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Last time we spoke about the North Borneo Offensive. General Buckner's 10th Army captured strategic locations, including Shuri Castle, marking a turning point. Simultaneously, General Eichelberger's forces liberated Mindanao, overcoming tough Japanese defenses in the mountainous terrain. As they approached Malaybalay, fierce resistance resulted in heavy casualties, but the Americans persisted, inflicting significant losses on their foes. By June 9, the Americans pressed further into the enemy's defensive lines, leading to intense combat. The Marines landed on the Oroku Peninsula, where fierce fighting revealed the tenacity of the Japanese defenders. General Ushijima prepared for a final stand, as American forces began to encircle and dismantle Japanese positions. As the campaign unfolded, Australians under Brigadier Whitehead launched the North Borneo Offensive, landing on Tarakan and swiftly pushing the Japanese into the rugged interior.  This episode is Victory at Okinawa Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, 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 world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two 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 you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  Okinawa was more than just a battlefield; it became a symbol of sacrifice, the last heroic stand of a fading empire. By this point in the war, Japan was facing inevitable defeat, yet their resolve remained unbroken. They clung to the samurai spirit, determined to fight to the bitter end out of honor and duty. The stakes were high. Japan needed precious time to fortify its home islands, to stretch the conflict as long as possible. To achieve this, over 100,000 brave souls were sent into the fray, sacrificing their lives to slow the American advance and inflict as many casualties as they could. As we've explored in previous episodes, this fierce determination fueled their resistance. And now, we stand at a pivotal moment, the final days of the Battle of Okinawa, the last major confrontation of the Pacific War. As we last left the battlefield, it was June 16, General Buckner's 10th Army had made significant strides, capturing most of southern Okinawa and finally breaking through the last major enemy defenses at the Yaeju Dake-Yuza Dake Escarpment. The remnants of General Ushijima's 32nd Army were now locked in a desperate fight to hold onto the Kiyamu Peninsula, slowly being pushed back toward the sea and their ultimate demise. The following day, June 17, the assault continued with renewed determination. General Geiger's 3rd Amphibious Corps pressed on through Kunishi Ridge, while General Hodge's 24th Corps worked to consolidate its hard-won gains in the escarpment. On the west coast, General Shepherd's 6th Marine Division took action as Colonel Roberts' 22nd Marines stepped in to relieve the weary 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines at the northern slope of Mezado Ridge. With a fierce spirit, they began to push southward, successfully securing most of the ridge. To the east, General Del Valle's 1st Marine Division forged ahead. Colonel Snedeker's fresh 3rd Battalion took over from the exhausted 1st Battalion and advanced 1,400 yards to seize the high ground just east of Mezado. Meanwhile, the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines fought hard to capture the remaining positions of Kunishi Ridge, achieving only a gradual extension to the east. Colonel Griebel's 3rd Battalion moved in behind them to reinforce the isolated Marines, bravely fending off a fierce counterattack under the cover of night. Further east, Colonel Dill's 382nd Regiment systematically eliminated the last enemy positions in the Yuza-Ozato-Yuza Dake area, while Colonel Halloran's 381st Regiment held firm and maintained their lines. In a key maneuver, Colonel Pachler's 17th Regiment launched a successful assault, capturing Hill 153 before Colonel Green's 184th Regiment took over during the night. Lastly, Colonel Finn's 32nd Regiment secured the reverse slopes of Hill 115, preparing to launch an attack on Mabuni and Hill 89. By nightfall, Hodge's 24th Corps had firmly secured all the commanding heights of the Yaeju Dake-Yuza Dake Escarpment. Most of Mezado Ridge and Kunishi Ridge were now in American hands, and Colonel Wallace's 8th Marines had landed in the rear to bolster the western push. For the first time, American forces across the line looked down upon nearly eight square miles of enemy-held territory, a staggering view of what lay ahead. Realizing they were forced from their last defensive positions and that their destruction was imminent, the 32nd Army began to unravel, collapsing into chaos. On June 18, Hodge's troops seized the opportunity to strike decisively. The 32nd Regiment advanced down the coast toward Mabuni, facing increasing resistance. The 184th Regiment moved down the reverse slopes of Hill 153, closing in on Medeera, while the 381st Regiment speedily crossed the plateau, tackling scattered enemy fire to seize the high ground just 400 yards north of Medeera. Simultaneously, Dill's 3rd Battalion crashed through a rugged maze of caves and pillboxes, making a daring 600-yard advance to the base of the rocky ridge north of Aragachi. To the west, Griebel's 1st Battalion circled the eastern end of Kunishi Ridge, battling heavy resistance to gain the lower slopes of Hill 79. Further west, Roberts' 2nd Battalion pushed through the 3rd and aimed for Kuwanga Ridge, successfully seizing an 1,800-yard stretch by late afternoon. As they advanced, the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines moved forward to occupy the eastern end of the ridge. Meanwhile, the remainder of the 22nd Marines began to mop up the remnants of resistance on Mezado Ridge. Tragedy struck when Colonel Roberts was tragically killed by a sniper near his observation post during this operation. Lieutenant-Colonel August Larson would succeed him in command. Sadly, Roberts would not be the only American commander to fall that day. In the heart of the Marine line, the 8th Marines were finally called into action in the morning to relieve the weary 7th Marines. After a rigorous artillery bombardment to soften up the enemy defenses, Wallace's 2nd Battalion began its advance south toward the Kuwanga-Makabe Road, successfully capturing the high ground just north of the road by late afternoon. Meanwhile, General Buckner decided to visit Wallace's command post on Mezado Ridge around midday. He observed the 8th Marines' steady progress in the valley, taking stock of their relentless push forward. Tragically, as he was leaving the observation post, disaster struck. Five artillery shells rained down, one striking a coral outcrop near him. The jagged shards of coral filled the air, and Buckner was mortally wounded in the chest. He died within minutes, just days shy of achieving his goal: the complete capture of Okinawa. With Buckner's passing, General Geiger, as the senior troop commander, took over temporary command of the 10th Army for the remainder of the battle. Buckner became the highest-ranking American military officer killed in World War II and would hold that somber distinction throughout the entire 20th century. On June 18, the final written order from General Ushijima of the 32nd Army outlined a daring escape plan. He designated an officer to lead the "Blood and Iron Youth Organization," tasked with conducting guerrilla warfare once organized combat had ceased. Simultaneously, he ordered his remaining troops to make their way to the northern mountains of Okinawa, where a small band of guerrillas was rumored to be operating.  In his message he congratulated them on fulfilling their "assigned mission in a manner which leaves nothing to regret." He urged them to "fight to the last and die for the eternal cause of loyalty to the Emperor." This movement was not to happen in haste. Soldiers were instructed to travel in small groups of two to five over the course of several days. They were urged to don civilian clothes and avoid confrontation whenever possible. In a clever stratagem, most of the army staff officers were directed to leave the command post disguised as native Okinawans, aiming to infiltrate American lines and find safety in northern Okinawa. Some individuals, like Colonel Yahara, were entrusted with the mission of reaching Japan to report to the Imperial General Headquarters. Others were tasked with organizing guerrilla operations, focusing on harassing the rear areas of the 10th Army and Island Command, determined to continue the fight against the American forces in any way they could. Again I have read Yahara's book on the battle of Okinawa and despite being full of apologetic stuff and attempts to make himself look better, its one of the most insightful books on the Japanese perspective. You get a lot of information on how bad it was for the Okinawan civilians in caves, harrowing stuff. I highly recommend it. The American attack pressed on into June 19, though it faced delays due to the influx of civilian and military prisoners. Not all of the 32nd Army survivors were imbued with a will "to die for the eternal cause of loyalty to the Emperor." Loudspeakers mounted on tanks in the 7th Division's front lines and on LCI's that cruised up and down the coast line were successful in convincing over 3,000 civilians to surrender. Far more significant, however, were the 106 Japanese soldiers and 238 Boeitai who voluntarily gave up during the division's advance on 19 June. The relentless attack of American troops, coupled with intensive efforts by psychological warfare teams, brought in increasing numbers of battle-weary Japanese and Okinawans who had decided that the war was lost and their cause was hopeless. It is not inconceivable that every enemy soldier who surrendered meant one less American casualty as the wind-up drive of Tenth Army continued. Despite these challenges, the 32nd Regiment advanced to within just 200 yards of the outskirts of Mabuni. Meanwhile, the 184th and 381st Regiments coordinated their efforts, closing in on Medeera from the south and east. The 382nd Regiment pressed forward, overcoming fierce resistance as they reached the ridges overlooking Aragachi. Tragically, General Easley became the third major high-ranking casualty in just two days. The 5th Marines launched multiple assaults on Hills 79 and 81, but their efforts were met with fierce opposition and ended in failure. Wallace's 3rd Battalion, facing only light resistance, captured Ibaru Ridge, the last high ground before the sea, before pushing onward to the coastal cliffs. On the eastern front, Griebel's 3rd Battalion successfully seized Makabe and then joined forces with the 8th Marines to secure the coastal zone. Colonel Shapley's 4th Marines advanced alongside the 8th Marines throughout most of the day but were unable to reach the coast, halted by a formidable enemy position along the Kiyamu-Gusuku hill mass. Further south, Colonel Whaling's 29th Marines passed through the 22nd Marines and moved rapidly, also facing light resistance, reaching the base of the Kiyamu-Gusuku hill mass to link up with the 4th Marines before nightfall. As darkness enveloped the battlefield, Shepherd launched an attack on the hill mass. The 4th Marines successfully seized Hill 80, but they could only establish strong positions on the left flank of Hill 72. The 29th Marines encountered minimal opposition as they swept forward toward the southern coast. Meanwhile, the 5th Marines continued their relentless assaults on Hills 79 and 81, managing to capture most of Hill 79 before losing the crest at the last moment. Their tank-infantry assaults against Hill 81, however, once again ended in defeat. Looking east toward Hodge's front on June 21, the 382nd Regiment cleared out the last remnants in Aragachi, while the 381st Regiment seized the northern outskirts of Medeera. In the dark hours of June 20, the last courier contact was made between the Medeera pocket and the Hill 89 pocket. General Amamiya, commander of the 24th Division, issued a desperate order directing all his units "to fight to the last man in their present positions." At the time he gave this ultimatum, he had very few infantrymen left to defend the Medeera position. The relentless advance of the Marines had nearly annihilated the 22nd and 32nd Regiments, while the 96th Division had decimated the 89th Regiment at Yuza Dake and Aragachi. With their ranks severely depleted, the remaining defenders were a ragtag collection of artillerymen, drivers, corpsmen, engineers, Boeitai, and headquarters personnel drawn from nearly every unit of the L-Day island garrison. Those who managed to avoid surrender or sought to evade capture fought with the fierce determination of fanatics, resolutely defending their positions against overwhelming odds. Meanwhile, Colonel Coolidge's 305th Regiment, engaged in a vigorous mopping-up operation behind the lines of the 96th Division, prepared for an assault on Makabe Ridge. The 184th Regiment managed to secure the hills overlooking Udo, and despite facing fierce resistance from hidden enemy forces in coral outcroppings and caves along the coastal cliffs, the 32nd Regiment fought its way to the eastern slope of Hill 89. Throughout June 21, a series of small local attacks and mopping-up actions occupied most units of the 24th Corps, often interrupted to allow large numbers of civilians and soldiers to surrender. In spite of the bitter and costly resistance, the 32nd Regiment successfully secured Mabuni and advanced up to the tableland atop Hill 89. Coolidge's 1st Battalion launched an assault on the hill south of Medeera behind a heavy mortar barrage, successfully capturing its crest. The 5th Marines completed the capture of Hill 79 and undertook a heavy, costly assault that ultimately led to the capture of Hill 81. The 7th and 8th Marines began the crucial task of flushing out remaining Japanese holdouts, while also dealing with the increasing wave of soldiers and civilians choosing to surrender. The 4th Marines executed a successful double envelopment of Hill 72 that secured the strategic Kiyamu-Gusuku ridge, and the 29th Marines met only very light resistance during their sweep of Ara Saki, the southernmost point of the island. This swift progress and the obvious collapse of major enemy opposition prompted General Geiger to declare that the island of Okinawa was secure and that organized enemy resistance had come to an end. That night, in a tragic turn of events, Generals Ushijima and Cho committed Seppuku in the cave housing their command post.  On the night of June 21, Lieutenant General Ushijima Mitsuru and Lieutenant General Cho Isamu, the commander and chief of staff of the 32nd Army, fulfilled their final obligation to the Emperor in a deeply traditional manner. In accordance with the warrior code of their homeland, they atoned for their inability to halt the American advance by committing Seppuku. On the evening of their planned departure, Ushijima hosted a banquet in the cave that served as their command post, featuring a large meal prepared by his cook, Tetsuo Nakamutam. The banquet was generously complemented with sake and the remaining stock of captured Black & White Scotch whisky provided by Cho. At 03:00 on June 22, both generals, adorned in their full field uniforms decorated with medals, led a small party of aides and staff officers out onto a narrow ledge at the cave entrance, which overlooked the ocean. American soldiers of the 32nd Regiment were stationed less than 100 feet away, completely unaware of the solemn preparations taking place for the suicide ceremony. First, Ushijima bared his abdomen to the ceremonial knife and thrust inward, followed by Cho, who then fell to the ground. As Ushijima made his final act, a simultaneous slash from the headquarters adjutant's saber struck his bowed neck. The two generals were secretly buried immediately after their deaths, their bodies going undiscovered until June 25, when patrols from the 32nd Regiment found them at the foot of the seaward cliff-face of Hill 89. General Cho had penned his own simple epitaph, stating, “22nd day, 6th month, 20th year of the Showa Era. I depart without regret, fear, shame, or obligations. Army Chief of Staff; Army Lieutenant General Cho, Isamu, age of departure 51 years. At this time and place, I hereby certify the foregoing.” Their deaths were witnessed by Colonel Yahara, who was the most senior officer captured by American forces. Yahara had requested Ushijima's permission to commit suicide as well, but the general had refused, saying, "If you die, there will be no one left who knows the truth about the battle of Okinawa. Bear the temporary shame but endure it. This is an order from your army commander." While many die-hard groups continued to fight until annihilation, an unprecedented number of Japanese soldiers, both officers and enlisted men, began to surrender. On that fateful day, Operation Ten-Go's final breaths were marked by the launch of the two-day tenth Kiksui mass attack, which saw only 45 kamikaze aircraft take to the skies. While this desperate attempt succeeded in sinking LSM-59 and damaging the destroyer escort Halloran, as well as the seaplane tenders Curtiss and Kenneth Whiting, the next day would bring even less impact, with only two landing ships sustaining damage during the final attack of the campaign. As communications from the 32nd Army fell silent, a deeply regretful Admiral Ugaki was forced to conclude the grim reality of their situation. He felt “greatly responsible for the calamity” but recognized that there was seemingly no alternative course that might have led to success. Throughout the defense of Okinawa, approximately 6,000 sorties were flown, including at least 1,900 kamikaze missions. However, the losses were staggering, with over 4,000 aircraft lost during these attacks. In contrast, Allied forces suffered the loss of 763 planes in the Okinawa campaign, with 305 of those being operational losses. Since the operation commenced, naval losses for Iceberg totaled an alarming 4,992 sailors dead, with 36 ships sunk and 374 damaged, accounting for 17% of all American naval losses in the Pacific War. Meanwhile, extensive and coordinated mop-up operations in southern Okinawa were essential before the area could be deemed secure for the planned construction of supply depots, airfields, training areas, and port facilities. In response, Colonel Mason's 1st Marines and Colonel Hamilton's 307th Regiment established blocking positions in the hills above the Naha-Yonabaru valley to thwart any Japanese attempts to infiltrate north. On June 22, the four assault divisions that had previously shattered the Kiyamu Peninsula defenses received orders to prepare for a sweeping advance to the north. Their mission was clear: destroy any remaining resistance, blow and seal all caves, bury the dead, and salvage any equipment, both friendly and enemy, left on the battlefield. The following day, General Joseph Stilwell arrived to take command of the 10th Army during the mop-up phase of the campaign. Meanwhile, units from the 1st and 6th Marine Divisions were engaged on the Komesu and Kiyamu-Gusuku Ridges, while the 7th Division probed Hill 89 and Mabuni. In the Medeera pocket, Coolidge's 3rd Battalion successfully seized Hill 85 on June 22. The 96th Division intensified its focus in the Medeera-Aragachi area, with elements of the 381st Regiment mopping up the last holdouts in the ruins of Medeera by June 23. Two days later, after a thorough search of the area south of the Yaeju Dake-Yuza Dake Escarpment, the 10th Army finally initiated its drive northward, with both corps taking responsibility for the ground they had captured in the previous month. On the morning of June 26, the reinforced Fleet Marine Force Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion landed unopposed on Kumejima, marking it as the last and largest of the Okinawa Islands selected for radar and fighter director sites. By the end of June, the mop-up operations in southern Okinawa had resulted in an estimated 8,975 Japanese killed and 3,808 prisoners of war added to the 10th Army's total. Overall, the Americans counted a staggering total of 10,755 prisoners of war and 107,539 Japanese dead, along with an estimated 23,764 believed to be sealed in caves or buried by their comrades. This cumulative casualty figure of 142,058 was "far above a reasonable estimate of military strength on the island," prompting 10th Army intelligence officers to conclude that at least 42,000 civilians had tragically fallen victim to artillery, naval, and air attacks due to their unfortunate proximity to Japanese combat forces and installations. American losses were also substantial, with 7,374 men recorded dead, 31,807 wounded, and 239 missing, in addition to 26,221 non-battle casualties. But now, it's time to leave Okinawa and return to Borneo to continue covering the North Borneo Offensive. As we last observed, by mid-June, General Wootten's 9th Australian Division had successfully executed two major amphibious landings on Brunei Bay. Brigadier Porter's 24th Brigade occupied most of Labuan Island, with the exception of the Pocket, while Brigadier Windeyer's 20th Brigade secured the Brunei area. By June 16, Wootten decided that since the enemy was withdrawing and showing no signs of mounting an attack, he would take control of the high ground stretching from Mempakul and Menumbok to Cape Nosong. This strategic move aimed to prevent the enemy from utilizing the track from Kota Klias to Karukan and to secure beaches for supply points during the planned advance northward. Accordingly, Porter ordered the 2/28th Battalion to reduce the Pocket. The recently landed 2/12th Commando Squadron was tasked with mopping up the outlying areas of the island. Meanwhile, the 2/32nd Battalion began preparing for an amphibious movement to Weston on the mainland east of Labuan, with plans to reconnoiter across country and by river towards Beaufort. The 2/43rd Battalion and the 2/11th Commando Squadron were also set to prepare for an amphibious reconnaissance in the Mempakul area. On June 14, the 2/28th Battalion launched its initial attack against the Pocket, following an artillery barrage. However, they were forced to withdraw in the face of intense machine-gun and mortar fire. In response, the 2/12th Field Regiment took over, bombarding the Pocket for the next six days and nights, hurling a staggering total of 140 tons of shells into it. On June 16, the 2/28th Battalion launched another assault, this time supported by tanks from the north, successfully capturing Lyon Ridge, despite sustaining heavy losses. After several more days of relentless artillery, naval, and air bombardment, the 2/28th launched a final assault on June 21, just as the Japanese attempted to send two raiding parties to infiltrate through the Australian lines and attack Labuan town and its airstrip. Although these raiders managed to catch the confused defenders off guard and inflicted several casualties, they were ultimately dealt with swiftly and without causing significant damage. Meanwhile, with the combined support of tanks and artillery, the 2/28th Battalion attacked the reduced garrison at the Pocket, breaking through Lushington Ridge and Eastman Spur to eliminate the remaining Japanese positions and completely clear the area. By the end of the Battle of Labuan, the Australians had achieved a decisive victory, with 389 Japanese soldiers killed and 11 taken prisoner, while suffering 34 Australian fatalities and 93 wounded. In parallel, following a successful reconnaissance on June 16, the 2/32nd Battalion landed unopposed at Weston on June 17. They quickly secured the area and established a patrol base at Lingkungan. Over the next few days, Australian patrols began probing north towards Bukau, occasionally clashing with Japanese parties. A company from the 2/32nd Battalion also established a patrol base at Gadong up the Padas River, finding no Japanese presence in the surrounding regions. From this position, the Australians were able to patrol along the Padas River in small craft, discovering they could reach Beaufort rapidly using this route, catching the enemy off guard. Meanwhile, on June 19, the 2/43rd Battalion and the 2/11th Independent Company landed unopposed at Mempakul, further solidifying the Australian presence in the area. Two days later, while the commandos worked to clear the Klias Peninsula, the 2/43rd Battalion launched an amphibious expedition up the Klias River. This mission successfully navigated through Singkorap and reached Kota Klias, confirming that Japanese forces were not present in significant strength along the river. As a result, the 2/43rd Battalion set out on June 22 to occupy Kota Klias without encountering any resistance. Given this positive momentum, Brigadier Porter ordered the 2/28th Battalion to take over operations from the 2/32nd Battalion in and around Weston. At the same time, the 2/43rd Battalion was tasked with marching through Kandu to attack Beaufort from the north. Additionally, the 2/32nd Battalion was directed to probe north along the Padas River and along the railway, drawing enemy attention away from the main Australian advance. Looking south, while the 2/17th Battalion remained around Brunei and the 2/15th Battalion probed along the river toward Limbang, Windeyer had ordered the 2/13th Battalion to prepare for an amphibious movement to the Miri-Lutong area. Brunei town had been severely battered by Allied bombers and Japanese demolitions. The troops were critical of the air force's practice of bombing conspicuous buildings even when they were unlikely to contain anything of military importance. In Brunei, for example, the bazaar and the cinema were destroyed, but neither was likely to have contained any Japanese men or material and their destruction and the destruction of similar buildings added to the distress of the civilians. The infantryman on the ground saw the effects of bombing at the receiving end. “The impression was gained, says the report of the 20th Brigade, that, in the oil producing and refining centres-Seria, Kuala Belait, Lutong, Miri much of the destruction served no military purpose. The destruction of the native bazaar and shop area in Kuala Belait, Brunei, Tutong and Miri seemed wanton.“ On June 16, the 2/17th finally moved out and occupied Tutong, successfully crossing the river at its mouth. From there, the battalion began its movement along the coast toward Seria. However, despite the strategic importance of the town's oil wells, there was only one encounter with the enemy at the Bira River on June 20 before the town was occupied the following day, only to find the oil wells ablaze.  At Seria, the oil wells were ablaze. From the broken pipes that topped each well, burning oil gushed forth like fire from immense, hissing Bunsen burners. The pressure was so intense that the oil, as clear as petrol, only ignited several inches away from the pipe. Once ignited, it transformed into a tumbling cloud of flame, accompanied by billowing blue-black smoke. At approximately 1,000 feet, the plumes from more than 30 fires merged into a single canopy of smoke. This horrifying spectacle of waste persisted day and night. The men around Seria fell asleep to the hissing and rumbling of an entire oilfield engulfed in flames and awoke to the same din. The Japanese had set fire to 37 wells, destroyed buildings and bridges, and attempted to incapacitate vehicles, pumps, and other equipment by removing essential components and either discarding them in rivers or burying them. Consequently, the Australian engineers faced the daunting task of extinguishing the fires with only their own equipment, along with abandoned gear they could repair or make functional. They relied on assistance from local natives who had observed the Japanese hiding parts and employed methods of improvisation and selective cannibalization to tackle the crisis. Meanwhile, by June 19, raiding elements of the 2/15th Battalion had successfully secured Limbang. From this location, they began sending patrols up the Limbang River toward Ukong, along the Pandaruan River to Anggun, and east toward Trusan. The following day, after a naval bombardment by three American destroyers, the 2/13th Battalion landed unopposed at Lutong and quickly secured the area. On June 21, the Australians crossed the river and advanced into Miri without facing any resistance, successfully occupying the town and its oilfield by June 23. Turning their attention back north, on June 24, the 2/43rd Battalion began its advance toward Beaufort, swiftly moving through Kandu and reaching a position just north of the Padas River the next day. In response to their progress, Brigadier Porter ordered the 2/32nd Battalion to seize the railway terminus and the spur leading down to the river just south of Beaufort, while the 2/43rd focused on capturing the high ground dominating Beaufort from the north and east. This coordinated attack was launched on June 26. By the end of the day, the leading company of the 2/32nd had reached the Padas River, approximately 2,000 yards west of the railway terminus, while the leading company of the 2/43rd secured the railway north of the Padas, similarly positioned about 2,000 yards from Beaufort. On June 27, the 2/43rd continued their offensive, rapidly capturing the high ground overlooking Beaufort. During the afternoon, one company ascended Mount Lawley and pursued the retreating Japanese, cutting off their escape route at a track junction, while another company moved into the town, taking possession early that night. In the following hours and throughout June 28, the Australians faced a series of heavy counterattacks as they worked to consolidate their positions. Meanwhile, the 2/32nd Battalion successfully captured the railway terminus, encountering only slight opposition, with one company executing a wide flanking maneuver to the Padas just upstream from Beaufort. Under heavy bombardment from artillery and mortars, the bulk of the 368th Independent Battalion began to retreat along the Australian-held track in the early hours of June 29. While many were killed during this withdrawal, most managed to escape. At intervals groups of two or three walked into the company area in the darkness and were killed. Fire was strictly controlled, and one platoon was credited with having killed 21 Japanese with 21 single shots fired at ranges of from five to 15 yards. One Japanese walked on to the track 50 yards from the foremost Australian Bren gun position and demanded the surrender of the Australians who were blocking the Japanese line of retreat. According to one observer his words were: "Surrender pliz, Ossie. You come. No?" He was promptly shot. One company counted 81 Japanese killed with "company weapons only" round the junction and estimated that at least 35 others had been killed; six Australians were slightly wounded.  By morning, the fighting was virtually over, and the mop-up of the disorganized enemy force commenced. The attack on Beaufort cost the 24th Brigade 7 men killed and 38 wounded, while the Australians counted 93 Japanese dead and took two prisoners. Meanwhile, the 2/28th Battalion secured Lumadan village, where it made contact with the 2/32nd. Porter then ordered this battalion to pursue the retreating Japanese eastward, successfully securing the Montenior Besar railway bridge by July 4. The 2/32nd Battalion proceeded to attack toward Papar, encountering little opposition as they captured Membakut on July 5, followed by Kimanis on July 10, and finally Papar on July 12. Turning back south, the 2/17th Battalion occupied Kuala Belait on June 24, where they discovered evidence of a massacre of Indian prisoners of war.  Indian prisoners of war began reaching the lines of the 2/17th Battalion at Seria on June 22. By the end of the month, a total of 41 had arrived, reporting a horrific event: on June 14, the Japanese had slaughtered a portion of a group of more than 100 Indian prisoners at Kuala Belait. The Australians discovered 24 charred bodies at the site, along with evidence indicating that others had also been killed. A report by the 2/17th noted, "The motive for the massacre is not clear, and whether a partial loss of rations, the waving of flags, or simply Japanese brutality was responsible cannot be determined." The surviving Indians were found to be starving, with many suffering from illness. Colonel Broadbent remarked, "The loyalty and fortitude of these Indians has been amazing and is a lesson to us all. Even now, their standard of discipline is high." Two days later, patrols made contact with the 2/13th Battalion at the Baram River. Pushing south along Riam Road, the patrols of the 2/13th clashed with the Japanese at South Knoll, which they captured by the end of the month. Throughout July, the 2/13th continued patrolling down Riam Road against some opposition, eventually pushing the Japanese beyond Bakam by August. At the same time, the 2/17th conducted deep patrols southward from Kuala Belait, particularly along the Baram River toward Bakung, Marudi, and Labi. Overall, Australian losses during the North Borneo Offensive totaled 114 killed and 221 wounded, while they captured 130 prisoners and accounted for at least 1,234 Japanese killed. Following the conclusion of conventional military operations, Wootten's troops began to support the efforts of Australian-sponsored native guerrillas operating in Sarawak under Operation Semut and in British North Borneo as part of Operation Agas.  Between March and July 1945, five Special Operations Australia “SOA” parties were inserted into North Borneo. The Agas 1 and 2 parties established networks of agents and guerrillas in northwestern Borneo, while the Agas 4 and 5 parties, landed on the east coast, achieved little in their missions. The Agas 3 party investigated the Ranau area at the request of the 1st Corps. The results of Operation Agas were mixed; although its parties established control over their respective areas of operation and provided intelligence of variable quality, they were responsible for killing fewer than 100 Japanese soldiers. In parallel, as part of Operation Semut, over 100 Allied personnel, mainly Australians, were inserted by air into Sarawak from March 1945, organized into four parties. These parties were tasked with collecting intelligence and establishing guerrilla forces. The indigenous Dayaks of Sarawak's interior enthusiastically joined these guerrilla groups, essentially allowing SOA personnel to lead small private armies. No. 200 Flight RAAF and the Royal Australian Navy's Snake-class junks played crucial roles in this campaign, facilitating the insertion of SOA personnel and supplies. The guerrilla forces launched attacks to gain control of the interior of Sarawak, while the 9th Division focused on coastal areas, oilfields, plantations, and ports in North Borneo. The guerrillas operated from patrol bases around Balai, Ridan, and Marudi, as well as in the mountains and along key waterways, including the Pandaruan and Limbang Rivers, and along the railway connecting Beaufort and Tenom. Their objective was to disrupt Japanese troop movements and interdict forces as they withdrew from the main combat zone. The RAAF conducted air strikes to support these lightly armed guerrillas, who at times had to evade better-armed Japanese units. These guerrilla forces successfully raided several key towns and facilities, significantly disrupting enemy movements and efforts. It is estimated that over 1,800 Japanese soldiers were killed in North Borneo through guerrilla actions, particularly by the fearsome Dayak people, whose fierce tactics and local knowledge played a crucial role in these operations. 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 the final throes of the Pacific War, the Battle of Okinawa became a fierce battleground of sacrifice and honor. As American forces, led by General Buckner, advanced, they shattered Japanese defenses, pushing them into a desperate retreat. On June 21, General Ushijima and Lieutenant General Cho, recognizing their imminent defeat, committed seppuku, adhering to the samurai code. The chaotic battle led to staggering casualties, with many Japanese soldiers surrendering, realizing their cause was lost. By June's end, Okinawa was secured, symbolizing not only a victory but also the tragic cost of war, with countless lives lost on both sides.

