Podcasts about Lighting

  • 5,921PODCASTS
  • 13,118EPISODES
  • 37mAVG DURATION
  • 3DAILY NEW EPISODES
  • Dec 15, 2025LATEST
Lighting

POPULARITY

20172018201920202021202220232024

Categories




Best podcasts about Lighting

Show all podcasts related to lighting

Latest podcast episodes about Lighting

The CJN Daily
'Tonight when we light our candles, we're not just lighting for us': Canadians react to Australia terror

The CJN Daily

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 26:15


In the wake of Sunday's terrorist attack on Australia's Jewish community, Canadian Jews are feeling angry, scared, mournful and defiant, with some seriously considering moving to Israel. As of Sunday night EST, the death toll in New South Whales had risen to 15 victims, including the host of the Bondi Beach candle-lighting event, Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who has deep ties to Toronto and Ottawa. Meanwhile, officials believe up to 60 other festival-goers were wounded, including the rabbi's wife, a mother of five. One of the two shooters was also killed. In Canada, rabbis and Jewish leaders urged their community to push back against terror, show extra pride and make an effort to attend public candle-lighting ceremonies this Hanukkah. But some fear Canada is equally ripe for an attack like Australia's, due to the failure of public officials to stop hate speech and protests on our streets featuring chants like “Globalize the Intifada”. On today's episode of The CJN's North Star podcast with Ellin Bessner, you'll hear what Jewish Canada sounded like while mourning Jews on the other side of the planet. We're joined by Richard Marceau, a senior official with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, who just returned from an antisemitism conference in Australia six days prior to the attack; award-winning Canadian author Sidura Ludwig, who lined up early to buy special sufganiyot at a Thornhill bakery; Sara Lefton of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto; Rabbi Levi Gansburg of Chabad on Bayview, who knew the murdered rabbi; and political leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Toronto mayor Olivia Chow and cabinet minister Evan Solomon. Related links Read more about how Canadian Jewish leaders and politicians have reacted to the mass terrorist shooting in Australia, in The CJN . Why Australia's prime minister accused Iran of trying to destabilize their country, including by masterminding the arson at the Melbourne synagogue in 2024 and firebombing of a kosher deli, in The CJN.   This Australian Jewish leader said his country and community are ignoring online hate, at their peril, during a visit to Winnipeg in February 2025, in The CJN . Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here )

1010 WINS ALL LOCAL
Shooting in Brooklyn leaves 6 teenagers inured ... Menorah lighting marks the 1st night of Hanukah ... NYPD to "calibrate presence" following Australian Hanukkah shooting

1010 WINS ALL LOCAL

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2025 2:59


This is the 4pm All-Local update on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Ten Minute Halacha
Eating Before Lighting Ner Chanukah

Ten Minute Halacha

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2025 11:03


Eating Before Lighting Ner ChanukahSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today in Lighting
Today in Lighting, 12 DEC 2025

Today in Lighting

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 1:56


Today in Lighting is brought to you by c-Max Lighting Controls, a simple, versatile, future ready and scalable technology by MaxLite. Learn more. Highlights include: The December Issue of LM&M Is Out Now! Lighting Industry Holiday Festivities in Atlanta GE Lighting Launches New Light + Form Series Moonlit Forest

Moneycontrol Podcast
4957: Lighting the Future: From climate-tech ideas to real-world Implementation | Ashish Khanna, DG, ISA

Moneycontrol Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 26:11


In this episode, we take a deep dive into the global climate-tech ecosystem, with a focus on how innovation can be translated into deployment, and what needs to be done to scale renewable integration. We are joined by Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance, to explore where do we lack when it comes to accelerating climate-tech innovation. He says it is important to see the glass half full and India has an immense potential, it can become a hotbed for innovation. Building on the momentum created by ENTICE, this episode explores how ideas become deployable solutions - through financing, policy support, and real-world testing. Tune in!

Mid Mod Remodel
Best Of Mid Mod Remodel: Lighting A Mid-Century Home

Mid Mod Remodel

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 51:14 Transcription Available


Lighting in a mid-century home was part of personalizing the house. Choosing your lights went along with choosing your furniture or art. Which means there are often few wired in lights in homes built in that era. So, what's a modern mid-century homeowner to do about lighting?In Today's Episode You'll Hear:Why you don't need all those can lights.Which lighting you need in a given area.Where to start applying lighting theory in you mid-century home. Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/2220 Like and subscribe at Apple | Spotify | YouTube. Want us to create your mid-century master plan? Apply here! Or get my course,  Ready to Remodel.

Within Brim's Skin
WBS: Songs, Social Media and Photoshoots Oh My #339 12-11-2025

Within Brim's Skin

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 46:25 Transcription Available


WBS: Songs, Social Media and Photoshoots Oh My #339 -- The gang is at it again. Brimstone is joined by his wing-man Alex DaPonte, and Brim's wife Danielle as they chat about Brim's photoshoot with Christina Kramer Portraits, another badass Bellissimo hat and Big Brooklyn Adventure, as well as The Great Rib Fail. They discuss experiencing the Oddities Flea Market in NYC, candy bacon crack, LED vs Incandescent holiday lights, the Holiday Tree Lighting, and how IKEA opened a virtual store in Roblox. They laugh about Bonnie Blue being arrested in Bangladesh, and the Cinnabon employee who lost her mind and job. Brim explains what gets Within Brim's Skin.

Rhode Island Report
The lighting of Rhode Island's Big Blue Bug

Rhode Island Report

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 7:34


It's the holiday season, and cities across the country are having tree lighting ceremonies. But how many of them light a bug? Rhode Island's version of the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center is the lighting of the Big Blue Bug off I-95. So, host Edward Fitzpatrick tagged along as they flipped the switch. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clipped
12 Days of Christmas: Quick Content Creation Tips – Day 9: Easy Lighting That Instantly Levels Up Your Video

Clipped

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 3:49


Send us a textThe 12 Days of Christmas series on Clipped rolls on with another quick, actionable creator tip to help you simplify your workflow and improve your content. Today is Day 9 of 12, and this episode focuses on one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your video setup: better lighting.This episode breaks down why you don't need fancy gear to look polished on camera. A single softbox—or even a well-placed window—can dramatically improve your video quality and help your content feel more professional. The goal of this series is to give you one clear takeaway per day, and today's is all about mastering simple lighting fundamentals.

Passing The Torch
#107 - Maurice P. Kerry on Invisible Impact, Fatherhood, Marines, Life, Survival, and Purpose

Passing The Torch

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 52:05 Transcription Available


Send us a textIn this episode of Passing the Torch, host Martin Foster engages in a heartfelt conversation with Maurice P. Kerry, a Marine Veteran and actor. They discuss Maurice's journey from military service to overcoming homelessness, the challenges of being a single father, and the importance of vulnerability and resilience. Maurice shares insights from his life experiences, including his time in Iraq, the impact of his upbringing, and the lessons he imparts to his children. The conversation also touches on the influence of significant figures in their lives and the aspirations they hold for the future.-Quick Episode Summary:Marine veteran Maurice P. Kerry shares resilience, artistry, and personal transformation.-SEO Description:Actor and Marine Veteran Maurice P. Kerry shares his journey of resilience, fatherhood, and artistry on Passing The Torch with host Martin Foster.-

The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast
#2578 – Clear Tips on Buying New Windows | Granite Countertops in a Weekend | Holiday Lighting Safety

The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 38:26


SHOW NOTES: Happy holidays, everyone! With just a few weeks left until Christmas, we're making sure you get those home projects done and make DIY doable with clear tips and advice. Join us as we chat about these home improvement topics and questions from callers like you: - Clear Advice on Buying New Windows: We simplify the confusing process of buying new windows by explaining the labels from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Understanding these ratings will help you compare energy performance and save money. - Granite Countertops in a Weekend: If you're noticing areas that need help in the kitchen, we share an easy DIY solution to give your countertops a fresh, sleek look with a smooth granite finish in just one weekend. - Holiday Lighting Safety: We offered safe and sound tips for holiday decorating, such as checking all your lights for the UL seal of approval for safety. We also discussed easy ways to replace frayed lighting strands from last year. Q & A: - Sally reported that her two large, double-pane picture windows are fogged up with moisture trapped between the panes. Unfortunately, this moisture indicates a failed Thermopane seal, which cannot be restored or repaired, so replacement is the only viable remedy. - Tim in Michigan is dealing with wrinkles in his sheet vinyl linoleum floor and mentioned that the subfloor beneath the kitchen addition is uneven. We recommend he first use a floor leveling compound to smooth out the subfloor, and then install a new, affordable product instead of chasing the issues with the old sheet product. - Maya in Iowa needs to remove old, glued-on outdoor carpet that is deteriorating on her concrete steps. She should use a chemical adhesive remover to soften the glue for easier scraping, and then consider covering the steps with an outside-rated ceramic tile or thin pavers. - Greg in Louisiana has a toilet shut-off valve handle that broke off, and he needs to replace the valve with limited working space between the pipe and the wall. We recommend using PEX fittings, which are inexpensive and easy to install without soldering. - Beverly wants to paint her cedar patio posts white to match her home's trim, but her builder warned that painting would trap moisture and cause the posts to rot. We advise her to disregard the builder's warning, prime the posts with an oil-based primer, and then apply a solid color stain to protect the wood.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We'd love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today in Lighting
Today in Lighting, 11 DEC 2025

Today in Lighting

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 2:03


Today in Lighting is brought to you by c-Max Lighting Controls, a simple, versatile, future ready and scalable technology by MaxLite. Learn more. Highlights include: USPTO Orders PTAB Director Review in Signify - Luminex Patent Dispute The Powers of Nature: Illuminating the Universe at NYCxDesign 2026 Evenlite Introduces EVOLVE (EVO) - Setting a New Benchmark for Safety, Efficiency, and Modern Design Bridgelux Expands into High-Power Outdoor Lighting with New High-Efficacy LED Platforms

The Calming Ground Podcast
120 - Coping with Grief & Loss During the Holidays: Emotional Support & Gentle Rituals

The Calming Ground Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 9:51


If the holidays feel heavy or unexpectedly emotional, you're not alone. In this episode, host Elizabeth Mintun explores the tender landscape of holiday grief, including why it often feels heavier this time of year, and how we can support ourselves with gentleness and honesty. Through two powerful folktales from Japan and the Arctic Inuit tradition, she reflects on the universal experience of loss, remembrance, and the quiet ways love continues across time and distance.This episode is for anyone moving through grief, navigating an empty chair at the table, or simply feeling the emotional weight that the holidays often stir.Key TakeawaysGrief often intensifies during the holidays. The season's pressure for joy, togetherness, and celebration can amplify absence, longing, and memories. Grief naturally rises and falls, and the holidays are one of those times when it resurfaces.Grief doesn't need to be pushed aside to enjoy the holidays; it can be gently integrated. You can create your own ritual of remembrance - big or small - to honor the person you miss. Lighting a candle, displaying a photo, cooking their favorite dish, telling a story about them, or simply whispering their name are meaningful acts of connection.It's okay to set boundaries around traditions or expectations that no longer fit.Part of navigating holiday grief is giving yourself permission to adapt or simplify rituals, skip events, or ask for support.Resources Learn more about 1:1 Coaching with Elizabeth Mintun here. Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.comSubscribe to The Calming Ground Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you loved this conversation, please share it with a friend!

