Podcasts about Liu

What's it like for a foreigner to perform Xiangsheng—China's traditional crosstalk comedy—on the biggest stage in the Sinophone world, the CCTV Spring Festival Gala?In 1999, David Moser did just that. Now an Associate Professor at Beijing Capital Normal University, David had already spent a decade in China by then, studying Xiangsheng under Master Ding Guangquan, translating books, and helping seed China's underground jazz scene.Yet, despite his intimidating list of talents, when you meet him, you can't help but call him ‘Lao Mo' (老莫). He's a jolly, funny, dynamic friend to spend time with. I will say no more than that this is the most entertaining chat I've done for Peking Hotel. I hope you feel the same too.For quick navigation to the specific sections:* What is it like to perform Xiangsheng in front of a billion Chinese people?* A musician wanders into the Sinophone world through tongue-twisters and translation* Translating one of the first books on AI in China with half-baked Chinese* When Ancient Greek meets Ancient Chinese* Apprenticing under Ding Guangquan, a Xinagsheng MasterMusic: High Rollin, Stefano Mastronardi, Artlist Original MusicSubscribe to our Substack newsletter at pekinghotel.substack.comAbout Peking HotelThe Peking Hotel podcast and newsletter are digital publications in which Liu He interviews China specialists about their first-hand experiences and observations from decades past. The project grew out of Liu's research at Hoover Institution collecting oral history of China experts living in the U.S. Their stories are a reminder of what China used to be and what it is capable of becoming.Get full access to Peking Hotel at pekinghotel.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Peking Hotel at pekinghotel.substack.com/subscribe

After World War II, the city of Berlin was divided in four sections with one finding themselves closed off with concrete and barbed wire. A wall was built that separated the free from the enslaved. In the 1970s, Georgina Liu found herself living on one side but getting to venture into the other. Liu shares with us those experiences and observations in living in the city divided. 

We look at 5 recent publications in the field of toxicology.Dietzen, Dennis J., and Connor J. Blair. "Precision Chemotherapy: Optimizing Calibration for Rapid Determination of Blood Methotrexate by Tandem Mass Spectrometry±Liquid Chromatography." Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 39.14 (2025): e10053.Skjelland, D., Jørgenrud, B. M., Gundersen, K., Bjørnaas, M. A., Brekke, M., Dalaker, V. M., ... & Vallersnes, O. M. (2025). Gamma-hydroxybutyrate poisoning: clinical diagnosis versus laboratory findings. Clinical Toxicology, 63(4), 253-260.Guyon, J., Maillot, A., Bastard, S., Weisse, F., Daveluy, A., & Mété, D. (2025). Psychoactive cocktail consumption on Reunion Island: A case report. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, bkaf009Helland, A., Muller, S., Spigset, O., Krabseth, H. M., Hansen, M., & Skråstad, R. B. (2025). Drug detection in oral fluid and urine after single therapeutic doses of dexamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine, and methylphenidate in healthy volunteers. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 49(2), 65-72.Liu, C. M., Huang, B. Y., Hua, Z. D., Jia, W., & Zhi‐yu, L. (2025). Characterization of Mass Spectrometry Fragmentation Patterns Under Electron‐Activated Dissociation (EAD) for Rapid Structure Identification of Nitazene Analogs. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 39(12), e10030.Contact us at toxpod@tiaft.orgYou can send us a text message using this link!

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Stanley Liu, a dentist and a physician, trained as an oral & maxillofacial surgeon and ENT sleep surgeon to discuss a critical (yet often overlooked) part of airway surgery: the muscles that surround—and make up—the airway.We dive into why jaw surgery isn't just about skeletal correction or airway volume. It's about functional muscle rehabilitation. Dr. Liu shares why collaboration with myofunctional therapists before and after surgery is vital for long-term stability, smoother orthodontic care, and patient comfort.You'll learn:-Why focusing only on airway space is a mistake-How pre-surgical myo can reduce post-op complications-What happens when we ignore muscle rehab-And how to build stronger provider collaboration for better outcomesIf you work with surgical cases, airway patients, or post-op relapse concerns—this is the conversation you didn't know you needed.

In this episode, Stephanie Boyles-Griffin, Jessica Tegt, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland discuss the complexities of urban deer management, exploring the challenges posed by growing deer populations in urban areas. While recreational hunting remains the most effective and practical tool for population control in most settings, an increasing number of circumstances—especially in urban and suburban areas—render it unfeasible. Stephanie and Jessica, both from the Botstiber Institute, outline non-lethal and alternative methods commonly used to manage deer in these environments and walk through the series of decisions required to evaluate which techniques are appropriate and how likely they are to succeed.  Below, Stephanie and Jessica have provided resources if you are interested in learning more. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)   Stephanie Boyles-Griffin: boylesgriffinadvisor@botstiber.org Jessica Tegt: jtegt@botstiber.org   Urban Deer Conflict Management Planning Resources https://www.humaneworld.org/sites/default/files/docs/HSUS%20Deer%20Conflict%20Mgt%20Plan_FINAL.pdf https://ecommons.cornell.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/b297ac45-d908-4fd9-b06f-95cd5376907d/content https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/8816/1297/6730/Methods_for_Managing_Human-Deer_Conflicts_in_Urban_Suburban_and_Exurban_Areas.pdf   BIWFC https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/ https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1871&context=hwi https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinars/webinar-surgical-solutions-innovations-in-nonlethal-deer-management/ https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinar-11-blacktail-deer/ https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinar-denicola/   Surgical https://www.whitebuffaloinc.org/ DeNicola, A. J., and V. L. DeNicola. 2021. Ovariectomy as a management technique for suburban deer populations. Wildlife Society Bulletin 45:445–455 Staten Island Story Map https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e3a5f6d544594690a313693d1e88d9ef DeNicola, V., Mezzini, S., Bursać, P. et al. Effects of vasectomy on breeding-related movement and activity in free-ranging white-tailed deer. Mov Ecol 13, 34 (2025)   Nonsurgical Naugle, R. E., A. T. Rutberg, H. B. Underwood, J. W. Turner, Jr., and I. K. M. Liu. 2002. Field testing of immunocontraception on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at Fire Island National Seashore, New York, USA. Reproduction Supplement 60:143–153. Rutberg, A. T., R. E. Naugle, L. A. Thiele, and I. K. M. Liu. 2004. Effects of immunocontraception on a suburban population of white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus. Biological Conservation 116:243–250. Gionfriddo. J. P., A. J. DeNicola, L. Miller, and K. A. Fagerstone. 2011. Efficacy of GnRH immunocontraception of wild white-tailed deer in New Jersey. Wildlife Society Bulletin 35(3):149–160. Rutberg, A. T., R. E. Naugle, J. W. Turner, Jr., M. Fraker, D. Flanagan, and I. K. M. Liu. 2013. Tests of one-treatment immunocontraceptive vaccines on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on Fripp Island, SC. Wildlife Research 40:281–288. Walker, M.J., Shank, G.C., Stoskopf, M.K., Minter, L.J. and DePerno, C.S. (2021), Efficacy and Cost of GonaCon™ for Population Control in a Free-ranging White-tailed Deer Population. Wildl. Soc. Bull., 45: 589-596 

The number of patients treated at Ennis' Local Injury Unit has increased for the second consecutive year. New HSE figures show 16,037 people attended the county town's LIU in 2024. It's a marginal 5% rise on the numbers seen there the previous year, with over 1,300 patients now coming through the Ennis Local Injury Unit each month. HSE Regional Health Forum West member Councillor Rita McInerney says it clearly illustrates the need for an Emergency Department in the town.

Last time we spoke about Operation Chahar. In July 1937, the tensions between Japan and China erupted into a full-scale conflict, ignited by the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Following a series of aggressive Japanese military maneuvers, Chiang Kai-shek, then enjoying a brief respite at Kuling, learned of the escalating clashes and prepared for battle. Confident that China was primed for resistance, he rallied his nation, demanding that Japan accept responsibility and respect China's sovereignty. The Japanese launched their offensive, rapidly capturing key positions in Northern China. Notably, fierce battle ensued in Jinghai, where Chinese soldiers, led by Brigade Commander Li Zhiyuan, valiantly defended against overwhelming forces using guerrilla tactics and direct assaults. Their spirit was symbolized by a courageous “death squad” that charged the enemy, inflicting serious casualties despite facing dire odds. As weeks passed, the conflict intensified with brutal assaults on Nankou. Chinese defenses, though valiant, were ultimately overwhelmed, leading to heavy casualties on both sides. Despite losing Nankou, the indomitable Chinese spirit inspired continued resistance against the Japanese invaders, foreshadowing a long, brutal war that would reshape East Asia.   #156 The Battle of Shanghai Part 1: The Beginning of the Battle of Shanghai Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. On August 9, a bullet riddled sedan screeched to an abrupt halt at the entrance to the Hongqiao airport along Monument Road. The gruesome scene on the dashboard revealed that one of the victims had died in the car. He had been dragged out and subjected to brutal slashing, kicking, and beating until his body was a mangled mess. Half of his face was missing, and his stomach had been cut open, exposing the sickly pallor of his intestines, faintly glimmering in the night. The other man had managed to escape the vehicle but only got a few paces away before he was gunned down. A short distance away lay a third body, dressed in a Chinese uniform. Investigators swiftly identified the badly mangled body as belonging to 27-year-old Sub-Lieutenant Oyama Isao, while the other deceased Japanese man was his driver, First Class Seaman Saito Yozo. The identity of the Chinese victim remained a mystery. At first glance, the scene appeared to be the aftermath of a straightforward shootout. However, numerous questions lingered: What were the Japanese doing at a military airfield miles from their barracks? Who had fired the first shot, and what had prompted that decision? The Chinese investigators and their Japanese counterparts were at odds over the answers to these questions. As they walked the crime scene, searching for evidence, loud arguments erupted repeatedly. By the time the sun began to rise, they concluded their investigation without reaching any consensus on what had transpired. They climbed into their cars and made their way back to the city. The investigators were acutely aware of the repercussions if they failed to handle their delicate task with the necessary finesse. Despite their hopes for peace, it was evident that Shanghai was a city bracing for war. As they drove through the dimly lit suburbs on their way from Hongqiao back to their downtown offices, their headlights illuminated whitewashed trees, interspersed with sandbag defenses and the silhouettes of solitary Chinese sentries. Officially, these sentries were part of the Peace Preservation Corps,  a paramilitary unit that, due to an international agreement reached a few years earlier, was the only Chinese force allowed to remain in the Shanghai area. In the hours that followed, both sides presented their versions of the incident. According to the Chinese account, the Japanese vehicle attempted to force its way through the airport gate. When members of the Peace Preservation Corps stationed at the entrance signaled for Saito, the driver, to stop, he abruptly turned the car around. Sub-Lieutenant Oyama then fired at the Chinese guards with an automatic pistol. Only then did the Chinese return fire, killing Oyama in a hail of bullets. Saito managed to jump out before he, too, was gunned down. The commander of the Chinese guards told a Western reporter that this wasn't the first time someone Japanese had attempted to enter the airport. Such incidents had occurred repeatedly in the past two months, leading them to believe that the Japanese were “obviously undertaking espionage.” The Japanese account, predictably, placed the blame for the entire incident squarely on China. It asserted that Oyama had been driving along a road bordering the airfield with no intention of entering. Suddenly, the vehicle was stopped and surrounded by Peace Preservation Corps troops, who opened fire with rifles and machine guns without warning. Oyama had no opportunity to return fire. The Japanese statement argued that the two men had every right to use the road, which was part of the International Settlement, and labeled the incident a clear violation of the 1932 peace agreement. “We demand that the Chinese bear responsibility for this illegal act,”. Regardless of either side, it seemed likely to everyone in the region, war would soon engulf Shanghai.  Meanwhile, as the Marco Polo Bridge Incident escalated into a full blown in the far north, General Zhang Fakui was attending a routine training mission at Mount Lu in southeastern Jiangxi. A short and small man, not considered too handsome either, Zhang had earned his place in China's leadership through physical courage, once taking a stand on a bridge and single handedly facing down an enemy army. He was 41 years old in 1937, having spent half his life fighting Warlords, Communists and sometimes even Nationalists. In the recent years he had tossed his lot in with a rebel campaign against Chiang Kai-Shek, who surprisingly went on the forgive him and placed him in charge of anti communist operations in the area due south of Shanghai. However now the enemy seemed to have changed.  As the war spread to Beijing, on July 16th, Zhang was sent to Chiang Kai-Shek's summer residence at Mount Lu alongside 150 members of China's political and military elites. They were all there to brainstorm how to fight the Japanese. Years prior the Generalissimo had made it doctrine to appease the Japanese but now he made grandiose statements such as “this time we must fight to the end”. Afterwards Chiang dealt missions to all his commanders and Zhang Fakui was told to prepare for operations in the Shanghai area.  It had been apparent for weeks that both China and Japan were preparing for war in central China. The Japanese had been diverting naval troops from the north to strengthen their forces in Shanghai, and by early August, they had assembled over 8,000 troops. A few days later, approximately thirty-two naval vessels arrived. On July 31, Chiang declared that “all hope for peace has been lost.” Chiang had been reluctant to commit his best forces to defend northern China, an area he had never truly controlled. In contrast, Shanghai was central to his strategy for the war against Japan. Chiang decided to deploy his finest troops, the 87th and 88th Divisions, which were trained by generals under the guidance of the German advisor von Falkenhausen, who had high hopes for their performance against the Japanese. In doing so, Chiang aimed to demonstrate to both his own people and the wider world that the Chinese could and would resist the invader. Meanwhile, Chiang's spy chief, Dai Li, was busy gathering intelligence on Japanese intentions regarding Shanghai, a challenging task given his focus in recent years. Dai, one of the most sinister figures in modern Chinese history, had devoted far more energy and resources to suppressing the Communists than to countering the Japanese. As a result, by the critical summer of 1937, he had built only a sparse network of agents in “Little Tokyo,” the Hongkou area of Shanghai dominated by Japanese businesses. One agent was a pawnshop owner, while the rest were double agents employed as local staff within the Japanese security apparatus. Unfortunately, they could provide little more than snippets, rumors, and hearsay. While some of this information sounded alarmingly dire, there was almost no actionable intelligence. Chiang did not take the decision to open a new front in Shanghai lightly. Built on both banks of the Huangpu River, the city served as the junction between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the great Yangtze River, which wound thousands of kilometers inland to the west. Shanghai embodied everything that represented modern China, from its industry and labor relations to its connections with the outside world. While foreign diplomatic presence was concentrated in nearby Nanjing, the capital, it was in Shanghai that the foreign community gauged the country's mood. Foreigners in the city's two “concession” areas nthe French Concession and the British-affiliated International Settlement often dismissed towns beyond Shanghai as mere “outstations.” Chiang Kai-shek would throw 650,000 troops into the battle for the city and its environs as well as his modest air force of 200 aircraft. Chiang, whose forces were being advised by German officers led by General Alexander von Falkenhausen, was finally confident that his forces could take on the Japanese. A German officer told a British diplomat, “If the Chinese Army follows the advice of the German advisers, it is capable of driving the Japanese over the Great Wall.”   While Chiang was groping in the dark, deprived of the eyes and ears of an efficient intelligence service, he did have at his disposal an army that was better prepared for battle than it had been in 1932. Stung by the experience of previous conflicts with the Japanese, Chiang had initiated a modernization program aimed at equipping the armed forces not only to suppress Communist rebels but also to confront a modern fighting force equipped with tanks, artillery, and aircraft. He had made progress, but it was insufficient. Serious weaknesses persisted, and now there was no time for any remedial action. While China appeared to be a formidable power in sheer numbers, the figures were misleading. On the eve of war, the Chinese military was comprised of a total of 176 divisions, which were theoretically organized into two brigades of two regiments each. However, only about 20 divisions maintained full peacetime strength of 10,000 soldiers and officers; the rest typically held around 5,000 men. Moreover, Chiang controlled only 31 divisions personally, and he could not count on the loyalty of the others. To successfully resist Japan, Chiang would need to rely not only on his military command skills but also on his ability to forge fragile coalitions among Warlord generals with strong local loyalties. Equipment posed another significant challenge. The modernization drive was not set to complete until late 1938, and the impact of this delay was evident. In every category of weaponry, from rifles to field artillery, the Chinese were outmatched by their Japanese adversaries, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Domestically manufactured artillery pieces had shorter ranges, and substandard steel-making technology caused gun barrels to overheat, increasing the risk of explosions. Some arms even dated back to imperial times. A large proportion of the Chinese infantry had received no proper training in basic tactics, let alone in coordinated operations involving armor and artillery. The chief of the German advisory corps was General Alexander von Falkenhausen, a figure hard to rival in terms of qualifications for the role. Although the 58-year-old's narrow shoulders, curved back, and bald, vulture-like head gave him an unmilitary, almost avian appearance, his exterior belied a tough character. In 1918, he had earned his nation's highest military honor, the Pour le Mérite, while assisting Germany's Ottoman allies against the British in Palestine. Few, if any, German officers knew Asia as well as he did. His experience in the region dated back to the turn of the century. As a young lieutenant in the Third East Asian Infantry Regiment, he participated in the international coalition of colonial powers that quelled the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. A decade later, he traveled through Korea, Manchuria, and northern China with his wife, keenly observing and learning as a curious tourist. From 1912 to 1914, he served as the German Kaiser's military attaché in Tokyo. He was poised to put his extensive knowledge to good use in the months ahead. Chiang believed that Shanghai should be the location of the first battle. This decision was heavily influenced by Falkenhausen and was strategically sound. Chiang Kai-shek could not hope to win a war against Japan unless he could unify the nation behind him, particularly the many fractious warlords who had battled his forces repeatedly over the past decade. Everyone understood that the territory Japan was demanding in the far north did not need to be held for any genuine military necessity; it was land that could be negotiated. The warlords occupying that territory were unpredictable and all too willing to engage in bargaining. In contrast, China's economic heartland held different significance. By choosing to fight for the center of the country and deploying his strongest military units, Chiang Kai-shek signaled to both China's warlords and potential foreign allies that he had a vested interest in the outcome.  There were also several operational reasons for preferring a conflict in the Yangtze River basin over a campaign in northern China. The rivers, lakes, and rice paddies of the Yangtze delta were much better suited for defensive warfare against Japan's mechanized forces than the flat plains of North China. By forcing the Japanese to commit troops to central China, the Nationalists bought themselves the time needed to rally and reinforce their faltering defenses in the north. By initiating hostilities in the Shanghai area, Japan would be forced to divert its attention from the northern front, thereby stalling a potential Japanese advance toward the crucial city of Wuhan. It would also help safeguard potential supply routes from the Soviet Union, the most likely source of material assistance due to Moscow's own animosity toward Japan. It was a clever plan, and surprisingly, the Japanese did not anticipate it. Intelligence officers in Tokyo were convinced that Chiang would send his troops northward instead. Again in late July, Chiang convened his commanders, and here he gave Zhang Fukai more detailed instructions for his operation. Fukai was placed in charge of the right wing of the army which was currently preparing for action in the metropolitan area. Fukai would oversee the forces east of the Huangpu River in the area known as Pudong. Pudong was full of warehouses, factories and rice fields, quite precarious to fight in. Meanwhile General Zhang Zhizhong, a quiet and sickly looking man who had previously led the Central Military Academy was to command the left wing of the Huangpu. All of the officers agreed the plan to force the battle to the Shanghai area was logical as the northern region near Beijing was far too open, giving the advantage to tank warfare, which they could not hope to contest Japan upon. The Shanghai area, full of rivers, creaks and urban environments favored them much more. Zhang Zhizhong seemed an ideal pick to lead troops in downtown Shanghai where most of the fighting would take place. His position of commandant of the military academy allowed him to establish connections with junior officers earmarked for rapid promotion. This meant that he personally knew the generals of both the 87th and 88th Divisions, which were to form the core of Zhang Zhizhong's newly established 9th Army Group and become his primary assets in the early phases of the Shanghai campaign. Moreover, Zhang Zhizhong had the right aggressive instincts. He believed that China's confrontation with Japan had evolved through three stages: in the first stage, the Japanese invaded the northeast in 1931, and China remained passive; in the second stage, during the first battle of Shanghai in 1932, Japan struck, but China fought back. Zhang argued that this would be the third stage, where Japan was preparing to attack, but China would strike first.   It seems that Zhang Zhizhong did not expect to survive this final showdown with his Japanese adversary. He took the fight very personally, even ordering his daughter to interrupt her education in England and return home to serve her country in the war. However, he was not the strong commander he appeared to be, as he was seriously ill. Although he never disclosed the true extent of his condition, it seemed he was on the verge of a physical and mental breakdown after years in high-stress positions. In fact, he had recently taken a leave of absence from his role at the military academy in the spring of 1937. When the war broke out, he was at a hospital in the northern port city of Qingdao, preparing to go abroad for convalescence. He canceled those plans to contribute to the struggle against Japan. When his daughter returned from England and saw him on the eve of battle, she was alarmed by how emaciated he had become. From the outset, doubts about his physical fitness to command loomed large. At 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10, a group of officers emerged from the Japanese Consulate along the banks of the Huangpu River. This team was a hastily assembled Sino-Japanese joint investigation unit tasked with quickly resolving the shooting incident at the Hongqiao Aerodrome of the previous night. They understood the urgency of reaching an agreement swiftly to prevent any escalation. As they drove to the airport, they passed armed guards of the Chinese Peace Preservation Corps stationed behind sandbag barricades that had been erected only hours earlier. Upon arriving at Hongqiao, the officers walked up and down the scene of the incident under the scorching sun, attempting to piece together a shared understanding of what had transpired. However, this proved to be nearly impossible, as the evidence failed to align into a coherent account acceptable to both parties. The Japanese were unconvinced that any shootout had occurred at all. Oyama, the officer who had been in the car, had left his pistol at the marine headquarters in Hongkou and had been unarmed the night before. They insisted that whoever shot and killed the man in the Chinese uniform could not have been him. By 6:00 pm the investigators returned to the city. Foreign correspondents, eager for information, knew exactly whom to approach. The newly appointed Shanghai Mayor, Yu Hongjun, with a quick wit and proficiency in English, Yu represented the city's cosmopolitan image. However, that evening, he had little to offer the reporters, except for a plea directed at both the Japanese and Chinese factions “Both sides should maintain a calm demeanor to prevent the situation from escalating.” Mayor Yu however was, in fact, at the center of a complex act of deception that nearly succeeded. Nearly eight decades later, Zhang Fakui attributed the incident to members of the 88th Division, led by General Sun Yuanliang. “A small group of Sun Yuanliang's men disguised themselves as members of the Peace Preservation Corps,” Zhang Fakui recounted years later in his old age. “On August 9, 1937, they encountered two Japanese servicemen on the road near the Hongqiao military aerodrome and accused them of forcing their way into the area. A clash ensued, resulting in the deaths of the Japanese soldiers.” This created a delicate dilemma for their superiors. The two dead Japanese soldiers were difficult to explain away. Mayor Yu, likely informed of the predicament by military officials, conferred with Tong Yuanliang, chief of staff of the Songhu Garrison Command, a unit established after the fighting in 1932. Together, they devised a quick and cynical plan to portray the situation as one of self-defense by the Chinese guards. Under their orders, soldiers marched a Chinese death row inmate to the airport gate, dressed him in a paramilitary guard's uniform, and executed him. While this desperate ruse might have worked initially, it quickly unraveled due to the discrepancies raised by the condition of the Chinese body. The Japanese did not believe the story, and the entire plan began to fall apart. Any remaining mutual trust swiftly evaporated. Instead of preventing a confrontation, the cover-up was accelerating the slide into war.  Late on August 10, Mayor Yu sent a secret cable to Nanjing, warning that the Japanese had ominously declared they would not allow the two deaths at the airport to go unpunished. The following day, the Japanese Consul General Okamoto Suemasa paid a visit to the mayor, demanding the complete withdrawal of the Peace Preservation Corps from the Shanghai area and the dismantling of all fortifications established by the corps. For the Chinese, acquiescing to these demands was nearly impossible. From their perspective, it appeared that the Japanese aimed to leave Shanghai defenseless while simultaneously bolstering their own military presence in the city. Twenty vessels, including cruisers and destroyers, sailed up the Huangpu River and docked at wharves near "Little Tokyo." Japanese marines in olive-green uniforms marched ashore down the gangplanks, while women from the local Japanese community, dressed in kimonos, greeted the troops with delighted smiles and bows to the flags of the Rising Sun that proudly adorned the sterns of the battleships. In fact, Japan had planned to deploy additional troops to Shanghai even before the shooting at Hongqiao Aerodrome. This decision was deemed necessary to reinforce the small contingent of 2,500 marines permanently stationed in the city. More troops were required to assist in protecting Japanese nationals who were being hastily evacuated from the larger cities along the Yangtze River. These actions were primarily defensive maneuvers, as the Japanese military seemed hesitant to open a second front in Shanghai, for the same reasons that the Chinese preferred an extension of hostilities to that area. Diverting Japanese troops from the strategically critical north and the Soviet threat across China's border would weaken their position, especially given that urban warfare would diminish the advantages of their technological superiority in tanks and aircraft. While officers in the Japanese Navy believed it was becoming increasingly difficult to prevent the war from spreading to Shanghai, they were willing to give diplomacy one last chance. Conversely, the Japanese Army was eager to wage war in northern China but displayed little inclination to engage in hostilities in Shanghai. Should the situation worsen, the Army preferred to withdraw all Japanese nationals from the city. Ultimately, when it agreed to formulate plans for dispatching an expeditionary force to Shanghai, it did so reluctantly, primarily to avoid accusations of neglecting its responsibilities. Amongst many commanders longing for a swift confrontation with Japan was Zhang Zhizhong. By the end of July, he was growing increasingly impatient, waiting with his troops in the Suzhou area west of Shanghai and questioning whether a unique opportunity was being squandered. On July 30, he sent a telegram to Nanjing requesting permission to strike first. He argued that if Japan were allowed to launch an attack on Shanghai, he would waste valuable time moving his troops from their position more than 50 miles away. Nanjing responded with a promise that his wishes would be fulfilled but urged him to exercise patience: “We should indeed seize the initiative over the enemy, but we must wait until the right opportunity arises. Await further orders.” That opportunity arose on August 11, with the Japanese display of force on the Huangpu River and their public demand for the withdrawal of China's paramilitary police. Japan had sufficiently revealed itself as the aggressor in the eyes of both domestic and international audiences, making it safe for China to take action. At 9:00 p.m. that evening, Zhang Zhizhong received orders from Nanjing to move his troops toward Shanghai. He acted with remarkable speed, capitalizing on the extensive transportation network in the region. The soldiers of the 87th Division quickly boarded 300 trucks that had been prepared in advance. Meanwhile, civilian passengers on trains were unceremoniously ordered off to make room for the 88th Division, which boarded the carriages heading for Shanghai. In total, over 20,000 motivated and well-equipped troops were on their way to battle.  On August 12, representatives from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, and China gathered for a joint conference in Shanghai to discuss ceasefire terms. Japan demanded the withdrawal of Chinese troops from Shanghai, while the Chinese representative, Yu Hung-chun, dismissed the Japanese demand, stating that the terms of the ceasefire had already been violated by Japan. The major powers were keen to avoid a repeat of the January 28 Incident, which had significantly disrupted foreign economic activities in Shanghai. Meanwhile, Chinese citizens fervently welcomed the presence of Chinese troops in the city. In Nanjing, Chinese and Japanese representatives convened for the last time in a final effort to negotiate. The Japanese insisted that all Peace Preservation Corps and regular troops be withdrawn from the vicinity of Shanghai. The Chinese, however, deemed the demand for a unilateral withdrawal unacceptable, given that the two nations were already engaged in conflict in North China. Ultimately, Mayor Yu made it clear that the most the Chinese government would concede was that Chinese troops would not fire unless fired upon. Conversely, Japan placed all responsibility on China, citing the deployment of Chinese troops around Shanghai as the cause of the escalating tensions. Negotiations proved impossible, leaving no alternative but for the war to spread into Central China. On that same morning of Thursday, August 12, residents near Shanghai's North Train Station, also known as Zhabei Station, just a few blocks from "Little Tokyo," awoke to an unusual sight: thousands of soldiers dressed in the khaki uniforms of the Chinese Nationalists, wearing German-style helmets and carrying stick grenades slung across their chests. “Where do you come from?” the Shanghai citizens asked. “How did you get here so fast?” Zhang Zhizhong issued detailed orders to each unit under his command, instructing the 88th Division specifically to travel by train and deploy in a line from the town of Zhenru to Dachang village, both located a few miles west of Shanghai. Only later was the division supposed to advance toward a position stretching from the Zhabei district to the town of Jiangwan, placing it closer to the city boundaries. Zhang Zhizhong was the embodiment of belligerence, but he faced even more aggressive officers among his ranks. On the morning of August 12, he was approached by Liu Jingchi, the chief of operations at the Songhu Garrison Command. Liu argued that the battle of 1932 had gone poorly for the Chinese because they had hesitated and failed to strike first. This time, he insisted, should be different, and Zhang should order an all-out assault on the Japanese positions that very evening. Zhang countered that he had clear and unmistakable orders from Chiang Kai-shek to let the Japanese fire first, emphasizing the importance of maintaining China's image on the world stage. “That's easy,” Liu retorted. “Once all the units are deployed and ready to attack, we can just change some people into mufti and send them in to fire a few shots. We attack, and simultaneously, we report that the enemy's offensive has begun.” Zhang Zhizhong did not like this idea. “We can't go behind our leader's back like that,” he replied. Zhang Zhizhong's position was far from enviable. Forced to rein in eager and capable officers, he found himself acting against his own personal desires. Ultimately, he decided to seek the freedom to act as he saw fit. In a secret cable to Nanjing, he requested permission to launch an all-out attack on the Japanese positions in Shanghai the following day, Friday, August 13. He argued that this was a unique opportunity to capitalize on the momentum created by the movement of troops; any further delay would only lead to stagnation. He proposed a coordinated assault that would also involve the Chinese Air Force. However, the reply from Chiang Kai-shek was brief and unwavering: “Await further orders.” Even as Chiang's troops poured into Shanghai, Chinese and Japanese officials continued their discussions. Ostensibly, this was in hopes of reaching a last-minute solution, but in reality, it was a performance. Both sides wanted to claim the moral high ground in a battle that now seemed inevitable. They understood that whoever openly declared an end to negotiations would automatically be perceived as the aggressor. During talks at the Shanghai Municipal Council, Japanese Consul General Okamoto argued that if China truly wanted peace, it would have withdrawn its troops to a position that would prevent clashes. Mayor Yu responded by highlighting the increasing presence of Japanese forces in the city. “Under such circumstances, China must adopt such measures as necessary for self-defense,” he stated. Late on August 13, 1937, Chiang Kai-shek instructed his forces to defend Shanghai, commanding them to "divert the enemy at sea, secure the coast, and resist landings."  I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In July 1937, tensions between Japan and China escalated into war following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Confident in his country's resolve, Chiang Kai-shek rallied the Chinese against Japanese aggression. On August 9, a deadly confrontation at Hongqiao Airport resulted in the deaths of Japanese soldiers, igniting further hostilities. As both sides blamed each other, the atmosphere became tense. Ultimately, negotiations failed, and the stage was set for a brutal conflict in Shanghai, marking the beginning of a long and devastating war.