With Bend Studio laying off 30% of its staff as it gears up to enter a lengthy pre-production stage, it's clear their next release (should it ever materialize) will be on PlayStation 6. This is just the most recent example in a lengthening string of Sony absolutely botching its first party initiative, deploying teams on projects that make no sense, purchasing studios that have never even released a game, and complicating a service game strategy that -- at least on paper -- made a lot of sense. Where does the buck stop, exactly? And how lucky is Sony and the PlayStation brand that they've been able to coast almost entirely on external content and commercial inertia all the while? Plus: MindsEye is a complete disaster, Stellar Blade becomes PlayStation Publishing's most-played single-player PC port, Capcom and Konami reveal Resident Evil Requiem and Silent Hill Remake respectively, the Outer Worlds 2's $80 price point infuriates some, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is somehow coming to PlayStation 4, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! When Colin talks about a hypothetical AAA Mega Man game, what exactly is he envisioning? Why did Microsoft include the PS5 logo so readily during its showcase? Will GameStop ever stop selling opened games as new? Will Dustin and Brad one day own Last Stand? 0:00:00 - Intro0:32:13 - Habroxia Special Edition0:46:31 - LSM at TooManyGames!0:51:17 - Sacred proposal0:54:05 - Bradstin1:05:28 - Mindseye refunds1:24:59 - Stellar Blade is PlayStation's biggest single-player game on Steam1:35:14 - Bend Studio layoffs2:01:18 - Tencent acquires 15% of Arrowhead2:05:17 - Resident Evil: Requiem announced2:15:18 - Silent Hill Remake announced2:22:30 - Persona 4 Revival2:28:38 - Black Ops 72:35:05 - Gears of War: Reloaded PS5 beta incoming2:41:41 - Halo coming to PS5 soon?2:51:16 - The Outer Worlds 2 is $803:00:32 - DualSense will connect to multiple devices3:04:05 - Mina the Hollower launches this Halloween3:04:55 - New PS+ game catalog entries3:12:11 - What We've Been Playing3:29:30 - What would a new Mega Man game look like?3:34:25 - Should we keep going to GameStop?3:38:06 - Is the future handhelds?3:52:28 - PS5 logos at Xbox's Showcase3:58:27 - Alex Hutchinson's Game Pass comments4:11:25 - Pandemic hiring sprees fallout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kādas ir šobrīd karstākās jaunuzņēmumu aktualitātes Latvijā un Baltijā? Vai militārās inovācijas izkonkurē zaļās tehnoloģijas? Vai mākslīgais intelekts joprojām diktē tendences? Un vai Latvijas startup vide pārspēj kaimiņvalstis? Šodien #DigitālāsBrokastis pie brokastu galda viesojas “Labs of Latvia” žurnāliste un jaunuzņēmumu vides vērotāja Anda Asere, lai atskatītos uz 2025. gada pirmo pusi. Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