DISCIPLINED STONERS
From Seed to Harvest - 514 Tour & Growing Process Cultivation 101: Touring a Licensed Facility

DISCIPLINED STONERS

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 19:51


See how the pro's do it!Step inside a fully licensed Canadian cannabis facility as we tour the 514 grow operation — from seed to harvest.If you've ever wondered how legal cannabis is grown at a commercial scale, this behind-the-scenes walkthrough shows every step of the cultivation process: propagation, veg, flower rooms, nutrients, environmental controls, drying, curing, trimming, and quality testing.This video is perfect for anyone searching for:• cannabis grow facility tour• how cannabis is grown commercially• inside a licensed cannabis grow• commercial cannabis greenhouse walkthrough• legal cannabis Canada• seed-to-sale cannabis process• cannabis cultivation 101• indoor grow operation tour514 Cannabis (Great White North Growers / 514) is known for producing some of the most consistent flower in Canada — including their legendary Amnesia Haze. Join us as we walk the facility with the head growers, explore their methods, and learn what it takes to maintain top-tier quality in a legal, regulated environment.In this tour you'll see:

Victory.Church
Living in the Joy of the Lord | Lee Cummings

Victory.Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 41:50


"Joy is an emotion that's acquired by the anticipation, acquisition, or even the expectation of something great or wonderful." Lighting the second candle of Advent--Joy, guest speaker Pastor Lee Cummings brings a message on the power of joy and how we can live daily in the joy of the Lord. Our hope is that this message would spark this joy in you and give you hope! Scripture references: Nehemiah 8:1- (ESV) Romans 14:17 (ESV) Romans 15:13 (ESV) Connect With Us: To learn more about Victory Church and to get connected, visit us at https://victory.church/ Worship Gathering Times: To see locations & worship gathering times, visit https://victory.church/locations/ Prayer: We believe in praying big prayers to a big God and expecting big results. If you're in need of prayer, our team would be honored to pray with you. You can reach us for prayer at https://victory.church/prayer Giving: At Victory, we steward God's resources well and with radical generosity. If you'd like to give toward the mission of Victory Church, visit https://victory.church/give/ Follow Us: OKC Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchokc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorychurchok Edmond Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoryedmond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victory.churchEDM Grapevine (Texas) Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchgrapevine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089341962919

Today in Lighting
Today in Lighting, 10 DEC 2025

Today in Lighting

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 1:52


Today in Lighting is brought to you by c-Max Lighting Controls, a simple, versatile, future ready and scalable technology by MaxLite. Learn more. Highlights include: 2025 Q4 Pulse of Lighting Survey is Open NEMRA Lighting Division Celebrates Milestone Growth and Announces 2026 Initiatives Lighting the Future Bill Brown Sales Welcomes Heath Huisken

Long Covid Podcast
198 - Lighting Candles, Not Waiting for Light Bulbs: Practical Belief-Building Techniques

Long Covid Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 55:24 Transcription Available


We go from theory to practice on beliefs and recovery, building a daily framework that protects mindset, reduces flare spirals, and turns small wins into lasting change. Practical tools include proof journaling, identity shifts, nervous system regulation, and curating what you let in.• building a symptom and activity proof journal• reframing setbacks as feedback not failure• identity-based habits to support healing• managing physiology first with breath• countering nocebo and fear narratives• curating social media and inputs• progress not perfection through tiny choices• making recovery actions feel good to repeat• faster bouncebacks and long-term resiliencePart 1 of this discussion is HERELinks: CFS Recovery Stories: https://cfsunravelled.com/me-cfs-recovery-stories-patient-me-cfs-stories-with-a-difference/      ANS REWIRE Free Lessons:  https://ansrewire.com/info-request/Message the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

How to Decorate
Ep. 443: Holiday Throwback Special, Pt. 1 - Janie Molster

How to Decorate

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 34:11


We are kicking off a special three-part holiday series! For the next few weeks, Caroline, Taryn, and Liz are each taking a turn replaying their absolute favorite holiday episode from the podcast archives. To start us off, Caroline revisits Episode 117 with Richmond interior designer Janie Molster. Caroline chose this episode because it completely changed her philosophy on holiday decorating. Janie explains why you don't need to force "red and green" if it doesn't fit your home, sharing her secrets for a holiday look that feels traditional yet surprising. She covers everything from managing a "hodgepodge" family tree to wrapping oddly shaped gifts. Quick Decorating Takeaways: Coordinate, Don't Clash: Your holiday decor should enhance your room, not fight with it. If your room has a pink and blue palette, use pink or blue ribbon and ornaments rather than forcing traditional red and green. The "Squint" Test: To ensure your tree has that professional glow, step back and squint your eyes at the lit tree. This blurs the details and highlights any dark "holes" where you need to add more lights. Unify with Ribbon: If you have a family tree filled with mismatched sentimental ornaments, use a high-quality, wide-wired ribbon to weave through the branches. It acts as a unifying element that ties the whole look together. What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Caroline introduces the Holiday Throwback series 02:00 How to decorate a "Pink House" for Christmas 04:00 Janie's tip for layering different types of greenery (magnolia, holly, pine) 06:00 Choosing a ribbon color that matches your permanent decor 08:00 Strategies for decorating a tree with kids and family ornaments 11:00 The "Butcher Paper" hack for wrapping large or oddly shaped toys 14:00 Lighting tips: The "Squint Test" and using dimmers 16:00 Decorating Dilemma 1: How to handle a bedroom with awkward dormer windows (Wallpaper is the answer!) 23:00 Decorating Dilemma 2: Furniture layout for a 70s build family room 32:00 Closing thoughts Also Mentioned: Janie Molster Designs | Website Follow Janie on Instagram: @janiemolsterdesigns Butcher block paper (Home Depot) for gift wrapping Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it'll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Passing The Torch
#106 - Robert Hamilton Owens - Built, Not Given: The Never-Quit Mindset of a 72-Year-Old Ironman

Passing The Torch

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 55:48 Transcription Available


Send us a textIn this episode, Martin Foster interviews Robert Hamilton Owens, a multifaceted individual known for his resilience and mental toughness.They discuss the importance of confidence, the impact of others on self-perception, and the significance of mindset in overcoming adversity. Robert shares personal stories of his journey, including his experiences in the military, coaching, and the lessons learned from life's hardships. The conversation emphasizes the value of self-worth, the role of suffering in personal growth, and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Robert's insights provide a roadmap for listeners seeking to navigate their own challenges and pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.-Quick Episode Summary:Overcoming adversity, mental toughness, and lifelong growth with Robert Hamilton Owens.-SEO Description:Passing The Torch podcast featuring Robert Hamilton Owens: Insightful stories on resilience, mindset, overcoming adversity, and achieving success at any age.-

Today in Lighting
Today in Lighting, 9 DEC 2025

Today in Lighting

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 1:43


Today in Lighting is brought to you by c-Max Lighting Controls, a simple, versatile, future ready and scalable technology by MaxLite. Learn more. Highlights include: Lighting Control Podcast: The Best Way to Control the Job is to Control the Job with Kenny Schutz Tridonic's Multichannel OTD Driver Wins Lighting Product of the Year at the Energy Saving Awards 2025

The Sherman & Tingle Show
Bill Sherman is Lighting it UP! - The Sherman and Tingle Show

The Sherman & Tingle Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 4:47


Sherman and Tingle talk to Sherman's Dad from the Tomah Tree Lighting ceremony. Buckle Up!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Happel Hour
Episode 260: Good Lighting (ft. Chris Metcalfe)

The Happel Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 43:22


This week Rich has on comedian Chris Metcalfe!