Drs. Sood and Liu discuss emerging and investigational biomarkers for interstitial lung disease and their potential utility as predictors of progression or as tools for tailoring therapy.

We talk more about the draft; LIU finalizes coaching staff; St. Thomas gets full-fledged NCAA D1 status; plus we examine the active coach's winning percentage!  Join Scott, Paul, & Tom on ITHSWpodcasts.Podbean.com, or wherever you get your favorite podcast! For more, click like and subscribe and go to ITHSWpodcasts.podbean.com  

01. Boney M, R3HAB - Sunny [PREMIERE]02. PS1, Zac Samuel - Sun Is Coming Up03. R3HAB - Rise or Fall04. Skytech - Habits (Stay High) [TRACK OF THE WEEK]05. Avicii (feat. Elle King) - Lets Ride Away (MEDUZA For Tim Remix)06. ARTBAT & JOA - The Spot07. Audien & MAKJ feat. Julia Church - Slide Away08. Joel Corry x Jennifer Lopez - Get Right09. Innellea, Script - Trust10. Tiësto & Mathame - Everlight11. Argy, Will Rees - The Feelin'12. Liu, Sevek, Mougleta - Place in Your Heart [CYB3RSTAR]13. Marshmello, Ellie Goulding & AVAION - Save My Love14. Oliver Heldens, Aevion - Amnesia15. Frankie Grande, Felix Jaehn - Boys (Felix Jaehn Remix16. Swedish House Mafia - Wait So Long17. Cassian - SOS18. Volaris, Dantiez - Mi Amor 

01. Diplo, Benny Benassi, Nfasis - TOMA TOMA 02. Mike Posner, Steve Aoki - I Took a Pill in Ibiza 03. Argy, Omiki - WIND 04. Dont Blink - Dance With Me 05. Liu, Zuffo - Wait 06. Oliver Heldens, Aevion - Amnesia 07. Riggi, Piros - Body To The Beat 08. Plastik Funk, Chester Young, Hackatone - Digital Safari 09. Gulmee, Samarth Goel - Good Stuff 10. Azzido Da Bass, Nathalie Tineo - Rockstar 11. Tchami, Malaa, Makj - N9 12. Morten, Bonn - Take Me Home 13. Dont Blink - Dance With Me 14. Anyma, Baset - Neverland (From Japan) 15. Dj Susan, Miggy Dela Rosa - Dirty Cat 16. Jude & Frank, Fdvm - Touch Me 17. Joel Corry, Jennifer Lopez - Get Right 18. Masilla, Lumere - Mi Loco Corazon 19. Duke Dumont - I Need You Now 20. Innellea, Script - Trust 21. Bob Moses - Waiting on the World 22. Sparty - Sweet Dreams 23. Chester Young, Hackatone, Don Diablo - Genesis 24. Firebeatz - Charged Up 25. Chester Young, Hackatone, Don Diablo - Genesis 26. Hardcopy, Mike Ferullo - Here One Again 27. Jack Orley, Siena Liggins - Swing Yo Hip 28. Almero - Everything I Need 29. Gabry Ponte, Nicky Romero - Rave Music 30. Dillon Nathaniel - Break The System 31. Claptone, Sea Girls, Henry Camamile - Put Your Love On Me 32. Swedish House Mafia - Wait So Long 33. My Mine, Benny Benassi, Albertino - Hypnotic Tango 34. Moby, Blond Ish, Kiko Franco - Natural Blues 35. Sikdope - Down With The Rhythm 36. Sub Focus, Culture Shock, Fragma - Miracle

01 ARTY x Nu-La - Flames 02 Ferry Corsten - Lose Myself 03 Equinøx - Cada Vez 04 01 Dirty Signal - Feel It 05 Masters At Work - Work (Ravekings & I.GOT.U Remix) 06 Liu, Sevek, Mougleta - Place in Your Heart 07 John Alto - Before The Fire 08 Gregor Salto & Emmanuella Sabajo - Mi Afo Kon 09 01 Filth & Pleasure - Full Metal 10 01 ZYNØX - Without You 11 PUSH, DJ Ghost - Getting Into The Zone 12 DJ HEARTSTRING - Back To My Love 13 Hardwell feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn - Echo (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix) 14 01 Frankyeffe, Amiley - Save Me 2025 15 Ben Nicky & Paul Gannon - Voicemail 16 NOVAH, CERES - Papi 17 STVW x Bertie Scott - THNKS FR TH MMRS 18 Lock 'N Load x Ruthless x Potato - Blow Ya Mind

01 ARTY x Nu-La - Flames 02 Ferry Corsten - Lose Myself 03 Equinøx - Cada Vez 04 01 Dirty Signal - Feel It 05 Masters At Work - Work (Ravekings & I.GOT.U Remix) 06 Liu, Sevek, Mougleta - Place in Your Heart 07 John Alto - Before The Fire 08 Gregor Salto & Emmanuella Sabajo - Mi Afo Kon 09 01 Filth & Pleasure - Full Metal 10 01 ZYNØX - Without You 11 PUSH, DJ Ghost - Getting Into The Zone 12 DJ HEARTSTRING - Back To My Love 13 Hardwell feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn - Echo (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix) 14 01 Frankyeffe, Amiley - Save Me 2025 15 Ben Nicky & Paul Gannon - Voicemail 16 NOVAH, CERES - Papi 17 STVW x Bertie Scott - THNKS FR TH MMRS 18 Lock 'N Load x Ruthless x Potato - Blow Ya Mind

In the wake of the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, CancerNetwork® put together an X Spaces discussion hosted by Stephen Liu, MD, and Joshua Sabari, MD, to highlight the most intriguing and practice-changing lung cancer abstracts. Discussed topics ranged from long-term follow-up with commonplace therapies to an analysis of what time of day is the best to administer immunochemotherapy.  Liu, an associate professor of Medicine at Georgetown University, and the director of Thoracic Oncology and head of Developmental Therapeutics at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Sabari, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and the director of High Reliability Organization Initiatives at the Perlmutter Cancer Center, shared expert insights on the latest non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) breakthroughs. Trials of note that they discussed included: The phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial (NCT05740566) - Tarlatamab (Imdelltra) versus chemotherapy (CTx) as second-line (2L) treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC): primary analysis of Ph3 DeLLphi-304.1 The phase 3 IMforte trial (NCT05091567) - Lurbinectedin (Zepzelca; lurbi) + atezolizumab (Tecentriq; atezo) as first-line (1L) maintenance treatment (tx) in patients (pts) with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC): primary results of the phase 3 IMforte trial.2 The phase 3 CheckMate 816 trial (NCT02998528) - Overall survival with neoadjuvant nivolumab (Opdivo; NIVO) + chemotherapy (chemo) in patients with resectable NSCLC in CheckMate 816.3 The phase 3 PACIFIC15 trial (NCT05549037) - Randomized trial of relevance of time-of-day of immunochemotherapy for progression-free and overall survival in patients with non–small cell lung cancer.4 The phase 3 Beamion LUNG-1 trial (NCT04886804) - Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) evaluating physical functioning and symptoms in patients with pretreated HER2-mutant advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): results from the Beamion LUNG-1 trial.5 The phase 3 ARTEMIA trial (NCT06472245) - Phase 3 trial of the therapeutic cancer vaccine OSE2101 versus docetaxel in patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer and secondary resistance to immunotherapy. References Rudin C, Mountzios G, Sun L, et al. Tarlatamab versus chemotherapy (CTx) as second-line (2L) treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC): primary analysis of Ph3 DeLLphi-304. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 17):LBA8008. doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.17_suppl.LBA8008 Paz-Ares L, Borghaei H, Liu SV, et al. Lurbinectedin (lurbi) + atezolizumab (atezo) as first-line (1L) maintenance treatment (tx) in patients (pts) with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC): primary results of the phase 3 IMforte trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 16):8006. doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.8006 Forde PM, Spicer JD, Provencio M, et al. Overall survival with neoadjuvant nivolumab + chemotherapy in patients with resectable NSCLC in CheckMate 816. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 17):LBA8000. doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.17_suppl.LBA8000 Zhang Y, Huang Z, Zeng L, et al. Randomized trial of relevance of time-of-day of immunochemotherapy for progression-free and overall survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 16):8516. doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.8516 Sabari JK, Nadal E, Hendriks L, et al. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) evaluating physical functioning and symptoms in patients with pretreated HER2-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): results from the Beamion LUNG-1 trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 16):8620. doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.8620 Liu SV, Guibert C, Tostivint EP, et al. Phase 3 trial of the therapeutic cancer vaccine OSE2101 versus docetaxel in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and secondary resistance to immunotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(suppl 16):TPS8651. doi:10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.TPS8651

Summer electronic dance, with a tropical slap house vibe. ⚡️Like the Show? Click the [Repost] ↻ button so more people can hear it!

Send us a textHey my beautiful friends –This week's conversation was sparked by a funny little tech discovery and a box I mailed — both of which got me thinking about food in a new way. You know how people are always quick to tell you what not to eat? Well, this week we flip the script. I'm sharing thoughts from my own journey and a coach that made me laugh and think — and you'll hear why his words still stick with me to this day. We're keeping things simple, kind, and grounded in something real. I'm not handing out rules, I'm sharing a mindset and maybe even a little inspiration for your next grocery run or packed lunch. And as always, we'll close with a little heart lift — this one from Michael Pollan, who said, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”Come hang out with me, and let's talk about what loves us back. References:1.    Zhang & Talalay, Frontiers in Nutrition, 20232.    Liu, Nutrients, 20233.    Viguiliouk et al., Obesity Reviews, 20234.    Jenkins et al., AJCN, 20245.    Estruch et al., The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 20236.    Guasch-Ferré et al., BMJ, 20237.    Yao et al., Nutrients, 20238.    Harvard Nurses' Health Study Update, 20239.    Anderson et al., AJCN, 202410.Simopoulos, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 202311.Ye et al., Nutrients, 202312.Sonnenburg et al., Cell Metabolism, 202413.Mozaffarian et al., AJCN, 202314.Mastrocola et al., Appetite, 202315.Pollan, M. (2009). In Defense of FoodLet's go, let's get it done. Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

Kevin Liu is a software developer and co-founder of GOAT Network, where he leads the development of the first production-ready Bitcoin-native zkRollup to revolutionize BTCFi. As CEO of ZKM and co-founder of Metis, an Ethereum Layer 2 with $60M in locked assets, he drives scalable, decentralized blockchain solutions. Liu's vision has secured 5,000 BTC in institutional commitments for GOAT and launched the BitVM2 Playground, advancing trustless Bitcoin bridges. His extensive Bitcoin expertise and leadership in innovative cryptoeconomic designs make him a pivotal figure in blockchain's evolution.In this conversation, we discuss:- Merge mining- BitVM2 Playground- Crypto builders in Toronto- Institutional adoption of Bitcoin- BTC supply shock incoming - How GOAT gets their yield - BTC self custody - Bitcoin security - How GOAT contributes to the core mission of BitcoinGOAT NetworkWebsite: www.goat.networkX: @GOATRollupTelegram: t.me/GOATrollupKevin LiuX: @kevinliubLinkedIn: Kevin Liu

Follow me: Facebook: fb.me/xabionly Twitter: twitter.com/xabionly Youtube: youtube.com/xabionly Mixcloud: mixcloud.com/xabionly Instagram: instagram.com/xabionly TRACKLIST: https://1001.tl/2vtz9ny9 Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4STV7DPVgwI4ntvi1sQvjh?si=CU6lCNZcRkKiZytdXaI5TQ TRACKLIST: 01. Robby East & LeyeT - Human All Along [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] 02. MORTEN ft. Bonn - Take Me Home [TOMORROWLAND MUSIC] [SOCIAL MEDIA VOTE WINNER] 03. Zero Gravity & Nicson ft. Alistair Jones - Find You [GENERATION SMASH] 04. Evoxel - Orion [ARMIND] 05. Anyma & Y Do I - The End Of Genesys [THE END OF GENESYS] 06. MARZI - Wait (Dont Play) [MODERN DELIVERY] 07. Anakim & EMSKI - Heal (Tech Panda & Kenzani Remix) [CELESTIAL BODY] 08. FENIK & Eleganto - A Feeling [TRACE AMOUNTS] 09. Tim Hox - Play Games 10. Tiësto & Mathame - Everlight [MUSICAL FREEDOM] [PROMO OF THE WEEK] 11. MARZI - When I Drink [MODERN DELIVERY] 12. Rafael Osmo - Black October [INTERPLAY UNITY] 13. ARTBAT & JOA - The Spot [UPPERGROUND] [TRACK OF THE WEEK] 14. HEDEGAARD & Matt Hawk & CANCUN - TWINKLE [ONE HUNDRED] 15. BIJOU & Dillon Nathaniel - Take Me [ELECTRONIC RAPTURE] 16. Anyma & MAGNUS - Leave A Mark [THE END OF GENESYS] 17. Bhaskar - You Want The Fire [CONTROVERSIA] 18. Dj T.H. & Alaera - Sundowner In De Haan (Deestopia Remix) [ANTIMA MUSIC] 19. Equinøx - Cada Vez [MUSICAL FREEDOM] 20. ESSENTIA x SQU4RE - Lost In Ibiza [AETERNA] [SOCIAL MEDIA VOTE WINNER] 21. Andre Saint-Albin - Looks Good On Me [DARKLIGHT] 22. Elekfantz ft. Gui Boratto - Beggin' (ZAC Remix) [REVEN BEATS] 23. Avicii ft. Elle King - Let's Ride Away (MEDUZA For Tim Remix) [INTERSCOPE] 24. Lola Young - Messy (David Puentez Remix) 25. Chester Young & Hackatone ft. SUVI - Genesis (Don Diablo Edit) [HEXAGON] 26. VINNE & ADRESZ - Your Eyes [FUTURE HOUSE MUSIC] 27. DJ Kuba & Neitan & Adam De Great & Sarah de Warren - White Lines [FUTURE HOUSE MUSIC] 28. Heatbeat - Fenix [HYPERSIA] 29. B Jones & Krevix - Home [ARRYBA MUSIC] 30. Yohann Warren & Semblance Smile & Krevix - Vertical [BEMIND] 31. Indira Paganotto & Armin van Buuren - Dragon [ARMADA] [RELEASE OF THE WEEK] 32. Liu & Sevek & Mougleta - Place in Your Heart [SMASH THE HOUSE] 33. Push vs. Dj Ghost - Getting Into The Zone [SMASH THE HOUSE]