'Esquivel tuvo más votos en Chiapas y casualmente ahí hay urnas embarazadas': Alejandra Padilla, Poder Judicial CDMX: 'Vamos a seguir con el cierre hasta que haya una solución óptima': Karla Corona, ¿Cómo surgió la integración de la LSM a la IA OlimpIA? Marcela Hernández lo explica, Diputada Luz Itzel vota en contra de la despenalización del aborto en Guanajuato; esto dijo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Šonedēļ #DigitālāsBrokastis ziņās — CSDD eksāmenos tagad būs jābrauc arī pēc navigācijas norādēm. “WhatsApp” ievieš ērtāku attēlu un video meklēšanu. Latvijas “Aerones” piesaista 62 miljonus dolāru robotizētās vēja turbīnu apkopes attīstībai. Mičiganas Universitāte veic pirmo cilvēka smadzeņu signālu ierakstu ar bezvadu implantu. Un pētījums atklāj — produktīvākie darbinieki 8 stundu dienā atpūšas gandrīz 2,5 stundas. Kā tas viss ietekmēs mūsu ikdienu? Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

Šonedēļ pie #DigitālāsBrokastis galda viesojas "Tautumeitas". Ar svaigi izdoto albumu "Zem Saules" viņas aicina dzīvot ritmā ar dabu. Bet kā šajā ritmā iederas tehnoloģijas? Runājam par to, kā tehnoloģijas ietekmē viņu mūzikas radīšanu un ikdienu, par Eirovīzijas tehnoloģiju aizkulisēm un mākslīgā intelekta ietekmi uz radošumu. Kā tehnoloģijas veido mūzikas industrijas nākotni un ko mēs visi varam darīt, lai nepazaudētu sevi digitālajā laikmetā? Studijā: Laura Marta Līcīte, Gabriēla Zvaigznīte, Annemarija Moiseja, Asnate Rancāne un Aurēlija Rancāne. Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

Šonedēļ #DigitālāsBrokastis dodamies militārajā nozarē — ne ar ieročiem, bet ar tehnoloģijām. Studijā Latvijas aizsardzības nozares jaunuzņēmums “Natrix”. Runājam par to, kā no idejas līdz reālai militārai tehnoloģijai nonāca modulāra bezpilota platforma, kas jau šobrīd tiek izmantota Ukrainas frontē. Kā Latvijas jaunuzņēmums sadarbojas ar NATO un piedalās nākamās paaudzes militāro tehnoloģiju veidošanā? Kādas ir galvenās mācības, kas gūtas darbā ar Aizsardzības ministriju un starptautiskajiem partneriem, un kāds ir Latvijas potenciāls kļūt par aizsardzības inovāciju centru?   Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

Krustpunktā Brīvais mikrofons ar kolēģi no Sabiedriskā medija portāla "LSM.lv" Edgaru Zicānu.  

Šonedēļ Digitālo brokastu ziņās — "OpenAI" paziņo par sadarbību ar leģendāro "Apple" dizaineri Džoniju Īvu, lai radītu jaunus MI ierīču produktus. Latvijā tapis jaunuzņēmumu radars — digitāla karte, kurā iespējams izsekot mūsu inovāciju ekosistēmai. "Google I/O 2025" atklāj svarīgākos MI laikmeta virzienus, bet "Sony" prezentē savas jaunākās premium klases austiņas WH-1000XM6. Un videospēle "Fortnite" piedzīvo vēsturisku brīdi: spēlē debitē pirmā mākslīgā intelekta balss ar ikonisko Darth Vader lomu. Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

Kara spriedz Ukrainā pieaug, Eiropai jādomā ne tikai par palīdzību Ukrainai, bet arī par attiecībām ar ASV, Izraēlas triecieni Gazas joslā. Krustpunktā izvaicājam ārlietu ministri Baibu Braži. Jautājumus kopā arraidījuma vadītāju uzdod Latvijas sabiedriskā medija portāla "LSM.lv" ārvalstu ziņu redaktore Ieva Strazdiņa un "360TV" žurnāliste Madara Rudzīte.  