Today in Lighting
Today in Lighting, 8 DEC 2025

Today in Lighting

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 2:05


Today in Lighting is brought to you by c-Max Lighting Controls, a simple, versatile, future ready and scalable technology by MaxLite. Learn more. Highlights include: Casambi Announces Leadership Transition: Introducing a Dual CEO Model Illuminating Engineering Society Appoints Carolyn Woods as Director of Membership Webster Marsh Joins ArchLIGHT Summit as Director of Education and Programming Gotham Lighting Introduces IVO Adjustable Downlights

The Trade Talks
Smart Lighting Is Coming to Highways Nationwide

The Trade Talks

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 60:52


Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! https://www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit https://www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577 Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

Cigars and Spirits
Ep #238 Cigar Cutting, Lighting, Etiquette 101

Cigars and Spirits

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 23:19


Groveport UMC
Lighting of the Advent Candle (Peace)

Groveport UMC

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 3:04


Lighting of the Advent Candle (Peace) December 7th, 2025, Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio To support the ministry of the church, please click here: https://groveportumc.org/give/

The Congregational Church of New Canaan Sermon Podcast
God's Acre on the Go: A Vision of Shalom

The Congregational Church of New Canaan Sermon Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 17:08


Eliana Cañas Parra draws us into the heart of Advent peace by recounting the Christmas Truce of 1914, when enemies in World War I briefly laid down arms to sing, share meals, and recognize each other's humanity. This fleeting moment of Shalom offers a glimpse of what God's peace can look like even in the darkest places. Psalm 122 is a prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, but Jerusalem here is not just a city — it's a vision of the world as God dreams it: a world of wholeness, justice, and mutual care. Eliana explores the tension between singing about peace in a deeply broken world and insists that our carols are not celebrations of current peace, but prayers for the peace to come. We are not merely waiting for peace — we are joining God's work of restoring creation. Whether it means forgiving someone, engaging in difficult conversations, or practicing deeper hospitality, we are called to be active participants in peacemaking — not just once, but as a lifelong calling. Lighting the candle of peace is both a proclamation and a promise: that justice will roll down, and we will be ready to say "yes" when God calls us to be instruments of peace.

REI Rookies Podcast (Real Estate Investing Rookies)
The Landscaping Secrets That Sell Houses Faster | Steve Griggs

REI Rookies Podcast (Real Estate Investing Rookies)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 33:18


Landscape expert Steve Griggs reveals the curb-appeal upgrades that help real estate investors sell faster, boost value, and win emotional buyers.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Steve Griggs, award-winning landscape designer and founder of Steve Griggs Design, to uncover the most overlooked value-add in real estate: landscaping.Steve explains why curb appeal is the first showing, how the wrong trees and bushes can kill deals, and how investors can dramatically increase perceived value with surprisingly low-cost upgrades. From greening up the lawn to using proper lighting, to designing outdoor “living rooms” that double square footage, Steve shares 40+ years of experience working with luxury homeowners and investors alike.He also breaks down contractor selection, pricing pitfalls, the right way to stage outdoor spaces, and how VAs, renderings, and modern tools help him deliver consistent results at scale.This is a must-watch for flippers, landlords, BRRRR investors, and anyone who wants to stand out in a crowded market.What You'll LearnWhy landscaping is the most undervalued part of flippingThe curb appeal mistakes that kill dealsLow-cost upgrades that create massive emotional impactHow to green up a yard in 7 daysThe right vs wrong plants, trees & placementsWhy lighting matters more than investors realizeHow to design outdoor spaces that “double” the living areaChoosing the right contractors & pricing properlyHow staging and renderings help sell emotionWhy details matter more than buyers know

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod
S9E8: Lighting last Cigar at Aqueduct

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 78:24


With Belmont Park reopening to nearly year-round racing next fall, the Grade 2 Cigar Mile Handicap will be run at Aqueduct for the last time this weekend. The day's top races are previewed on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. NYRABets analyst and Gallop Out podcast co-host Kaylie Shapiro offers her thoughts about the feature race of the fall meet as well as the Remsen Stakes (G2), a points prep for Kentucky Derby 2026. Crazy Mason challenges the likes of Bishops Bay and Phileas Fogg in the Cigar Mile. His trainer Gregg Sacco offers his assessment of how the race will be run. Mike Shutty handicaps the outcome of the Cigar Mile and the Remsen through the lens of his Super Screener. Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson from Fairmount Park join in the reading of and reacting to listener and reader feedback. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

Profit Time
Making Everyone Happy, Recap of Our Holiday Lighting Booth Adventure and MORE

Profit Time

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 58:44


For more, check out The Profit Circle: patreon.com/theprofitcircle

Today in Lighting
Today in Lighting, 5 DEC 2025

Today in Lighting

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 2:19


Today in Lighting is brought to you by c-Max Lighting Controls, a simple, versatile, future ready and scalable technology by MaxLite. Learn more. Highlights include: NEMA's Karen Willis Announces Retirement Clockwork Orange Tivoli Launches Trace Mini COB Vice President, C&I Sales with MaxLite

Smarketing Talk
3 Pillars of a Standout Green Industry Podcast

Smarketing Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 54:19


Most green industry podcasts never achieve their full potential because they look amateur and lack a clear point of view. Some even disappear after a few episodes. If you've ever said, "We should start a podcast," but had no idea what comes next, this episode gives you the exact roadmap. And if you have a podcast but it's falling flat, this insight-packed episode is just what you need to become a leading voice in the industry!   In this episode, Landscape Leadership® CEO Chad Diller sits down with podcasting expert and Multimedia Producer Scot Leonard to unpack the three pillars behind building a high-quality, video-first podcast that actually grows your brand. They break down how to define your POV, choose the right format, nail your camera, lighting and audio setup, and structure episodes so your audience stays engaged.    You'll learn the biggest mistakes new podcasters make, how to elevate production without overcomplicating gear, and how to repurpose every episode into a full content ecosystem. Whether you're a contractor, marketer, or industry partner, this is the definitive guide to launching a podcast that stands out in the green industry.   Key Discussion Points Why most podcasts fail before Episode 20 The role of POV and strategy in standing out Choosing a winning format: solo, guest, or co-hosted Why video-first is now mandatory Essential gear: audio > lighting > camera The importance of pre-production & outlines Smart, human-sounding editing (avoid the AI "slop") How to extract 10–20 pieces of content from every episode   Chapters: 0:00 Why Most Podcasts Fail (and How to Fix It) 0:21 The 3 Pillars of a High-Performing Podcast 0:47 Welcome to the Landscape Leadership Podcast 1:23 Meet Scot Leonard: B2B Podcast Producer 2:05 What DIY Podcasting Gets Wrong 3:12 Building a Green Industry Podcast Network 4:05 Podcast Strategy: POV, Audience, Differentiation 6:20 How to Stand Out in a Noisy Market 8:44 Choosing the Right Podcast Format 9:36 Solo vs. Guest vs. Co-Hosted: What Works Best 14:30 Why Every Modern Podcast Must Be Video-First 16:36 YouTube SEO & the Rise of Video Podcasts 19:32 Trust, Body Language & On-Camera Communication 20:02 Pre-Production Essentials: Outlines & Episode Flow 21:46 The Danger of "Just Hitting Record" 25:06 Production Basics: Audio, Lighting, Cameras 26:59 Mic Quality: The #1 Investment You Must Make 28:50 Lighting Do's, Don'ts & Easy Fixes 31:40 Camera Choices: 4K, Angles & Content Creator Gear 34:06 Multi-Camera Editing for a Pro Look 38:43 Smart Editing: AI Tools, Filler Words & Natural Pacing 44:52 Podcast Growth: Why Episode 20 Matters 46:30 Promotion Strategy: Beyond "Post and Pray" 47:35 Repurposing: Clips, Carousels & Articles 50:06 Using Your Podcast as a Full Content Engine 53:11 Final Thoughts & How to Work With Us

GearSource Geezers of Gear
FURTURETECH Featuring Elation - Elation Lighting Debuts at LDI 2025

GearSource Geezers of Gear

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 6:03


Get an inside look at Elation's most innovative lighting products unveiled at LDI 2025. Explore what's new at Booth #3410, from show-stopping technology to live experiences, and find out how you can access the exhibit with a free pass code.

Drag The Lake
Bad Communication, Lighting Hand Pass Controversy, Nazi's Did Meth?, Paranormal Activity

Drag The Lake

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 169:59


The fellas discuss some bad communication they've had over the past two weeks, a crazy call at a Lightning hockey game, apparently the Nazi's did super special meth, paranormal events, and much more.

Ben Greenfield Life
How I "Hacked My Home": EMF Shielding, Grounded Floors, Protected Bedroom, The Healthiest Lighting & Much More with Brian Hoyer (Best of LIFE Network's Experts!)

Ben Greenfield Life

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 93:19


Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/lnbrian/ In this episode, you'll get to explore something many of you have been asking for—a full tour of my newly built home in Idaho, designed to be the ultimate environment for health, performance, and longevity. Joining me is none other than Brian Hoyer from The Shielding Shop, a world-class expert in building biology. Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on exactly how I’ve biohacked every inch of this house to optimize recovery, enhance deep sleep, and minimize exposure to modern-day stressors like electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Episode Sponsors: The Medicin: Immune Intel AHCC is a clinically studied shiitake mushroom extract that enhances immune cell communication through a patented fermentation process creating highly bioavailable alpha glucans. Backed by 30+ human studies and used in over 1,000 clinics worldwide, AHCC supports immune function for everyday wellness and chronic health challenges—learn more at TheMedicin.com and use code BEN for 10% off. Fatty15: Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15:0 levels and help you live healthier, longer. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/BEN and using code BEN at checkout. Sunlighten: Sunlighten's patented infrared sauna technology delivers the highest quality near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths to reduce inflammation, boost mitochondrial function, enhance detox pathways, and optimize recovery—backed by 25+ years of clinically proven, non-toxic innovation. Save up to $1,400 at get.sunlighten.com/ben with code BEN. BlockBlueLight: BlockBlueLight BioLights are the only lights extensively tested and recommended by building biologist Brian Hoyer as truly flicker-free, ultra-low EMF, and circadian-friendly, with three modes (day, evening, night) that support natural rhythms and optimize sleep quality. Get 10% off your first order at blockbluelight.com/Ben (discount autoapplied at checkout). Organifi Shilajit Gummies: Harness the ancient power of pure Himalayan Shilajit anytime you want with these convenient and tasty gummies. Get them now for 20% off at organifi.com/Ben. LVLUP Health: I trust and recommend LVLUP Health for your peptide needs as they third-party test every single batch of their peptides to ensure you’re getting exactly what you pay for and the results you’re after! Head over to lvluphealth.com/BGL and use code BEN15 for a special discount on their game-changing range of products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LET’S GET STUPID PODCAST
HOLIDAY LIGHTING AND TORN TENDONS - LGS 294

