which can grow almost six feet long, or 1.8 meters, and not only is it bioluminescent, its body contains a lot of iodine, so it smells like medicine. It lives in mucus-lined burrows on the sea floor. Another mystery larva is Facetotecta, which have been found in shallow areas in many oceans around the world. Unlike the other larvae we've talked about, they're genuinely tiny, measured in micrometers, and eleven species have been described. They all have a cephalic shield, meaning a little dome over the head, and scientists have been able to observe several phases of their development but not the adult form. The juvenile form was observed and it looked kind of like a tiny slug with nonfunctioning eyes and weak muscles. Scientists speculate that facetotecta may actually be the larva of an endoparasite that infests some marine animals. That would explain why no adult form has been identified. Genetic testing has confirmed that Facetotecta is related to a group of parasitic crustaceans. DNA has solved some mysteries of what larvae belong to which adults. For instance, Cerataspis monstrosa, a larval crustacean that was first described in 1828. It's over a cm long, pinkish-purple in color with stalked eyes, little swimming leg-like appendages, and neon blue horn-like structures on its head and back which act as armor. The armor doesn't help too much against big animals like dolphins and tuna, which love to eat it, and in fact that's where it was initially discovered, in the digestive tract of a dolphin. But scientists had no idea what the monstrous larva eventually grew up to be. In 2012 the mystery was solved when a team of scientists compared the monster larva's DNA to that of lots of various types of shrimp, since the larva had long been suspected to be a type of shrimp. It turns out that it's the larval form of a rare deep-sea aristeid shrimp that can grow up to 9 inches long, or 23 cm. Let's finish with another solved mystery, this one from larvae found on land. In 2007, someone sent photos and a bag of little dead worms to Derek Sikes at the University of Alaska Museum. Usually when someone sends you a bag of dead worms, they're giving you an obscure but distressing message, but Sikes was curator of the insect collection and he was happy to get a bag of mystery worms. The worms had been collected from an entire column of the creatures that had been crawling over each other so that the group looked like a garden hose on the ground. Sikes thought they were probably fly larvae but he had never heard of larvae traveling in a column. If you've listened to the hazelworm episode from August 2018, you might have an idea. The hazelworm was supposed to be a snake or even a dragon that was only seen in times of unrest. It turns out that it the larvae of some species of fungus gnat travel together in long, narrow columns that really do look like a moving snake. But that's in Europe, not Alaska. Sikes examined the larvae, but since they were dead he couldn't guess what type of insect they would grow up to be. Luckily, a few months later he got a call from a forester who had spotted a column of the same worms crossing a road. Sikes got there in time to witness the phenomenon himself. The larvae were only a few millimeters long each, but there were so many of them that the column stretched right across the road into the forest. He collected some of them carefully and took them back to the museum, where he tended them in hopes that they would pupate successfully. This they did, and the insects that emerged were a little larger than fruit flies and were black in color. Sikes identified them as fungus gnats, but when he consulted fungus gnat experts in Germany and Japan, they were excited to report that they didn't recognize the Alaskan gnats. It was a new species, which Sikes described in late 2023. His summer students helped name the species, Sciara serpens, which are better known now as snakeworm gnats. He and his co-authors think the larvae form columns when they cross surfaces like roads and rocks, to help minimize contacting the dry ground. Fungus gnats live in moist areas with lots of organic matter, like forest leaf litter and the edges of ponds. So the next time you see a huge long snake crossing the road, don't panic. It might just be a whole lot of tiny, tiny larvae looking for a new home. Thanks for your support, and thanks for listening! BONUS: here’s the Hazelworm episode too! The hazelworm today is a type of reptile, although called the slow worm, blind worm, or deaf adder. It lives in Eurasia, and while it looks like a snake, it's actually a legless lizard. It can even drop and regrow its tail like a lizard if threatened. It spends most of its time underground in burrows or underneath leaf litter or under logs. It grows almost 2 feet long, or 50 cm, and is brown. Females sometimes have blue racing stripes while males may have blue spots. It eats slugs, worms, and other small animals, so is good for the garden. But that kind of hazelworm isn't what we're talking about here. Back in the middle ages in central Europe, especially in parts of the Alps, there were stories of a big dragonlike serpent that lived in areas where hazel bushes were common. Like its slow-worm namesake, it lived most of its life underground, especially twined around the roots of the hazel. Instead of scales, it had a hairy skin and was frequently white in color. It was supposed to be the same type of snake that had tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It had a lot of names besides hazelworm, including white worm for its color, paradise worm for its supposed history in the Garden of Eden, and even war worm. That one was because it was only supposed to show itself just before a war broke out. People really believed it existed, although stories about it sound more like folklore. For instance, anyone who ate hazelworm flesh was supposed to become immortal. It was also supposed to suck milk from dairy cows and spread poison. Some accounts said it was enormous, as big around as a man's thigh and some 18 feet long, or 5.5 meters. Sometimes it was even supposed to have feet, or have various bright colors. Sometimes drawings showed wings. There does seem to be some confusion about stories of the hazelworm and of the tatzelwurm, especially in older accounts. But unlike the tatzelwurm, the mystery of the hazelworm has been solved for a long time—long enough that knowledge of the animal has dropped out of folklore. Back in the 1770s, a physician named August C. Kuehn pointed out that hazelworm sightings matched up with a real animal…but not a snake. Not even any kind of reptile. Not a fish or a bird or a mammal. Nope, he pointed at the fungus gnat. The fungus gnat is about 8 mm long and eats decaying plant matter and fungus. You know, sort of exactly not like an 18-foot hairy white snake. But the larvae of some species of fungus gnat are called army worms. The larvae have white, gray, or brown bodies and black heads, and travel in long, wide columns that do look like a moving snake, especially if seen in poor light or in the distance. I've watched videos online of these processions and they are horrifying! They're also rare, so it's certainly possible that even people who have lived in one rural area their whole life had never seen an armyworm procession. Naturally, they'd assume they were seeing a monstrous hairy snake of some kind, because that's what it looks like. Sightings of smaller hazelworms may be due to the caterpillar of the pine processionary moth, which also travels in a line nose to tail, which looks remarkably like a long, thin, hairy snake. Don't touch those caterpillars, by the way. They look fuzzy and cute but their hairs can cause painful reactions when touched. The adult moths lay their eggs in pine trees and when the eggs hatch the larvae eat pine needles and can cause considerable damage to the trees. They overwinter in silk tents, then leave the trees in spring and travel in a snaky conga line to eat pine needles. Eventually they burrow underground to pupate. They emerge from their cocoons as adult moths, mate, lay eggs, and die, all within one day.