Kara spriedz Ukrainā pieaug, Eiropai jādomā ne tikai par palīdzību Ukrainai, bet arī par attiecībām ar ASV, Izraēlas triecieni Gazas joslā. Krustpunktā izvaicājam ārlietu ministri Baibu Braži. Jautājumus kopā arraidījuma vadītāju uzdod Latvijas sabiedriskā medija portāla "LSM.lv" ārvalstu ziņu redaktore Ieva Strazdiņa un "360TV" žurnāliste Madara Rudzīte.  

Trampam esot bijusi brīnišķīga divu stundu gara telefonsaruna ar Vladimiru Putinu - Krievijai priekšā ir varena perspektīva pelnīt lielu naudu tirdzniecībā ar ASV, tikai jāizbeidz tas karš. Un Putins tam esot gatavs. Tā pēc sarunas savā sociālajā medijā rakstīja Tramps. Tikmēr nekas gan neliecina, ka karadarbība patiešām tuvākajā laikā varētu tikt pārtraukta. Cits karš Tuvajos Austrumos gan uzņem apgriezienus - Izraēlas premjerministrs Benjamins Netanjahu paziņojis, ka turpmāk Gazas sektoru pilnībā kontrolēšot Izraēla. Tas esot šī kara lielais mērķis. Tiesa, ko tas nozīmēs realitātē? Vēl novērtēsim Rumānijas prezidenta vēlēšanu rezultātus - tur spraigā cīņā uzvarējis proeiropeiski noskaņotais līdzšinējais Bukarestes mērs, kurš solījis turpmāk atbalstīt Ukrainu tās cīņā pret agresoru. Krievijai neizdevās panākt Rumānijas politiskā kursa maiņu. Aktualitātes analizē Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes docētājs, Austrumeiropas politikas centra direktors Māris Cepurītis un portāla "LSM.lv" ārzemju ziņu redaktors Ģirts Kasparāns. Dāvana pa telefonu Krievijas un Ukrainas delegāciju tikšanās 16. maijā Stambulā ilga apmēram divas stundas. Iespēja, ka Krievijas vadonis Putins varētu pieņemt prezidenta Zelenska aicinājumu tikties augstākajā līmenī, izplēnēja līdz ar trešdienas vakaru, kad Maskava paziņoja, ka tās delegāciju vadīs Vladimirs Medinskis – tas pats, kurš 2022. gada sarunās; Putina padomnieks, bijušais kultūras ministrs un profesionāls vēstures revidētājs krievu impēriskā šovinisma garā. Viņa sūtīšana uz tikšanos pati par sevi Kijivā tika iztulkota kā zīme, ka Kremlis nav gatavs nopietnām miera sarunām. Tas arī pierādījās – Ukrainas pusei, kuru sarunās vadīja aizsardzības ministrs Rustams Umerovs, tika izteiktas nepieņemamās prasības par četru apgabalu pilnīgu nodošanu Krievijai un vienpusēju atbruņošanos. Vienīgais, par ko izdevās vienoties, ir karagūstekņu apmaiņa pa tūkstotim no katras puses. Pēc sarunām Krievijas delegācijas vadītājs paziņoja, ka viņa valsts esot gatava karot desmitiem gadu. Tādējādi Krievijai izdevās uz laiku aizvirzīt otrajā plānā jautājumu par nekavējošu uguns pārtraukšanu, uz ko uzstāj Ukrainas sabiedrotie Eiropā un arīdzan Savienoto Valstu prezidents Tramps. 15. maijā, pārlidojuma laikā uz Apvienotajiem Arābu Emirātiem Baltā nama saimnieks izteicās, ka acīmredzami nekas nemainīšoties, kamēr viņš un Putins nebūšot „sanākuši kopā”. Grūti spriest, vai par šādu „kopā sanākšanu” uzskatāma pirmdien, 19.maijā, notikusī abu varasvīru divu stundu ilgā telefonsaruna. Tramps savā soctīklu ierakstā to pasteidzās pasludināt par „izcilu”, savukārt Putins, runājot ar reportieriem, kā „jēgpilnu un atklātu”. Krievijas mediji dēvē pirmdienas telefonsarunu par savas valsts diplomātisku uzvaru. Nav īsti skaidrs, kas liek amerikāņu līderim optimistiski paust, ka Ukraina un Krievija tūdaļ sākšot miera sarunas. Pie tam viņa paustajā pēdējās dienās vairakkārt izskanējis motīvs, ka Savienotās Valstis varētu no Krievijas un Ukrainas sarunu procesa distancēties. Nav skaidrs, kas tādā gadījumā notiks ar amerikāņu militāro un izlūkinformācijas atbalstu Ukrainai. Vēl Baltā nama saimnieks savos izteikums zīmē nekonkrēti rožainas komerciālas sadarbības perspektīvas ar abām karojošajām pusēm, kad tās būs noslēgušas mieru, bet neko nesaka par iespējamām sankcijām pret Krieviju par miera procesa sabotēšanu. Acīmredzami apzinoties visus domājamos riskus, Ukrainas prezidents Zelenskis aicinājis Ameriku nepamest sarunu procesu. Pārpārēm ložu, drusku maizes Svētdien, 18. maijā, Izraēla apstiprināja, ka ir uzsākusi plašu sauszemes operāciju ar nolūku pārņemt savā kontrolē lielāku daļu Gazas joslas. Jau kopš pagājušās nedēļas nogales Izraēlas Aizsardzības spēki pakļauj joslas teritoriju daudz intensīvākiem gaisa triecieniem, kas, saskaņā ar Gazas pārvaldes iestāžu vēstīto, esot prasījuši jau apmēram pāris simtus dzīvību. Pirmdien premjerministrs Netenjahu izteicās, ka izraēliešu spēki varētu īstenot pilnīgu visas teritorijas okupāciju. Tiek ziņots, ka Gazas sektors varētu tikt sadalīts vairākās kontroles zonās un iedzīvotāji piespiesti koncentrēties samērā nelielās teritorijās, visdrīzāk, sektora dienvidu daļā. Tāpat pirmdien Izraēla izsludināja evakuācijas norādījumu sektora dienviddaļas pilsētas Hānjūnisas iedzīvotājiem, brīdinot par bezprecedenta mēroga uzbrukumu pilsētai. Izraēlas uzsāktā karadarbības eskalācija izraisījusi asu reakciju no vairāku rietumvalstu puses. Vakar ar kopīgu paziņojumu šai sakarā nākušas klajā Lielbritānija, Francija un Kanāda, nodēvējot Izraēlas darbības par neproporcionālām. Londona jau paziņojusi, ka pārtrauc sarunas ar Izraēlu par brīvās tirdzniecības līguma noslēgšanu. Savukārt Eiropas Savienība, kā norādījis Francijas ārlietu ministrs Žans Noels Barro, varētu iesaldēt savienības asociācijas līgumu ar Izraēlu, kas to nostādītu statusā, kādā šobrīd ir tādas valstis kā Sīrija, Libērija vai Zimbabve. Militāro darbību eskalācija notiek uz akūta pārtikas un medikamentu trūkuma fona, kuru izraisījusi kopš marta sākuma īstenotā Gazas joslas blokāde. Starptautiskā prese citē „Hamās” kontrolētās Gazas Veselības ministrijas ziņoto, ka pārtikas trūkums jau bijis par iemeslu 57 bērnu nāvei. Savukārt ANO ģenerālsekretāra vietnieks humānās palīdzības jautājumos Toms Flečers intervijā raidsabiedrībai BBC paziņojis, ka četrpadsmit tūkstošiem mazuļu bada nāve draudot jau pāris dienu laikā. Svētdien premjerministrs Netanjahu paziņoja, ka, piekāpjoties Savienoto Valstu un citu Izraēlas partneru spiedienam, tiks atļauta zināma pārtikas daudzuma ievešana Gazas joslā, lai nepieļautu badu. Nepilnas simts kravas mašīnas ar pārtiku, medikamentiem un medicīnas precēm esot ielaistas pāri robežai, bet, saskaņā ar raidsabiedrības BBC ziņoto, vakar, 20. maija, dienas beigās pārtikas izdalīšana iedzīvotājiem vēl nebija uzsākta. Eiropa atviegloti nopūšas Eiropa var atviegloti nopūsties – respektīvi, tā Eiropas daļa, kas savu nākotni redz līdzšinējās valstu kopības un tās apliecināto vērtību tālākā pastāvēšanā. Rumānijas prezidenta vēlēšanu otrajā kārtā, kas notika 18. maijā, uzvaru ar nepilniem 54% balsu guvis 55 gadus vecais matemātiķis un līdzšinējais Bukarestes mērs Nikušors Daniels Dans. Par neatkarīgo kandidātu balsojuši visvairāk galvaspilsētā, kur viņš iemantojis popularitāti kā tās vadītājs, arī citās lielākajās pilsētās un ungāru minoritātes apdzīvotajos rajonos. Daudziem viņa ievēlēšana ir patīkams pārsteigums, ciktāl pēc vēlēšanu pirmās kārtas šķita, ka labākas izredzes ir ultranacionālistam, radikālajam konservatoram un trampisma adeptam, partijas Alianse rumāņu vienotībai līderim Džordžem Simionam. Salīdzinot ar pirmo kārtu, vēlētāju aktivitāte svētdien bija augusi par apmēram 11,5 procentiem, un acīmredzami šie aktivizējušies pilsoņi arī nesuši uzvaru Danam. Viņa kampaņas stūrakmeņi bija skaidrs atbalsts Rumānijas līdzšinējai pozīcijai Eiropas Savienībā un NATO, cīņa pret korupciju un arī turpmākais atbalsts Ukrainai. Kā atzīmē komentētāji, rumāņu sabiedrības lielākajai daļai tomēr nav bijis pieņemams visai atklāti prokremlisks valsts galva. Rumānijas prezidenta varas funkcijas nav sevišķi plašas iekšpolitiski, bet nozīmīgas ārpolitika, drošības politikā un tiesu varas amatpersonu iecelšanā. Jādomā, ka Ungārijas premjers Orbans un Slovākijas premjers Fico ar lielām cerībām raudzījās uz Simionu kā savu nākamo sabiedroto Eiropas politikas arēnā. Līdzšinējie labējo radikāļu panākumi Rumānijas prezidenta vēlēšanu procesā skaidrojami pamatā ar vēlētāju nepatiku pret līdzšinējo valdošo Sociāldemokrātiskās un Nacionāli liberālās partijas koalīciju. Jaunievēlētais prezidents pagātnē bijis liberālās un šobrīd opozīcijā esošās Rumānijas glābšanas savienības biedrs, taču izstājies no tās 2017. gadā un kopš tā laika formāli ir bezpartejisks. Kā zināms, pēc valdošajai koalīcijai negatīvajiem pirmās prezidenta vēlēšanu kārtas demisionēja premjerministrs Marčels Čolaku, līdzšinējam kabinetam turpinot darbu pagaidu valdības statusā. Tādējādi jaunas valdības izveide ir prezidenta Dana pirmais darba uzdevums. Sagatavoja Eduards Liniņš.      