LET’S GET STUPID PODCAST

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 68:40


We talk about putting on xmas lights, black Fridays deals, and Toms MRI results. Also Finn has technical difficulties. SPONSORS@pioneer_fitwww.generalleathercraft.com@subzeroplunge www.subzeroplunge.comCode STUPID saves you 250$ Show Hosts@tomkal1@huckfinnbarbell@hfbapparel@officialbebetterbrand@smartstrengthofficialletsgetstupidpodcast@gmail.comwww.huckfinnbarbell.comwww.bebetterofficial.com 

Passing The Torch
#105 - Vincent Mattox on Military Life, Influential Friendships, and the Power of Discipline

Passing The Torch

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 37:38 Transcription Available


Send us a textQuick Episode Summary:Vincent Mattox shares leadership, gratitude, friendship, and military journey insights.-SEO Description:Passing The Torch podcast: Vincent Mattox shares inspiring lessons on leadership, growth, and his military journey. Real stories, motivation, and wisdom.-

Wooden Sticks with Kevin Gorg
Another Wild Prospect Lighting It Up

Wooden Sticks with Kevin Gorg

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 56:53


Today on the show, we reconnect with our dear friend and hockey legend Pat Micheletti. First and foremost, we get an update on a terrible health scare that Mic just went through. Plus, Mic gives us some fantastic steam on a young Wild prospect to keep an eye on this Winter.   Thanks to Minnesota Masonic Charities (mnmasoniccharities.org/), OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/), Lexus of Wayzata (lexusofwayzata.com/), Lexus of Maplewood (lexusofmaplewood.com/), & StretchLab (stretchlab.com/)

Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast
Episode 524: SoftLights and NAILD: A Match Made in He...? with Mark Baker

Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 29:40


In this, episode 3 of the finale series of Get a Grip on Lighting, Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich sit down with Mark Baker of the Soft Lights Foundation to trace the journey from the early days of Starving for Darkness to the evolution of Restoring Darkness. They revisit how the pandemic sparked the industry's first serious conversations about dark skies, Jane Slade's passionate leadership, and the challenges of keeping the movement alive. Mark Baker shares his personal story, the health impacts tied to LED lighting, and why glare and light pollution remain urgent issues for communities everywhere. 

Today in Lighting
Today in Lighting, 4 DEC 2025

Today in Lighting

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 2:01


Today in Lighting is brought to you by c-Max Lighting Controls, a simple, versatile, future ready and scalable technology by MaxLite. Learn more. Highlights include: IES Strategic Plan Roadmap for Future Success Electrical Trends: Border States Going Solo. Leaves AD Lighting Reps and Education: The Importance of Learning and Teaching Inventronics and Synapse Wireless Strengthen Partnership with Integrated Wireless Control Solutions

97% Effective
EP 131 – Mary Olson-Menzel, CEO at MVP Executive Development: Lighting the Way to Your Next Big Career Step

97% Effective

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 44:30


Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.comWhen it comes to taking the next big step in your career, some urge you to follow your passions – while others back a more bare-knuckled approach. But there's a third way, says Mary Olson-Menzel, author of the bestseller “What Lights You Up.” In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth and Mary talk about the key factors that lead to a fulfilling and successful career, and Mary's 10-step pivot process that has helped thousands of her clients at MVP Executive Development. They debate passion, authenticity, networking – and discuss how to create opportunity during turbulent times. If you're struggling with taking the next big step in your career, this episode is for you.SHOW NOTES:Michael was deeply skeptical about Mary and her message, so why he invited her on the showMary's 10-step pivot program and what led her to write her book“The light is not woo-woo… it is all about what's driving you”Mary address the critique that “following your passion is terrible advice” (Newport, Galloway, Wenderoth)The ven diagram of Ikigai that puts passion in its proper placeCore elemants that drove Mary's career successThe role of curiosity when it comes to pivoting with purposeHow to make opportunities “fall into your lap”How to take advantage – and thrive – in chaotic timesIdentifying gaps: a practical and underused way to be helpful to others - and yourselfHow to overcome fear and stay in the driver's seat of your careerCan sharing your passion at work lead to you being exploited (offered lower pay)?How a “personal board of directors” can help you stay on track – and not get taken advantage ofNo one has a crystal ball, which is why you need to shake the bushes: Great questions to ask, before you join a companyDealing with setbacks: Having champions, mentors – and always a Plan BMary's take on authenticity: What it is, what it is notMary's take on why we still get so many terrible leadersQuiet confidence: How to make sure you and your accomplishments are heard and visible, without seeming like a bombastic, self-promoting jerk?Mary and Michael discuss “threading the line”: how to embrace things that are effective, but may initially feel uncomfortableTop tips on building connection in a remote, distributed worldMary's “Networking Power Hour”For younger professionals: Tips for networking with people 2-3 levels above youNetworking tips beyond the time consuming 1-1Success is personal and changes: How do you define it, and what lights you up? BIO AND LINKS: Mary Olsen-Menzel is the Founder and CEO of MVP Executive Development, and the author of the USA Today National Bestseller “What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career.” She is a renowned expert in career and workplace success, with more than 30 years of leadership experience with global organizations across media, tech, healthcare, and sports. Mary earned her MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business and a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Public Relations from Illinois State University. Mary lives in West Chester, New York, with her husband and family. She is part of Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches, and a regular Guest Lecturer on career development, internships, and workplace success at the NYU School of Professional Studies.Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-olson-menzel-mvpexec/“What Lights You Up?” Mary's bestselling book, and free workbook: www.maryolsonmenzel.comMVP Executive Development: www.mvpexec.comCal Newport's book, So Good They Can't Ignore You: https://calnewport.com/writing/Ikigai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IkigaiResearch at Duke: How attribution of passion may legitimize the poor treatment of workers: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000190Michael's Award-Winning book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That's Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on video, the 97% Effective Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffectiveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Turn Left at the Cactus
S4 EP 91: Cactus Connection-Dec. Review/Studio Update

Turn Left at the Cactus

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 49:11


Join Cal and Wigs to discover the new studio buzz, the rib-tickling cribbage nights, quirky swap meets, and irresistible Rotary Sees candies. Get the lowdown on new and not so new eateries, a parade that promises a dose of holiday spirit, and just a lot of other local stuff.Key Points• From studio news to food drive• Brew Co. hosts cribbage • Swap meet insights from sausages to donuts• Thrill-seekers unite for ultralight flights• Lighting up December with a musical parade And, tons of eateries

Today in Lighting
Today in Lighting, 3 DEC 2025

Today in Lighting

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 2:04


Today in Lighting is brought to you by c-Max Lighting Controls, a simple, versatile, future ready and scalable technology by MaxLite. Learn more. Highlights include: DALI Alliance Launches Test and Certification Specifications for Wireless to DALI Gateways LEDucation 2026 Attendee Registration Opens Call for Entries IESNYC Student Lighting Competition Light Beneath the Surface

The Integrated Life | Live a Purpose Full life
130. Lighting the Way by Watering Your Seed

The Integrated Life | Live a Purpose Full life

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 51:46


Have you ever had God speak a simple phrase that stopped you in your tracks? In this episode of The Integrated Life Podcast, Diana shares a powerful moment when the Holy Spirit whispered, "Water your seed." What began as a quiet word during a busy morning became a beautiful reminder of how God calls each of us to do our part in the Great Commission. As Diana unpacks this gentle nudge from the Lord, she invites listeners to consider their own mission fields—at home, at work, in their communities, and through the ministries God places on their hearts. You'll hear how God led her to revisit Bring the Light Ministries, a Dallas-based ministry caring for "the least of these," and why this encore episode is a timely call to generosity, compassion, and faithful obedience. Drawing from Scripture, Diana explores the truth that some plant, some water—but only God brings the increase. No matter your season or capacity, He has given you something to give: your time, your talents, your treasure, or even your platform.

Beyond Natural Light - A Photography Podcast
How to Photograph the Holidays, Even When the Light is Terrible!

Beyond Natural Light - A Photography Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 14:36


The holidays are coming up and that means holiday photos! But how do you capture that fabulous holiday ambience when the light is terrible?We're going to talk about the challenges of lighting holiday photos and my tips and tricks (yes, we're talking about off-camera flash) for conquering them!The holidays are full of real emotional, beautiful moments and they deserve to be photographed well! It's a little tricky to learn lighting on a podcast so I'm starting a lighting series tackling holiday lighting on my Instagram!Follow along with my new Festival of Lights series starting next week!And if you want to get a head start on your in home lighting, be sure to check out my course, Lighting on Location: Off Camera Flash for In-Home Photographers, currently 50% off for a limited time!Lighting on LocationFind me on Instagram

LytePod
Luxury Living: Why Most Homes Get Lighting Wrong - Richard Millson

LytePod

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 40:43


What happens when the people who control your home's technology realize most homes are getting lighting fundamentally wrong?In this episode of LytePOD, host Sam Koerbel sits down with Richard Millson, a master integrator with nearly 30 years of experience creating seamless smart home experiences for luxury residences. Together, they unpack why most homes — even $30 million estates — fail at lighting design, and how the advent of LED technology has forced integrators to become lighting experts whether they wanted to or not.Richard reveals the uncomfortable truth: most residential projects don't have professional lighting designers involved. The architect, electrician, or builder handles it, not out of malice, but because they genuinely believe "four cans and a fan" is fine. Meanwhile, integrators are left to control whatever shows up on site — fixtures that don't dim properly, don't match in color temperature, or literally leave million-dollar artwork half in shadow. This conversation goes deep into how technology is reshaping the entire lighting industry — from fixtures with built-in intelligence to wireless control systems that let you redesign your lighting after your house is built. Richard shares why his company now specifies fixtures themselves (it's not about the money) and how showing clients what's actually possible with modern lighting creates those "I didn't know my house could look like this" moments.