0:30 - Sports & Politics 18:13 - Bad Bunny 40:22 - The meme in question 01:01:25 - Election attorney and founder of the Election Integrity Network, Cleta Mitchell, sets the facts straight in Fulton Co (and state of Georgia) in the 2020 general election 01:21:00 - The Heritage Foundation’s Steven Bucci breaks down immigration, the clash between state and federal authority, and why the U.S. is aligning with Japan against China. 01:39:33 - National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative, Ken Cuccinelli: what if we make it hard for anyone to steal an election? Make it easy to vote, hard to cheat, and make people prove who they are. For more on the Election Transparency Initiative electiontransparency.org 01:57:45 - Why Dan Proft is Single 02:16:25 - Sports & Politics - Olympics edition See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Frankel and Dan Prosser interview legendary sports car racing driver Tom Kristensen. How did he get started, why did he go to Japan, and what happened in his biggest ever racing accident? Of course, there's also the small matter of Le Mans… Use coupon code pod20 at checkout to get 20% off an annual subscription to The Intercooler's online car magazine for the first year! Listen to this podcast ad-free, and enjoy a subscriber-only midweek podcast too. With a 30-day free trial, you can try it risk-free – https://www.the-intercooler.com/subscribe/ Find out more about JBR Capital here – https://www.jbrcapital.com Use coupon code Ti10 to get 10% off your Supernatural Car Care order – https://supernaturalcarcare.com/ 

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 23:00 (JST), February 09

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 03:00 (JST), February 10

A landmark US trial begins today in Los Angeles, where plaintiffs say Instagram and YouTube were built to addict kids. We hear from our North America Technololgy Correspondent on what the families said today in court.Then to Japan, where Sanae Takaichi's decisive election win is being read by markets positively - sending the Nikkei to record highs. We'll hear from Tokyo and the US on what her strengthened mandate could mean for the Japan-US relationship. And there's a major pharma-versus-telehealth clash: Novo Nordisk is suing Hims & Hers, accusing it of patent infringement linked to semaglutide - seeking to halt sales of unapproved compounded versions and pursuing damages, in a case that could ripple through the booming online weight-loss market.(Photo: Parents who lost children to alleged social media–related harms hold a vigil ahead of a social media addiction trial in Los Angeles on February 5, 2026. Jill Connelly/Reuters: Reuters).

Long:Japanese stocks have surged after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's resounding election win, pushing the Nikkei to a record high. Andrew Peach looks at what it means for Japan's economy. We'll also hear about concerns from Indian farmers over the country's interim trade agreement with the United States. And why a major new international report says businesses often have more financial incentive to damage nature than protect it.