PlayStation is booming, at least depending on how you look at things. On the one hand, Sony's annual financial results are incredibly strong: PlayStation drove more revenue last year than any gaming entity ever has in the entire history of the industry. Meanwhile, PS5 will surpass 80 million units sold soon, and has become the default console for most players this generation. But there's a downside; indeed, Sony is doing all of this damage with one hand tied behind its back, as major exclusive releases have slowed down to a trickle, while the level of behind-the-scenes mismanagement becomes ever-starker. As we were wrapping our episode up, word dropped that first party studio Haven lost its founder and biggest name, Jade Raymond, apparently after a tumultuous testing of Fairgames, boding poorly for the future of that product and team. Maybe this entire initiative was a bad idea, after all? Plus: Death Stranding 2 goes gold, Stellar Blade is coming to PC, rumors percolate about a Grand Theft Auto IV remaster, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Will Final Fantasy XVII be turn-based? What does the 11th hour saving of Giant Bomb mean for the future of games media? Could Game Pass' undeniable value proposition begin peeling away the Sony hardcore? Who should we cast Obesaga on, so that we can have an overweight cast member for representation's sake?Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. Your browser is holding you back. Level up here:  https://operagx.gg/SacredSymbols Sponsored by Opera GX! Timestamps:  0:00:00 - Intro0:19:30 - No more sad write-ins0:22:20 - How are we doing?0:31:22 - LSM needs more diversity0:43:46 - This week's "situation"0:47:08 - HBO MAX0:54:09 - Guy waking up meme0:59:22 - Sony FY2024 financials1:20:50 - Capcom continues to dominate1:26:38 - Death Stranding 2 goes gold1:37:18 - Stellar Blade coming to PC1:44:33 - Tati Gabrielle trained on online hate1:57:10 - GTA IV Remaster?2:04:34 - Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra delayed2:10:21 - PS Plus updates2:13:51 - Fallout Season 2 in December2:17:01 - What We've Been Playing (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Doom Eternal, Doom: The Dark Ages, Tomba!)3:16:24 - Final Fantasy returning to turn based3:20:16 - Gatekeeping3:35:18 - Giant Bomb goes independent3:42:44 - Moon Studio in trouble?3:55:14 - More Xbox games to PlayStation4:03:13 - Will the value of Gamepass convert PlayStation users?4:13:43 - Jade Raymond leaves Haven Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Starpstāvoklis starp miegu un nomodu  ir mākslinieces Paulas Zvanes uzmanības lokā. Viņas darbos apvienojas eksperimentāli materiālu meklējumi, starpstāvokļi starp zināmo un svešādo un vēlme izaicināt tēlniecības robežas. Par izstādi „Neredzams”, kas pērn bija skatāma galerijā "LOOK!", Paula Zvane nokļuvusi Purvīša balvas finālistos. Paula Zvane  ir māksliniece, kas dzīvo  un strādā Londonā. Studējusi glezniecību, performanci un tēlniecību Latvijā, Islandē un Apvienotajā Karalistē, piedalījusies daudzos mākslas projektos, rezidencēs un izstādēs. Savos darbos apvieno un pārveido dabas formas un veidolus, lai rastu saikni un kopīgu valodu starp savstarpēji svešām sugām un vēstījumiem. Viņa strādā ar plašu materiālu spektru – metālu, augu šķiedrām, kažokādām, tējas sēni, radot radījumus, kas nepieder nevienai konkrētai sugai. Par to varējām pārliecināties izstādē „Neredzams” galerijā „LOOK!” 2024.gada februārī, kurā kā skatītāji tikām ievilkti sirreālā vidē ar vienlaikus gan pievilcīgiem, gan biedējošiem objektiem.   Purvīša balvas ieguvēju noteiks starptautiska žūrija un uzvarētāju paziņos šajā piektdienā, 23. maijā, Latvijas Nacionālā mākslas muzeja Galvenajā ēkā, kur arī aplūkojama finālistu izstāde. Bet visu finālistu stāstus varat meklēt Latvijas Radio mājaslapā pie raidījuma Kultūras rondo, un portālā LSM.lv.     

Kā mākslīgais intelekts maina informācijas vidi? Kāpēc MI “halucinācijas” ne vienmēr ir vienkāršas kļūdas? Digitālajās brokastīs runājam par to, kā lielie valodu modeļi var tikt izmantoti par ieroci ietekmes operācijās kopā ar Jāni Sārtu no "StratCom" centra.   Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

It is no secret that law students and attorneys exist in a stressful environment. As Amy Levin recently wrote, "[l]aw student mental health is at an all-time low." The American Bar Association (ABA) has conducted a study that shows how this environment tends to contribute to high rates of mental health disorders and substance abuse. In an effort to face this challenge, LSM has launched the Wellness Program—focused on providing students resources and discussions to face this issue, together.   In this special episode, Michelle Williams talks to Ken Sande about relational wisdom, emotional intelligence, and developing healthy habits in navigating the challenges of legal pratice.  Helpful resources for continuing education: Relational Wisdom 360 [Home Page] A Stolen Baby, $200M Lawsuit and an Astonishing Reconciliation [READ] Attorneys as Peacemakers and Conciliators [PDF]  Reconciled by a Baby Moose [READ] Lincoln's Relational Wisdom [READ] Emotional Intelligence for (Secular) Attorneys [READ] For more with Ken Sande, listen to our other conversatioin here. Link to SUBSTACK here. Music Credit: Tokyo Music Walker  

Šonedēļ #DigitālāsBrokastis ziņās — “GTA 6” iznākšana atlikta uz 2026. gada maiju, taču fani priecājas par publicētajiem jaunumiem. “Meta” prezentē jauno MI lietotni ar balss asistentu un viedo briļļu integrāciju. Latvijā radīti komētas modeļi kalpos Eiropas kosmosa misijai “Comet Interceptor”. Tikmēr atrādīts pasaulē lielākais elektriskais pasažieru kuģis ar 2100 cilvēku ietilpību. Un Pekinā tiek testēti pirmie procesori bez silīcija, kas potenciāli ir par 40% ātrāki nekā tradicionālā pieeja. Klausies #DigitālāsBrokastis un iekodies svarīgākajos jaunumos tehnoloģiju pasaulē! Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

Droni vairs nav tikai hobijs — tie maina gan industrijas, gan drošību, gan ikdienu. Šonedēļ #DigitālāsBrokastis studijā spriežam, kā Latvija attīstās dronu tehnoloģiju jomā un vai spējam turēt līdzi pasaules tempam. Kā Latvijas inovatori spēj radīt pasaules līmeņa risinājumus, un kā 5G un mākslīgais intelekts ienāk bezpilota sistēmās? Kādas iespējas droni sniedz lauksaimniecībā, aizsardzībā un pat ēdiena piegādē? Un — kā veidot regulējumu, kas ļauj attīstīties? Par to visu runājam ar Ivo Vaici no Rīgas Tehniskās universitātes, LMT ekspertu Miku Porieti un Civilās aviācijas aģentūras pārstāvi Ilmāru Ozolu. Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

This week, Pastor AJ dives into how the Great Commission isn't just about going overseas—it's a call to make disciples right where we are, among the people who know our flaws, insecurities, and everyday struggles. When the mission of Jesus becomes greater than our fear of being known, we begin to see lives transformed through ordinary obedience. Join us every Tuesday at 7 in the LSM building!

In this podcast, Dr. Anna Wolska sits down with Dr. Eric Morand to discuss a groundbreaking effort to improve how lupus treatment success is measured in clinical trials. Dr. Morand explains why existing tools weren't designed for tracking treatment response and describes a rigorous, patient-inclusive Delphi process that narrowed dozens of possible disease aspects down to eight meaningful domains. By involving patients at every step, the new measure focuses on what patients truly feel and function. Early work on defining precise assessments for each domain is underway, with practical use in trials expected by 2026, promising clearer results and faster access to new lupus therapies.   Read the paper published in LSM - https://doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2024-001484  

Iepazīstam Latvijā radītu transporta inovāciju, kas izskatās gluži kā no zinātniskās fantastikas filmas, — kāpurķēžu motociklu "Unitrack", kas spēj traukties līdz pat 120 km/h un pārvarēt pat smilšu kāpas. Studijā "Oruga" līdzdibinātāja Liene Vītola, ar kuru runājam par ceļu no pirmās skices līdz starptautiskām ambīcijām, inženiertehniskajiem risinājumiem, konkurenci pasaulē un sadarbību ar militāro industriju. Noklausies stāstu par drosmi radīt ko pavisam jaunu! Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.  

This week the world has come together to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, age 88. As speculation mounts about who will replace him, and whether they will be a reformer or traditionalist, we want to reflect on Pope France's contribution to the climate movement and the change he drove around the world, not just across the 1.4 billion Catholics he led, but beyond to other religions and cultures too. Pope Francis was an unapologetic environmental advocate, and he used his papacy to raise awareness about the critical need to curb greenhouse gas emissions. While many believed he shouldn't discuss it, because it was considered ‘political,' the Pope said that climate change was a spiritual issue, and he clearly laid out the consequences of not tackling it in his 2015 “Laudato Si” - the first-ever papal encyclical focused solely on the environment. In it, he discussed climate change, loss of biodiversity to water scarcity, as well as societal breakdown, and how the poorest would suffer the most. A follow-up “Laudato Si” was published in 2023, and in this, Pope Francis called for a broad change in the “irresponsible lifestyle connected with the Western model.” So, we must ask - did we listen? Because global emissions have kept rising, including record emissions released in 2024. One positive sign of the Pope's contribution is environmental leaders from around the world acknowledging the impact he had in waking the world up to the dangers we face, leaving a legacy firmly entrenched in the climate movement. The Pope was a climate activist. We had two very special guests join us. Clare Westwood, who is a powerhouse in the climate movement, and regional director of the Roman Catholic Episcopal Commission for Creation Justice of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, and the Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Laudato Si' Asia – a Coalition for Culture of Care, Resilience and Ecological Justice (LSIA-CAREJ). Dr Lorna Gold is the Executive Director of the Laudato Sì Movement. Lorna's focus is on supporting the team at a time of significant change, amplifying the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship. Since 2015, LSM's team's dedication has cultivated a global network advancing ecological conversion. Dr Gold's tenure as Interim CEO at FaithInvest fortified her resolve to align faith-based investments with environmental and social sustainability, pioneering strategies that resonate with shared values for a healthier planet.We'll be discussing the Pope's legacy and a lot more of the environmental news we think you should be aware of, including the economic and geopolitical situation the world is currently in, so come and join us, 25th April, 8am UK, 2pm TH, 3pm SG, 6pm AEST. Climate Courage is a livestream, held every two weeks and is co-hosted by Andrea T Edwards, Dr. David Ko and Richard Busellato. On the show, we cover critical topics across the full spectrum of the polycrisis, in everyday language, and we go big picture on the climate crisis, while also drilling down and focusing on the actions we can all take to be part of the solution. Whether individual action, community action, or national/global action - every single one of us can be part of ensuring a live-able future for our children and grandchildren. We owe them that!#ClimateCourage #RethinkingChoices #UncommonCourage To get in touch with me, all of my contact details are here https://linktr.ee/andreatedwards My book Uncommon Courage, an invitation, is here https://mybook.to/UncommonCourage My book 18 Steps to an All-Star LinkedIn Profile, is here https://mybook.to/18stepstoanallstar

#DigitālāsBrokastis ziņās – politiku saprast vieglāk: vietnē "lasiviegli.lv" pieejamas mākslīgā intelekta vienkāršotas partiju programmas pirms pašvaldību vēlēšanām. "Tesla Supercharger" stacijās bezmaksas uzlādes ēras beigas. Ķīnas “CATL” prezentē EV akumulatoru, kas piecās minūtēs sniedz 520 km nobraukumu. “Vivo” nāk klajā ar viedtālruni ar noņemamu objektīvu un 200 MP tālumkameru. Un – Pekinā pirmo reizi roboti piedalās pusmaratonā. Vai roboti mūs apsteigs? Klausies #DigitālāsBrokastis un esi lietas kursā par visu svarīgāko tehnoloģiju pasaulē! Plašāk par tehnoloģiju jaunumiem lasi arī LSM portālā.