Law Abiding Biker | Street Biker Motorcycle Podcast
LAB-415-The Truth About Cheap Knock-off Motorcycle Parts With Guest Ken Madden of Ciro

Law Abiding Biker | Street Biker Motorcycle Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 77:18


Lurch and I are joined by Ken Madden from Ciro and we talk about counterfeit and knock off motorcycle products.   Ken is a Senior Product Designer at Ciro and he just happens to also be a Patreon supporter of Law Abiding Biker.  Ken, along with Ciro and other motorcycle parts innovators and creators are being ripped off.  Overseas companies that do not respect patents are recreating inferior version of the hard work others put in.  Knockoff motorcycle products may look like a bargain up front, but they come with some serious downsides that riders often don't realize until it's too late. SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE 1. Lower Quality Materials Knockoffs typically use cheaper metals, plastics, and electronics. That means parts can crack, fade, corrode, or fail much faster than name-brand components. 2. Poor Fitment & Compatibility These products often aren't engineered to OEM tolerances. Expect problems like: Misaligned holes Rattling or vibrating Parts that require modification to fit Components that interfere with other accessories 3. Reduced Safety This is the biggest risk. Knockoff: Helmets may not meet DOT/ECE standards Brake parts may not withstand heat Lighting may fail or deliver low visibility Structural parts can break under stress A small failure at 70 mph can become a major problem. 4. No Warranty, Support, or Testing Reputable motorcycle brands invest in R&D, testing, and customer support. Knockoffs typically offer: No meaningful warranty No replacement parts No safety testing No customer service Once it fails, you're on your own CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE! 5. Shorter Lifespan (Costing More Over Time) Cheap parts often wear out quickly, so riders end up replacing them multiple times. The "savings" disappear fast. 6. Potential Damage to Your Bike Poorly made accessories can: Stress mounting points Scratch paint Cause electrical issues Throw off suspension or geometry Saving $50 on a part can cause hundreds in damage. 7. Resale & Reliability Hit Buyers can spot cheap accessories. Knockoffs on a bike can: Lower resale value Make the bike look poorly maintained Raise concerns about what other shortcuts were taken 8. Ethical & Legal Issues Many knockoffs: Copy patented designs Copy brand logos Are made in unregulated factories Hurt legitimate manufacturers NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED: Vance & Hines V02 Air Intake Install & Overview for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles S&S Cam Kit Installation on Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight | Full Guide Sponsor-Ciro 3D CLICK HERE! Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation Sponsor-Butt Buffer CLICK HERE Want to ride longer? Tired of a sore and achy ass? Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion? New Patron: Fred Wheeler of Mobile, Alabama Bottom Line Knockoff motorcycle parts may save money up front, but the risks—in safety, reliability, and long-term cost—usually make them a bad investment. Quality aftermarket or OEM parts nearly always pay off in durability and peace of mind. If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk. Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation: Joseph Horner of Bolivar, Missouri Kenneth Hall of Maryville, Tennessee Paul Estoppey of Wallbach Switzerland HELP SUPPORT US! JOIN THE BIKER REVOLUTION! #BikerRevolution #LawAbidingBiker #Bikaholics #RyanUrlacher

Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan
Observing the "Natural" World

Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 49:04


This episode we look at many of the natural events and talk about those observing and writing things down, and why they may have wanted to do so. For more, check out our podcast blogpage:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-139   Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua and this is episode 139: Observing the "Natural" World. Members of the Onmyou-ryou, dressed in the official robes of their office, sat around in their observation tower, measuring the location of the stars.  They kept their light to a minimum, just enough so that they could write down their observations, but not so much that it would destroy their vision.  As they looked up, suddenly they saw a strange movement: a streak through the sky.  They waited, and observed, and then there was another, and another after that.  It was as if the stars themselves were falling from the heavens.  They watched as it seemed that the constellations themselves were melting and falling apart.  Quickly they scribbled down notes.  Tomorrow, with the light of day, they would consult various sources to see just what it could mean.  For now, their role was simply to observe and record.   Welcome back, everyone.  It is the height of holiday season in the US as I record this, and in our narrative we are in the middle of the reign of Ohoama, aka Temmu Tennou, who came to power in 672 and who has been shoring up the Ritsuryo state instigated by his late brother, Naka no Oe, aka Tenji Tennou.  We have talked in recent episodes about how Ohoama put a lot of the state under the control of members of the royal family, or at least those with claims to royal blood, and how he had also begun work on the Chronicles—the very works that we have been using to try and understand the history of this and earlier periods.   It seems clear that Ohoama and his cohorts were doing their best to solidify their control and, in the process, create what they felt was a modern state, leveraging the continental model, but not without their own local flavor.  After all, they were also investing in the kami based rituals of state and specifically in Ise shrine, which they claimed as an ancestral shrine for their lineage. This episode, let's dig into another thing that was getting reported around this time.  And that is… science!  Or at least observations of the world and indications of how people were interacting with it. Before going into the subject, I want to acknowledge that "science", or "Kagaku" in modern Japanese, may not look like what we think of as "science" today.  The word "Kagaku" itself appears to come about in the late Edo period, and became associated with the western idea of "Science" in the Meiji period.  Today we think of it as observations, yes, but also testing via the scientific method. I think it might be more appropriate to categorize a lot of earlier science under a term like "learning" or "study", and it seems to have encompassed a wide range of topics of study, some of which we would include as "science" and some which we might refer to more as "arts".  There is also a very fine line with religion and philosophy as well. From a modern perspective, I think one could fairly argue that "science"—particularly the so-called "hard" sciences—refers to something that can be empirically tested via the scientific method.  So you can see something, form a hypothesis, create a test, and then that test should produce the same results no matter who conducts it, assuming you account for the variables. And please don't @ me about this… I know I am simplifying things.  This isn't a podcast about science unless we are talking about the social sciences of history and archaeology. In contrast to our modern concept of science, much of what we see in the Asuka era is built around using our reasoning to arrive at the truth of something.  In cases where we are dealing with clearly physical phenomena that have observable causes and effects, this can lead to remarkably reliable results.  One example of this is calendrical science—it isn't that hard to observe the passing of days and seasons.  Even the rotation of the earth and the movements of stars and even something with as large a period as comets could be observed and tracked, especially if you had centuries of data to comb through.  In fact, they often would predict things that it turns out they couldn't, themselves, see.  They could predict that an eclipse would occur, for example, even when that eclipse was only visible somewhere else.  And they didn't have to calculate gravitational pull, mass, or distances between different heavenly bodies for that to occur. Similarly, in the agricultural sphere: you had so many people who observed the seasons and would figure out new ways of doing things.  It doesn't take an understanding of chlorophyl to know that plants generally do better when exposed to sunlight. I believe the leap happens when you get to things that go beyond purely observable means.  Sickness, for example—how do you explain viruses or germs without equipment like microscopes to see what our eyes alone cannot?  And if such "invisible" things could cause so much damage, then why could there not be other "invisible" elements, such as kami and boddhisatvas?  And as humans we are driven to make connections.  It is one of the things that has driven our technological innovation and rise, but it is also something that can easily go awry.  Like when you are sitting in a dark house, alone, and you hear a noise.  Rationally, you might know that houses settle and creak, but that doesn't necessarily stop your brain from connecting it with thoughts that someone must be in the house making that noise. Or even how we make judgments based on nothing more than how someone talks or what they look like, because our brains have made connections with those things, for good or ill. A large part of the rationalization that was accomplished in Asian thought had to do with concepts of Yin and Yang, the negative and the positive, the dark and the light.  This was thought of as a kind of energy—qi or ki—that was embedded in things.  We discussed this somewhat back in episode 127, because yin yang theory, along with the five element theory, known as Wuxing or Gogyou in Japanese, became embedded in the idea of the calendar.  Why was summer hot, except that it was connected with an excess of fire energy?  And the cold, dark days of winter would be associated with an excess of water, naturally. I should note that while this is one of the more comprehensive philosophical systems in use, it was not the only means by which various phenomena and effects were rationalized.  After all, it had to be imposed on a framework of how the world otherwise worked, and descriptions of the world came from a variety of places.  There was, for example, the Classic of Mountains and Seas, or Sanhaijing, which detailed the world as envisioned in the period before the Qin dynasty, although there were occasional updates.  The Sanhaijing  described regular plants and animals in the same breath as gods and monsters.  There were also various buddhist sutras, which brought their own cosmological view of the universe that had to be squared with other visions, including those passed down locally describing the archipelago as the "Reed Plain" and giving particular importance to eight of the islands—though which eight depends on which variant of the creation myth you are referencing. To categorize the study of the natural—and what we would consider the supernatural—world around them, the Ritsuryou set up specific bureaus.  One of these was the Onmyou-ryou, the Bureau of Yin-yang, also known as the Onyo no Tsukasa.  This Bureau oversaw divination, astronomy, time, and calendars.  At its head was the Onmyou-no-kami.  Below them were the various scholars studying the core subjects, as well as technical practitioners to carry out the rites and divination. On the continent, priority was generally given to astronomical and calendrical studies, and many of the more magical practices or rituals would fade away, likely because there were local Taoist institutions who could take up much of that work.  In Japan, however, it seems that the calendrical studies tended to ossify, instead, while onmyoji came to fill a role not just for the state but also among the population for divination and other such practices.  Even into the Edo period one could find private onmyoji, and the Bureau itself lasted until the very beginning of the Meiji period. Another important institution of the Ritsuryo government for learning was the Daigakuryou, the Bureau of Great Learning.  Students of Japanese may recognize the term "Daigaku" referring, today, to universities. The original concept for the Daigaku-ryou, or Daigaku no Tsukasa, was focused on the study of those things that were considered perhaps a bit more practical and necessary to anyone who might want a political career.  Since this was founded on concepts of Confucian government, it is little wonder that it was originally designed to focus on Confucian studies, among other things.  This fits into the idea of a supposed meritocracy, where one's education was part of the examination.  You may recall from Episode 115 we talked about the National University in Chang'an, which is likely something that the Daigaku Ryou could only ever dream of becoming. Early arts taught at the Daigaku Ryou included the Confucian classics, mathematics, writing, and Chinese pronunciation.  These were all things that you would need to know to become a part of the bureaucracy The idea of a school may have been born along with the early institution of the government, with mention as early as 671, in the last year of Naka no Oe's reign, but we don't have it clearly established in the code until later.  Full operations may have been somewhat delayed due to the tumultuous events of Ohoama's accession to power in 672, but we do see it explicitly mentioned in the year 675.  On the first day of the year we are told that Students from the Daigaku Ryou, along with students from the Onmyou-Ryou and from the Gaiyaku Ryou, the Bureau of External Medicine; along with the Woman of S'ravasti, the Woman of Tara, Prince Syeonkwang of Baekje, and Silla labourers offered presents of drugs and various rarities. We talked about the first two, the Daigaku-ryou and the Onmyou-ryou, but the Gaiyaku Ryou doesn't seem to have a lot of information out there beyond this mention.  Later there would a "Ten'yaku Ryou", or Bureau of Medicine, established in the code.  Since we don't have any extant codes from this period beyond what was written down in the Nihon Shoki, we don't know for certain what the Gaiyaku-ryou was , and it is possible that the Gaiyaku-Ryou was a precursor to the Ten'yaku Ryou.  "GAI" means "outside" or "external", leading me to wonder if this referred to external medicine in contrast to internal medicine, or if it meant medicine or drugs from outside teh archipeloago. I would point out that these students are found with the Woman of S'ravasti, or Shae; the Woman of Tara; a Baekje prince and Silla labourers.  In other words, they were all people from outside of the archipelago.  This is not entirely surprising as it was from outside that much of the learning was coming into the country. "Yaku" or "Kusuri", which can be translated as either "Drugs" or "medicine", could refer to a number of things.  How effective they were is somewhat questionable. Almost certainly some of them had confirmed medicinal efficacy, but others may have been thought to have been effective due to things like their connection to the five elements, or wuxing, theory. For example, something red might be assumed to have a warming effect because of the presumed presence of the fire element.  And the power of the placebo effect no doubt made them seem at least partially effective.  Consider, for example, how many people will swear by certain remedies for the common cold when all it really does is distract you, or perhaps make you a bit more comfortable, until the symptoms pass on their own. A more certain science was probably that of Astronomy, which we've mentioned a few times.  The passage of the stars through the sky was something that could be easily observed.  There is a theory that some of the first lines in the Yijing, or book of changes, may actually be a description of the changing of seasons as different aspects of a given constellation rise over the horizon, and the placement of certain stars would help in the adjustment of the lunar calendar, since the moon's orbit does not match up exactly with the solar year, and year the solar year was quite important to things like agriculture and even sailing to the mainland. This all makes 675 a seemingly banner year for science, as four days after the presentation of medicine to the throne, the government erected a platform by which to observe the stars.  This wouldn't need to be much—it could have been an earthen mound, or just a tower, from which one could get above the ground, presumably see over any buildings, to the horizon.  Granted, Asuka might not be the best place for such observations, with the nearby mountains meaning that the true horizon is often obstructed.  Nonetheless, it may have been enough to make calculations. Astronomy platforms, or Tenmondai, would continue to be used up until at least the Meiji period.  Without a telescope, observations were somewhat limited—though they also didn't have the same level of light pollution that we have today.  Remember, many woke just before dawn and went to sleep not too long after the sun went down, which only makes sense when you are living in a place where creating light, while doable, also ran the risk of burning your entire house to the ground. It is worth noting that the sky for the ancient Japanese was likely quite different than what most of us see when we look up, unless you are fortunate enough to live in a place with very little light pollution.  For many of those living today in the cities and suburban landscape, go outside at night and you might see the moon and some of the brightest stars, but for most of the ancient Japanese, they would look up and see the heavenly river, the Amakawa, or Milky Way.  They would have looked up at a sky glittering with myriad dots of light, as well as planets and more.  It was both familiar and strange—something one saw regularly and yet something that was also extremely inaccessible. Astronomical observations would have been important for several reasons, as I've mentioned.  They would have been used to keep the calendar in check, but they would also have likely been used to help calibrate the water clock, which helped to tell time.  Of course, going back to the five elements and yin yang theory, it is also believed that the energy, the qi or ki, changed with the seasons and the movements of the stars and planets—planets were not known as such, of course, but their seemingly erratic movements compared to bright lights in the sky meant they were noticed and assigned values within the elemental system. One of the things that came with the changing seasons, the heavenly movements, and the flow of ki was a concept of "kata-imi", literally directional taboos.  There were times when certain directions might be considered favorable or unfavorable for various actions.  This could be something as simple as traveling in a given direction.  In the centuries to come this would spawn an entire practice of kata-tagae, or changing direction.  Is the north blocked, but you need to travel there, anyway?  Well just go northwest to say hello to a friend or visit your local sake brewery, and then travel due east.  Ta-da!  You avoided going directly north!  There were also mantra-like incantations that one might say if they had to travel in an inauspicious direction to counteract the concept of bad influences. This also influenced various other things, and even today you will often see dates where a year and month might be followed by simply the character for "auspicious day" rather than an actual day of the month. So observing the heavens was important, and it was also important that they tostudy the works of those on the continent, whose records could help predict various astronomical phenomena.  Except that there was one tiny problem:  I don't know if you've noticed, but Japan and China are in two different locations.  Not all astronomical phenomena can be observed from all points of the globe.  The Northern Lights, for example, are rarely seen in more southerly latitudes, and while eclipses are not too rare, a total eclipse only impacts certain areas of the earth, along relatively narrow paths. I mention this because it isn't always clear if the records we get in the Nihon Shoki are about phenomena they directly observed or if they are taking reports from elsewhere and incorporating them into the narrative.  One such event is the comet of 676. The entry in the Nihon Shoki tells us that in the 7th lunar month of the 5th year of Temmu Tennou, aka 676 CE, a star appeared in the east that was 7 or 8 shaku in length.  It disappeared two months later. We've mentioned some of this before, but the sky was divided up into "shaku", or "feet", though how exactly it was measured I'm not entirely sure.  It appears to be that one foot was roughly 1.5 degrees of the sky, give or take about a quarter of a degree, with 180 degrees from horizon to horizon.  So it would have been about 10 to 12 degrees in the sky.  Another way to picture it is if you hold out your arm towards the object, and spread your index and little finger, it would probably fit between those two points.  This comet hung around for some time, and a great part about a comet like this is that it was viewable from multiple locations.  After all, as the earth turned, different areas were exposed to the comet as it passed through our part of the solar system.  Thus we have records of it from not just the Nihon Shoki:  We also find it in the Anglo-Saxon chronicles, where it was thought to have foretold the end of Bishop Wilfred's control of Northumbria.  We also see it in Tang, Silla, and Syrian sources. These sources aren't always in complete agreement.  For one thing, they noted when they first saw it, which might have been impacted by local conditions.  And then conversion between lunar and solar calendars can also sometimes get in the way.  Roughtly speaking, we have the Nihon Shoki providing dates of somewhere from about August or September of 676, on the Western calendar, to October or November. Tang sources put it from 4 September to 1 November.  Silla Chronicles claim that it first appeared in the 7th lunar month, so between August and September.  A Syrian Chronicle notes a comet from about 28 August to 26 October in the following year, 677, but this is thought to have been a mistake.  European sources generally seem to claim it was seen in August and lasted for three months.  All of these sightings put it at roughly the same time. Working with that and with known comets, we think we actually know which comet this is:  The Comet de Cheseaux also known as the Comet Klinkenberg-Cheseaux.  And I should mention this is all thanks to a research paper by M. Meyer and G. W. Kronk.  In that paper they propose that this is the comet with the designation of C/1743 X1, or the common names I just mentioned.  If so, based on its trajectory, this comet would have been visible in 336, 676, 1032, 1402, 1744, and is next predicted to show up in 2097.  And no, those aren't all exactly the same amount of time.  It is roughly every 350 years or so, but with the movements of the solar system, the planets, and various gravitational forces that likely slow or speed up its movement, it doesn't show up on exactly regular intervals.  Still, it is pretty incredible to think that we have a record of a comet that was seen the world over at this time, by people looking up from some very different places. Comets were something interesting for early astronomers.  They may have originally been seen as particularly ominous—after all, in the early eras, they were hardly predictable, and it would take years to get enough data to see that they were actually a somewhat regular occurrence.  In fact, it is likely that early astronomers were able to figure out eclipse schedules before comets.  Still, they seem to have come to the realization that comets were in fact another type of natural and reoccurring phenomenon.  That isn't to say that they didn't have any oracular meaning, but it did mean they were less of an obvious disturbance of the heavenly order. We have another comet mentioned in the 10th lunar month of 681, but that one seems to have had less attention focused on it, and we don't have the same details.  Then in the 8th lunar month of 682 we have an entry about a Great Star passing from East to West—which was probably a shooting star, rather than a comet.  Comets, for all that they appear to be streaking across the sky thanks to their long tails, are often relatively stable from an earthbound perspective, taking months to appear and then disappear again. Then, on the 23rd day of the 7th month of 684 we get another comet in the northwest.  This one was more than 10 shaku in length—about 15 degrees, total, give or take.  Given the date, we can be fairly confident about this one, as well: it was the famous Halley's comet.  Halley's comet is fascinating for several reasons.  For one, it has a relatively short period of about 72 to 80 years, though mostly closer to 75 to 77 years in between sightings.  The last time it visited the earth was in 1986, and it is expected back in 2061.  Halley's comet has been recorded since the 3rd century BCE, and, likely because of its short period, it was the first periodic comet to be recognized as such.  There are other periodic comets with short periods, but many of them are not visible with the naked eye.  Halley's comet is perhaps the most studied comet, given its regular and relatively short periodicity.  It is also connected to the famous writer, humorist, and essayist, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain.  He was born only a few days after the comet reached perihelion in 1835 and died a day after it reached the same point again in 1910, and while he may not have visited Japan in his lifetime, it was a period of great change both in his home country of America and in Japan.  America, of course, would undergo a Civil War over the issue of slavery in the early 1860s, and shortly after that Japan would have its own civil war in the form of the Meiji Revolution.  