Last time we spoke about the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. On July 7, 1937, tensions escalated between Japan and China as the Japanese military conducted a training exercise near the Marco Polo Bridge. During the exercise, gunfire erupted, sowing confusion and leading to the unexplained disappearance of one soldier. This incident prompted Japan to demand permission to search the nearby city of Wanping, which was denied by Chinese forces, escalating tensions further. By the next day, Japanese troops attacked, resulting in fierce fighting at the bridge. Under heavy assault, Chinese defenders fought valiantly but faced overwhelming force. As the conflict intensified, both sides struggled with heavy casualties, leading to the full-scale Sino-Japanese War. The Japanese military's aggressive maneuvers and the determined Chinese resistance marked the beginning of a brutal conflict, forever altering the landscape of East Asia. The profound toll on both nations foreshadowed the horrors of war that were to come, as China prepared to defend its sovereignty against a relentless enemy.   #155 Operation Chahar 1937 Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. By the end of July of 1937 the Japanese had overwhelmed the Beiping-Tianjin region. It's pretty understandable as to how this came so fast. As we have discussed thoroughly in this series, the Japanese had gradually seized control over Northern China going back to Operation Nekka in 1933. Little by little they had carved it out. Typically when you pull out a map of a war between two nations, one nation pierces into the other and gradually seizes control of key locations until it archives victory. However with the case of the outset of the Second Sino-Japanese War its more like the Japanese are starting at multiple key locations where they have concessions, treaties or where there are autonomous regions. Thus its honestly a huge headache to follow. When the Marco Polo Bridge Incident broke out, Chiang Kai-Shek had been in Kuling, a mountain top resort where he spent his summer vacations. He received the news with composure, but his message to the nation conveyed a sense of optimism and anticipation. The embarrassment of the Sian mutiny was a thing of the past. Although he wasn't overly confident, he believed that this was the pivotal moment China had been preparing for, more so than at any time in recent years. For nearly three weeks, efforts were made to resolve the situation through diplomatic means. For the first time, Chiang was in a position to make demands. He understood they would likely be rejected, but that wasn't the main point. He asked Japan to acknowledge its responsibility for the recent turmoil, to issue an apology, and to provide compensation. After making that request, he addressed his nation with a formal commitment: China would not accept any settlement that compromised its sovereign rights or territorial integrity. No changes would be permitted regarding the status of the Hubei-Chahar Council, and local officials would not be reassigned at the request of any foreign government. Any restrictions on the Twenty-ninth Army's positions would be unacceptable. He declared that the era of Japanese expansion in North China had come to a definitive end. The Japanese army achieved significant victories on the battlefield in China, leading to the inevitable expansion of the conflict. The first major campaign following the Nanyuan victory unfolded along the mountainous border marked by the inner Great Wall, separating northern Hubei from Chahar. On the Jinpu Railway, just south of Tianjin, lies a small station known as Jinghai. Adjacent to this station is the Jian River, which had swollen to a width of 20 meters due to intermittent heavy rains in northern China after the Japanese army's occupation of Tianjin. The embankments on either side of the river were overgrown with dense reeds and grass, and a wooden arch bridge spanned the river. After landing at Dagukou in Tianjin, the 10th Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Rensuke Isogai, advanced south along the Jinpu Railway. However, as the vanguard, the 10th Regiment of the 33rd Brigade made its way through the muddy terrain towards the Jian River's wooden bridge, they were suddenly taken aback. A group of Chinese soldiers appeared, their faces vividly painted red and armed with long-handled broadswords, a sight reminiscent of the legendary Chinese figure Guan Yu, as depicted in many traditional portraits. These soldiers belonged to the 26th Independent Brigade of the 38th Division of the 29th Army, who were in retreat from Tianjin. Following the city's fall, they had retreated southward to Jinghai Station, where they prepared to make a stand. Brigade Commander Li Zhiyuan recognized their inferior numbers and weaponry compared to the Japanese forces. Drawing from painful lessons learned during the positional battles in Tianjin, he decided to divide his troops strategically: one battalion would defend the station, another would protect the county town, and a third would engage in guerrilla tactics along the Jinpu Road. If faced with a small number of Japanese soldiers, they would fight fiercely; if overwhelmed, they would attempt to encircle the attackers to prevent a direct assault on their main position. Despite the Japanese army's attempts to advance, including efforts to send an armored train into Jinghai Station, the Chinese soldiers cleverly laid straw on the tracks and buried mines, thwarting the train's progress. Once Japanese troops disembarked to mount an offensive, they were ambushed by the battalion executing guerrilla tactics, resulting in a chaotic retreat that left behind several dozen casualties. Over the course of weeks, the divisional headquarters ordered a battalion of Japanese troops to move south along the Jinpu Road, requiring them to cross the Jian River at the wooden bridge. The 26th Independent Brigade was assigned to halt this advance, and they managed to hold their ground for over 20 days. Recognizing the gravity of their situation, Brigade Commander Li Zhiyuan gathered his group and battalion commanders to emphasize the necessity of pushing back the Japanese forces. He passionately rallied them, declaring, “We must defend this river to the death. Each regiment will select a death squad. Each member will carry a long-handled broadsword and four grenades, paint their faces red and rush across the bridge to engage in melee combat!” When Li asked for volunteers to lead the death squad, the regiment commander, Zhu, eagerly stepped forward, quickly gathering a group that followed him, uniting passionately in their cause. The death squad charged across the bridge, catching the Japanese off guard with their war paint and weapons. The sudden attack left the Japanese soldiers dazed, leading to a chaotic retreat as they struggled through the muddy terrain. In the tumult, more than 200 long-handled swords struck down a significant number of Japanese troops. Those advancing from behind panicked at the sight of their retreating comrades. An officer, dismounted during the chaos, was left behind, and the Chinese soldiers, filled with zeal, pressed forward, ignoring the orders from Brigade Commander Li Zhiyuan to fall back for their own safety. Despite moments of heroism, many fell that day by the Jian River, as the officers and soldiers burned their boats and set fire to the wooden bridge, rendering retreat impossible. As the Japanese military consolidated its power in the Pingjin region, many leaders underestimated the tenacity of Chinese resistance. Plans were made to defeat the Chinese army and air force swiftly, aiming to resolve the issue in North China decisively, with no diplomatic negotiations or external interventions allowed during military operations. Now, in late July to early August, Chiang Kai-shek issued orders to improve defenses at Nankou. He mobilized Tang Enbo's 13th Army in Suidong for battle readiness, tasked Liu Ruming to sabotage railways, and directed Fu Zuoyi and Yan Xishan in Suiyuan to prepare for conflict. Troops were reorganized rapidly, with divisions merging to strengthen the 17th Army under Liu Ruming's command. Chiang insisted that Nankou's defenses be deep and wide to thwart enemy cavalry and tank assaults, rendering Japanese mechanized advantages ineffective. He called for close cooperation among commanders and a resolute defense. Tang Enbo's 13th Army, consisted of the 4th and 89th Divisions, whom established defensive positions along the Peiping-Suiyuan Railway at Nankou, with additional units positioned further back at Juyongguan. The 13th Army, was 20,000 men strong, all motivated soldiers committed to fighting the Japanese, but their equipment was woefully inadequate. The 89th Division had a few outdated artillery pieces, whilst other units were in even worse condition, hampering their effectiveness against the well-armed Japanese forces. Liu's 17th Army stationed its 84th Division at Chihcheng, Yanqing, and Longguan, effectively securing the flank of the 13th Army against potential Japanese advances from Chahar. The 21st Division was deployed in Huailai, situated along the railway to the rear of Tang's forces. Additionally, Zhao Chengshou's 1st Cavalry Army, Liu 's 143rd Division, and two Peace Preservation Brigades commenced an offensive against Mongol forces in northern Chahar. As the Japanese launched initial assaults on Nankou on August 4, fierce fighting erupted. The Chinese defenders fought valiantly, but heavy bombardments by artillery and air raids took a toll. The Japanese began using tanks to support their infantry, yet the 530th Regiment successfully repelled an attack at Deshengkou. Meanwhile, the Japanese intensified their efforts, culminating in poison gas assaults that overwhelmed Chinese positions on Longhutai, leading to significant losses. Despite the escalating pressure and casualties, the determination to hold Nankou was unwavering. On August 5, the Kwantung Army requested permission for the advance guard to move to Changpei, arguing that the Central Army's invasion of Chahar had jeopardized the security of Manchukuo. This request was denied, yet the advance guard proceeded to Changpei on August 8. This unauthorized movement by the Kwantung Army was a serious act of defiance, as Tolun lay outside Manchukuo's borders, and troop deployments required imperial authorization. Although imperial sanction had been obtained for the move to Tolun on July 28, permission for the advance guard to proceed was only granted retroactively, with the stipulation that they would not advance further into Inner Mongolia. Nevertheless, this unauthorized action ultimately compelled the high command to approve the advance to Changpei. On August 7, the Japanese army launched a large assault on Nankou with its three main divisions, aiming to breach the Great Wall and advance westward along the Pingsui Railway to flank the strategic city of Shanxi. By August 8, the Japanese forces that had captured Beiping and Tianjin deployed the entire 20th Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Kawagishi Fumisaburo, and supplemented their efforts with the 5th and 10th Divisions, along with the Sakai Brigade, to attack Nankou along the Pingsui Railway. On August 8, the Japanese 11th Independent Mixed Brigade, led by General Shigiyasu Suzuki, initiated an attack on the left flank of the 13th Corps' position at Nankou. However, their efforts were halted after three days due to challenging terrain and the determined resistance from Chinese forces.  On the same day, Chiang Kai-shek ordered the activation of the 14th Group Army, comprising the 10th, 83rd, and 85th Divisions, under General Wei Lihuang. Elements of the 14th Group Army traveled by rail from Yingchia-chuang to Yi County and then embarked on a ten-day march through the plains west of Beiping to flank and support Tang Enbo's forces. Meanwhile, the Chinese 1st Army Region launched attacks against the Japanese in Liangxiang and Chaili to divert their attention and dispatched a detachment to Heilung Pass to cover the advance of the 14th Group Army. On August 9, the central high command ordered the China Garrison Army to eliminate resistance in the area and instructed Kwantung Army Commander Ueda Kenkichi to send reinforcements from Jehol and Inner Mongolia to support the operation. The China Garrison Army deployed its 11th Independent Mixed Brigade and the 5th Division, recently arrived from Hiroshima under Lieutenant-General Itagaki Seishirö, to launch an attack on the mountainous regions around Nankou and Pataling within the Great Wall. Following intense fighting, they succeeded in crossing into Chahar.    The Kwantung Army aimed to conquer Chahar and, upon receiving approval from the Japanese General Staff, established an expeditionary headquarters on August 14, led by its chief of staff, Lieutenant General Tojo Hideki. Yes that Tojo. Tokyo's objective was to secure the strategic flank of Manchukuo, while the Kwantung Army sought to create puppet regimes in northern China and integrate the occupied territories into a Japanese sphere of influence. The Chahar Expeditionary Force comprised three mixed brigades, including Japan's only fully mechanized unit, which was equipped with medium tanks, heavy and light armored vehicles, and light tanks. The Japanese troops shifted their main attack toward Zhangjiakou via the Pingsui Railway due to pressures from the Kwantung Army eager to occupy Inner Mongolia, Suiyuan, and Chahar. They sought to eliminate threats from the rear before launching further operations along the Pinghan Line and Jinpu Line. The 11th Independent Mixed Brigade of the 20th Division of the Chinese Garrison Army was ordered to assault Chinese defenders in the Nankou area, with the goal of capturing key locations on the Great Wall, like Badaling, to facilitate the Fifth Division's advance. The Chinese assessed the Japanese strategy, believing they would first secure critical points along the Pingsui route to facilitate further incursions into Shanxi and Zhengding. They understood that holding the Nankou line was vital for both logistical support and tactical maneuvering. Nankou, a key town on the Pingsui Railway connecting Beijing to Zhangjiakou and Baotou, was surrounded by mountains and the Great Wall, marking it a significant natural defense line. As the Japanese army aimed to capture Zhangjiakou and divide their forces into Shanxi and Suiyuan, the Chinese army's control over Nankou became crucial. A renewed assault on August 11, bolstered by tanks and aircraft, successfully captured Nankou Station, allowing General Suzuki's brigade to advance toward Juyong Pass. On August 12, Tang Enbo's army launched a counterattack, encircling the Japanese forces and severing their supply and communication lines. That day, Tang Enbo sent a telegram to Luo Fanggui: “Brother Fanggui, Commander Luo of the 529th Regiment, I have received your telegram. Your regiment has recently defeated formidable enemies, laying the groundwork for our army's future victories. Your efforts bring me great relief! The Nankou position is critical to our nation's war of resistance. Despite the enemy's numerical superiority and fierce artillery fire, we cannot surrender this area. It is our fighting spirit, not our numbers or advanced weaponry, that will help us withstand these powerful foes. We vow never to abandon our positions. Life is transient, and we must embrace our fate. A hero perishing on the battlefield is the glorious destiny of a soldier.” On the same day, he also sent a telegram to Wang Zhonglian: “Brother Jieren Wang, commander of the 89th Division, I have read your telegram. Brigade Li has triumphed against formidable foes, establishing a precedent for our army's victory. Your successes bring me much comfort! The Nankou position is our glorious objective. If I perish, the country lives on. If I survive, the country perishes. We would rather die defending this position than live in disgrace. Please convey to all the officers and soldiers of your division, who share in this struggle, the importance of striving for victory!” On August 13, Tang Enbo ordered the defensive positions at Nankou to be abandoned as the remaining troops pulled back to stronger positions at Badaling and Juyongguan. Renowned journalist Fan Changjiang noted Tang Enbo's physical and emotional toll, describing him as a mere shadow of his former self after enduring relentless battles without rest. His subsequent thoughts and fears reflected the despair of facing insurmountable odds, with the Japanese army overwhelming the Nankou defenses. Casualty reports from the Battle of Nankou reveal stark discrepancies; average estimates suggest Chinese losses neared 26,000, while Japanese casualties were around 2,600,an alarming ratio of 10 to 1. Despite the devastating defeat, Tang Enbo's leadership gained national recognition for his efforts, though he viewed the loss of Nankou as a blemish on an otherwise honorable defense. The indomitable spirit displayed during the relentless struggle at Nankou, despite the defeat and challenges faced, inspired a sense of resilience among the Chinese people, reminding them that even in dire circumstances, they would not yield to oppression. Meanwhile in response to having their supply and communication lines severed, on August 14, Seishirō Itagaki dispatched the 5th Division to relieve the 11th Independent Mixed Brigade at Juyonggua. Fu Zuoyi's troops attacked Chahar from Suidong. Dong Qiwu 's troops attacked Shangdu and recaptured it on the 14th, while Shi Yushan 's troops attacked Dehua and recaptured it on the 16th. By the 16, Itagaki had arrived at Nankou and initiated an enveloping assault targeting the right flank of the 13th Army, executing a five-pronged attack at Huanglaoyuan. In anticipation, the 7th Brigade of the 4th Division, commanded by Shi Jue, was positioned to counter this maneuver. Reinforcements, including Li Xianzhou's 21st Division and Zhu Huaibing's 94th Division, were brought in, resulting in several days of intense fighting. On August 17, General Yan Xishan, Director of the Taiyuan Pacification Headquarters, ordered the 7th Group Army, commanded by Fu Zuoyi, to move the 72nd Division and three additional brigades by rail from Datong to Huailai to support Tang Enbo's forces. Chiang Kai-shek urged steadfastness in the face of adversity, emphasizing that retreat was not an option. But with communication breakdowns and logistical challenges, Tang Enbo faced dilemmas that would lead him to issue the order for his troops to break out on August 26. As the Japanese army occupied Huailai and Yanqing, Tang Enbo's forces executed a withdrawal, retreating via various routes before suffering further losses.  Meanwhile Liu Ruming's troops of the 143rd Division of the 29th Army took Zhangbei from Zhangjiakou . Proceed to Wanquan Dam , the junction of Wanquan and Zhangbei. The members of the pseudo-Mongolian military government fled to Duolun under the leadership of King De . In order to relieve the danger in Zhangjiakou, Liu Ruming's troops began to attack the enemy in Zhangbei. On August 20, they captured key points such as Bolicai Village outside Zhangbei City. At this time, the mechanized troops of the Japanese Kwantung Army led by Hideki Tojo rushed from Rehe to support Zhangbei. When passing through Guyuan, they were divided into two groups: one group of Japanese troops, the Suzuki Brigade and Homma Brigade went south to attack Zhangjiakou. On the night of August 21, the Chinese army retreated to Shenweitai, 25 kilometers south of Zhangbei County. On August 22, the Japanese army began its attack. Shenwei Tower fell at midnight on the 23rd. At the same time, another part of the Japanese army launched a roundabout attack on Wanquan County. On the morning of August 24, they captured Wanquan County, and then headed straight for Zhangjiakou along the highway with an infantry regiment and an artillery battalion. From August 25 to 27, the Japanese army attacked Bajiaotai, the highest point of Cir Mountain west of Zhangjiakou. At noon on the 27th, Zhangjiakou fell. Gao Guizi's 17th Army marched to Dushikou to resist the enemy from Duolun Akagi and Longguan and intercepted the Pingsui Railway. Gao Guizi's troops failed to withstand the Japanese attack, and the 301st Regiment of the 29th Army stationed in Xuanhua also retreated southward. On August 28, Xuanhua fell into the hands of the enemy. Meanwhile, in northern Chahar, the Chinese 1st Cavalry Army successfully captured Shangdu, Nanhaochan, Shangyi, and Huade from the puppet Mongolian Army led by Demchugdongrub. Elements of the 143rd Division secured Zhongli, while the main force advanced to Zhangbei. During this Chinese offensive, the Japanese Chahar Expeditionary Force, consisting of the mechanized 1st Independent Mixed Brigade along with the 2nd and 15th Mixed Brigades, prepared for a counteroffensive from Zhangbei to Kalgan. Tojo personally commanded the units of the 1st Independent Mixed Brigade during Operation Chahar, which would serve as his only real combat service for his career. From August 18 to 19, the Chahar Expeditionary Force launched a counterattack from Zhangbei, capturing Shenweitaiko on the Great Wall and the Hanno Dam. The scattered and ill-equipped Chinese forces were unable to halt the Japanese advance, which now threatened the Peking–Suiyuan Railway at Kalgan. On August 20, General Fu Zuoyi's 7th Group Army diverted its 200th and 211th Brigades, which had been moving south by rail to join General Tang Enbo's forces, back to defend Kalgan. Fu's remaining 72nd Division arrived to reinforce Chenpien, while his 7th Separate Brigade was dispatched to protect the railhead at Huailai.On August 21, the Japanese forces breached the defenses at the villages of Henglingcheng and Chenbiancheng. General Tang Enbo's forces, awaiting reinforcements but having suffered over 50% casualties, continued to defend Huailai, Juyong Pass, and Yanqing. Liu Ruming's 143rd Division retreated to safeguard Kalgan from the advancing Japanese troops. On August 23, as Seishirō Itagaki's 5th Division advanced toward Huailai from Chenpien against Ma Yenshou's 7th Separate Brigade, advance elements of the 14th Army Group arrived on the Japanese flank at Chingpaikou. They successfully drove off the Japanese outpost and made contact with Japanese forces advancing toward Chenpien. However, delays in crossing the Yongding River postponed their attack until it was too late to halt the Japanese advance. Due to poor communications, they also failed to coordinate with General Tang Enbo's forces during the battle. After eight days and nights of fierce fighting, on August 24, Itagaki linked up with the Kwantung Army's 2nd Independent Mixed Brigade at Xiahuayuan. By August 24, the Japanese army breached the defensive line of the Chinese defenders' Wang Wanling Division along the western Hengling, crossed the Great Wall, and advanced into the Huailai area. At this time, the Japanese forces attacking Zhangjiakou from Chabei also secured control of the railway line west of Zhangjiakou, posing a significant threat to the Chinese defenders at Nankou. On August 25, the Chinese defenders were compelled to withdraw from Nankou and retreat to Juyongguan. By August 27, they received orders to break out and relocate southward, completely evacuating the Nankou battlefield. Since Wei Lihuang's troops lost their intended target for reinforcement and Baoding along the Pinghan Line was in a state of emergency, they engaged the enemy in the Wanping area for over a month before retreating south. Following the abandonment of both Nankou and Juyongguan, the Japanese army invaded Huailai City on the night of August 27. The Chinese army suffered over 16,000 casualties, while the Japanese army reported more than 15,000 casualties. On August 26, General Tang Enbo's forces were ordered to break out toward the Sangchien River, while Liu Ruming's troops were directed to withdraw to the opposite side of the Hsiang-yang River. On August 29, a Japanese unit known as the Oui Column by the Chinese and the Ohizumi Detachment by the Japanese launched an attack. According to Hsu Long-hsuen, this unit moved south from Tushihkou, and on August 30, it attacked Yenching via Chihcheng but was repelled by the Chinese 17th Army. The unit had moved to Guyuan by August 25 and reached Xuanhua by September 7, effectively cutting the railway behind Tang's forces and east of the Chinese defenders along the Great Wall. Following the repulsion of the Oui Column's attack, the Chinese 17th Army withdrew to join the rest of Tang Enbo's forces on the far side of the Sangchien River. Kalgan fell to the Japanese on August 27. After General Fu Zuoyi's 200th and 211th Brigades failed in their counterattack to recapture Kalgan, Fu's forces retreated to the west to defend the railway to Suiyuan at Chaikoupao.  On August 30, the army high command ordered the task force and the China Garrison Army to occupy Chahar Province. The North China Area Army deployed Lieutenant General Itagaki Seishiro's Fifth Division, the theater's strategic reserve, for this operation. The Japanese forces relied on armored units to breach Chinese defenses and utilized rail lines to transport troops and supplies effectively to critical locations throughout Chahar. Although the First Independent Mixed Brigade's tanks and armored cars demonstrated proficiency, the Kwantung Army's assessment of the operation criticized the armored units for their lack of shock effect and frequent mechanical breakdowns. Additionally, these vehicles required significant supplies and maintenance, leading the army to deem them ineffective in combat situations. The Second Air Group provided crucial support for the ground offensive in Chahar. From mid-August, this air group, stationed in Chengde and Jingzhou, conducted bombing raids on enemy positions and transport routes, performed reconnaissance missions, and even airdropped supplies to encircled Japanese forces. To match the rapid advance of the mechanized ground forces, air units were repositioned to advanced airfields. After bombing Taiyuan in late August, some units returned to their home bases, leaving behind two fighter squadrons and two heavy bomber squadrons, which formed a provisional air regiment. By mid-September, the Fifth Division and the Chahar Expeditionary Force were advancing southwest through the rugged mountains of Shanxi Province and captured Datong on September 13. Five days later, anticipating a decisive battle, Lieutenant General Katsuki ordered the Fifth Division to pivot southeast toward Baoding to encircle the retreating Chinese forces. Shortly after repositioning, Itagaki learned from aerial reconnaissance that Chinese units were assembling near Pingxingguan (Dayingzhen) Pass. Concerned that these forces might advance eastward through the pass and threaten his rear, Itagaki dispatched a regimental-sized task force under the command of Major General Miura Keiji, leader of the Twenty-first Brigade, to disperse the enemy troops and control the road on both sides of the pass. Miura's task force departed by truck in the mid-afternoon of the following day, but the overland movement proved much slower and more challenging than anticipated. Travelling along a single rutted dirt track through steep mountains, the forty-nine trucks carrying his infantry and heavy weapons, including crew-served machine guns and battalion artillery, could only manage a speed of seven miles per hour. By late afternoon, the lead elements were still about five miles east of the pass when they encountered a few hundred Chinese troops who had retreated after a brief firefight. As night fell, the Japanese moved cautiously forward and reached a village approximately a mile from the pass, where they encountered stiff resistance, including mortar and automatic weapons fire. After successfully repelling a counterattack by the Chinese Seventy-third Division, Miura launched a night assault. Supported by pack artillery and heavy machine guns, two Japanese companies pushed through the pass and seized the high ground on its west side by early morning. However, Chinese reinforcements soon arrived and attempted to reclaim the lost territory, resulting in ongoing fighting for the heights on September 24. Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist 115th Division, comprising the 685th, 686th, and 687th regiments of the Eighth Route Army, consisting of around 6,000 effective troops under the command of twenty-nine-year-old Lin Biao, maneuvered south around the Japanese rear. By September 24, they had interposed themselves on the road east of the pass, effectively cutting off Miura's task force from its supply base. That same day, the Central Army's Seventy-first Division launched several sharp counterattacks against Miura's outnumbered forces west of the pass, threatening to overrun the Japanese positions. Central Army and Communist forces had planned to attack both flanks of the Japanese at dawn on September 25, but torrential rains delayed the advance of the Central Army reserves. The downpour also muffled the sounds of an approaching Japanese night assault. Utilizing the poor night security of the Chinese, Japanese assault parties surprised the Seventy-first and Eighty-fourth divisions, pushing them from their positions west of the pass. Miura mistakenly believed he controlled both sides of the pass and assumed the Chinese forces were in full retreat. Unbeknownst to him, Lin Biao's troops had blocked the eastern entrance to the pass, prompting him to order a resupply column with rations and ammunition forward from about fifteen miles east of the pass to replenish his depleted task force. The supply train, consisting of seventy horse-drawn wagons and eighty trucks, struggled to make progress along the single dirt track, where sections had become muddy bogs due to the heavy rains. Most of the hundred-plus soldiers handling the horses and wagons were untrained and unarmed. The few regular service corps soldiers carried only ten cavalry carbines, while a single infantry platoon of thirty men provided security. The eighty trucks transported another 176 men, most of whom were not infantry. Therefore, the resupply column was ill-prepared for any trouble. Following a sunken road worn down by centuries of caravans, the column approached the pass through a narrow man-made defile, with its sides rising as high as thirty-five feet above the track. Around mid-morning, about four miles east of the pass, the Chinese Communist 115th Division launched an ambush. Communist troops rained grenades and small-arms fire from the high ground overlooking the road onto the trapped convoy. Although the Japanese fought back desperately, the combination of surprise, advantageous terrain, and overwhelming numbers turned the road into a killing ground. The ambush decimated almost all of the teamsters and the infantrymen who protected the wagons. At his field headquarters, Miura heard the heavy gunfire and explosions and quickly ordered a battalion-sized rescue force to assist the convoy. However, the Chinese 685th Regiment, blocking the only road to the trapped supply train, halted the Japanese battalion. Elements of the 685th and 686th regiments then finished off the motorized convoy, with only five trucks at the rear escaping. After looting weapons, equipment, and clothing, the Communists burned the remaining vehicles and withdrew southwest into the rugged mountains. Although the Communists claimed to have killed 3,000 Japanese troops, the more realistic number is around 200. Nonetheless, Lin Biao's guerrillas had achieved a significant tactical success. While the 115th Division destroyed the Japanese resupply column east of the pass, the Central Army's Sixth and Seventh Army Groups, including the Seventy-first Division, launched a series of day and night assaults against Miura's dispersed units west of the pass. Both sides incurred heavy losses, and the Japanese struggled to maintain control of the high ground as the Chinese fanned out through the valleys and attacked from all sides. Isolated and under heavy attack, the Japanese were low on ammunition, food, and water, lacked proper cold-weather clothing in the frigid mountains, and were greatly outnumbered. They resorted to scavenging ammunition and weapons from fallen Chinese soldiers. Itagaki promptly ordered his 41st and 21st infantry regiments, supported by an infantry regiment from the Kwantung Army located about fifty miles northeast of the pass, to rescue the beleaguered task force. These regiments moved along a narrow mountain road amidst heavy rain, which slowed their progress. The relief force split up about forty miles north of Pingxingguan, with the Twenty-first Regiment swinging westward to outflank the Chinese, while the other two regiments continued toward the pass. To the northwest, the Fifteenth Brigade of the Chahar Expeditionary Force advanced southeastward from Datong to encircle the Chinese. Central Army forces defending along the inner Great Wall, about fifty miles northwest of Pingxingguan, inflicted substantial casualties on the Japanese. The Japanese Forty-first Regiment finally reached Miura on September 28, and on the same day, the Twenty-first Regiment dislodged the stubborn defenders along the Inner Great Wall, roughly forty miles northwest of the pass, disrupting the entire Chinese defense and threatening to surround the besieging forces. Nonetheless, fighting continued through September 29, when the Second Brigade broke through the Chinese Central Army's defenses and advanced westward. Facing potential encirclement and certain destruction, the Japanese Sixth Army Group withdrew southwest the following day. Japanese accounts do not specify overall losses, but Chinese reports claim nearly 3,000 Japanese casualties while acknowledging they suffered ten times that number. After five days of intense fighting in rugged terrain, Miura's forces managed to hold their ground, but their heavy losses and those sustained by relief columns rendered it a Pyrrhic victory. Both Communist and Nationalist Chinese forces retreated southwest, surviving to fight another day. The determination of the Chinese Central Army in both offensive and defensive maneuvers, combined with the skillful hit-and-run tactics of the 115th Division, inflicted significant damage on the Japanese and became a cornerstone of Chinese propaganda. On October 1, the Japanese General Staff ordered the North China Area Army to destroy the Chinese forces in Shanxi Province, which were estimated to number over twenty divisions from either the Shanxi Army or the Central Army, and were fortifying positions in Taiyuan, Yangquan, and Yuanpingzhen. The Japanese Fifth and Twentieth Divisions advanced toward Taiyuan, while the Fifteenth Division, reinforced by a mixed brigade, launched an assault south from Yuanpingzhen on October 13. The Fifteenth Division quickly encountered strong Chinese resistance from well-prepared defenses, which halted its advance. From October 19 to 26, the Twentieth Division faced thirteen Chinese divisions entrenched near Jiuguan. Although they successfully repelled numerous fierce counterattacks, the division was unable to breach the Chinese lines. A maneuver by one of its regiments to the rear of the Chinese defenses forced a withdrawal of Chinese troops. The reconstituted Fifth Division joined the pursuit of the retreating Chinese forces on November 3, reaching Taiyuan five days later. Meanwhile, the Twentieth Division, moving westward, inflicted heavy losses on the Chinese units that were withdrawing from Taiyuan. Overall, given that the offensive aimed to secure territory, it can be considered a tactical and operational success. Shortly thereafter, all Japanese forces, except for the Twentieth Division, withdrew from Shanxi Province. The Chahar campaign concluded with the Kwantung Army in control of Chahar, Suiyuan, and the northern half of Shanxi Province. The Japanese quickly established puppet regimes in the captured territories. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In July 1937, tensions between Japan and China erupted following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, leading to fierce fighting as Japanese troops attacked. Chinese defenders, under command of Chiang Kai-shek, bravely resisted despite overwhelming odds, determined to protect their sovereignty. The Battle of Nankou saw relentless assaults, tank warfare, and desperate defense tactics, revealing the depth of Chinese resolve. 