"Šī izstāde ir gan mans veltījums Rotko, gan arī sevis pētīšana. Pēdējo gadu izstādēs vairāk esmu koncentrējies uz portreta koncepta attīstīšanu, un esmu sapratis, ka arī ar portretu var izstāstīt interesantu stāstu," intervijā gleznotājam Kasparam Zariņam LR3 "Klasika" raidījumā "Mākslas vingrošana" atzīst gleznotājs Ritums Ivanovs. stāstot par savu personālizstādi "Templis", kas šobrīd aplūkojama Rotko muzejā Daugavpilī. Pēc vairākus gadus ilgas radošas izpētes un sadarbības ar Rotko muzeju Ritums Ivanovs transformē kādreizējā militārā arsenāla telpas par Templi ar četrām kapelām. Gleznu sērijas, sadalītas un kārtotas, pielāgojoties arsenāla ēkas struktūrai, turpina mākslinieka padziļināto interesi par portreta glezniecības valodas analīzi. Izstāde ir ieskats mākslas vēstures lappusēs caur Rituma Ivanova meistarību un Marka Rotko intelektuālo mantojumu. Monumentālie portretējumi šeit kļūst par izziņas avotu, kurā atklājam īsto, patieso, klātesošo mākslinieku – Rotko, Rembrantu un arī Ritumu. Ivanova daiļradē portrets attiecināms uz virzienu, nevis galamērķi, norādot uz pašrefleksijas daudzslāņainību un netveramību. Portrets ir tikai līdzeklis mērķa sasniegšanai – spogulis, kurā ieraudzīt to, kas ir ārpus vārdiem un skaidrojumiem. Pirms vērt durvis uz Templi ar četrām kapelām, Kaspars Zariņš noskaidro Rituma Ivanova ceļu uz mākslas pasauli, lūdz atklāt veidu, kā nonācis pie sev raksturīgās mākslas valodas un izteiksmes līdzekļiem, un kāpēc viņam ir svarīgs portrets un reālisma precizitāte tajā. Sarunā arī par darba ritmu; ideju, kas atnāk laika gaitā, intuīciju, netveramo mirkli, svaru kausiem, dialogu ar Rotko, Rembrantu un sevi… "Nebija viegli, toties saistoši un interesanti" Kaspars Zariņš: Kā tu nokļuvi līdz mākslas pasaulei? Ritums Ivanovs: Mākslas pasaulē nonācu ļoti aizraujoši, interesanti un saistoši, jo piedzīvoju "saulaino padomju bērnību". Nāku no Cēsīm, kur apkārt bija spēcīga mākslinieku kultūra ar vairākām mākslinieku dzimtām, kas Cēsīs radīja mākslu, kas radīja virzienus, kustības, plenērus, vides objektus, mākslinieku darbnīcas, kas jau padomju laikā piesaistīja daudz interesentu no visurienes, ko es tikai vēlāk, esot šajā vidē, sapratu. No tā visa daudz ieguvu. Mani pirmie skolotāji tieši Cēsīs bija ļoti profesionāli: gan Vilhelma Purvīša skolnieki, gan Ilmāra Blumberga laikabiedri – piemēram, Pēteris Rozenbergs, kurš bija gan teātra, gan kino mākslinieks – strādāja vairākos teātros un kinostudijā. Un tieši viņš bija viens no tiem, kas ieteica, lai turpinu savu izglītošanās ceļu Rīgā, Rozentāla mākslas skolā. Tā ka viens solis aiz otra soļa, un nonācu Rīgā – mācījos Rozīša mākslas skolā, kā mēs to saucām, un Mākslas akadēmija bija tālākais loģiskais solis – kaut arī nebija viegli, toties bija ļoti saistoši un interesanti. Es pat paspēju piedalīties kādā mākslas programmā, kas bija viena no pirmajām, kas vienu gadu man ļāva pamācīties Amerikā. Un kā tev radās interese par izteikti reālistisku glezniecības valodu? Tas bija kopējs process, jo mana mākslas valoda veidojās tieši tajā posmā, kad sabruka Padomju Savienība un sākās brīvā ekonomika: tad jau arī Mākslas akadēmijas beigās bija iespējas izstādīties, radīt darbus sev un brīvajam tirgum. Taču savu mākslas valodu man nācās veidot pašam saskarē ar pasauli, ne gluži akadēmijā. Daudzas lietas bija pret akadēmijas piedāvāto virzienu, kaut arī tehnoloģiski ļoti daudz mācījos arī no skolotājiem un pasniedzējiem.  Atceros, ka trešajā kursā tu uzgleznoji meiteni uz motocikla. Kuru Kozins (Vladimirs Kozins – ilggadējs LMA pasniedzējs – red.) lika apgriezt otrādi (smejas). "Precizitāte man vienmēr bijusi svarīga" Domājot par tavu autortehniku un profesionalitāti, prātā nāk kāda bērnības pasaka: tajā virtuozitātē sacentās bārddzinis un, ja nemaldos, kareivis ar zobenu. Bārddzinis spēja nodzīt ūsas skrejošam zaķim, bet kareivis lietus laikā varēja griezt zobenu virs savas galvas tik ātri, ka lietus tam nelija virsū. Arī tava meistarība ir apbrīnojama. Tu ne tikai glezno, bet arī zīmē ļoti skaistus zīmējumus ar ogli. Kas ir tavi paņēmieni un ieroči, ko tu lieto?  Tu ļoti pareizi saki – ieroči, valoda. Tu minēji arī tādu virzienu kā reālisms. Tie visi ir mūsu profesionālajā vidē saprotami termini, bet katrs mākslinieks iet savu ceļu, un izvēlas tos vārdus vai instrumentus, kas vislabāk darbojas. Man laikam visvairāk bija vajadzīga reālisma precizitāte, lai tuvāk nokļūtu cilvēka atveidei, kurā savukārt varu meklēt kādu dziļumu, tēmu. Protams, krāsas uzlikšana un triepienu veidošana – tas mums, visiem profesionāļiem, ir ļoti saistoši, un mēs vienmēr ar interesi sekojam cits cita darbībai un atklājumiem. Noteikti esmu mācījies no visiem, kas man bijuši blakus Latvijā un pasaulē. Piemēram, fotoreālisms Padomju Savienībā nebija iespējams – tas bija tāds kontrrevolucionārs virziens. Kādu laiku stipri ietekmējos no Amerikas virzieniem. Iespējams, ka tieši mācības Amerikā tev sekmēja šo virzienu, ne? Nē, interese man radās jau iepriekš. Amerikā drīzāk sapratu, ka jāveido sava valoda. Izmanto līdzekļus, iespējas. Tikai krietni pēc tām izstādēm, kas man bija 90. gadu beigās, man izveidojās tāda valoda, ar ko mani sāka atpazīt vai raksturot.  Tu esi izteikts portretists-figurālists. Esi veidojis arī valdības pasūtījumus. Ir Valsts prezidenta portrets. Ir Latvijas Universitātes bijušā rektora Indriķa Muižnieka portrets, kuram ir ļoti viltīga izteiksme, jo tu caur fotogrāfijām proti noķert un atspoguļot netveramo mirkli. Jā, tā precizitāte man vienmēr bijusi svarīga. Taču izstāde neveidojas tikai no gleznām, kas saliktas kopā. Ir svarīgi, kā to visu izveidot. "Tas ir stāsts par satikšanos" Kas slēpjas aiz nosaukuma "Templis", kā esi nosaucis savu izstādi, kas pašlaik aplūkojama Rotko muzejā? Kas slēpjas aiz tā tempļa, kas ir rosinošs un pasludinošs vārds? Pirmkārt jau pati vieta – Rotko muzejs – ar savu vārdu parāda to, ka tā ir nozīmīga vieta Latvijai un pasaulei. Šī izstāde ir gan mans veltījums Rotko, gan arī sevis pētīšana. Pēdējo gadu izstādēs vairāk esmu koncentrējies uz portreta koncepta attīstīšanu, un esmu sapratis, ka arī ar portretu var izstāstīt interesantu stāstu. Pasaules kontekstā Rotko kā personība nav zināms, viņš kaut kādā mērā ticis nesaprasts, ar ko viņš pats savas depresijas laikā cīnījās, taču kā personība… Man likās interesanti to parādīt, lai, zinot viņa darbus, mēs kaut kādā mērā tiktos ar pašu Rotko – ar viņa vizuālo tēlu. Tas ir stāsts par satikšanos. Šajā izstādē es veidoju tādas kā portretu sērijas, ko nosaucu par kapelām. Tur ir četras telpas: viena kapela ir Rembranta kapela, viena – Rituma kapela, viena – Rotko kapela, un viena ir Mākslinieka realitātes kapela. Un tas viss kopā veido stāstu par templi. Tieši tāpēc arī uzliku šādu izaicinošu nosaukumu, lai telpā, kas ir pietiekami nopietna, muzejiski lieliska, veiksmīga, kurā var izstādīt mākslu, cilvēks ienāktu un koncentrētos tieši uz pašu skatīšanās procesu. Satikšanās procesu.  Rembrantu izvēlējos kā vienu no konceptuāliem portretistiem, kas tieši runā par sevi. Jo tie uzdevumi, arī pasūtījuma portretos, ir saruna ar sabiedrību par kādu citu cilvēku, par to uzdevumu, kas tiek uzdots, vai ne? Bet skatījums uz sevi ir tad, kad tu pats sev uzdod uzdevumu. Un Rembrants savā pašportretu sērijā uzdod sev uzdevumu – sekot savai dzīvei, un to viņš darījis visas dzīves garumā. Tas man likās interesanti – kā pakāpeniski radīt intrigu, lai lēnām satiktos arī ar Rotko. Tur ir arī manu pašportretu sērija ar ogles zīmējumiem un ar vienu monumentālu portretu. Tāds skarbs vīrs tu tur izskaties!  Nu jā, un tur var savilkt tās analoģijas, kurā posmā mēs esam. Rembrantā redzu viņu gan jaunībā, gan arī briedumā. Saprotu, ka arī es esmu tādā pašā posmā kā tie mākslinieki, un tad tas veidojas kā dialogs. Nevienu no šiem māksliniekiem, izņemot sevi, es nesatieku, bet saruna jau notiek tāpat, un es ceru, ka šāda dialoga veidošana rada izstādes saturu un ideju. Tad tas templis tur tā kā uzburas, jo tempļa jau kā tāda tur nav – tā ir bijusī militārā arsenāla ēka, ko man gribējās pārvērst par mākslas templi. Tagad tas funkcionē kā mākslas templis, jo tur ir ļoti veiksmīgas, interesantas un profesionālas izstādes. Sarunas teksts pilnā apjomā drīzumā būs publicēts portālā LSM.LV.

Lupus nephritis, affecting nearly half of lupus patients, can cause severe kidney damage. Traditionally, high-dose glucocorticoids (~1 mg per kg prednisone) have been used despite significant side effects. In this episode, host Anna Wolska speaks with Dr. Amit Saxena, a rheumatologist and Associate Professor at NYU Langone Health, about his recent research on the use of glucocorticoids in treating kidney disease in lupus. His study pooled standard-of-care arms from several major clinical trials to compare the efficacy and safety of lower versus higher oral glucocorticoid doses—administered after an initial IV steroid pulse—in treating lupus nephritis.   Read the article published in LSM - https://doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2024-001351

Pastor AJ talks us through Psalm 103 and discusses how important it is that we remind ourselves of what is right and true. Be encouraged today & be reminded of the grace we have been given. Join us on Tuesdays at 7 in the LSM building at our Hampton campus!