And while he never visited—and translation could only do so much to capture the art of his prose—Mark Twain's works were apparently quite influential in Japan in the early 20th century. Of course, comets were just one of the celestial phenomena to be observed.  The astronomers were interested in just about anything happening in the sky.  We have accounts of both solar and lunar eclipses, and not necessarily full eclipses either.  We even have notice of the movement of some planets, such as in 681, when they noted that the planet mars "entered" the moon. Obviously the astronomers weren't recording every raincloud that came through—at least not in the main chronicles—but they did capture a fair number of events.  They did record particularly memorable storms.  For instances, in the 8th lunar month of 675 there was a storm that is said to have caused sand to fly and which then damaged houses.  This sounds like a wind storm without rain—after all, if there was rain, you would expect that the sand would have been wet and tamped down.  It is possible to have hurricane level winds without the rain.  While typhoons typically bring rain, especially as they usually build up their strength at sea, it is possible to have the winds alone, as I've experienced, myself, in Tokyo.  This most likely happens in an isolated area—there is water and rain somewhere, but the typhoon can be large, so parts of it may only get the wind and little or no rain.  I wonder if something like that happened in this instance.  It is also possible that this record refers to actual sand being brought across from the continent.  In some instances, sand can be lifted up from as far away as Mongolia and carried all the way to Japan, though it is pretty rare. And it wasn't just wind and sand.  We get accounts of hail coming down as large as peaches, torrential rainstorms, and even ash, likely from a volcanic eruption that was otherwise unrecorded.  There are also accounts of snow, though typically recorded in times where you wouldn't expect to see it, such as the third lunar month, which would mean snow in late April or early May. Mostly these storms are mentioned in terms of how they affected the immediate fortunes of the living, but sometimes storms did even more damage.  In 682, for example, a hoar-frost was reported in both Shinano and Kibi in the 7th lunar month.  On its own, this probably wouldn't have been worth mentioning, but the chroniclers add that because of storms the "five grains had not formed".  So storms had diminished the crops and the hoar-frost was apparently the killing blow.  The harvest that year would be lean, and it would not be a happy time for many that winter. And then, just as important as what was happening was what was not.  There are several mentions of droughts, particularly towards the end of Spring, early Summer.  This is traditionally a drier period, and if it is too dry it could harm the harvest.  And so the government was expected to find a way to bring the rain—a tall order, the general resolution to which seems to be prayers and rituals designed to bring rain.  In a place like Japan, I suspect that it was usually just a matter of time before the prayers were "successful", thus reinforcing their presumed efficacy. Some of the things that they recorded were a bit more mysterious.  For example, in the second lunar month of 680 we are told that a sound like drums was heard from the East.  There are many things this could theoretically be, from rumbles of thunder to some other phenomenon, though the following year we have a note about thunder in the West, so theoretically they knew the difference between thunder and drums.  Later that same year, 680, we are told that there was a "brightness" in the East from the hour of the dog to the hour of the rat—about 8pm to midnight.  Was this some kind of aurora?  But wouldn't that have been in the north, rather than the east?    Could it have been some kind of lightning?  But that is a long time for a lightning storm to hang around.  And there are other strange things, some of which seem impossible and we have to doubt.  For example, in 684 they said that, at dusk, the seven stars of the Big Dipper drifted together to the northeast and sank.  Unless they are just recording the natural setting of the stars of the big dipper.  Certainly, over time the constellation appears to rotate around the north star, and it dips down to or below the horizon in the autumn months.  So were they just talking about the natural, yearly setting of the stars, or something else? There may be some clues in that the 11th lunar month, when that was recorded, we see several other heavenly phenomena recorded.  Two days after the Big Dipper set, at sunset, a star fell in the eastern quarter of the sky that we are told was as large as a jar.  Later, the constellations were wholly disordered and stars fell like rain.  That same month, a star shot up in the zenith and proceeded along with the Pleiades until the end of the month.  While this sounds like shooting stars and a possible meteor shower, a later commenter suggested that this was all a heavenly omen for the state of the court, showing the "disordered" state of the nobility at this time.  Of course, this was also a year and change before the sovereign's eventual passing, so there is also the possibility that the Chroniclers were looking at events later and ascribing meaning and importance after the fact. In another account of something seemingly wonderous: in 682 we are told that something shaped like a Buddhist flag, colored like flame, was seen by all of the provinces and then sank into the Japan sea north of Koshi.  A white mist is also said to have risen up from the Eastern mountains. There are various things that could be going on here.  It strikes me that the white mist could be a cloud, but could also be something volcanic.  And the flame colored prayer flag makes me think about how a high cloud can catch the light of the rising or setting sun.  That could look like a flag, and can seem extremely odd depending on the other conditions in the sky. Or maybe it was aliens. Okay, it is unlikely that it was aliens, but I think that these do give an idea of the kinds of records that were being made about the observed phenomena.  Obviously the Nihon Shoki is recording those things that were considered particularly significant for whatever reason.  This could just be because it was something odd and unexplained, or perhaps it was more well known but rare.  It may have even had religious connotations based on some aspect, like evoking the image of Buddhist flags.  And it is possible that it was thought to have had significant impact on events—perhaps even an impact that isn't clear to us today, many centuries removed from the events. Some things were clear, however.  Lightning strikes are often mentioned specifically when they strike something of note.  In 678, we are told that a pillar of the Western Hall of the New Palace was struck by lightning, though apparently the building itself survived.  Then, in 686, Lighting appeared in the southern sky with a large roar of thunder.  A fire broke out and caught the tax cloth storehouse of the Ministry of Popular affairs, which immediately exploded in flames.  After all, a thatched roofed, wooden building filled with kindling in the form of cloth—and likely a  fair amount of paper and writing supplies to keep track of it all—sounds like a bonfire waiting to happen.  There were reports that the fire had actually started in Prince Osakabe's palace and then spread to the Ministry of Popular Affairs from there. It is also worth noting that recording of such events was still somewhat new to the archipelago as a whole. They were learning from the continent, but also defining their own traditions. Observations of natural phenomena weren't just relegated to celestial occurrences or weather.  After all, there was something else that one could observe in the sky:  birds.  Now this wasn't your average bird-watching—though I'm not saying that there weren't casual birders in ancient Japan, and if we ever find someone's birding diary from that era I think that would be so cool.  But there were some things that were significant enough to be mentioned. For example, in 678 we get a report of "atori", or bramblings.  Bramblings are small songbirds which are found across Eurasia.  Notably they are migratory, and are known to migrate in huge flocks especially in the winter time, and sure enough on the 27th day of the 12th month we are told that the bramblings flew from the southwest to the northeast, covering the entire sky.  This makes me think about some of the other mass migrations that used to occur that have largely been reduced significantly due to habitat loss, disruption to traditional migratory routes, and other population pressures on various bird species.  Still, having so many birds that it blocked out the sky certainly seems a significant event to report on.  We later see a similar account in 680, with the flock moving from southeast to northwest.  Given the location of Asuka it sounds like they were flocking in the mountains and heading out over the Nara Basin, perhaps seeking food in another mountainous area. In 682, the birders were at it again.  This time, around midday on the 11th day of the 9th lunar month, several hundreds of cranes appeared around the Palace and soared up into the sky.  They were there for about two hours before they dispersed.  Once again, cranes are migratory and known to flock.  Cranes are also known as a symbol of long life and joy—and I can understand it.  Have you ever seen a flock of cranes?  They are not small birds, and they can be really an incredible sight.  Flocks of cranes themselves were probably not that rare, and it was no doubt more about so many gathering around the palace which made it particularly special. It wasn't just birds in the sky that were considered important symbols, though.  Birds often are noted as auspicious omens.  Usually strange birds, plants, or other such things are found in various provinces and presented to the throne.    So in 675, Yamato presented auspicious "barn-door fowl", likely meaning a fancy chicken.  Meanwhile, the Eastern provinces presented a white falcon and the province of Afumi presented a white kite.  Chickens are associated with the sun and thus with the sun goddess, Amaterasu, and albino versions of animals were always considered auspicious, often being mentioned in Buddhist sources.  Later, in 680, we see a small songbird, a "Shitodo", also described as white, and probably albino, sent to the court from nearby Settsu. Then, in 681 there is mention of a red sparrow.  Red coloration is not quite the same as albinism, though it is something that does occur at times, when the brownish coloration comes out more red than brown, and I suspect this is what we are talking about.  This is most likely just a recessed gene or genetic mutation, similar to causes for albinism, but just in a different place in the DNA.  As for why it was important:  I'd first and foremost note that anything out of the ordinary (and even some ordinary things) could be considered a sign.   Red was also seen as an auspicious color, so that may have had something to do with it as well.  And then there is the concept of Suzaku, the red bird of the south.  Suzaku is usually depicted as an exotic bird species of some kind, like how we might depict a phoenix.  But it was also just a "red bird", so there is that, and perhaps that was enough.  Not that this red sparrow was "Suzaku", but evoked the idea of the southern guardian animal.  A year prior, in 680, a red bird—we aren't told what kind—had perched on a southern gate, which even more clearly screams of the Suzaku aesthetic. It is probably worth noting here that in 686, towards the end of the reign, not that anyone knew it at the time, Ohoama decided to institute a new nengo, or regnal period.  It was called Shuuchou—red or vermillion bird—and it likely referred to Suzaku.  This nengo was cut short, however, with Ohoama's death that same year.  Nengo were often chosen with auspicious names as a kind of hope for the nation, so clearly "red bird" was considered a good thing. A month after the red sparrow, Ise sent a white owl, and then a month after that, the province of Suwou sent a red turtle, which they let loose in the pond at the Shima palace.  Again, these were probably just examples of animals seen as auspicious, though they would have likely been recorded by the Onmyou-ryou, who would have likely combed through various sources and precedents to determine what kind of meaning might be attached to them. Color wasn't the only thing that was important.  In 682, the Viceroy of Tsukushi reported that they had found a sparrow with three legs.  There are numerous reasons why this could be, but there is particular significance in Japan and Asia more generally.  A three legged bird is often associated with the sun Andusually depicted as a black outline of a three legged bird inside of a red sun.  In Japan this was often conflated with the Yata-garasu, the Great Crow, which is said to have led the first mythical sovereign, Iware Biko, to victory in his conquest of Yamato.  Thus we often see a three legged crow depicted in the sun, which was an object of particular veneration for the Wa people from centuries before.  And I suspect that the little three-legged sparrow from Tsukushi  I suspect that this had particular significance because of that image. Animals were not the only auspicious things presented to the throne.  In 678, Oshinomi no Miyatsuko no Yoshimaro presented the sovereign with five auspicious stalks of rice.  Each stalk, itself, had other branches.  Rice, of course, was extremely important in Japan, both from a ritual and economic sense, so presenting rice seems appropriate.  Five stalks recalls things like the five elemental theory—and in general five was consider a good number.  Three and five are both good, prime numbers, while four, pronounced "Shi", sounds like death and is considered inauspicious.  Three, or "San" is sometimes associated with life, and five is associated with the five elements, but also just the fact that it is half of ten, and we have five fingers on one hand and in so many other ways, five is regarded as a good number in much of Asia. That the stalks had multiple branches likely referred to them bearing more than the usual amount of rice on them, which seems particularly hopeful.  Certainly the court thought so.  In light of the auspicious gift, all sentences of penal servitude and lower were remitted.  In 680, Officials of the Department of Law gave tribute of auspicious stalks of grain, themselves.  I'm not sure, in this case, that it was all that they hoped, however, as that began three days straight of rain and flooding. A year earlier, in 679, we are told that the district of Ito, in Kii, immediately south of Yamato, sent as tribute the "herb of long life".  We are told that it "resembled" a mushroom—probably meaning it was a mushroom, or maybe something formed into a mushroom shape.  But the stem was about a foot long and the crown was two spans, about 6 feet in diameter.  This is pretty incredible, and I have to wonder if there is a bit of exaggeration going on here. Another tribute was a horn found on Mt. Katsuraki.  It branched into two at the base, was united at the end, and had some flesh and hair still attached, about an inch in length.  They claimed it must be horn or a Lin, or Kirin, sometimes referred to as an Asian unicorn—a mythical creature considered to be quite auspicious and benevolent.  This was on the 26th day in the 2nd lunar month of the year 680, probably around March or April.  I highly suspect that what they found was an oddly shaped bit of antler from  a buck whose antlers had begun to come in and which might have been taken out by wolves or bears or something else altogether.  The fact that the ends were said to be fused together could just be referring to some kind of malformation of the antlers.  The fur and flesh could mean that the antlers were still growing—antlers would probably just be coming in around early spring time.  Still, there is no telling how long it was there, so it could have been from the previous year as well.  Attributing it to a kirin seems a bit of a stretch, but it was clearly something unusual. Animals and plants were recorded in tribute, but also when something odd happened.  Fruiting out of season was one such occurrence, which we've seen elsewhere in the chronicles as well.  There was even a record when the famous Tsuki tree outside of Asukadera had a branch fall down.  Presumably it was a large and noticeable branch, and by now this appears to have been a tree with a bit of age to it that had seen a lot, so it makes sense it got a mention. Finally, we go from the heavens to the earth.    Perhaps the most numerous observations in the Chronicles were the earthquakes.  We've noted in the past that Japan is extremely active, volcanically speaking, so it makes sense that there are multiple accounts of earthquakes each year, especially if they were compiling reports from around the country.  Most of these are little more than just a note that there was an earthquake, but a few stand out. The first is the 12th lunar month of 678.  We are told that there was a large earthquake in Tsukushi—modern Kyushu. The ground split open to the width of about 20 feet for more than 30,000 feet.  Many of the commoners' houses in the area were torn down.  In one place there was a house atop a hill, and though the hill crumbled down the house somehow remained intact.  The inhabitants had apparently been home and must have been oblivious, as they didn't realize anything had happened until they woke up the next morning. Again, probably a bit of hyperbole in here, but if we think back to things like the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, where large areas of land shifted noticeably along the fault lines, it is likely that this was a similar or even more catastrophic event.  And here I'll give a quick plug for Kumamoto, which is still working to rebuild from the earthquake, and if you ever get a chance, I recommend a visit to the Kumamoto Earthquake Memorial Museum or Kioku, where you can see for yourself just how powerful mother nature can be. Another powerful earthquake was mentioned in the 10th lunar month of 684.  If the earthquake in Tsukushi had hit mostly agricultural areas, based on the description, this seems to have hit more populated regions.  We are told that it started in the dark of night, the hour of the boar, so about 10pm, give or take an hour.  The shaking was so bad that throughout the country men and women cried out and were disoriented—they could not tell east from west, a condition no doubt further hindered by the dark night sky.  There were mountain slides and rivers changed course, breaking their banks and flooding nearby areas.  Official buildings of the provinces and districts, the barns and houses of the common people, and the temples, pagodas, and shrines were all destroyed in huge numbers.  Many people and domestic animals were killed or injured.  The hot springs of Iyo were dried up and ceased to flow.  In the province of Tosa, more than 500,000 shiro of cultivated land sank below sea level.  Old men said that they had never seen such an earthquake.  On that night there was a rumbling noise like that of drums heard in the east—possibly similar to what we had mentioned earlier.  Some say that the island of Idzu, aka Vries Island, the volcanic island at the entrance of Edo Bay, increased on the north side by more than 3,000 feet and that a new island had been formed.  The noise of the drums was attributed to the gods creating that island. So here we have a catastrophic quake that impacted from Iyo, on the western end of Shikoku, all the way to the head of Edo Bay, modern Tokyo.  This appears to be what seismologists have labelled a "Nankai Trough Megathrust Earthquake".  Similar quakes have occurred and are predicted to occur in the future., along a region of Japan from the east coast of Kyushu, through the Seto Inland Sea, including Shikoku, through the Kii peninsula and all the way to Mt. Fuji.  The Nankai Trough, or Southern Sea Trough, is the area where the continental shelf drops down, and where the Philippine tectonic plate slips underneath the Eurasian—or more specifically the Amuric—plate.  As these plates move it can cause multiple events all along the trough at the same time.  Since being regularly recorded, these quakes have been noted every 100 to 150 years, with the last one being the Showa Nankai quakes of 1944 and 1946. For all of the destruction that it brought, however, apparently it didn't stop the court.  Two days after this devastating quake we are told that Presents were made to the Princes and Ministers.  Either they weren't so affected in the capital, or perhaps the date given for one of the two records is not quite reliable.  Personally, I find it hard to believe that there would be presents given out two days later unless they were some form of financial aid.  But what do I know?  It is possible that the court itself was not as affected as other areas, and they may not have fully even grasped the epic scale of the destruction that would later be described in the Chronicles, given the length of time it took to communicate messages across the country. Which brings us back to the "science" of the time, or at least the observation, hoping to learn from precedence or piece out what messages the world might have for the sovereign and those who could read the signs.  While many of the court's and Chronicler's conclusions may give us pause, today, we should nonetheless be thankful that they at least decided to keep notes and jot down their observations.  That record keeping means that we don't have to only rely on modern records to see patterns that could take centuries to reveal themselves.  Sure, at this time, those records were  still a bit spotty, but it was the start of something that would be remarkably important, and even though these Chronicles may have been focused on propaganda, the fact that they include so many other references are an incalculable boon to us, today, if we can just see to make the connections.  And with that, I think I've rambled enough for this episode.  We still have a couple more to fully cover this period. Until then, if you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website,  SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  Thank you, also, to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  