My returning guest is Catherine Liu,‬ a professor of film and media studies at UC Irvine. She is the author of "Virtue Hoarders: the Case Against the Professional Managerial Class". We explore the psychological significance of “trauma” and “care” within the liberal discourse today. Liu describes a moral panic among elites where the language of personal therapy attempts to right social and historical wrongs. These topics will be part of her forthcoming book "Traumatized!", to be published by Verso Books early next year. You can get access to the full catalog for Doomscroll and more by becoming a paid supporter: www.patreon.com/joshuacitarella joshuacitarella.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the field of community psychiatry with Dr. Angela Liu, a third-year psychiatry resident at Zucker Hillside Hospital and Chair of the American Psychiatric Association's Public Psychiatry Fellowship. She is also the host of The Community Psychiatry Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Liu shares her journey into psychiatry and her passion for serving underserved populations through advocacy, cultural competence, and integrating mental health care within community settings. She offers valuable insights into the systemic challenges facing public psychiatry today and discusses the importance of leadership, mentorship, and personal well-being in this demanding field. Whether you're a medical student, resident, or simply interested in the intersection of mental health and community service, this conversation sheds light on the realities and innovations shaping the future of mental health care beyond the traditional clinic walls. Tune in to hear Dr. Liu's inspiring perspectives on advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and what it means to work in community psychiatry.Links to information discussed in the podcast:Free American Association for Community Psychiatry (AACP) Membership for Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows: https://www.communitypsychiatry.org/membership-application-aacpAACP "For Trainees" Webpage with compiled resourcesListen to The Community Psychiatry Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Amazon Music.Follow us on Instagram (@aacp_communitypsych)Textbook of Community PsychiatryCommunity Mental Health JournalA Psychiatrist's Guide to AdvocacyAssertive Community Treatment ArticleMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/city-streetsLicense code: 2JJVCBQKEE2GJH5N

May is a month full of meaning. May is associated with themes of growth, renewal and new beginnings perfectly tying it to Mental Health Awareness Month and Trauma Awareness Month.May is also a month of tradition, and celebration tied to Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, Jewish Heritage Month and Haitian Heritage Month.How can heritage can strengthen identity, promote resilience, wellbeing and greater purpose? How can heritage provide hope? How can the traditions, customs, beliefs, values, and other cultural practices passed down from one generation to the next fuel our self actualization today? Join fellow author and educator Jeremy Goldstein and I as we discuss these topics and his book.J.S. Gold is a proud son of New Rochelle, New York – go Huguenots! He graduated from SUNY Binghamton with an undergrad degree in Politics, Philosophy and Law, LIU with a Masters in Education, and Gettysburg College with a Masters in American History. Fantasy has been a constant companion throughout Gold's life, the cry of a Kamehameha lifting his spirits as much as Gandalf's wisdom. By day, he teaches history to high schoolers who hopefully remember it. He lives (and jokes, and dances, and sings) with his wife, daughter, son and two cats on Long Island, New York.Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/JS-Gold/61567156786557/ Website: jsgoldauthor@gmail.com Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216847616-the-sanhedrin-chronicles Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jsgoldauthor/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jsgoldauthor Links To Purchase Book:- https://www.amazon.com/Sanhedrin-Chronicles-1-J-S-Gold/dp/1961511886 - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sanhedrin-chronicles-js-gold/1146047774 - https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-sanhedrin-chronicles-volume-1_js-gold/53531755/?srsltid=AfmBOopHfzLnSERgyrNcP0HJm-nDuxAtYXILVvZpuzaRa2HMvjrQxi1XSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zennurgy-podcast/exclusive-content

Christopher Bae is taking us on a journey to meet the hominids of Asia's past. Dr. Bae is a distinguished paleoanthropologist from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa whose research focuses on human evolution in East Asia. Born in Korea and adopted by an American family, his unique personal journey sparked an early interest in race, human variation, and the deep history of our species. What began as a search for his own roots led him to a career dedicated to reconstructing the past—much like paleoanthropologists do when piecing together humanity's evolutionary story. Dr. Bae has conducted extensive field and laboratory research across Korea, Japan, and China, collaborating on projects that span hominin fossils, vertebrate taphonomy, and lithic analysis. His work bridges disciplines in the social and natural sciences, providing a comprehensive perspective on Pleistocene hominin morphological and behavioral variation, particularly in Homo erectus and both archaic and modern Homo sapiens. With approximately 150 publications and over $1.5 million in extramural funding, Dr. Bae is a leading voice in understanding human evolution in East Asia. ------------------------------ Find the papers discussed in this episode: Bae, C. J., Liu, W., Wu, X., Zhang, Y., Ni, X. (2023). "Dragon man" prompts rethinking of Middle Pleistocene hominin systematics in Asia. Innovation (Camb), 4(6):100527. doi: 10.1016/j.xinn.2023.100527. Bae, C.J., Wu, X. Making sense of eastern Asian Late Quaternary hominin variability. Nat Commun 15, 9479 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53918-7 Contact Dr. Bae: cjbae@hawaii.edu ------------------------------ Contact the Sausage of Science Podcast and Human Biology Association: Facebook: facebook.com/groups/humanbiologyassociation/, Website: humbio.org, Twitter: @HumBioAssoc Chris Lynn, Co-Host Website: cdlynn.people.ua.edu/, E-mail: cdlynn@ua.edu, Twitter:@Chris_Ly Courtney Manthey, Guest Co-Host, Website: holylaetoli.com/ E-mail: cpierce4@uccs.edu, Twitter: @HolyLaetoli Anahi Ruderman, Guest Co-Host , SoS Co-Producer, HBA Junior Fellow, E-mail: aniruderman@gmail.com, Twitter: @ani_ruderman

The Big Unlock Podcast · Scaling With Autonomous AI for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening – Podcast with Alvin Liu In this episode, Dr. T.Y. Alvin Liu, Inaugural Director, James P Gills Jr MD and Heather Gills AI Innovation Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine shares his journey in healthcare AI, with a focus on image analysis and real-world applications. Dr. Liu discusses the FDA-approved autonomous AI system for diabetic retinopathy screening, which enables early detection in primary care settings and improves screening adherence. He outlines successful AI implementations at Johns Hopkins, including prior authorization pilots using generative AI and the importance of operational understanding in deployment. He also discussed the intersection of value-based medicine and artificial intelligence, and the challenges of implementing successful AI programs.  At the enterprise level, Dr. Liu emphasizes the need for strong AI governance to assess safety, effectiveness, and ROI. He outlines key challenges for AI startups, especially around reimbursement and regulation, and urges them to pursue sustainable business models. He also suggests closer collaboration among startups, VCs, and integrated health systems to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world adoption, essential for scaling AI responsibly and delivering long-term value in healthcare. Take a listen.

Drs. Scott and Liu discuss the safety of treatments for HER2-mutant lung cancer, including key toxicities, management strategies, and how prior therapies might affect treatment decisions.

Season 1.6 Issue 6, chat with Liu about the ideal life (part2). Key words: True desire, the persistence of happiness, is accidental第1.6季第六期，和小刘聊理想生活（下期），关键词：所想的真实性，幸福感，偶然For more information, you can follow the WeChat public account: willyi_You can also follow personal ins: willyi_更多内容，可以关注微信公众号：不著还可以关注个人ins：willyi_「This Season」I want to know,The ideal way to live in LondonAnd what is the self behind the plan like【关于本季】我想知道，理想生活在伦敦的样子还有规划背后的那个自己是啥样的

The global higher education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, as China shows consistent improvement in academic output while universities in the United States face downward pressure in global rankings amid recent student visa policies, experts said.专家表示，全球高等教育格局正在发生深刻变革，中国学术产出持续提升，而美国大学则因近期学生签证政策的调整而面临全球排名下滑的压力。China has surpassed the US for the first time in the number of universities listed in the latest Global 2000 university rankings. Chinese institutions now account for 17 percent of the list, up from 324 last year to 346 this year, while the number of ranked US universities dropped from 329 to 319.在最新的全球2000强大学排名中，中国上榜大学数量首次超过美国。中国高校目前占榜单的17%，从去年的324所增至今年的346所，而上榜的美国大学数量则从329所降至319所。The World University Rankings 2025, released on Monday by the Center for World University Rankings, revealed that 98 percent of Chinese universities improved their positions—a surge attributed to enhanced research performance and sustained government investment in higher education.世界大学排名中心周一发布的2025年世界大学排名显示，98%的中国高校排名有所提升，这得益于科研水平的提高和政府对高等教育的持续投入。Tsinghua University rose six places to rank 37th, excelling in employability and research. Peking University advanced three places to the 44th, while the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences jumped four places to 46th—surpassing Shanghai Jiao Tong University in the 61st place and Zhejiang University in the 68th position.清华大学上升六位，位列第37位，在就业能力和科研方面表现出色。北京大学上升三位，位列第44位；中国科学院大学上升四位，位列第46位，超过了排名第61位的上海交通大学和排名第68位的浙江大学。Nadim Mahassen, president of the Center for World University Rankings, said that China is well represented among the world's top universities, and further financial backing from the government will allow the country to be more competitive in the rapidly evolving global academic landscape.世界大学排名中心主席纳迪姆·马哈森表示，中国在世界顶尖大学中占有重要地位，政府的进一步资金支持将使中国在快速发展的全球学术格局中更具竞争力。Although the US still has eight of the world's top 10 universities—led by Harvard, MIT and Stanford—83 percent of its listed institutions declined in rank. The United Kingdom's Cambridge and Oxford secured the fourth and fifth places, respectively.尽管美国仍然拥有世界前十名中的八所大学，以哈佛大学、麻省理工学院和斯坦福大学为首，但83%的上榜院校排名下降。英国的剑桥大学和牛津大学分别位列第四和第五。Mahassen said that while the US still boasts the top universities in the world, the decline in ranking of the vast majority of its higher education institutions on the list is concerning.马哈森表示，虽然美国仍然拥有世界顶尖大学，但榜单上绝大多数高等教育机构的排名下降令人担忧。"At a time when Chinese universities are reaping the rewards of years of generous financial support from their government, American institutions are grappling with slashed federal funding and disputes over academic freedom and free speech," he said.他说：“在中国大学多年来享受着政府慷慨资助的丰厚回报之际，美国高校却正努力应对联邦政府资金削减以及学术自由和言论自由争议。”Recent controversies, such as the Trump administration's move to revoke enrollment of international students at Harvard, later blocked by a federal judge, highlight the challenges facing US higher education.近期的争议，例如特朗普政府取消哈佛大学国际学生入学资格的举动，后来遭到联邦法官的阻挠，凸显了美国高等教育面临的挑战。"For many years, American universities were able to attract a large number of international students, particularly from China. But with China's extraordinary ascent in the rankings, coupled with the recent visa policies of the US, the situation may change soon," Mahassen said.马哈森表示：“多年来，美国大学能够吸引大量国际学生，尤其是来自中国的学生。但随着中国大学排名的飞速提升，再加上美国近期的签证政策，这种情况可能很快就会改变。”Liu Wei, senior vice-president of New Channel International Education Group and CEO of its overseas study division, said that China has been gaining ground in multiple international ranking systems—including QS, Times Higher Education and the Academic Ranking of World Universities—showing consistent improvement in academic output and global research influence.新航道国际教育集团副总裁兼留学服务事业部CEO刘威表示，中国在QS、泰晤士高等教育和世界大学学术排名等多个国际排名体系中均取得了进展，学术产出和全球研究影响力持续提升。He emphasized that recent US visa policies toward Chinese students, such as the announcement of revoking the visas of some of those studying in "critical fields", are also influencing the global higher education landscape and may affect the future rankings of US and Chinese institutions.他强调，美国近期针对中国学生的签证政策，例如宣布吊销部分“关键领域”学生的签证，也正在影响全球高等教育格局，并可能影响中美两国高校未来的排名。"Stricter visa policies have introduced uncertainty for Chinese students seeking to study in the US, prompting many to consider alternatives," Liu said.刘威表示：“更严格的签证政策给寻求赴美留学的中国学生带来了不确定性，促使许多人考虑其他选择。”Countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore, as well as some European countries, have ramped up efforts to attract international students, particularly those diverting from the US.英国、加拿大、澳大利亚、新加坡等国家以及一些欧洲国家加大了吸引国际学生的力度，尤其是那些从美国转学而来的学生。Universities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region also moved quickly to offer assistance when Harvard's ability to admit international students was curtailed.当哈佛大学招收国际学生受限时，香港特别行政区的大学也迅速采取行动提供帮助。Chen Zhiwen, a member of the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy, said that Chinese students contribute significantly to research productivity and academic exchanges on US campuses, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, as well as among postgraduate students.中国教育发展战略学会理事陈志文表示，中国学生，包括研究生，在科学、技术、工程和数学等领域为美国高校科研产出和学术交流做出了重要贡献。A decline in the number of Chinese students due to visa policies could have an impact on academic output in US higher education, Chen said. Chinese universities could benefit from this in the long term, as students who planned to study in the US may instead enroll in top domestic institutions, boosting China's academic and research environment, he added.陈志文表示，签证政策导致中国留学生数量下降，可能会对美国高等教育的学术产出产生影响。他补充道，长期来看，中国大学可能会从中受益，因为原本计划赴美留学的学生可能会转而就读国内顶尖高校，从而提升中国的学术和科研生态。"Since 2018, the proportion of Tsinghua University graduates pursuing overseas studies has shown a declining trend," he said, adding that the trend could usher in a more multipolar higher education system, reducing the US' historical dominance.“自2018年以来，清华大学毕业生出国留学的比例呈下降趋势。”他补充道，这一趋势可能催生一个更加多极化的高等教育体系，削弱美国历史上的主导地位。reap/riːp/v.收获，获得grapple with/ˈɡræpl wɪð/v.设法应对，努力解决revocation/ˌrevəˈkeɪʃn/n.撤销，废除multipolar/ˌmʌltiˈpoʊlər/adj.多极化的