Nez vai ir vērts sacīt, ka ir pagājusi atkal viena saspringta nedēļa. Liekas, ka pēdējās dienās ir gājis tik traki kā vēl nekad. Protams, atkal ir jārunā par Ukrainu. ASV, Eiropu. Aktualitātes Divās puslodēs komentē bijušais diplomāts Andris Teikmanis un sabiedrisko mediju portāla LSM žurnālists Ģirts Kasparāns. Sazināmies arī Latvijas TV žurnālisti Inu Strazdiņu. Cita Amerika Pirms apmēram deviņām stundām Vašingtonā noslēdzās prezidenta Donalda Trampa uzruna apvienotajai Savienoto Valstu Senāta un Kongresa Pārstāvju palātas sapulcei. Šīs ASV valsts galvas uzrunas, parasti teiktas reizi gadā, tiek veltītas valdošās administrācijas politisko nostādņu definēšanai un vēstījumam par darbības rezultātiem. Pēdējā sadaļa it kā šoreiz nebūtu īsti vietā, ciktāl prezidenta Trampa valdības darbības termiņš pagaidām vien nedēļās rēķināms, taču tas netraucēja Baltā nama saimniekam atkārtot jau iepriekš izskanējušo izteikumu, ka viņa administrācija ir izcilākā visā valsts vēsturē. Savukārt viņa priekšgājējs Baidens esot, protams, visvājākais no līdzšinējiem prezidentiem, atstājis valsti katastrofālā situācijā un olas – šausminošā dārdzībā. Kā atzīmē daudzi komentētāji, šī uzruna Kongresa palātām ar tās teicēja spilgto pašslavināšanos un politisko konkurentu gānīšanu vairāk atgādinot priekšvēlēšanu kampaņas uzstāšanos. Pie tam teiktais visai maz skāra tematu, kas tiek piesaukts kā amerikāņu sabiedrībai pašreiz svarīgākais – dzīves dārdzības mazināšanu. Runātājs vien pauda, ka ik dienas cīnoties, lai stāvokli labotu. Pie tam pamatīga pasāža tika veltīta ievedmuitas tarifiem, kurus Savienotās Valstis nule ieviesušas vai grasās ieviest – zināmus traucējumus gan tie radīšot, toties došot milzu labumu. Tikām pēc tam, kad 3. martā stājās spēkā ASV noteiktie tarifi Meksikas, Kanādas un Ķīnas precēm, un šīs valstis paziņoja par atbildes pasākumiem, tiek runāts par tirdzniecības kara sākumu. Savu ēnu pār prezidenta uzstāšanos meta arī 28. februārā katastrofa Baltajā namā, kad sarunas ar Ukrainas prezidentu, kam bija jāvaiņagojas ar t.s. „Retzemju elementu līguma” parakstīšanu, netika tālāk par preses konferenci. Asajai vārdu pārmaiņai Ovālajā kabinetā un Ukrainas līdera izlikšanai aiz Baltā nama durvīm sekoja pirmdienas paziņojums par visas amerikāņu Ukrainai sniegtās militārās palīdzības apturēšanu. Tiesa, Trampa uzrunā šai ziņā izskanēja pielaidīgākas notis: no prezidenta Zelenska esot saņemta vēstule, kas apliecinot, ka Ukraina ir gatava miera sarunām. Tramps atzinīgi vērtējot šo vēstuli, un arī no Krievijas esot saņemti signāli par gatavību mieram. Kopumā ņemot, Vašingtonas rīcība pagājušajās dienās liek pieņemt domu, ka prezidenta Trampa un viņa komandas personā mums ir darīšana ar citādu Ameriku. Cik ļoti citādu – tas vēl paliek atbildams jautājums. Laiks Eiropai Savienoto Valstu jaunās administrācijas un Ukrainas dialogs, kam līdz šim bijuši teju vissliktākie iedomājamie rezultāti, licis drudžaini sarosīties Eiropas valstu valdībām. Pēc pagājušās piektdienas nelaimīgās preses konferences Ovālajā kabinetā nozīmīgāko Ukrainas partnervalstu pārstāvji sagaidīja prezidentu Zelenski samitā Londonā. Lēmums par šādu tikšanos tika pieņemts nedēļu pirms tam, taču Vašingtonā notikušais iekrāsoja to krietni dramatiskākos toņos. Runa nepārprotami nav tikai par Ukrainu, bet par līdzšinējām transatlantiskajām drošības saiknēm kopumā. Ja jau prezidenta Trampa administrācija tik krasi un nepārprotami maina kursu attiecībā pret Ukrainu, vai tā nevar līdzīgi rīkoties arī NATO sakarā? Kā brīdinošs signāls vērtējams fakts, ka lēmums par ieroču piegāžu pārtraukšanu Ukrainai Baltajā namā tika pieņemts bez jebkādas konsultēšanās ar Eiropas partneriem. Tikām Londonā sabraukušie vienojās strādāt pie sava miera plāna, kuru piedāvāt Savienotajām Valstīm. Nepieciešamība Eiropas valstīm vairāk ieguldīt savu aizsardzības spēju stiprināšanā no aktuālas burtiski dažu dienu laikā pārtapusi akūtā. 4. martā ar savu plānu nāca klajā Eiropas Komisijas prezidente Urzula fon der Leiena. Tas paredz piešķirt dalībvalstīm plašāku fiskālo telpu investīcijām aizsardzības nozarē, piedāvāt šiem mērķiem arī 150 miljardus eiro lielus kredītresursus un aktivizēt privātā kapitāla līdzdalību. Kopējais plāna „ReArm Europe” – „Pārapbruņot Eiropu” – apjoms tiek plānots apmēram astoņsimt miljardus liels. Vācijas potenciālais kanclers Frīdrihs Mercs otrdien vēlreiz apliecinājis gatavību atbrīvot aizsardzības tēriņus no Vācijas likumdošanā iestrādāto budžeta limitu žņaugiem. Savukārt Lielbritānijas premjerministrs Kīrs Stārmers izteicies, ka vēl esošajā Parlamenta sastāvā, t.i. līdz 2029. gadam, britu aizsardzības budžetam, kas šobrīd ir 2,3% no iekšzemes kopprodukta, jāsasniedz 3%. Pirmdien Francija izvirzīja savu daļējas uguns pārtraukšanas projektu, proti, puses vienotos uz mēnesi pārtraukt karadarbību gaisā, uz ūdens un triecienus kritiskajai infrastruktūrai. Šī uguns pārtraukšana arī apliecinātu Krievijas vadoņa Putina patieso gatavību mieram. 6. martā Eiropas Savienības valstu vadītāji tiekas ārkārtas sanāksmē Briselē, lai jau atkal spriestu par atbalstu Ukrainai un savienības aizsardzības spēju stiprināšanu. Sagatavoja Eduards Liniņš.

Join Dr. Anna Wolska from the Lupus Foundation of America as she talks with Dr. Jim Oates about his recently published study in Lupus Science & Medicine on validating claims-based algorithms in Medicare data to identify SLE and lupus nephritis. Dr. Oates explains how ICD-10 coding and geospatial analysis (via the Lupus Index) can help pinpoint disparities, guide clinical trial recruitment, and reveal how location affects patient outcomes. The conversation covers the varying sensitivity and specificity of different coding algorithms, potential racial differences, and how overlaying socioeconomic and environmental data can shed light on lupus prevalence and improve healthcare resource allocation.   Read the article published in LSM - https://doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2024-001329

At LYA this week, Pastor AJ saught to answer the question, "Does Jesus Lose?" As believers, we are quick to answer no, but do we live that way? Join us in the LSM building on Tuesdays at 7 to hear more incredible sermons like this one!

Lietuvas Nacionālā Mākslas muzeja filiālē Radvilas pils mākslas muzejā Viļņā vēl līdz 23. februārim skatāmā izstāde "NSRD: Informācija par transformētu situāciju". Aptaujājot izstādes apmeklētājus, ieklausoties kuratoru un izstādē uzaicināto šolaiku mākslinieku stāstījumā, noskaidrojam, kuras no NSRD jeb 80. gados dibinātās „Nebijušu sajūtu restaurēšanas darbnīcas” idejām turpina iedvesmot. Interneta vietnē LSM.lv Viļņas izstādes recenzijā, pati, būdama nebijušo sajūtu restaurācijas savaldzināta māksliniece, Gundega Evelone raksta, ka “precīzi definēt un iezīmēt "Nebijušu sajūtu restaurēšanas darbnīcas" ietekmes robežas, visticamāk, nebūs iespējams nekad. Skaidrs ir tikai aktīvās darbības laiks – septiņdesmito gadu beigas, astoņdesmitie un atslēgas personas – Juris Boiko un Hardijs Lediņš, kas pulcēja ar sevi līdzīgi domājošos, kā arī tas, ka NSRD ir bijis un turpina būt nozīmīgs fenomens. Tā daudzveidīgo izpausmju dēļ – apvienība strādājusi teju ikvienā mākslas jomā, tā skaitā kultūras teorijās – un skaidrības un visu analizējošā prāta labad gribētos NSRD pasludināt par atsevišķu mākslas virzienu, vai vismaz postmodernisma atzaru, taču tas būtu pretrunā ar viņu izstrādāto "Aptuvenās mākslas manifestu". Māksliniece atzīmē arī, ka Viļņā skatāmā izstāde ir plašākā kāda jebkad tikusi sarīkota par  leģendāro apvienību, un tā nu sanāk, ka uz Radvilu pils mākslas muzeju, atkal citēšu, “no visa reģiona plūst īpatnējās NSRD radītās laiktelpas apmeklētāji”. Tā ir un viņu vidū arī es, Anda Buševica, un šai raidījumā, aptaujājot izstādes apmeklētājus, ieklausoties kuratoru un mākslinieku stāstījumā, mēģināšu nojaust,  kuras no  NSRD idejām joprojām turpina “transformēt situāciju”. Mani sarunbiedri šai raidījumā: mākslinieks Kaspars Groševs, izstādes kuratores Māra Traumane un Māra Žeikare. Izstāde "NSRD: Informācija par transformētu situāciju" tapusi sadarbojoties Latvijas Laikmetīgās mākslas centram ar Lietuvas Nacionālo mākslas muzeju. Un Māra Žeikare sarunas iesākumā norāda uz to, ka Laikmetīgās mākslas centra krājumā atrodas Hardija Lediņa arhīvs, kas kalpojis par impulsu jau vairākām izstādēm un mākslas akcijām. Īpaši vērienīgi tās  notika pirms desmit gadiem, kad, sākotnēji puspajokam, reaģējot uz kultūras stratēģiju gadu nodēvēt kāda dižgara vārdā,  Latvijas Laikmetīgās mākslas centrs 2015. gadu pasludināja par Hardija Lediņa gadu, atkārtojot viņa mākslas performances, sarīkojot Jura Boiko instalāciju  izstādi Nacionālajā Mākslas muzejā. Iznāca arī Māras Žeikares un Ievas Astahovskas 500 lapaspušu biezā NSRD darbībai veltītā grāmata. Un to var sajust arī Viļņas izstādē, ka Nebijušu sajūtu restaurācijas darbnīcas stāsts šo gadu laikā jau ir nopulējies, un tomēr arī šādu izstāžu rīkošana ir veids kā turpināt NSRD arhīva apzināšanu. 

This week at LYA, Pastor Daniel gave us 3 prayers to pray to better our relationship with the Holy Spirit by applying 2 Corinthians 3:16-18. Join us every week at 7 in the LSM building!

At LYA this week, Pastor Daniel spoke on Romans 6:19-23 and how to seek freedom from addiction. Join us every Tuesday at 7 in the LSM building!

This week at LYA, Pastor Daniel spoke on Isaiah 26:3 and how peace is only found in a relationship with Jesus. If you're in need of peace today, let this be an encouragement to you. Join us every Tuesday night at 7 pm in the LSM building!

Early reduction in proteinuria is a key predictor of improved long-term kidney health in lupus nephritis (LN). In this episode, Dr. Anna Wolska from the Lupus Foundation of America speaks with Drs. Maria Dall'Era and Anca Askanase about a new propensity analysis comparing voclosporin-based triple immunosuppressive therapy to traditional high-dose glucocorticoid regimens. They discuss findings from the AURA-LV and AURORA 1 studies, highlighting the safety benefits and earlier proteinuria reduction seen with voclosporin. Tune in to explore how these insights may shape LN treatment guidelines and improve patient outcomes.   Read the paper published in LSM: https://doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2024-001319