CinemAddicts
CinemAddicts 322: The Best You Can, You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine, Death by Lightning, Dobermann

CinemAddicts

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2025 86:01


Episode 322 spotlights movies coming out the week of Friday, November 28, 2025. The featured films are The Best You Can and You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine. Bruce reviews the Netflix shows Death by Lighting and Missing: Dead or Alive? (season 2). Our assigned pick is the movie Dobermann.   Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 8:28 - You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine (Images: Abramorama) 17:27 - The Best You Can (Images: Sony Pictures).Now availabe on Digital and On Demand. Support CinemAddicts by Renting/Purchasing The Best You Can on Amazon. 42:40 - Dobermann review - Assigned Patreon pick 62:51 - Death by Lightning - (Images: Larry Horricks/Netflix) 70:42 - Missing: Dead or Alive? Season 2 (Images: Netflix) 74:51 - Dobermann - Assigned Patreon pick from patron Ryan Smith 83:52 - A Pluribus extra from Bruce!!   We receive a slight commission if you purchase items via our Amazon SiteStripe and/or affiliate links.  Members of our CinemAddicts Patreon receive a monthly Bonus episode and early access to interviews and movie spoilers.  CinemAddicts Facebook Page CinemAddicts Facebook Group CinemAddicts Patreon CinemAddicts YouTube Channel CinemAddicts Merch store Our Website is Find Your Films Thanks to our Patreon Community Ryan Smith Stephen Schrock Susan Charles Peterson Nelson B. McClintock Diana Van De Kamp Pete Abeyta Tyler Andula Stephen Mand Edmund Mendez Abbie Schmidt Jeff Tait Robert Prakash Kristen Chris M Jeremy Chappell Lewis Longshadow Iver Alex Clayton Daniel Hulbert Andrew Martin Angela Clark Myron Freeman Kayn Kalmbach Aaron Fordham Tracy Peters Grant Boston Ken Cunningham