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™   CME/CE Information and Claim Credit: https://www.pri-med.com/online-education/podcast/frankly-speaking-cme-435 Overview: In this episode, we discuss how screen time—from adolescence through adulthood—can disrupt sleep more than we might realize. Hear what the latest research says about topics like blue light and sleep duration, discover practical strategies to sleep smarter in this digital world, and learn how sleep deprivation can impact the health of your patients. Episode resource links: Zhong, C., Masters, M., Donzella, S. M., Diver, W. R., & Patel, A. V. (2025). Electronic Screen Use and Sleep Duration and Timing in Adults. JAMA Network Open, 8(3), e252493-e252493. Liu, Y. (2016). Prevalence of healthy sleep duration among adults—United States, 2014. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 65. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). Announcement: sleep awareness week, April 23–29, 2017. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep (MMWR), 66(15), 411. Chaput, J. P., Dutil, C., Featherstone, R., Ross, R., Giangregorio, L., Saunders, T. J., ... & Carrier, J. (2020). Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 45(10), S218-S231. Hartley, S., Royant-Parola, S., Zayoud, A., Gremy, I., & Matulonga, B. (2022). Do both timing and duration of screen use affect sleep patterns in adolescents?. Plos one, 17(10), e0276226. Salfi, F., Amicucci, G., Corigliano, D., D'Atri, A., Viselli, L., Tempesta, D., & Ferrara, M. (2021). Changes of evening exposure to electronic devices during the COVID-19 lockdown affect the time course of sleep disturbances. Sleep, 44(9), zsab080. He, J. W., Tu, Z. H., Xiao, L., Su, T., & Tang, Y. X. (2020). Effect of restricting bedtime mobile phone use on sleep, arousal, mood, and working memory: a randomized pilot trial. PloS one, 15(2), e0228756. Guest: Mariyan L. Montaque, DNP, FNP-BC   Music Credit: Matthew Bugos Thoughts? Suggestions? Email us at FranklySpeaking@pri-med.com   

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™   CME/CE Information and Claim Credit: https://www.pri-med.com/online-education/podcast/frankly-speaking-cme-435 Overview: In this episode, we discuss how screen time—from adolescence through adulthood—can disrupt sleep more than we might realize. Hear what the latest research says about topics like blue light and sleep duration, discover practical strategies to sleep smarter in this digital world, and learn how sleep deprivation can impact the health of your patients. Episode resource links: Zhong, C., Masters, M., Donzella, S. M., Diver, W. R., & Patel, A. V. (2025). Electronic Screen Use and Sleep Duration and Timing in Adults. JAMA Network Open, 8(3), e252493-e252493. Liu, Y. (2016). Prevalence of healthy sleep duration among adults—United States, 2014. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 65. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). Announcement: sleep awareness week, April 23–29, 2017. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep (MMWR), 66(15), 411. Chaput, J. P., Dutil, C., Featherstone, R., Ross, R., Giangregorio, L., Saunders, T. J., ... & Carrier, J. (2020). Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 45(10), S218-S231. Hartley, S., Royant-Parola, S., Zayoud, A., Gremy, I., & Matulonga, B. (2022). Do both timing and duration of screen use affect sleep patterns in adolescents?. Plos one, 17(10), e0276226. Salfi, F., Amicucci, G., Corigliano, D., D'Atri, A., Viselli, L., Tempesta, D., & Ferrara, M. (2021). Changes of evening exposure to electronic devices during the COVID-19 lockdown affect the time course of sleep disturbances. Sleep, 44(9), zsab080. He, J. W., Tu, Z. H., Xiao, L., Su, T., & Tang, Y. X. (2020). Effect of restricting bedtime mobile phone use on sleep, arousal, mood, and working memory: a randomized pilot trial. PloS one, 15(2), e0228756. Guest: Mariyan L. Montaque, DNP, FNP-BC   Music Credit: Matthew Bugos Thoughts? Suggestions? Email us at FranklySpeaking@pri-med.com   

Have you ever wondered how much of your success is down to luck? What if the world is far less fair and predictable than we'd like to think? On this episode, I explore the complex and fascinating role of luck in our lives and decisions with Dr. Chengwei Liu, Associate Professor of Strategy and Behavioural Science at Imperial College London. Chengwei shares how his research challenges our assumptions about skill, effort, and fairness – and why the outcomes we see are often far more random than we'd like to believe. We discuss why many successful strategies and best practices are built on shaky ground, and how our tendency to downplay luck creates illusions of control and reinforces unfair systems. Chengwei explains how beliefs in fairness – like the ‘just world' hypothesis – shape everything from business cultures to political systems, and how luck and misperceptions of it can create cycles of privilege or disadvantage. Chengwei also shares practical insights on how to become a smart contrarian: someone who can harness the power of randomness and serendipity while avoiding the pitfalls of bias and overconfidence. From the dangers of blindly following the ‘successful' to the need to look inward and embrace uniqueness, it's a thought-provoking conversation that will change the way you think about risk, decision-making, and what it really means to get ahead. Guest BiographyDr. Chengwei Liu is an Associate Professor of Strategy and Behavioural Science at Imperial College London. He describes himself as someone fascinated by how luck, randomness, and human biases shape success and failure – both in business and in broader society. Chengwei's work challenges mainstream management thinking and explores how much of what we attribute to skill is actually the result of random factors. His book, Luck: A Key Idea for Business and Society, examines these dynamics and how we can learn to navigate them. Beyond his academic roles, Chengwei has also worked as a management consultant, drawing on his experience in both research and practice to uncover how to harness luck and uncertainty. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary[00:00:00] Introduction[00:02:00] Chengwei explains his research focus on randomness and variance in firm performance [00:04:00] The overlooked 50% of variance in outcomes: luck and randomness [00:06:00] Defining luck as what lies beyond our control and foresight [00:08:00] The conflict between fairness beliefs and the reality of luck [00:10:00] Luck's societal implications: why fairness perceptions differ across countries [00:11:00] Skill versus luck – how we confuse the two in our narratives [00:13:00] Why successful people over-attribute their success to skill [00:15:00] Managers vs entrepreneurs: how they differ in acknowledging luck [00:17:00] The challenges of researching an elusive concept like luck [00:18:00] Using mathematical models to understand Black Swan events [00:20:00] Why successful predictions of Black Swan events don't indicate forecasting skill [00:23:00] The problem with best practices from ‘successful' firms [00:26:00] Selection bias in business books and the danger of survivor bias [00:29:00] The ‘too good to be true' heuristic as a guide [00:31:00] Contrarian thinking as a survival strategy for uncertainty [00:33:00] The replication crisis and the problem with social science predictability [00:35:00] Human curiosity: the power of moderate surprises [00:37:00] The difference between luck and serendipity [00:39:00] How to encourage serendipity in our lives [00:41:00] Embracing uniqueness and avoiding conformity [00:44:00] Lessons for the age of AI and human creativity [00:46:00] The dangers of ignoring randomness: when biases become destructive [00:48:00] Exploiting others' biases for strategic advantage [00:50:00] Why ‘smart contrarian' thinking is more important than ever [00:53:00] Testing contrarian ideas like a scientist [00:56:00] The limits of trial and error: learning from mistakes [00:58:00] Chengwei's ongoing research: minority decision-making in venture capital [01:00:00] How passion and variance link to VC investment strategies [01:02:00] Wrapping up with reflections on luck, curiosity, and human creativity LinksDr. Chengwei Liu's book, Luck: A Key Idea for Business and Society: https://www.routledge.com/Luck-A-Key-Idea-for-Business-and-Society/Liu/p/book/9781138094260? Chengwei Liu's Imperial College faculty webpage: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/c.liu

In this episode, Stephanie Boyles-Griffin, Jessica Tegt, Steve Demarais, and Bronson Strickland discuss the complexities of urban deer management, exploring the challenges posed by growing deer populations in urban areas. While recreational hunting remains the most effective and practical tool for population control in most settings, an increasing number of circumstances—especially in urban and suburban areas—render it unfeasible. Stephanie and Jessica, both from the Botstiber Institute, outline non-lethal and alternative methods commonly used to manage deer in these environments and walk through the series of decisions required to evaluate which techniques are appropriate and how likely they are to succeed.  Below, Stephanie and Jessica have provided resources if you are interested in learning more. Check out the MSU Deer Lab's online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)   Resources: Contact information Stephanie Boyles-Griffin: boylesgriffinadvisor@botstiber.org Jessica Tegt: jtegt@botstiber.org   Urban Deer Conflict Management Planning Resources   https://www.humaneworld.org/sites/default/files/docs/HSUS%20Deer%20Conflict%20Mgt%20Plan_FINAL.pdf https://ecommons.cornell.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/b297ac45-d908-4fd9-b06f-95cd5376907d/content https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/8816/1297/6730/Methods_for_Managing_Human-Deer_Conflicts_in_Urban_Suburban_and_Exurban_Areas.pdf   BIWFC - https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/ - https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1871&context=hwi - https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinars/webinar-surgical-solutions-innovations-in-nonlethal-deer-management/ - https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinar-11-blacktail-deer/ - https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/webinar-denicola/   Surgical - https://www.whitebuffaloinc.org/ - DeNicola, A. J., and V. L. DeNicola. 2021. Ovariectomy as a management technique for suburban deer populations. Wildlife Society Bulletin 45:445–455.   https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/wsb.1218 - Staten Island Story Map https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e3a5f6d544594690a313693d1e88d9ef - DeNicola, V., Mezzini, S., Bursać, P. et al. Effects of vasectomy on breeding-related movement and activity in free-ranging white-tailed deer. Mov Ecol 13, 34 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-025-00554-5   Nonsurgical Naugle, R. E., A. T. Rutberg, H. B. Underwood, J. W. Turner, Jr., and I. K. M. Liu. 2002. Field testing of immunocontraception on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at Fire Island National Seashore, New York, USA. Reproduction Supplement 60:143–153. https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/wp-content/uploads/2002/01/Naugle-et-al-2002-Field-testing-of-immunocontraception-at-Fire-Island.pdf Rutberg, A. T., R. E. Naugle, L. A. Thiele, and I. K. M. Liu. 2004. Effects of immunocontraception on a suburban population of white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus. Biological Conservation 116:243–250. https://www.wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Rutberg-et-al-2004-Biol-Cons-NIST.pdf Gionfriddo. J. P., A. J. DeNicola, L. Miller, and K. A. Fagerstone. 2011. Efficacy of GnRH immunocontraception of wild white-tailed deer in New Jersey. Wildlife Society Bulletin 35(3):149–160. Rutberg, A. T., R. E. Naugle, J. W. Turner, Jr., M. Fraker, D. Flanagan, and I. K. M. Liu. 2013. Tests of one-treatment immunocontraceptive vaccines on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on Fripp Island, SC. Wildlife Research 40:281–288. https://wildlifefertilitycontrol.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Rutberg-et-al-2013-Wildlife-Research.pdf Walker, M.J., Shank, G.C., Stoskopf, M.K., Minter, L.J. and DePerno, C.S. (2021), Efficacy and Cost of GonaCon™ for Population Control in a Free-ranging White-tailed Deer Population. Wildl. Soc. Bull., 45: 589-596. https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1237 https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/wsb.1237

Welcome back to this person I met! My name is Kayla, and I'm the host of this podcast. The voice you just heard is professor Allen Liu from the University of Michigan. As you may have heard from the news, the scientific pipeline is facing a major crisis. Since January, the federal government has terminated over 1600 active research grants, worth roughly 1.5 billion, proposing a 37% cut to the National institute of health and a 56% cut to the National Science Foundation. But, what do these numbers mean? To professor Liu, whose life has been built upon science, the numbers spell out a massive change for STEM. The future of research, determined by Liu, is uncertain. In this episode, he explains the numbers and their potential impact on generations of scientists to come, and raises the question of what really is at stake when you neglect the scientific pipeline.

Prof. Judith Shapiro reflects on how the environment used to be a cause for which Chinese civil society was allowed to fight, until that too became sensitive.Host: Liu HeSubscribe to our Substack newsletter at pekinghotel.substack.comAbout Peking HotelThe Peking Hotel podcast and newsletter are digital publications in which Liu He interviews China specialists about their first-hand experiences and observations from decades past. The project grew out of Liu's research at Hoover Institution collecting oral history of China experts living in the U.S. Their stories are a reminder of what China used to be and what it is capable of becoming. Get full access to Peking Hotel at pekinghotel.substack.com/subscribe

Season 1.6 Issue 5, chat with Liu about the ideal life (part1). Key words: True desire, the persistence of happiness, is accidental第1.6季第五期，和小刘聊理想生活（上期），关键词：所想的真实性，幸福感，偶然For more information, you can follow the WeChat public account: willyi_You can also follow personal ins: willyi_更多内容，可以关注微信公众号：不著还可以关注个人ins：willyi_「This Season」I want to know,The ideal way to live in LondonAnd what is the self behind the plan like【关于本季】我想知道，理想生活在伦敦的样子还有规划背后的那个自己是啥样的