In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Beverly Hallberg discussed: ON THURSDAY: Virginia Democrats release proposed new congressional map ON FRIDAY: Gov. Spanberger signs bill to enable redistricting referendum Moore: Maryland Senate has ‘obligation to vote’ on redrawing congressional maps WMAL GUEST: 6:35 AM - INTERVIEW - JACOB ALDERMAN - chairman of the Prince William County Republican Committee - discussed on Saturday, the Prince William County Democratic Committee held Woodbridge District Democratic caucus election and there's accusations of cheating. It's a complete mess. Jacob will explain it all. SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/PWCGOP Prime Minister Takaichi’s party wins a supermajority in Japan’s lower house Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Monday, February 9, 2026 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben & Tom discuss CPI ahead of Friday's release, Japan elections, and GLP-1 copycats.  Join our live YouTube stream Monday through Friday at 8:30 AM EST:http://www.youtube.com/@TheMorningMarketBriefingPlease see disclosures:https://www.narwhal.com/disclosure

Anthony Lucero sits down with me to talk about his fatherhood journey. We chat about the values he looks to teach his son. In addition, he talks about how fatherhood has changed his life. After that we discuss his is latest film called, Paper Bag Plan. Lucero shares the family inspiration behind his film. Thirdly, we talk about the how this film can help parents to let go and let their children learn to grow. Lastly, we finish the interview with the Fatherhood Quick Five.  About Anthony Lucero Writer and Director Anthony Lucero's feature film, Paper Bag Plan, to date has won 12 festival awards. Some of those awards included Best Feature and Best Actor. His directorial debut feature film, East Side Sushi garnered 15 festival awards nationwide. Plus it has a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score. It was listed as one of the “Top 10 Films of 2015” by SF Weekly and "One of the Most Overlooked Films of 2015" from the Los Angeles Times. In 2017, Lucero was selected as a U.S. Envoy and spoke at six U.S. Embassies and Consulates as a film ambassador throughout Japan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFRKK3wIQ3E After receiving his B.A. in Film, Lucero spent over a decade in visual effects at George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic. He worked on such films as Ironman, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Avengers. Moreover, Lucero is an alum of the Disney Directors Fellowship Program. In addition, he was invited to participate in the Netflix Director's on the Rise Masterclass. Make sure you follow Anthony on Instagram at @antlucero1. Also make sure you check out his film, Paper Bag Plan. SLIDEMVP Is This Week's Podcast Sponsor As a dad and coach, inspired by some awkward slides and makeshift cardboard sliding tools, Coach Robby asked: “How can I help players slide better?” After countless brainstorming sessions and prototypes, the SLIDEMVP™ was born. Players immediately had fun, and their sliding skills improved dramatically. To further support athletes, Coach Robby has hosted multiple sliding clinics, building confidence and teaching techniques like the pop-up slide. Proudly manufactured in the USA, SLIDEMVP™ is player-tested and coach-approved. It enhances sliding technique, boosts speed, and improves agility on the basepaths. Most importantly, SLIDEMVP™ helps players build confidence and take their game to the next level. To learn more go to their website at SlideMVP.com. About The Art of Fatherhood Podcast  The Art of Fatherhood Podcast follows the journey of fatherhood. Your host, Art Eddy talks with fantastic dads from all around the world where they share their thoughts on fatherhood. You get a unique perspective on fatherhood from guests like Bob Odenkirk, Hank Azaria, Joe Montana, Kevin Smith, Danny Trejo, Jerry Rice, Jeff Foxworthy, Patrick Warburton, Jeff Kinney, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Kyle Busch, Dennis Quaid, Dwight Freeney and many more.