The Resort along the way to the SageBased on the work of BradentonLarry, in 6 parts.  Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.After yet another trip to the showers and over breakfast, they discussed what to do next. They told Liu and Jimmy the abbreviated story of how they were trying to get up the mountain to the tower and how the gate wouldn't let them leave the resort until they really enjoyed themselves. Although they all admitted that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves there in the Temple of Venus and Aphrodite, they suspected that the gate would not think they'd given the resort enough of a chance to impress them. It was Nicole who set the gears in motion for the day when she asked Liu, "What's that Clockwork Club like?""Well, there are fun games and sexbots..." Liu began."Wait," Toshia said cut in. "Did you just say 'sexbots'?"So, if only to satisfy Toshia, Nicole and Don's curiosity, they agreed to try the Clockwork Club next. They gathered their belongings from the Temple locker room. Jimmy, who preferred to spend the day by the pool, walked with them most of the way, and the remaining seven headed over to their next stop.The Clockwork Club was less imposing than the Temple, and had a much more complicated motif. Don thought the general structure looked as if someone had begun with a rather large, staid Victorian or Edwardian building, and then tried to make it some sort of steam punk. Strange weather-vane-ish instruments protruded at odd places, and there were quite a few smoke stacks poking up out of the roof all of which seemed to be producing steady quantities of steam and various colored smokes. There were many windows, all of them a deep emerald green.Stepping through the fancy, over-large wooden doors, they found themselves in what was at first glance an ordinary casino. There were flashing lights, row upon row of old-fashioned-looking slot machines with people cranking their levers, occasional ringing bells proclaiming winners, the happy sound of tokens spilling into waiting trays, and gleeful exclamations of delight. Of course, the people were all naked and seemed to be deriving some of their delight from sexual contact with their machines. And, then there was also the bulky gold robot trundling up to them; that was different."Hello ladies and gentlemen!" said the robot. "Welcome to the Clockwork Club!" The machine had a box-like head with a pair of "eyes" and a mesh-covered speaker mouth. It had two arms with crude hands at the ends, but no legs, only what seemed to be wheels at its base. Don was particularly amused by the top hat that was perched over its green-lensed camera eyes. "I'm George. Is this your first visit to our Club?""Not mine, George," Liu said with a smile and a wave for the robot."The rest of us are new," Don answered."I hope you enjoy our fine establishment. As a welcoming gift, please accept these complimentary tokens to get you started in our casino." There was a whirring sound, then the unmistakable sound of tokens cascading into a metal bucket, and a door opened in George's front. When a silvery bucket slid out, Don had to move quickly to keep it from spilling out on the floor. "If you would like more buckets, you may get those at the guest service desk over there." One of George's arms pointed in the general direction of a large wooden counter behind which were several other robots. "Most of our guests prefer to enjoy the Club without their clothing. We have convenient lockers available for your use, at a low, low cost of one token each. Would you like me to show you to the locker room?""I can do that, George," Liu offered."Thank you, sir or madam," George said cheerfully. "Would you like to purchase a tour of the Club for the low, low cost...""I'll do that too, George," Liu said."Thank you, sir or madam. If there is anything else you need please do not hesitate to ask myself or one of our many other servicebots. Have a great time everyone!" And, George promptly backed away from them.Although he was eager to explore this weird casino, Don knew this group, so he suggested, "Maybe we should visit that locker room first."Once they were all once again happily naked, Liu led the way back out to the main room. She pointed out that "The slot machines are divided into men's and women's." She led them over to one for a woman and showed them the saddle that sat in front of the machine. There was a thick dildo jutting up from the middle of the saddle. Liu explained, "Some of them don't have dildos, some have ones for asses, and some have both regular and ass dildos. You sit on them like this, put in a token, pull the lever down, and if the right combination of symbols comes up ... oh!"The strange symbols that clicked into place in the machine's display must have been a winning combination, because Liu trembled all over as the saddle and/or dildo did something obviously pleasurable to her. After a moment, she said, "Um, most of the time that doesn't happen; sometimes you just get a little tease, and sometimes you get much more. Oh, and sometimes you win a bunch of tokens, and there's the grand prize which is AMAZING and you get a lot of tokens too."Nicole said, "I think we're going to need our own buckets."As they went back to the customer service counter to get six more buckets and then divide up the tokens evenly, except for Liu who got one less, Don asked, "What are the tokens good for, besides more turns at the machines?""Oh, well, you can trade them in for sessions with the sexbots," she smiled."And those are good?" Toshia asked."Not everyone likes them, but I think they're a lot of fun. You know how sometimes they'll say 'he fucks like a machine'? Well, I've never met a man who can fuck like these machines.""Hmm," Toshia mused, to Don's great amusement."If you win really big, there's the orgasmatron, for women, and a special sexbot for the men," Liu went on. "I've never seen her, but they say she's incredible. There are other things to do here, too. Some people play games to exchange tokens between each other, and there are some rooms where people can use some of the Club's toys to play with each other."Don was more interested in the odd economics of this casino than actually using the machines to get off, but he cheerfully watched as everyone else moved to give the slot machines a try. At this point Don wasn't surprised to see that Toshia stopped by an automated lube dispenser and then selected a slot machine with a combination vaginal and anal set of dildos. He was too distracted watching Toshia, though, to see what the other girls selected. As it so happened, it was Toshia who had the first payout. On her fifth attempt, she got a small prize of eighteen tokens. Shortly after this, Amy won what seemed to be about ten seconds of stimulation that made her shriek in surprise and then carry on depositing tokens and pulling the handle with more determination. Then from the other side of the aisle, Victor said, "Oh wow! That's nice!"Don looked to see that the big man seemed to have found a machine with a sleeve for his cock, a cup for his balls, and a small dildo for up his butt. Apparently these mechanisms were able to give Victor the equivalent of what Amy's machine had done for her, because he continued to play with similar enthusiasm.Seeing that everyone, including the self-appointed tour guide Liu, was quite content to stay there and enjoy the slot machines for a while, Don decided to do a bit of exploring on his own. Taking his bucket and tokens, he moved off, down long aisles of flashing, vibrating machines and past many eager "gamblers". He paused to watch a lithe naked girl gasping and grinding as she won a minor jackpot, but then moved on. Toward the back of the main room on the ground floor Don came upon an area dominated by three large roulette tables. He expected to find everyone plugged into devices around the tables, but it seemed that everyone was actually just playing roulette. Well, there was at least one woman playing as she leaned forward over the edge of the table and a strapping young man screwed her from behind. For the most part, though, these tables just seemed to be a way for players to try to increase their number of tokens.At the very rear of the large room, there was a large, upright "wheel of fortune" device. Don stood by for several moments, trying to work out what was going on for himself. After depositing several tokens in a slot near a bright orange gate, which opened when the appropriate amount had been deposited, each player stepped up to the wheel and gave it an energetic spin. Naturally, there was a variety of spin results: several different token prize amounts, delivered with flashing lights and alarms via a chute to the side of the wheel; a couple of spin-agains; a few flat out losers; some wedges that Don couldn't make out, and didn't see demonstrated; and one result he thought was particularly interesting. If a player got that result he or she received only a colored ticket and proceeded off to a little lounge area off to the side. If anyone else was there with a matching-color ticket, the two people commenced playing together. If not, the ticket bearer was apparently obliged to wait there until someone turned up with the right ticket. Don wondered if anyone wound up spending hours just sitting there.Don decided to give the wheel a spin. He found that he had to deposit five tokens, which he did. The orange gate swung up and Don stepped up to the wheel. Setting his little silver bucket on a conveniently placed pedestal, he took a firm hold of two of the little handles and gave the wheel a mighty spin. It seemed to take a very long time to begin to slow down, and Don noticed that he was caught up in the excitement of the game. The wheel came to a stop on a wedge that was simply yellow, and a yellow ticket promptly popped out of the little slot next to the prize-token chute.As he took his ticket, Don thought this was a very clever device. Although he had not won anything; was, in fact, five tokens down; Don still felt like he'd won something and was still actively involved in the game, all for the price of a paper-ticket, if such things had a price here.Picking up his bucket and turning to the lounge/play area, he saw that another person was already there with a yellow ticket; a rather young looking, thin East Asian guy with long hair. Don wasn't particularly interested in playing with this young man, and he sensed a bit of reluctance on the other side of the handshake they shared. "I'm Don," he smiled calmly."Steve," was the apparently nervous reply."Steve?" Don repeated, a bit surprised at the very non-Asian name, but got nothing but a blank nod from Steve."Are we allowed to wait until a woman wins a yellow ticket?" Don asked with a smile."Oh," Steve grinned, "I suppose we could. Good idea."Don chuckled to himself, and looked around the lounge. There was an attractive woman holding a red ticket sitting nearby, watching the wheel spinners, and a male-female couple who had matched blue tickets a bit before Don had gotten his ticket. The man was lying back along a couch, while the woman knelt in front of him and gave him what looked like a quite satisfactory blowjob from where Don was sitting.The next person to join them was a woman, but she scored a blue ticket, and promptly took a seat next to the woman who had the red one. Don thought he and Steve ought to suggest ditching this game to the two un-partnered women, but realized this was hardly in the spirit of the Clockwork Club. They didn't have to wait long, though, before someone else won a ticket. This time it was a woman with a red ticket who obviously had no compunction about a bit of same-sex play. Soon the two women were engaged in an enthusiastic 69 within arm's reach of Steve, who was extremely distracted, and visibly excited, by watching them. The first couple; with the blue tickets; had finished and wandered off to the rest of the casino, before another player joined them: a very pretty young woman with another red ticket. Finally, after a string of out-right loser spins on the wheel, a cute little woman with long, straight, brown hair, small breasts and long legs won herself a yellow ticket.She grinned as she saw that there were two men waiting for her in the lounge area. She stuck out her hand and said, "Hi, I'm Emily! Were you boys waiting for little ol' me?""We certainly were," Don smiled back, and Steve nodded enthusiastically."Well, that was sweet of you," Emily continued to grin. "Let's go back over here and see how I can thank you for waiting so patiently."Before they could make it to the couch, though, Emily stopped them, dropped to her knees and was soon taking turns sucking on first Steve and then Don. As she went down on them, she looked up at them with her cheerful brown eyes, which Don thought was the sexiest thing he'd seen all day. Soon lovely Emily was on her hands and knees between Don and Steve, sucking the former and fucking the latter. Steve, who had been getting riled up for a while, didn't take too long to come, shoving forward into Emily and groaning loudly. As soon as he was done, he smiled at Don and headed back into the casino.Kids, Don thought to himself as he coaxed Emily up and over to the couch. She pushed him down on his back, and immediately climbed up over him, planting her feet on the firm couch by his hips. He smiled back up at her as she lowered herself down onto his straining cock. As Don felt her tight, wet embrace taking hold of his shaft, Emily leaned forward to rest her hands on his shoulders. Don reached under to support her butt in his hands as she began to ride up and down. Her hair was hanging down around her face and she never stopped looking him in the eye or smiling as she fucked him."Damn, that feels so good," Emily said. "You're going so deep!" They continued on in this position for quite a while, but as she began to get tired, Don suggested they change things up a bit. She lay on top of him as he twisted around and then sat up with her still mounted on him. Then, holding her up on him, Don stood up. Emily put her feet down on the couch behind Don and held onto his shoulders. He bent his knees, pistoning his cock up into her as she flexed herself in front of him. This position was easy to maintain, provided lots of clitoral stimulus, and put them face to face. Soon he was watching her cheerful face scrunching up as she gasped and shuddered with an intense orgasm. Before she was done, she leaned in and kissed him; hard and long! This was the final straw for Don and he felt himself boiling over up inside her, filling her with his hot cum.Emily thanked him for their mutual "winnings", as she laughingly called it, kissed him again, and headed off into the casino. Watching her petite frame walk away, Don decided it was time to head back and check up on the rest of the group. He was unsurprised to see that everyone was still there. Both Toshia and Liu noticed Don's return and gave him brief waves from their adjoining machines.Although he'd been gone for almost an hour, Don was back in time to see the first really big win. Naturally enough, the first one to win more than a brief titillation or a small pot of tokens was Toshia. As soon as the last symbol clicked into place, she said, "Ha! I won!" Then she stopped and her mouth just gaped open for a moment. "Oh my God!" she gasped. "That's ... oh fuck! Oh fuck!!"Don watched as she held on to the front of her machine and shook as the saddle and both the dildos did a combination of vibrating, pulsing and thrusting things that transported Toshia into a shaking trembling orgasm like nothing he'd ever seen. She cried out inarticulately as the machine carried her into another orgasm and then another.As she came down, she leaned forward on the machine and breathed, "Oh wow."Liu came over with a broad grin and said, "That's what the sexbots do for you, only more.""More would kill me," Toshia said weakly. Then, after a moment, she looked up at Don and said, "I want to try one!"Don laughed and said, "OK. How many tokens do we need?""One thousand," Liu answered quickly."And how many do we get with a jackpot on one of these machines?" Don asked as he crossed the aisle to an unoccupied unit."It varies, but you hardly ever win a jackpot."Don deposited a token, but did not mount the machine's saddle. As he pulled the handle down, Don looked over his shoulder to Liu and Toshia and said, "You mean 'hardly anyone ever wins a jackpot', not that I hardly ever do."Don held his bucket under the prize bin expectantly, even before the second symbol clicked into place. Sure enough, Don hit the jackpot. Flashing lights, a siren and a truly deafening barrage of ringing bells accompanied a flood of tokens pouring into the bin, Don's bucket and onto the floor. The display on the front of the machine indicated that he had just won 750 tokens."That's amazing!" Liu gaped from over his shoulder. She had abandoned her own machine. "You just played one token.""I'm just lucky, I guess," Don shrugged. He knew however that he had merely applied his technique of focused expectation that he had used so successfully here in Eros, in finding the Manor's exit and in fighting the Sisterhood. He expected to get a jackpot, so he got a jackpot.He passed his now heavy bucket of tokens to Toshia, who had joined him and Liu. Don took Toshia's bucket, dumped her pile into the nearly full bucket of his that she was holding and moved to another machine. In a few moments, there was another blaring claxon, another barrage of bright, flashing lights, and another cascade of tokens."How do you do that?" Liu asked amazed."Magic," Don smiled smugly at her. "You promised to give us a tour of the club, Liu. Can you do that and show us to the sexbots?""Sure," the pretty young woman said. "Anyone else want to come along?""I want to get one of those jackpots!" Amy said.Victor, Shelonda and Nicole all seemed to agree with Amy. So, Liu led just Toshia and Don off toward the back of the main room, where she showed them the roulette tables and the "Wheel of Chance.""It's fun," Don assured Toshia, briefly telling her what he'd been doing while she played the slots."We should come back and give it a spin," Toshia smiled, "if I survive the sexbot, that is."Liu led them up a circular staircase to the second floor, where they passed a number of small rooms which she said were, "Remote play rooms." As they went down the long corridor lined with doors, Liu explained: "You go into a room and get into the chair, and then you wait. On the third floor, someone deposits some tokens and they get to control a dildo, or two, or an artificial pussy that moves into you, or on you, Don. They get to watch you on a screen, but you don't get to see them. You can talk to each other, though. Oh, and the room you get when you go upstairs is random, so you never know who you're going to be playing with.""That sounds very interesting," Toshia mused."Another thing to try out, eh?" Don winked at her.Following Liu's delectable backside up two more flights of stairs, they came to the fourth floor, where they were greeted by a robot that looked just like George downstairs, except that it was silver and had no top hat. This one addressed them with a woman's voice and said, "Welcome, sir or madam. My name is Dolores and I am your hostess here in the sexbot rooms. Please deposit your ... one thousand ... tokens in the bin to my left."This project took several minutes, because Toshia didn't want to give up any extra of "her" tokens. Once they had deposited exactly one thousand tokens into the bin, Dolores said, "Thank you. Please follow me, sir or madam."The hostess robot trundled down the hallway, turned a corner, and led them to a door, which clicked open as she approached. Dolores gestured vaguely at the now open room, and said, "Here you go. Please enjoy yourself thoroughly.""We'll wait out here," Don suggested."Oh no you don't!" Toshia said with feeling. "I'm not letting a robot have its way with me without someone there to pull its plug, or whatever, if necessary.""Oh, it will respond to your commands," Liu assured her."Yeah, sure," Toshia said."OK," Don laughed. "We'll come watch. You don't have to twist my arm."The softly lit room they entered had warm carpeting and wood-paneled walls. In the center of the room was something that looked like a modified old-fashioned dentist's chair. A number of attachments, including a pair of stirrups that Don presumed looked like those found in a gynecologist's office, piqued Don's curiosity. In the corner of the room, was a barrel-bodied robot straight out of a 1950s B-movie. It seemed to have a soft black rubber or latex coating covering almost all of its body."You get up on the chair," Liu was saying, as if Toshia and Don wouldn't be preoccupied with the robot. "It will adjust for you, and you can push it into any position you want."Toshia looked over the chair and the stirrups skeptically, but then shrugged and hopped up onto the small seat. It was shallow so that she was already scooted forward. As soon as her butt hit the padding, the sexbot in the corner clicked to life. Lights blinked on its dome covered head and it took several steps forward toward the chair. There was a whirring sound followed by a series of clacks.

Clubbing & SwingingBased on the work of BradentonLarry, in 6 parts.  Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.Shelonda was next and explained that she had been Toshia's counterpart, picking up discarded towels from a different part of the Temple. "I was bending over all the time, and people kept squeezing my butt and playing with me. I liked it at first, but I got really horny very quickly. Fortunately, a guy stopped and started fucking me. I was really getting into it, and soon a bunch of guys and a woman were all over me." Shelonda provided all the details requested, but by now it was clear that everyone was getting frisky enough that they would need to go find a room to enjoy or start playing right there in the banquet room.Fortunately, Nicole didn't have anything much different to report than the others. She had been assigned the job of masseuse's assistant: fetching miscellaneous supplies, helping guests off the table after they were thoroughly relaxed, assisting with making sure everyone had a happy ending, etc. Of course, she'd had a wonderful time, and seemed to have actually done less work than anyone else.Then they had to decide where to start their free exploration of the Temple of Venus and Aphrodite. "I have to admit," Toshia volunteered, "that I'd like to see what an orgy that's been going on for seven years looks like.""And I'd like to check out that 'dark room' whatever that is," Don added."A bit of an orgy sounds good to me," Amy said with a grin.Toshia took Don's hand as they headed for the door, and said, "Then we'll check out the dark room."The main orgy room was easy to find. It took up almost the entire fourth floor. There were copious cushions scattered all over the floor, which had soft, luxurious carpeting anyway. Chairs, couches, loveseats, chaise lounges, day beds, and ottomans were abundantly available. Here and there steps led up or down to slightly different levels. Everywhere, though, there were naked bodies pleasuring each other."Fun!" Amy declared. Everyone agreed with her and immediately started looking for places to join in. Amy took Victor by the big hand and led him into the orgy. From where she was Toshia saw Amy dropping to her knees in front of Victor, eagerly taking his big cock into her mouth.Toshia grabbed Don by the arm, pulled him in the direction of Amy and Victor, and pulled him with her down to the floor. The knelt facing each other as they kissed. Don's hands moved greedily over her back, finding their way down to her ass and squeezing it tightly. Toshia laughed happily as Don's mouth descended on her neck and her hand wrapped around his already stiff cock. Then Shelonda and Nicole joined them, one on either side, Shelonda on Toshia's right, and Nicole on her left. The two black girls proceeded to kiss and caress Don and Toshia everywhere they could reach. Shelonda's right hand slipped in between Toshia and Don and found its way down to Toshia's crotch. Soon Toshia felt fingers slipping up inside her and brushing over her clit. Don was still kissing, sucking and biting at her neck, Nicole was pinching her nipple, Don was squeezing her ass, and Shelonda was fucking her fingers in and out, pressing her hand against Toshia's clit, and Toshia... Then Toshia was coming hard, gasping, shaking and moaning between her friends.Those friends gently laid her down on the floor, and then Don was between her legs, slipping his hard cock up inside her ready pussy. Toshia smiled up at him and pulled him deeper into her best embrace. "Fuck me, love," she said. "Fill me up with your cum."Don leaned down and kissed her. It was just a peck at first, but became a long, passionate, fiery kiss as he moved in and out of her there among the other naked bodies. For a while it was just the two of them, alone on the edge of a sea of writhing, gasping, grunting people. They were part of the orgy that had gone on for seven years, but for now it was just the two of them making quiet intense love. Don gave her another sweet, slow orgasm before she felt him pressing more urgently into her. Then he was thrusting hard as he pumped and pumped his cum into her pussy just as she'd asked. He trembled in her arms and buried his face in her shoulder. Toshia held him close to her and caressed his back and held his head to her. They lay like that for several long, sweet moments sharing their loving intimacy.Then, they became aware of their surroundings. First there were the now familiar sounds of Shelonda and Nicole enjoying themselves fully, and then there were the hands that were moving over their bodies. Toshia felt a hand slipping up along the length of her leg and another that brushed against her hand where it lay on Don's back.Don raised his head to look around, only to have a young woman with straight brown hair and startling white teeth pull his head back so she could lean over his shoulder and give him a long, passionate kiss. When she finally let him go, Don laughed and said, "Well, it's nice to meet you too.""Hi, I'm Brandi," the woman grinned back at Don and then down at Toshia. "Mind if I cut in?"Neither Toshia nor Don were sure who she was asking, but when they didn't object, Brandi assumed they didn't mind, and said, "Great!" She then wormed her way in front of Don to lower her mouth to Toshia's. Suddenly Toshia was kissing this beautiful, aggressive new woman, whose hand was already moving across to cup Toshia's tit firmly. Toshia found herself reaching up to hold Brandi's head in place so she would keep kissing her. As Don pulled away, Toshia murmured her disappointment but continued to kiss Brandi. She was happy to feel Brandi's fingers moving down over her belly and then slipping between Toshia's legs where they found Don and Toshia's mingled juices spilling out. Without hesitating, Brandi pushed her fingers and a healthy helping of those juices up into Toshia, who arched her back and moaned into her new lover's mouth.Toshia was still lying on her back, with Brandi kneeling over her almost perpendicularly to Toshia's left, kissing her Toshia and reaching down to finger Toshia's pussy. This left Toshia's right breast exposed, and someone got his or her mouth in there and fastened upon Toshia's erect nipple. As this mysterious new mouth sucked and pulled on Toshia's tit, Toshia felt this person, who she was now sure was a woman, caressing her ass, and then sliding her hand around to join Brandi's in playing with her. Two more fingers pushed up into Toshia's pussy, and Toshia began to moan around Brandi's tongue. When those second two fingers pulled out of her Brandi worked a third of her fingers into Toshia, and then the mystery woman pushed her slippery two fingers slowly up Toshia's ass. This pushed Toshia over the edge, and she began to shake and cry out with an intense, long orgasm.Brandi finally broke their kiss and Toshia realized from the gentle swaying of the girl over her that Brandi had been getting fucked from behind almost all the time she had been fingering Toshia. Toshia smiled back up at the pretty woman's face and noticed that she also had beautiful full breasts, and Toshia couldn't resist reaching out with her left hand to catch one of Brandi's tits in her hand. Then, she looked down to see the lovely, dusky hued woman or Iranian or Indian descent who was still fingering Toshia's ass. Toshia grinned at this woman, who smiled back. Toshia began to work her body around clockwise, taking a moment to carefully throw her right leg over the dark-eyed beauty, and being careful not to dislodge those probing fingers, until she was able to scoot under Brandi's body to play with those beautiful firm tits of hers. The beautiful brown woman fingering her ass moved in between Toshia's legs and began to lick and suck at her pussy and clit, while Brandi lowered herself so Toshia could get her mouth on Brandi's nipples, one at a time. All while someone steadily fucked Brandi.Toshia could tell from the way Brandi was moving over her that the man behind her was fucking her harder and harder, and then knew he was coming inside her. When Brandi began to shift and threatened to pull away, Toshia reached up to grab her waist and pulled her closer. Brandi got the hint, smiled down at Toshia and carefully moved into position with her pussy over Toshia's mouth. With her hands still on Brandi's hips, Toshia pulled the pretty woman down until she could get her tongue up inside Brandi's cum-filled pussy. Toshia drank down the thick, sweet jizz and promptly began to lick at Brandi's clit. Meanwhile, the woman licking Toshia's clit and fingering her ass had pushed her thumb up into Toshia's pussy, and was flexing her wrist so that Toshia's pussy and ass were being steadily fucked by her digits. Soon Toshia's back was arching up off the carpet as she came long and hard between the two women. She didn't stop licking at Brandi, though, and was soon also rewarded with feeling the pretty woman sitting on her face trembling and shaking as Toshia brought her off.This seemed to be the signal for their little threesome to dissolve. As soon as she caught her breath, Brandi carefully got off Toshia's face and without another word moved off to find fun elsewhere. Toshia also felt the woman between her legs pulling away, but Toshia sat up and caught the woman's head in her hands and pulled her up toward her. They met with a long, playful kiss, mingling the tastes of Toshia's and Brandi's pussies as well as traces of Don's cum and that of whoever had fucked Brandi."I'm Toshia," she said as she leaned back, pulling the other woman back and over her."I'm Nadja," said the other woman with a smile. Her fingers and thumb slipped out of Toshia's ass and pussy, but she immediately pushed her fingers up into Toshia's wet and grasping pussy, pressing the heel of her hand against Toshia's clit, as she lay down on top of Toshia and continued to kiss her.Toshia moved her hands over Nadja's petite frame, over her back and down to her tight little ass. She was unsurprised to feel a man's hands also exploring Nadja's backside. Then, whoever the man was, his hands moved up to Nadja's narrow waist and pulled her up a bit. Nadja stopped kissing long enough to say, "I believe I'm about to be violated.""Mind if I watch?" Toshia grinned."As long as you do it while you kiss me," Nadja said, lowering her mouth to Toshia's again.Sure enough, Nadja's motions on top of Toshia indicated that she was being slowly and steadily fucked. Toshia worked her left hand up between them until she could feel the hard cock sliding in and out of Nadja's pussy, and then began to stroke Nadja's clit with her fingers. Nadja kept working her fingers in and out of Toshia pussy while kissing Toshia and being fucked from behind. Toshia found the whole scene incredibly erotic, particularly as Nadja began to come without taking her mouth off Toshia's. The tiny woman moaned and trembled between Toshia and the man behind her without pausing in her passionate kissing and fingering.Toshia thought she might come again, but the man fucking Nadja beat her to it. Nadja murmured approval into Toshia's mouth, and Toshia felt warm cum on her fingers. As the man pulled out of Nadja, spilling more cum over Toshia's hand, Nadja looked down at Toshia and said, "Now that was delightful."Toshia grinned and said, "I'm not done with you, yet. Sit on my face.""If you insist," Nadja laughed. With almost startling enthusiasm, she pulled her fingers from Toshia and crawled up until she was kneeling over Toshia's face.Holding the tiny girl's ass in her hands, Toshia pulled her down to her mouth, where she began to lick up the man's cum and then to lavish her oral attention on Nadja's hard clit. Nadja pressed down on Toshia's mouth, and leaned back a bit, squeezing her small tits tightly. As Toshia sucked on Nadja's clit and then went back to tonguing it firmly, she thought, This must be what people really mean when they talk about Heaven.As Don pulled away to let the new girl, Brandi, get acquainted with Toshia, he decided to have a look around to see what everyone else was up to. He carefully stood up and took a couple of steps to get out of the actual orgy.He spotted Amy on her back, her head on a good-sized pillow. Straddling her chest with his hands on her head and his cock sliding in and out of her mouth and throat was a trim East Asian guy with his black hair buzzed almost down to his scalp. Amy's legs were parted and ready for someone to get between them. Nearby, Victor was standing over an athletic white guy with short, curly reddish hair, who was sitting facing the same way as Victor and who was sucking on Victor's big cock and fondling his balls, all while Victor flexed his knees, pushing that schlong of his in and out of the other fellow's mouth.Don noticed that an adorable woman was now joining in on Brandi and Toshia's little session, and that a man had begun to fuck Brandi from behind. Near this scene, Shelonda had secured the services of a tall, fit black guy with short hair, who seemed as young as the Nymphets to Don. The young man was sitting on the floor, leaning back on his arms and with his knees slightly bent. Shelonda was sitting on his cock, leaning back, supporting herself with her arms and riding up and down on the cock inside her. Meanwhile, an athletic woman, with large tits, long legs, a tight ass and long straight black hair, had her mouth on one of Shelonda's tits and seemed to have a hand down playing with Shelonda's clit.Before he could locate Nicole, Don felt a warm hand slide up his arm and then squeeze his shoulder. He turned to look into the face of a very pretty woman, who he would guess to be Chinese. She had short black hair, an impishly coy expression and surprisingly blue eyes. Before Don could ask her name or even properly appreciate her slender frame and long legs, this beauty smiled and sank to her knees in front of him. She stroked his cock with her long fingers and kissed the head before sucking it into her mouth. Don gently reached down to caress her hair and watched as she began to bob her head up and down on his quickly hardening shaft.Looking up from this perfect vision for a moment, Don spotted Nicole. The petite young woman was on her back, basically in a missionary position, a muscular white guy with long, curly, brown hair fucking her steadily. However, Nicole's legs were extended out straight, in a V aimed at the ceiling, and there was a tall, caramel skinned woman with a spectacular ass and long, wavy black hair with a bit of gray in it sitting on Nicole's face. In front of this second woman, making out with her, was an athletic Polynesian-looking woman with large breasts and long, wild hair who was in turn sitting on someone's face.By now the mysterious woman in front of him was sucking Don's cock with enthusiasm, and he was again rock hard. He noticed that Toshia was moving around to get under Brandi's body, while the other woman kept her hand between Toshia's legs. Don realized there was too much going on in this huge sex-filled room, and he would simply have to focus his attention. He didn't have to deliberate long to decide where to direct that focus first.Pushing her gently back from his sex, Don bent down, took the Asian woman's face in his hands and kissed her. She responded warmly. After taking the time to really enjoy the sensations of kissing a new and very friendly woman, he said, "I'm Don.""And I'm Liu," she smiled."I'm very pleased to meet you, Liu," Don smiled. "Now, why don't we lie down so I can give as good as I'm getting?""That sounds wonderful," Liu grinned and backed away a bit to let Don lie down on his back. She wasted no time then in getting into position over him. Don felt her mouth on his prick again, as he reached up to pull Liu down so he could get his mouth and tongue on her moist, delicious sex. He ran his tongue from her clit up along between her lips, tasting her sweet pussy. She was short enough that his arms were behind her legs, so Don had to lean up a bit to get his mouth on her, but it also meant that he could easily use his hands to caress her ass and spread her cheeks a bit as he pushed his long, strong tongue up inside her. He was aware of her mouth and hands on his cock and balls, but Don concentrated on what he was doing. When he began to focus on her clit, sucking and licking on it, he pushed two fingers up into her pussy. Apparently Liu loved this because she promptly pushed back on Don. He obliged her by pushing his fingers deeper, and then adding a third finger, fucking them in and out of her as he continued to tongue her clit. Soon Don was working his fingers in and out of Liu vigorously and she was shaking and gasping on top of him as a long orgasm wracked her slender body.As she came down, Don slipped his fingers out of her vagina and gave her clit and pussy lips tender kisses. He felt Liu sighing happily, and then she decided to change positions. She pushed herself up so that she was kneeling over him, and quickly moved down, so that she was straddling his pelvis. Don basically lay back and watched as Liu took his rigid cock, wet with her saliva, in her hand, raised it until it was pointing straight up, and then pushed the fat head into her tiny pussy. He reached up and held on to her hips as she slowly sank down on him. Don found himself admiring the muscles of her back as Liu began to move on him. He caressed her lovely ass as she rode slowly up and down on his cock. Once she was comfortable with him in her, Liu began, very slowly, to lean forward, pushing Don's cock "down" further than it was used to. It was uncomfortable at first, and a bit painful for a moment at times, but Liu eventually worked herself down so that her feet were up by Don's shoulders, she was supporting herself with her hands between his legs, and she was leaning low while she worked her body back and forth getting Don's hard shaft to move inside her pussy in an unusual and delightful way. Don was able to squeeze and caress her ass as she rode him. He slowly pushed his thumb into her exposed asshole which made Liu cry out happily.Don was so intent on fucking Liu that he was actually surprised when Amy's face appeared over his. He barely had time to notice that the pretty blonde's face was, as was so often the case, covered with pearly cum before she was kissing him deeply. Don found himself laughing as he returned Amy's enthusiastic, playful, and rather sloppy kiss. When she finally pulled away, Amy said, "Who's your friend, Professor?""Liu," he grinned as he wiped his face with his forearm. "Why don't you introduce yourself?""Good idea!"Looking down over Liu's backside as she continued to writhe back on his cock and thumb, Don watched Amy kneel down in front of Liu and just lean forward and kiss the pretty Chinese girl.Then, as if he'd followed Amy, or been carried along in her sexual wake, Victor came over and knelt down by Amy, who noticed him right away. Don could tell there were introductions made and a brief discussion, but since it all took place down near his feet he couldn't make out any of the details. He later found out that what happened next was all Amy's idea. With Amy's help, Liu pushed herself up, relieving the interesting downward pressure on Don's cock. With a brief, luminous smile over her slender shoulder at him, Liu slowly pushed herself up off Don's thick shaft. Amy's hand wrapped around Don and kept him pointing straight up for Liu. The two girls quickly positioned woman and cock so that Liu could lower herself slowly so that Don pushed up into her exquisitely tight, hot ass."Oh, that feels so good!" Don heard Liu say."It sure does!" he agreed as he slipped his hands around her thin waist.Liu leaned back then, and Amy coaxed Don to bring his legs together. Don helped support Liu as Victor straddled Don's legs and pushed his big cock down so the fat head could press against Liu's waiting pussy. Don felt Liu tense as Victor slowly eased his thick organ into her.Amy leaned over Victor's shoulder with a grin and said, "How's that feel, Liu?""So good!" was the answer.Don felt Liu shuddering as Victor kept filling her with that large prick of his. Liu wrapped her long legs around Victor's hips and her arms around his neck, while Don supported her from below and Victor began to fuck in and out of her, simultaneously working her up and down on Don's cock.It was now Shelonda's turn to make an appearance. She crawled up next to Don, kissed him on the cheek and said, "That looks like fun.""It is!" he grinned. "I hope you've been having a good time.""Of course I have," she smiled. "I can't help but notice you're not really doing any work here, Don."He laughed and said, "What did you have in mind?"She gave him another quick kiss, this time on the lips, and then promptly moved around to back in and kneel over his face. With practiced ease, Shelonda lowered her pussy down to Don's face. He happily and greedily began to lap at her sweet pussy and clit, careless of the fact that at least one man had obviously come inside her before now. Don focused on giving Shelonda the tongue lashing she so richly deserved while also enjoying the sensations of having his cock inside the tight embrace of Liu's ass while Victor gave her pussy a vigorous fucking. The first one to come was Liu; Don felt her ass clenching on him as she shook and trembled in his grasp. Victor was next; feeling the big cock inside Liu swelling and pumping cum into her pussy was an interesting feeling for Don. By this time, a man had come up in front of Shelonda as she knelt over Don and she was giving him a nice, deep blowjob, but this didn't keep her from having a long, loud orgasm as Don turned his head a bit from side to side and tongued her clit firmly.Shelonda was still squatting over Don's mouth and well on her way to another orgasm, when Victor slowly pulled out of Liu's pussy. A small flood of warm fluid ran down over Don's balls. Don couldn't see what was going on down there, but in only a moment his legs were nudged apart and he felt an undeniably feminine tongue licking and sucking the cum from him and Liu. After several delicious moments, the mouth shifted from Don to Liu.Don was vaguely aware that Shelonda had managed to coax an orgasm from the man in front of her, and then Don succeeded in making her come again with his tongue. As Shelonda carefully extricated herself from the little foursome that had Don and Liu as the nucleus, Liu began to come again, crying out and shaking. Don let her fall back on him as she whimpered with delight.Don had assumed that the woman who had been licking Liu was Amy, so he was surprised to see a new woman kneeling between their legs. This was a beautiful, middle aged black woman with gray eyes and a lovely bald head. She smiled at both Liu and Don and then started to stand up, but Liu stopped her."Don't go. I need a little break and I can tell Don here isn't ready to stop playing just yet," Liu said."Well, OK then," said the other woman with a warm smile and the barest hint of a Southern accent.Liu managed to gently pull herself off Don's hard cock and then twisted around to kiss him goodbye before crawling out of the action.Soon Don was looking down into the beautiful bald woman's smiling face as he steadily fucked in and out of her pussy. Her pelvis was rolled back and her legs were up, resting on Don's thighs which were spread out. One of her hands squeezed and pinched at her breast while the other reached down to stroke her clit. Don was leaning forward on his outstretched arms."I really should get your name," Don said."I don't see why," she laughed. "Now shush; I'm about to come."Don kept going without coming through three more encounters. Liu caught up with him as a cute little blonde, who had just rode him to three intense orgasms as he knelt holding her in his arms, kissed him goodbye and crawled off to find another lover or two. Liu bent down and kissed him, saying, "You don't ever stop, do you?""Why stop?" he grinned back. "Are you ready for more?""Uh-hum," she said. "Do you want me all to yourself or find some more playmates?"As Don pondered this dilemma, he caught sight of Toshia for the first time in about an hour. Off to the side of the orgy, a tall, fit white guy with short brown hair was laying on his back and his head on a thick pillow. His legs were spread so Toshia could lie on her belly between them and, supporting herself on his thighs, give him what looked like an intense blowjob. Her feet were up in the air, which Don thought was just adorable. Don stood up and said, "I definitely want to get you to myself, but let's go play with those two for now."Hand-in-hand, they crossed to Toshia and the object of her oral attentions. Don gestured Liu to the man on his back, and he knelt down by Toshia and the man's legs. He ran his hand over Toshia's back, and, as he reached her ass, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "There you are. I hope you've been a very naughty girl."She took her mouth off what Don now realized was a surprisingly long cock, swallowed, took a breath and said, "I certainly have. We weren't supposed to be keeping count were we?"

This behavioural scientist spent one year doing a new thing every week. He tried acupuncture, gambling, day-trading and dancing. He visited Just Stop Oil meetups, cuddle workshops, and psychic readings. He killed a chicken, drank breastmilk, and bungee jumped. Did it make him happy? (And is there science to back up his ideas? --- Access the bonus episode: https://nudge.kit.com/64d1602e73 Follow Patrick's newsletter: https://www.justdostuff.co.uk/ Read Patrick's book: https://shorturl.at/pAy2h Visit Patrick's website: https://www.patrickfagan.co.uk/ Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.nudgepodcast.com/mailing-list  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phill-agnew-22213187/  Watch Nudge on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nudgepodcast/ ---  Sources:  Aronson, E., & Mills, J. (1959). The effect of severity of initiation on liking for a group. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 59(2), 177–181. Boothby, E. J., Clark, M. S., & Bargh, J. A. (2014). Shared experiences are amplified. Psychological Science, 25(12), 2209–2216. Van Boven, L., & Gilovich, T. (2003). To do or to have? That is the question. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(6), 1193–1202. Yang, Y., Liu, R.-D., Ding, Y., Lin, J., Ding, Z., & Yang, X. (2024). Time distortion for short-form video users. Computers in Human Behavior, 150, 107192. Access the bonus episode: https://nudge.kit.com/64d1602e73

Chinese courts are intensifying their crackdown on crimes against minors, underscoring a "zero-tolerance" stance with the recent execution of three child rapists, the Supreme People's Court announced.中国法院正在加大对未成年人犯罪的打击力度，并强调其“零容忍”立场，最近最高人民法院宣布处决了三名虐童强奸犯。The top court emphasized its unwavering determination to severely punish child sexual abuse, detailing the cases of the three men executed on Friday after their death sentences were approved.最高法院强调了其严惩儿童性虐待犯罪的坚定决心，并详细介绍了周五被核准处决的三名男子的案件。One of them, identified only as Zhao, exploited his position as an instructor at an illegal education center between April 2018 and March 2019.其中一人名叫赵某，他利用自己在一家非法教育中心担任教师的职务之便，于2018年4月至2019年3月期间被捕。In collaboration with others, he detained dozens of minor students, subjecting them to beatings, verbal abuse, forced labor and confinement.他伙同他人拘禁了数十名未成年学生，对他们进行殴打、辱骂、强迫劳动和监禁。Zhao also repeatedly raped eight minor female students, including three girls under 14, using psychological control. He forced the victims to take contraceptives over an extended period, leading to gynecological problems in multiple victims.赵某还多次强奸八名未成年女学生，其中包括三名未满14岁的女童，并实施心理控制。他强迫受害者长期服用避孕药，导致多名受害者出现妇科问题。In addition to rape, Zhao was convicted of intentional injury and fraud.除了强奸罪外，赵某还被判处故意伤害罪和诈骗罪。The Supreme People's Court stated that while combating offenders who use their positions of power to victimize children, Chinese courts have also strengthened efforts against those who exploit the internet to lure and harm children.最高人民法院表示，中国法院在严厉打击利用职权侵害儿童的违法犯罪分子的同时，也加大了对利用网络引诱伤害儿童犯罪分子的打击力度。In another case, a man surnamed Wang used online platforms between September 2019 and May 2022 to lure elementary and middle school girls by posing as a female student or as a director searching for child actors.另一起案件中，一名王姓男子于2019年9月至2022年5月期间，利用网络平台，冒充女学生或导演寻找童星，引诱中小学生。He initially solicited nude and inappropriate photos and videos from the children. Then he used excuses such as "checking their bodies for acting roles" or threats to expose the improper content to meet the victims in person, after which he sexually assaulted and raped them.他先是向孩子们索要裸照和不当照片、视频，随后以“检查身体是否适合演戏”等借口，或威胁曝光不当内容，要求与受害者见面，随后对她们实施性侵和强奸。Wang harmed nine children, seven of whom were under 14 and one who had developmental disabilities. He filmed the rapes to further coerce and continue the abuse, subjecting some girls to long-term and repeated rapes and severe humiliation. Additionally, he sexually assaulted 10 other girls and one boy.王姓男子伤害了9名儿童，其中7名未满14岁，1名患有发育性残疾。他拍摄强奸过程，进一步胁迫并持续实施虐待，一些女孩遭受长期、反复的强奸和严重羞辱。此外，他还性侵了另外10名女孩和1名男孩。The third executed individual, Chen, was a repeat offender who had previously been imprisoned for rape.第三名被处决的陈某是一名惯犯，此前曾因强奸罪入狱。Between January and April 2022, he posed as a peer and joined over 20 QQ and WeChat groups created by middle school students. He befriended female students in these groups and lured some of them to meet him in person, and then raped them.2022年1月至4月期间，他假扮同伴，加入了20多个由中学生创建的QQ群和微信群。他与群里的女学生交朋友，并引诱部分女学生与他见面，然后强奸她们。Chen raped three girls under 14 a total of seven times and attempted to rape another female student. He filmed the rapes to blackmail the victims into further sexual assaults, causing some to self-harm, attempt suicide or drop out of school.陈某共强奸了三名未满14岁的女孩七次，并试图强奸另一名女学生。他拍摄了强奸过程，以此勒索受害者进一步实施性侵犯，导致部分受害者自残、自杀或辍学。Furthermore, he organized group rapes of one girl under 14 on three separate occasions and profited by introducing others to rape her.此外，他还组织他人三次轮奸一名未满14岁的女孩，并通过介绍他人强奸她来牟利。Chen was ultimately sentenced to death for multiple crimes, including rape, child molestation and extortion.陈某最终因强奸、猥亵儿童和敲诈勒索等多项罪名被判处死刑。"The executions for the three criminals this time have demonstrated our courts' resolute stance on severely punishing such offenses, sending a strong message to the entire society that those who harm children will be harshly penalized without mercy," the top court emphasized.最高法院强调：“此次对三名罪犯的执行，彰显了我们法院严惩此类犯罪的坚定立场，向全社会发出了严厉惩处侵害儿童犯罪的强烈信号。”The court urged educational and training institutions that teach children to tighten supervision and improve employee management. It also called on internet service providers to fulfill their cybersecurity obligations by taking measures to eradicate harmful information online and promptly detect and block material that may contribute to the sexual assaults of minors.法院敦促教育培训机构加强监管，改进人员管理。同时，法院还呼吁互联网服务提供商履行网络安全义务，采取措施清除网络有害信息，及时发现并屏蔽可能导致未成年人性侵的内容。Family has a role家庭的作用The role that families play in protecting minors was also underscored, with the court demanding that parents and guardians fulfill their duties to care for and nurture their children. Failure to do so will result in criminal punishment, it added.法院还强调了家庭在保护未成年人方面的作用，要求父母及监护人履行抚养子女的义务。否则，将受到刑事处罚。In a case made public last week, a man surnamed Liu was sentenced to 16 months in prison for child abandonment. Following a divorce, he obtained custody of his son but repeatedly and intentionally left the boy in places such as school and the subway between 2018 and 2019.在上周公布的一起案件中，一名刘姓男子因遗弃儿童被判处16个月有期徒刑。离婚后，他获得了儿子的监护权，但在2018年至2019年期间，多次故意将儿子遗弃在学校、地铁等场所。Despite receiving education and administrative detention, he continued his irresponsible actions, causing serious harm to his son's physical and mental health.尽管接受了教育和行政拘留，他仍然继续这种不负责任的行为，对儿子的身心健康造成了严重损害。"Parents are obligated to support, educate and protect their minor children," the top court stated. "After divorce, the parent who has custody should fulfill their duty. Family conflicts or personal issues don't exempt them from that responsibility."最高法院表示：“父母对未成年子女负有抚养、教育和保护的义务。离婚后，拥有监护权的父母一方应当履行监护义务。家庭矛盾或个人问题并不能免除其监护责任。”The court clarified that abandoning a child is not a trivial family matter and that parents who refuse to perform their duties and cause great harm to their children will be held criminally liable.法院明确指出，遗弃孩子并非家庭琐事，拒绝履行监护义务并对子女造成重大伤害的父母将被追究刑事责任。Supreme People's Court最高人民法院molestation/ˌmɒlɛˈsteɪʃən/n.猥亵；性骚扰extortion/ɪkˈstɔːrʃən/n.勒索；敲诈administrative detention行政拘留

Florida has shifted its early season scheduling philosophy in football to provide the Gators a soft opening and enhance their College Football Playoff hopes. Visits from LIU, FAU, South Florida, South Alabama, Campbell and Charleston Southern are a necessary evil, but a hard sell for Edgar while Mark is a bit more forgiving during the latest Swamp Things. Highly coveted transfer guard Boogie Fland's visit, the national championship trip to the White House and a smorgasbord of spring sports also provide plenty to chew on. Football schedule (0:00) Basketball schedule (14:14) Gators at While House (26:40) Coach salaries (30:58) Jeremy Foley's Corner (35:08)

Brendan Caputo, director of student affairs at Long Island University, shares his inspiring path through higher education and his mission to support student success. From living on campus to leading LIU's innovative Center for Student Success and Coaching, Caputo offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a responsive, student-centered support system. He dives into his research on academic procrastination—uncovering how intrinsic motivation can be a game-changer—and opens up about the importance of self-care and professional growth for those working in higher ed. Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

Stress! Wir alle erleben ihn permanent, aber kaum jemand versteht ihn wirklich. Wir stellen eine super spannende (und ziemlich neue) Theorie zu Stress und psychischer Gesundheit vor, stürzen mit euch und maximalem Stress in einem Flugzeug ab und haben am Ende einen Köcher voll Ideen für einen besseren Umgang mit Stress. Fühlt euch gut betreut Leon & Atze Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonwindscheid/ https://www.instagram.com/atzeschroeder_offiziell/ Mehr zu unseren Werbepartnern findet ihr hier: https://linktr.ee/betreutesfuehlen Tickets: Atze: https://www.atzeschroeder.de/#termine Leon: https://leonwindscheid.de/tour/ Start ins heutige Thema: 04:25 min. Quellen Bericht zum Absturz 
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/nyregion/06crash.html https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/notwasserung-in-new-york-schicksalsentscheidungen-im-sekundentakt-a-601671.html https://www.fr.de/panorama/voegel-rief-ich-shit-rief-kopilot-11477316.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6EblErBJqw Das Transkript des Absturzes https://tailstrike.com/database/15-january-2009-us-airways-1549/ Die 2 Systeme bei Stress O'Connor, D. B., Thayer, J. F., & Vedhara, K. (2021). Stress and health: A review of psychobiological processes. Annual review of psychology, 72(1), 663-688. Die erste Studie von Hammer Hammen, C. (1991). Generation of stress in the course of unipolar depression. Journal of abnormal psychology, 100(4), 555. Weitere Forschung von Hammer Hammen, C. (2005). Stress and depression. Annu. Rev. Clin. Psychol., 1(1), 293-319. Die Arbeiten zur Stress Generation Rnic, K., Santee, A. C., Hoffmeister, J. A., Liu, H., Chang, K. K., Chen, R. X., ... & LeMoult, J. (2023). The vicious cycle of psychopathology and stressful life events: A meta-analytic review testing the stress generation model. Psychological bulletin, 149(5-6), 330. Santee, A. C., Rnic, K., Chang, K. K., Chen, R. X., Hoffmeister, J. A., Liu, H., ... & Starr, L. R. (2023). Risk and protective factors for stress generation: A meta-analytic review. Clinical psychology review, 103, 102299. Der Artikel von Nick Wignall https://nickwignall.com/manage-your-stressors-not-your-stress/ Redaktion: Dr. Leon Windscheid Produktion: Murmel Productions