In this episode of Econ 102, Noah and Erik are joined by Flock Safety CEO to cover America's crime crisis and how to solve it with technology. They explore international comparisons, why America's crime problem is unique, how cameras can deter crime, tradeoffs in crime reduction, and more.-Sponsors:NotionAI meeting notes lives right in Notion, everything you capture, whether that's meetings, podcasts, interviews, conversations, live exactly where you plan, build, and get things done.  Here's an exclusive offer for our listeners. Try one month for free at ⁠https://www.notion.com/lp/econ102 NetSuiteMore than 42,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://netsuite.com/102 Found Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com-FOLLOW on X:https://x.com/glangleyhttps://x.com/eriktorenberghttps://x.com/Noahpinion-Shownotes brought to you by Notion AI Meeting Notes - try one month for free at https://www.notion.com/lp/econ102- Discussion opened with comparisons between AI's impact on various professions, particularly radiology- America's murder rate is approximately 5x higher than Europe and 10x higher than Asia, making it a significantly more violent country- Crime has become increasingly sophisticated over the past decade, shifting from impulsive juvenile offenses to organized, profit-driven enterprises- Foreign criminal organizations operate with different specialties: South American gangs focus on narcotics, firearms, and use drones for reconnaissance- Geographic spread: American cities are too suburban for effective foot patrols, forcing police to drive instead - foot patrols are proven to be more effective deterrents- Gun availability: While firearms make approximately a 2x difference in murder rates, eliminating all guns (which would be extremely difficult) would only get America halfway to European safety levels- Americans have restructured their entire lives around crime avoidance, creating costs not captured in crime statistics- Deterrence through likelihood of capture: Research shows criminals are deterred by the likelihood of getting caught, not by severity of punishment- Garrett compared criminal behavior to children - they commit crimes because they think they'll get away with it, not because punishment is insufficient- Cameras create permanent records that make crime detection highly likely, fundamentally changing the risk calculus- Even with permissive DAs or judges, the existence of video evidence creates accountability- Japan achieved approximately a 5x reduction in crime through widespread camera deployment- Cameras effectively ended many categories of street crime, with criminals openly acknowledging they "can't commit crimes, there's cameras everywhere"- Reduced crime would save cities enormous costs - San Francisco could save approximately $1 billion by reducing crime to Asian standards- Noah emphasized that "law and order" rhetoric won't work in liberal cities - need a different framing- The progressive case for surveillance: Enables walkable neighborhoods and vibrant urbanism- Some American cities don't believe crime is a serious problem, viewing current levels as acceptable- These cities will likely experience declining populations and tax bases, creating a downward spiral until they recognize the need for action- Cities that resist camera technology often have underlying trust issues with their local government- In communities where residents trust their elected officials want them to succeed, camera adoption is widely embraced-Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction3:00 - The State of Crime in America6:04 - Crime Statistics Debate10:59 - The Solution: Cameras Everywhere12:15 - Sponsors: Notion | NetSuite17:00 - How Deterrence Really Works19:35 - Japan's Success with Cameras22:46 - Privacy and Cultural Trade-offs25:50 - Sponsor: Found38:35 - Economic Benefits and Policy44:19 - Closing Thoughts-Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details, please see https://a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As two mammoth elections take place in Japan and Thailand, we discuss the domestic and regional consequences. Then: former UN special representative for Sudan, Volker Perthes, on if Trump’s Board of Peace can sign off an agreement in Sudan without the UN. Plus: Monocle at the Olympic Winter Games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover what leverage Trump really has against Iran. Riki Ellison from The Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance joins Tony and discusses how regime change could occur. Margot in Israel tells Tony why Netanyahu is returning to Washington to discuss Iran. Japan's "Iron Lady" gets mandate and moves closer to Trump's doctrine.

S&P futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today. Asian markets rallied Monday, driven by a risk-on sentiment following Japan's general election outcomes and Friday's tech-driven bounce on the Nasdaq. The Nikkei surged +3.9%, with Takaichi trade sectors leading the charge. Hong Kong, Mainland China, and South Korea also posted strong gains. European markets are also firmer in early trading with industrial and tech sectors leading the gains. Companies Mentioned: Intel, Netflix, Kroger

Read transcriptThis week on play comics we ask ourselves what happens if you you can't decide what you want to make a game about. Should you just give up? Should you really dig into your soul and decide what you're super passionate about? Should you look and see if there's any other related media coming out that you can tie this game into? Or should you act like you're at the end of five different boxes of sugary cereal and justice dump the mall into a single bowl and see what happens? There's certainly one thing that I made my mind up about this one, and that's how Perry Constantine from Superhero Cinephiles and Japan on Film needed to come by and help me make sure that I kept everything straight here. And it's a good thing too because with more playable character than I want to count spread out across 7 consoles upon release and a few more as back catalogs were taken advantage of it would have been really easy to miss something here. So was there an actual story for this game? Or was it just a giant excuse to squeeze in as many tidbits as they could so the other kids would think they're cool? You'll have to listen to find out! Learn such things as: Is it possible to have too many characters to pick from? What happens when there's an actually good original story? Are there any deep cuts that didn't make it into this one? And so much more! You can find Perry on Bluesky @percivalconstantine.com, Threads @perconstantine,  catch some of his writing on Sub Stack or Patreon, or his own podcasts Superhero Cinephiles and Japan on Film, If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you're interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicspodcast on Threads,  @playcomics on YouTube or the Play Comics website. If you want to hear Chris talk with Karrington Martin about the lessons we learned from children's media and how crazy it is that we're supposed to just forget about that now that we're adults, then Sugar, Spite, and Everything is Fine is probably something you should check out. A big thanks to Coffee and Comics and Once Upon a Geek for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Backing Track, who spent forever trying to make the Ninja Turtles show up. Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.