China's emphasis on accelerating the development of the digital economy and advancing the concept of "Digital China" will give the country a competitive edge in strategic emerging sectors and safeguard global security, said officials and experts.官员和专家表示，中国强调加快发展数字经济，推进“数字中国”建设，将增强中国在战略性新兴领域的竞争优势，维护全球安全。Emphasizing that the boom of cutting-edge digital technologies has emerged as a new engine driving China's economic growth, they called for heightened efforts to push forward the construction of digital infrastructure, bolster the deeper integration of the real and digital economies, and promote technological innovation and the application of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence in a wider range of sectors.他们强调，尖端数字技术蓬勃发展，已成为中国经济增长的新引擎，并呼吁加大力度推进数字基础设施建设，促进实体经济和数字经济深度融合，推动技术创新和快速发展的人工智能在更广泛领域的应用。When delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Second World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, in December 2015, President Xi Jinping said that China is implementing the "Internet Plus" action plan and advancing the building of a "Digital China".2015年12月，习近平主席在浙江乌镇举行的第二届世界互联网大会开幕式上发表主旨演讲时表示，中国正在实施“互联网+”行动计划，推进“数字中国”建设。In a congratulatory letter sent to the first Digital China Summit, which opened in April 2018 in Fuzhou, Fujian province, Xi called for fostering new driving forces through informatization, in order to promote new development and make new achievements.2018年4月，首届数字中国建设峰会在福建福州开幕，习近平主席向峰会致贺信。他强调，要通过信息化培育新动能，推动新发展、取得新成就。He emphasized that digitalization, networking and the application of intelligent technologies, which have been greatly developed, are playing increasingly important roles in promoting social and economic development, modernizing China's governance capacity, and meeting the people's ever-growing needs for a better life.他强调，数字化、网络化、智能化技术应用水平显著提升，在促进经济社会发展、推进国家治理能力现代化、满足人民日益增长的美好生活需要方面发挥着越来越重要的作用。This year marks the 10th anniversary of the nation's efforts to construct a "Digital China". China's digital economy has gained strong momentum in recent years, with remarkable achievements made in fields such as artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, industrial software and basic software.今年是“数字中国建设”十周年。近年来，中国数字经济发展势头强劲，人工智能、集成电路、工业软件、基础软件等领域取得了令人瞩目的成就。The added value of core industries of the digital economy accounted for about 10 percent of GDP in 2024, while the total data output reached 41.06 zettabytes, marking a robust 25 percent year-on-year increase, according to the "Digital China Development Report 2024" released by the National Data Administration.根据国家数据局发布的《数字中国发展报告（2024年）》，到2024年，数字经济核心产业增加值占GDP比重将达到10%左右，数据总输出量将达到41.06泽字节，同比增长25%。The report said the total scale of China's computing power reached 280 EFLOPS last year. EFLOPS is a unit of the speed of computer systems and is equal to 1 quintillion floating-point operations per second. Furthermore, it said, the country had built more than 4.25 million 5G base stations by the end of December.报告称，去年中国计算能力总规模达到280 EFLOPS。EFLOPS是计算机系统速度的单位，相当于每秒进行100万亿次浮点运算。此外，报告还称，截至12月底，中国已建成超过425万个5G基站。"To accelerate the building of a 'Digital China', it is crucial to seize the unprecedented opportunities brought about by AI," said Liu Liehong, head of the NDA, at the recently concluded 8th Digital China Summit, highlighting the significance of advancing reforms related to the market-oriented allocation of data elements and implementing the AI Plus initiative.“加快建设‘数字中国'，关键是要抓住人工智能带来的前所未有的机遇。”国家数据局局长刘烈宏在刚刚闭幕的第八届数字中国建设峰会上表示，他强调推进数据要素市场化配置改革、实施“人工智能+”战略具有重要意义。Noting that data serves as a new type of production factor, Liu said that more efforts are needed to increase the supply of high-quality data, accelerate the integration of data elements with AI, technological innovation and industrial development and application, and press ahead with the construction of national computing power infrastructure.刘烈宏指出，数据是新型生产要素，需要加大优质数据供给力度，加快数据要素与人工智能的融合发展、技术创新和产业发展应用，推进国家算力基础设施建设。He noted that new computing power in major computing hubs will account for more than 60 percent of the country's total by the end of this year, and called for cultivating a national integrated data market, establishing standards and systems for data circulation and transaction, and strengthening international cooperation in the digital economy domain.他指出，到今年年底，主要计算枢纽新增算力将占全国新增算力的60%以上。他呼吁培育全国一体化数据市场，建立数据流通交易标准体系，加强数字经济领域的国际合作。Luo Zhongwei, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Industrial Economics, said, "Innovative digital technologies represented by AI, 5G, cloud computing and big data are currently finding a wide range of applications across various industries such as manufacturing, finance and healthcare, and speeding up their integration with the real economy."中国社会科学院工业经济研究所研究员罗仲伟表示：“以人工智能、5G、云计算、大数据等为代表的创新数字技术，正在制造业、金融业、医疗健康等各行各业得到广泛应用，并与实体经济加速融合。”Luo said that facilitating the development of the digital economy is of vital significance for nurturing new quality productive forces, propelling the intelligent transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and consolidating economic recovery momentum, in order to drive a shift from old growth drivers to new ones amid a volatile external environment and tariff pressures from the United States.罗仲伟表示，在外部环境动荡、美国关税压力加大等背景下，推动数字经济发展对于培育新的优质生产力、推动传统产业智能化转型升级、巩固经济复苏势头、促进新旧动能转换具有重要意义。To gain an upper hand amid increasingly fierce international competition, Luo stressed the need to double down on indigenous innovation to make breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields like raw materials, precision components and high-end equipment, and expand the industrial application scenarios of advanced technologies.为了在日益激烈的国际竞争中占据先机，罗仲伟强调，必须加大自主创新力度，突破原材料、精密零部件、高端装备等关键领域的核心技术，拓展先进技术的产业应用场景。In February 2023, China unveiled a plan for the overall layout of its digital development, vowing to make important progress in the construction of a "Digital China" by 2025, with effective interconnectivity in digital infrastructure, a significantly improved digital economy and major breakthroughs in digital technological innovation. By 2035, the nation is expected to be at the global forefront of digital development.2023年2月，中国公布了《数字中国建设整体布局规划》，提出到2025年，“数字中国”建设要取得重要进展，数字基础设施有效互联互通，数字经济水平显著提升，数字技术创新取得重大突破。到2035年，中国数字发展水平要位居世界前列。"As a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is evolving, promoting the in-depth integration of digital technologies with the real economy is a necessary requirement for establishing a modern industrial system and a strategic choice of forging new competitive advantages on the global stage," said Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy.工信部信息通信经济专家委员会委员盘和林表示：“新一轮科技革命和产业变革正在兴起，推动数字技术与实体经济深度融合，是构建现代产业体系的必然要求，也是打造国际竞争新优势的战略选择。”The move to develop the digital economy is conducive to enhancing the resilience of industrial and supply chains, advancing new industrialization and realizing Chinese modernization, Pan said.他指出，发展数字经济有利于增强产业链供应链韧性，推进新型工业化，实现中国式现代化。He added that a bigger push is needed to reinforce the dominant position of enterprises in boosting sci-tech advancements, increase financial support for innovation-oriented tech companies, and strengthen the training of high-caliber talent.他补充说，需要加大力度巩固企业在科技进步中的主体地位，加大对创新型科技企业的资金支持，加强高层次人才培养。Wu Jianping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said the emergence of state-of-the-art digital technologies has laid a solid foundation for unleashing the value of massive data elements, which underscores the significance of safeguarding data security, a prerequisite to ensuring the orderly development of the data industry.中国工程院院士吴建平表示，先进数字技术的出现为释放海量数据要素的价值奠定了坚实基础，保障数据安全对于数据产业有序发展至关重要。AI seen as key人工智能被视为关键AI, which has entered a stage of explosive growth, is spearheading the development of the digital economy and is being integrated into every facet of industrial revolution and people's lives.人工智能已进入爆发式增长阶段，引领数字经济发展，并融入到产业变革和人们生活的方方面面。Robin Li, co-founder and CEO of Chinese tech giant Baidu Inc, said that the application of AI technology is reshaping the industrial landscape and will be a transformative force that revolutionizes development over the next 40 years.中国科技巨头百度公司联合创始人兼首席执行官李彦宏表示，人工智能技术的应用正在重塑产业格局，将成为未来40年发展变革的变革力量。Li said the goal of the intelligent transformation of industries and society through AI is to fulfill people's needs—making technology meaningful only if it serves humanity by creating more value and contributing to society.李彦宏表示，人工智能推动行业和社会智能化转型的目标是满足人的需求——只有服务于人类，创造更多价值，贡献社会，技术才有意义。Zhou Hongyi, founder of Chinese internet enterprise 360 Security Group, said: "Looking ahead, the growth potential of China's economy will come from industrial upgrading driven by technological innovation, while AI represented by large language models will give birth to new production and business models in traditional fields such as manufacturing, agriculture and services, creating more social value."中国互联网企业360安全集团创始人周鸿祎表示：“展望未来，中国经济的增长潜力将来自技术创新驱动的产业升级，而以大型语言模型为代表的人工智能将催生制造业、农业、服务业等传统领域的新型生产和商业模式，创造更多社会价值。”Zhou said 360 Security Group will focus on digital security and AI, adding that it is important to promote the digital transformation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as they face mounting pressure from a shortage of capital, talent and technology.周鸿祎表示，360安全集团将专注于数字安全和人工智能领域，并指出，推动中小微企业数字化转型至关重要，因为它们面临着日益增长的资金、人才和技术短缺压力。Denis Depoux, global managing director of market consultancy Roland Berger, said, "China has made rapid progress in the development of AI technology, becoming one of the global leaders, and the pace will further accelerate. AI will unlock massive opportunities for our business."市场咨询公司罗兰贝格全球管委会联席总裁丹尼斯·德普表示：“中国在人工智能技术发展方面取得了快速进步，已成为全球领先者之一，而且这一步伐还将进一步加快。人工智能将为我们的业务带来巨大的机遇。”Foreign companies can play a bigger role in supporting China's transformation in fields such as decarbonization and the digitalization of industrial and supply chains, he added.他补充说，外国公司可以在支持中国在低碳化、产业链和供应链数字化等领域转型方面发挥更大作用。digitization/ˌdɪdʒɪtaɪˈzeɪʃn/n.数字化resilience/rɪˈzɪliəns/n.韧性；恢复力interconnectivity/ˌɪntərkəˌnekˈtɪvəti/n.相互连接的状态或能力recalibration/ˌriːˌkælɪˈbreɪʃn/n.再校准；重新调整

WE APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! If you wouldn't mind please go leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!!Welcome back to Episode 357 of On the Spot Sports and in today's episode we have a very special guest, Reading Royals goaltender, Vinnie Purpura! Vinnie and I talk about growing up in Lemont, Illinois playing youth hockey. We also talk about the season in Reading in the ECHL, his first pro season with Adirondack and the lessons learned along the way, adjusting to the ECHL, developing through College hockey at LIU and Boston University, watching the LIU program grow in his 3 years there, junior hockey in the NAHL and the USHL, developing a strong mindset and work ethic and so much more! We hope you guys enjoy this episode!!Thank you Vinnie for coming on the show! I had a blast!!Follow us on Instagram @on_the_spot_sports and take a listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple/Google Podcasts @ On The Spot SportsGet $25 off our guy Jamie Phillips Nutrition book for Hockey Players with the discount code "ONTHESPOT" on victoremnutrition.comLiving Sisu link: ⁠⁠https://livingsisu.com/app/devenirmem.... BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

In this Heartline Echo Episode, Dr. Shan Liu, a physician and children's book author shares her journey of writing ⁠The Masked Hero⁠. Inspired by her great-grandfather's invention of a face mask to combat the Manchurian plague, Dr. Liu illustrates how heroes come from diverse backgrounds. Join us in this week's episode to learn of how Dr. Liu went from feeling defeated during the worst moments of the pandemic, including when hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans peaked, to discovering her voice and a way to connect with her daughter by writing ⁠The Masked Hero⁠. "I wanted to, as a mom, somehow impact my kids in a way that would make them proud of their ancestry and who they are." - Dr. Shan Liu Dr. Shan Liu, an emergency medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, is our special guest on today's episode. With a passion for storytelling and a desire to promote diversity and inclusivity, Dr. Liu recently made her publishing debut with the children's book, The Masked Hero. Inspired by her great-grandfather's work in public health and medicine in China, Dr. Liu aims to help children understand that heroes come from all backgrounds.

17 year NBA veteran and current LIU head coach Rod Strickland joins Bobbito Garcia and Eric Newman as Rod shares many of his basketball influences, NYC hoops origins, and finding his way from NYC to Oak Hill Academy and then Depaul University in Chicago. He also shares memories of being part of the 1989 Bomb Squad Knicks coach by Rick Pitino, his biggest NBA career regret and much more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I always say that this Thursday to Sunday run of the conference tournaments and the Selection Show is the best four-day stretch of every lacrosse season. Teams have spent the last year working toward this, only the best teams are playing, every game is meaningful and the familiarity of playing conference rivals a second time begs for potential drama. May Madness is finally here. Let's revel in it. As always, D-Fly & Dixie are here to get you pumped up for all the games, and we'll preview the semifinal round in every single conference. We'll also talk about a few preseason Top 20 teams that didn't come close to matching the high expectations, and what comes next for those programs. In addition, we'll talk about the NCAA's all-time goal scorer, CJ Kirst, hotel front desks, the Ann Arbor lunch scene, predetermined sites hosting without the home team and much, much more. This year, Inside Lacrosse is proud to partner with the NCAA to offer you, our loyal listeners, $5 off all single-day ticket options (men and women) by using the code ILPOD at checkout. So head to NCAA.com/LaxTickets and enter ILPOD at checkout to purchase your tickets. You know you're going to go to Championship Weekend, so why not get $5 off and help us show the NCAA how awesome our listeners are by purchasing your tickets today. PREVIEWS We're down to the conference semifinals. Some of the larger leagues played their quarterfinals last weekend or earlier this week. Now it's down to each league's four best squads.  As we normally do, we'll go chronologically* through the schedule, conference by conference. (*Note: The Big Ten has moved up its start times on Thursday to noon and 2:30 p.m. due to potential inclement weather in the evening.) THURSDAY, May 1 Conference Tournament Games Atlantic 10 Semifinals at Saint Joseph's, Philadelphia, Penn. No. 1 Richmond (11-3, 5-0 A-10) vs. No. 4 UMass (9-5, 2-3), 11 a.m., ESPN+ No. 2 High Point (6-8, 3-2) vs. No. 3 Saint Joseph's (9-5, 2-3) 2 p.m., ESPN+? Northeast Conference Semifinals at LeMoyne, Syracuse, N.Y. No. 2 Robert Morris (9-5, 6-1 NEC) vs. No. 3 LIU (9-4, 4-3), noon, NEC Front Row & ESPN+ No. 1 LeMoyne (9-5, 6-1 NEC) vs. No. 4 Detroit Mercy (5-6, 4-3), 4 p.m., NEC Front Row & ESPN+ Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Semifinals at Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Conn. No. 1 Sacred Heart (11-2, 7-1) vs. No. 6 Quinnipiac (3-11, 2-6 MAAC), 3 p.m., ESPN+ No. 2 Siena (9-4, 7-1) vs. No. 4 Marist (8-7, 5-3), 7 p.m., ESPN+ America East Semifinals at Bryant, Smithfield, R.I. No. 1 Bryant (9-4, 5-1 AE) vs. No. 4 Binghamton (5-8, 3-3), 4 p.m., ESPN+ No. 2 UMBC (7-4, 5-1) vs. No. 3 UAlbany (7-8, 4-2), 7 p.m., ESPN+ Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Semifinals at Towson University, Towson, Md. No. 1 Towson (0-5, 7-0 CAA) vs. No. 4 Hofstra (8-6, 4-3), 4 p.m., Lacrosse TV No. 2 Fairfield (12-2, 5-2) vs. No. 3 Drexel (7-7, 4-3), 7 p.m., Lacrosse TV Big Ten Semifinals at Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. No. 1 Ohio State (12-2, 4-1 B1G) vs. No. 5 Rutgers (7-8, 2-3), noon, BTN No. 2 Maryland (10-2, 3-2) vs. No. 3 Penn State (10-3, 3-2), 2:30 p.m., BTN Big East Semifinals at Denver University, Denver, Colo. No. 1 Georgetown (9-4, 4-1 BE) vs. No. 4 Marquette (7-6, 2-3), 6 p.m., CBS Sports Network No. 2 Villanova (7-6, 4-1) vs. No. 3 Providence (7-7, 3-2), 9 p.m., CBS Sports Network FRIDAY, May 2 Conference Tournament Games Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Semifinals at Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Fla. No. 1 Utah (5-8, 4-1 ASUN) vs. No. 4 Bellarmine (8-8, 2-3), 1 p.m., ESPN+ No. 2 Jacksonville (9-4, 4-1) vs. No. 3 Air Force (6-7, 4-1), 4 p.m., ESPN+ Patriot League Semifinals at United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. No. 1 Army West Point (12-1, 7-1 PL) vs. No. 5 Colgate (8-7, 4-4), 4 p.m., CBS Sports Network No. 2 Boston University (10-4, 6-2) vs. No. 3 Lafayette (9-5, 5-3), 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Semifinals at American Legion Mem. Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. No. 1 Notre Dame (8-3, 3-1 ACC) vs. No. 4 Syracuse (9-5, 2-2), 5 p.m., ACC Network No. 2 North Carolina (10-3, 3-1) vs. No. 3 Duke (11-4, 2-2), 8 p.m., ACC Network Ivy League Semifinals at Cornell, Ithaca, N.Y. No. 1 Cornell (12-1, 6-0 Ivy) vs. No. 4 Yale (5-7, 3-3), 4 p.m., ESPNU No. 2 Princeton (11-2, 5-1) vs. No. 3 Harvard (10-3, 4-2), 6:30 p.m., ESPNU Give and Go In this week's hole-in-one-inspired Give & Go, the guys discuss rare feats and significant single accomplishments across sports. A reminder that the D-Fly and Dixie Podcast is brought to you by Simplicity Group. Simplicity Group is a leading financial products distribution firm that specializes in providing best-in-class insurance, investment and business development solutions. To learn more visit: SimplicityGroup.com. Tell a friend about this podcast and share the love. It's free. We always love to hear from you, so feel free to email us at DFlyandDixie@gmail.com, or find us on twitter and Instagram at @DFlyandDixie. Thanks for listening, and as always, Enjoy The Games!

Welcome to Quick Hits: Blasts from The Past. Join Karen as she explores her podcast archives, offering you short, impactful excerpts from standout episodes. In just 15 minutes, you'll experience the essence of past conversations, packed with valuable insights and memorable moments from our guests. If you want to dive deeper, you'll find links to the full episodes in the show notes below. Listen to the full episode. Dr. Grace Liu PharmD is an IFM-trained functional medicine practitioner and founder of The Gut Institute. She is a clinical pharmacist with a doctorate in practice for 20+ years and specializes in complex disease management. Dr. Liu consults and helps clients gain optimal performance through rebuilding the microbiome after damage from modern living. You can find her at thegutinstitute.com.  In this episode: How gut health affects hormone balance and weight loss. Why the SARS-CoV-2 virus and certain vaccines could be influencing gut health. How gut bacteria can influence testosterone levels. Why addressing the root cause of inflammation can positively impact both men and women. Harmful effects of low fiber diets on gut health. The pivotal role of peptides in achieving health goals. Why addressing the mental component of weight loss is crucial. How emotional trauma can contribute to self-sabotage and weight gain. The concept of microdosing and how GLP-1 agonists can bolster gut health and weight loss. The connection between gut health and hormone health. How parasites and Candida can contribute to premature aging. The role of good flora in the gut. The importance of dietary fiber and prebiotics in supporting gut health. How synthetic peptides can potentially help in healing and reaching health goals. Effects tat emotional trauma can have on weight gain. The power of biohacking tools, such as peptides, to help people lose weight.   Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Send us a textThis EP features Pascual Guerrero. Pascual started with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. Guerrero began as the team's assistant athletic trainer and Physical Therapist for four seasons before being promoted to Athlete Rehabilitation Coordinator and athletic trainer. He previously served as an assistant athletic trainer/Physical Therapist with Major League Soccer's New York City Football Club (NYCFC). Guerrero began his athletic training career as a graduate student at the Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University, pursuing his master's degree in athletic training and sports science. He became involved in the Athletic Training Student Club and eventually became President during his graduate year. During his tenure at LIU, he also completed a variety of internships with different professional sports organizations. This included two summer athletic training internships with the NFL's Detroit Lions and seasonal athletic training internships with the New York Knicks from 2007-2010. He also became a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) in 2009 and a corrective exercise specialist (CES) in 2010. After finishing his seasonal internship with the Knicks in 2010, he pursued an assistant athletic training position with St. John's University of the Big East Conference, working with men's soccer and lacrosse. Guerrero continued his educational development in 2011 when he decided to pursue his doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) at Stony Brook University.  Pascual is fluent in Spanish. He enjoys reading, cycling, swimming, watching a good movie, traveling, and hiking in his free time. Most of all, Pascual is a husband and father of two sons. This is a great conversation about life in the NBA and holistic athlete care. Enjoy!If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us on social channels IG @Kingopain, TW @BuiltbyScott, LI+FB Scott Livingston. You can find all things LYM at www.LYMLab.com, download your free Life Lab Starter Kit today and get busy living https://lymlab.com/free-lym-lab-starter/Please take the time to visit and connect with our sponsors, they are an essential part of our success:www.ReconditioningHQ.comwww.FreePainGuide.com

Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com Free Class II Masterclass - Click Here to Join Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Dr. Stanley Liu (“Leo”) received his undergraduate education from Stanford University. He completed DDS and MD degrees, with General Surgery internship and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency, from the University of California – San Francisco (UCSF). After Sleep Surgery Fellowship at Stanford Medical School in 2014, he was appointed faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology until 2023. He rose to the rank of Associate Professor, and Director of the Sleep Surgery Fellowship. Concurrently, he was a Preceptor of the Oculoplastic Surgery Fellowship and held a courtesy appointment to the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.  In February 2024, he joined Nova Southeastern University as the Chair of the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and Assistant Dean of Hospital Affairs. Dr. Liu is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and the American College of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. He has been a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Scholar, and Stanford Biodesign Faculty Fellow. He serves on the board or executive positions of the California Sleep Society (CSS), American Academy of Physiologic Medicine & Dentistry (AAPMD), and the World Dentofacial Sleep Society (WDSS). He is a consultant member in the sleep section of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Dr. Liu's clinical and research focus are on surgical approaches to obstructive sleep apnea. With his surgical mentor and sleep surgery pioneer, Dr. Robert Riley, the Stanford Sleep Surgery approach was updated to integrate drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), nasal surgery including maxillary expansion (DOME), pharyngeal surgery (UPPP), hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS), and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA).  His bibliography lists over 90 journal articles and 20 book chapters. He has been a Grand Rounds speaker at academic programs including UCSF, Northwestern, OHSU, LSU, and Stanford. He has been a Keynote Speaker for preeminent sleep and surgery meetings, including the 33rd SLEEP in 2019, and World Sleep in 2023.

The guys are back to give their thoughts on the NCAA Frozen Four, and Western Michigan's first-ever national championship. What was it about the Broncos that went overlooked by Schloss, who was admittedly (and now notoriously) low on them in the preseason? They also discuss the immediate Frozen Four fallout, including early NHL signings from each of the four teams as well as the speculation on the futures of Pat Ferschweiler and David Carle. Then they catch up on college hockey headlines from around the country, including head coaching news at LIU, Mercyhurst, RIT, and RPI, plus an innovative hire at North Dakota. Follow Brad Schlossman on X (@SchlossmanGF) and Bluesky (@schlossmangf.bsky.social) Follow the Grand Forks Herald on X (@GFHerald) Follow College Hockey Inc. on X (@collegehockey), Bluesky (@collegehockey), Threads (@collegehockeyinc) and Instagram (@collegehockeyinc) Email the show at info@collegehockeyinc.com!