Please Subscribe and Review: Apple Podcasts | RSS Submit your questions for the podcast here News Topic: Unsafe at Any Speed: Dr. Toby Rogers on Darkhorse Rand Paul Speaking at RFK Jr Confirmation Hearing Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship How Trump's executive order on online free speech could upend content moderation Show Notes: Copper supplementation reverses dietary iron overload-induced pathologies in mice Filter it through a brain cell Questions:    High Iron Levels Garrett writes Robb and Nicki, I just listened to episode 202, Robb mentioned as an aside that he has high iron levels. I have the same issue, because I lived in Sweden during X years I am not able to donate blood here in the USA. What are some other means to remedy this? I'll add my values below from InsideTracker testing. 128 to 275 ug/dl range over 5 tests from the last 3 years. 34 year old fit male, diet is paleo + rice + whiskey. Protein sources are whey casein powder, chicken and red meat. Thank you! Garrett   Optimal Glucose level Tracie writes: Greetings from Spokane, WA! I reread the Paleo solution after Thanksgiving and have been pretty convinced I'll be sticking with the changes I made for life. I feel fantastic. Most of my digestive issues are gone, mood has improved, and I'm lifting more weight for more sets! I do have some anxiety/IBS that runs on my mom's side and I often feel pretty turned up, so I decided to give one of the Dexcom Stelo continuous glucose monitors a try. I was particularly stressed at work in December hiking around the woods in the snow as a forester. I noticed I'd wake up like clockwork at 11 pm and 1:30-2 am having trouble getting back to sleep, which seemed like a blood sugar low issue. Turns out I do dip down to 71 mg/dL but I'm very much in their recommended target range 99% of the time (with a little dip below 70 and so far not above 129 mg/dL post breakfast when there are tubers involved. When I wake up I'm just under 100. My question is what would you guys recommend is a more optimal glucose range? I feel like my fasted glucose in the morning should be in the 70s, and that having my blood sugar be more like 110 max after a meal would be more ideal. However, if you look/perform/feel great does it really matter? I know from your previous guests that bio individuality makes a difference and we shouldn't try to always be an A+ student. A “B” in OCHEM gets you the credit! My glucose level throughout the day is very steady around 100, I eat every 4 hours max. Breakfast at 6, a venison epic bar and satsuma tangerine at 10, chicken soup at 11:30-12:30, another venison bar and tangerine at 2:30, and dinner at 5. Breakfast and dinner is 4 ounces lean animal protein, 1/4 cup each color of fruit/vegetable, a little fat and salt for flavor. For some reference: I am a 34.5 year old female, 153 lbs, my sister is on an SSRI inhibitor/we have a family history of anxiety on moms side, familial hypercholesterolemia on dad side (so glucose control is important for avoiding heart disease) I eat 125-145 grams of protein from flank steak/smoked salmon/chicken/epic venison bars, 75-110 grams carbs from fruits/tubers/veggies, and 50-70 grams fat from animal proteins, some nuts, olive/avocado oil…and then a few times a month I stress eat some mostly paleo compliant junk snacks at work like eat a whole bag of coconut chocolate chip gluten free hippie cookies, or eat a whole Hu chocolate bar and a small bag of kettle sea salt and vinegar chips. I'm not a perfect angel, but I am 85% there. I sleep 11 hours on the weekend (cortisol induced likely), but mostly 8-8.5 with the occasional 7.8 hours. I have a lot of things going on: day job, trying to start a business, chasing moose through the woods, some of its great fun and the excitement seems to get me going too. So I have some dietary and personality factors that might drive my glucose a little higher than ideal.   Lead Testing Mari writes: Hello from North Idaho, I'm a long time listener and long time enjoyer of LMNT. I've recently become more concerned about heavy metals in what I'm consuming. I wanted to not pay attention to the chocolate situation a couple years ago because my HU bar addiction is not something I want to part with, but more keeps coming out. Recent testing done by “Clean Label Project” found a bunch of lead and cadmium in protein powders, with organic and chocolate flavored protein powders testing particularly high. I get that its a soil the chocolate in grown in thing (right?), and maybe also where/how its stored during processing? Anyways, to my point- I have an all winter long, morning LMNT hot chocolate routine. I'm also currently trying to get pregnant, so I thought I'd try to look into testing and I saw this immediately: LMNT Raw Unflavored Electrolyte Drink Mix Tests Positive for Lead: November 2024 Laboratory Report Trustworthy? No idea, which is why I was hoping you could speak to it. Thanks always for your courage and wisdom, Mari Lead Testing Hazel writes:  Hi Robb and Nicki,  I've been meaning to write to you on this topic for quite some time. I remember a few years ago there was a big to-do about heavy metals in chocolate - specifically lead and cadmium. The assertion was made, by whom I don't remember, that virtually all chocolate contained dangerous amounts of lead and we were all destined for lead poisoning if we kept eating our daily dark chocolate square. Much internet ink was spilled on the subject. Robb, you mentioned at that point that you were planning to write a piece about the bioavailabilty of that lead and whether we were really in danger. Did that ever get written? If so, please share the link! This question has come up for me again, but this time in a much broader context: there is a person on the internet who goes by the name Lead Safe Mama whose website contains pages and pages of highly alarming claims about the lead content of virtually any consumer good you can imagine - from children's and prenatal vitamins to pantry staples and cookware. She gathers this information by sending the products to a third-party lab for testing (related question: how reliable is your average third-party lab for this kind of stuff?). I don't doubt that we do have a lead contamination issue with any number of our consumer products, the same way we have a serious microplastics issue. And indeed, the LSM has been responsible for several recalls of glass products over the years based on her testing, so she's on to something. But I'm hoping you can provide more nuance to the claim that such a vast array of our products contain dangerous quantities of lead that our bodies are unable to detoxify. Do I need to add this to my ever-growing list of things to worry about? Thank you in advance for your thoughts on this.  Unrelated stuff that is too rambling to read on the pod: I REALLY value the work that you do and view you as an important voice of reason on many issues. I've been a regular listener of the show since the summer of 2020. Came for the health Q&A. Stayed for the commentary on Covid lunacy, public health, food systems, politics, and homeschooling. And who doesn't love a dog-meets-cadaverine anecdote from time to time? (Remind me the upside of pet ownership??!) Finally, the episode you did on vaccines was chilling but necessary and I thank you for sticking your neck out on that. I too deeply regret vaccinating my older child, despite pursuing a selective schedule, delaying as long as possible, only doing one dose at a time, etc. Still wish I hadn't fucking done it at all. Anyway. Keep fighting the good fight. We need you. Oh and my favorite LMNT is Citrus Salt!   All the Best,  Hazel  

Hello! It's me, Colin, returning to host Constellation for the first time in... well... quite awhile. Dagan was actually supposed to helm this episode -- I was going to appear as the fourth, topic-less guest -- but he got pulled into a work meeting at the last minute leaving me in the lead chair, and today's show as a trio. As such, please welcome Punching Up co-host Gene Park and LSM legal analyst Rick Hoeg back to the program. We start with Gene this week, who wants to talk about the imminent ban of the TikTok app in the United States, which should have already gone into effect by the time our podcast publishes. Hoeg, on the other hand, wants to delve into arts and entertainment from a global perspective, inquiring on which countries, localities, and so on we find ourselves most attracted to when it comes to the media we consume and appreciate. Finally, I bring up the rear with a topic that's top of many of our minds: What in god's name is going on with PlayStation and its games-as-a-service initiative? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 00:17:51 - TikTok ban 01:20:44 - Global Art Appreciation 01:57:46 - PlayStation's GaaS Meltdown Start your free online visit at https://www.hims.com/con Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is no secret that law students and attorneys exist in a stressful environment. As Amy Levin recently wrote, "[l]aw student mental health is at an all-time low." The American Bar Association (ABA) has conducted a study that shows how this environment tends to contribute to high rates of mental health disorders and substance abuse. In an effort to face this challenge, LSM has launched the Wellness Program—focused on providing students resources and discussions to face this issue, together. Our first episode was with Ruth Haley Barton on Establishing Rhythms & Abiding in God (here). Our second was with Dr. Barbara L. Peacock on developing spiritual disciplines for soul care (here). On this episode, we are joined by Starr Tomczak to discuss her brand new book called Living Well: Inspired by the Story behind the Bible. Starr not only went to law school and had a succesful law practice as a corporate lawyer, but she also felt the calling to enter seminary and eventually write this book. She has a BA from Carleton College, a JD from New York University Law School, and an MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Check out her website here. Music Credit(s): Tokyo Music Walker & Rexlambo.

The holidays draw ever-nearer, making this our final recording of 2024. (Fear not, though: As tradition dictates, episodes will continue uninterrupted throughout the break, and indeed, everything is already in the can!) Not surprisingly, the news is a little light this time of year, though there are some interesting tidbits to pick up on. For starters, we take a look at two titles shown at The Game Awards that we skipped over last week, in the form of Crimson Desert and Midnight Murder Club, the latter a second party, Sony-published offering. We also delve into Mark Cerny's recent PS5 Pro technical presentation, wade through the (now rectified) drama surrounding Helldivers 2's exciting Killzone crossover, analyze whether the upcoming sci-fi RPG Exodus has the potential to be the true next Mass Effect, and more. But at the end of our show, we replace our typical six questions about random topics with six questions about something more than 50 of you wrote in about on the most recent thread. The topic at hand is obviously Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Naughty Dog's upcoming PS5 exclusive. So many wrote in, in fact, that it felt disingenuous to ignore all of the noise. So instead, let's dive way deeper. What should PlayStation's next move be when it comes to rolling out this new product? Could the game flop on the market, either outright or by Naughty Dog's lofty standards? Do the masses suffer from some combination of Naughty Dog and Neil Druckmann Derangement Syndrome? And what does all of this insanity mean for The Last of Us: Part III... if anything at all? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:20:37 - Tri Breaker is out now! 0:33:46 - What gives us the right? 0:36:50 - Changes for LSM in 2025 0:46:09 - Gooning over the landlady 0:54:01 - Jurassic: The Hunted 0:56:00 - Chis = Smeargle 1:01:47 - New Astro Bot level 1:06:54 - Game Awards clarifications 1:15:28 - new Mark Cerny ASMR video 1:20:12 - Helldivers 2 x Killzone is real 1:31:18 - Exodus could be the next Mass Effect? 1:40:09 - Secret Level renewed 1:46:05 - Please don't make FF7 NSFW mods 1:49:06 - More Tales of remasters are coming 1:52:33 - What We're Playing 2:09:50 - Sony has bought an additional 8% of Kadokawa 2:21:18 - Circana November data 2:30:44 - Will Intergalactic flop due to the early reaction? 2:40:36 - Naughty Dog derangement 2:55:24 - Neil Druckmann derangement 3:11:16 - What will Sony's strategy be around the game? 3:20:41 - PlayStation and female characters 3:27:16 - When will we get The Last of Us Part 3? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last time we spoke about the fall of Ormoc. The Japanese prepared their Wa offensive as General Arnold's troops advanced toward Ormoc. On December 5, American forces engaged in fierce fighting for Hills 918 and 380, facing entrenched enemy positions. By December 6, Japanese troops launched a surprise attack on American camps, but a swift counteroffensive from General Swift helped reclaim the Buri airfield. Despite initial gains, poor weather hindered Japanese reinforcements, allowing American forces to stabilize their positions and push back the enemy. Then the 148th battalion launched an attack on Buri. The advancing American troops faced fierce Japanese resistance, with intense battles over strategic locations like the San Pablo airstrip and Hill 380. Despite setbacks, forces rallied, utilizing effective tactics to outmaneuver the enemy. As reinforcements arrived, the Americans secured critical positions and engaged fiercely in Ormoc, leading to significant Japanese losses. The capture of Ormoc disrupted enemy supply lines, marking a pivotal victory that forced the Japanese to keep sending troops into a deteriorating situation. This episode is the Invasion of Mindoro Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, 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 world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two 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 you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  Building on our discussion from last week, there were several other events occurring simultaneously with the fall of Ormoc on December 10. At Buri, following a half-hour of concentrated artillery fire, the 1st Battalion of the 149th Regiment launched a final assault that swiftly cleared the airstrip and eliminated the enemy paratrooper forces. Later that evening, the 3rd Battalion of the 13th Independent Regiment arrived in the area in a disorganized state after a challenging march, and with their last reserves of strength, they attacked Burauen town.  At 19:30 the Japanese launched their final concentrated attack against the airfields. They began to fire at the administration buildings of the Fifth Air Force, and some of the bullets went through the plywood walls of the house of Maj. Gen. Ennis C. Whitehead. "The General ducked a bullet, ordered someone to find out who the blankety-blank was responsible and that he'd blankety-blank better stop or think up a blankety-blank good reason." The air force personnel were pushed back until they reached the hospital, where they halted and held. They then counterattacked and drove the enemy away from the area. The Japanese left thirty of their dead behind them. This marked the retreat of the surviving Japanese forces, indicating the conclusion of the battle for the airstrips. Meanwhile, General Arnold's 7th Division continued its limited offensive through the challenging mountainous terrain, with the 17th and 184th Regiments reaching Malitbog by the end of the day. To the north, General Cunningham's 2nd Squadron, which had been engaged with the bulk of the 102nd Division, was finally relieved by the 2nd Squadron of the 7th Cavalry, initiating their westward movement to rejoin the rest of the regiment at the Leyte River. There, the 126th and 127th Regiments struggled to breach the defenses of the 1st Regiment, while the 5th and 12th Cavalry Regiments made slow progress through the mountains towards Mount Cabungaan, effectively bypassing the Mount Pina position.  In the process of reducing the Japanese-held area, it was estimated that an enemy force of 500 to 600 men had been wiped out. From 28 November to 9 December, the 12th Cavalry remained in the Mt. Badian and Hill 2348 sector, sent out westward patrols, and slowly moved westward. On 10 December, General Sibert decided to have elements of the 1st Cavalry Division debouch from the mountains onto Highway 2 south of the 32d Division and in the Lonoy area. This move was to be concurrent with the expected advance of the 32d Division down the highway. The 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry, was in the vicinity of Mt. Cabungaan, and the 2d Squadron, on Hill 2348, was 2,000 yards northeast of the 1st Squadron. An enemy strong point existed to the north of the perimeter of the 1st Squadron. The 12th Cavalry spent 10 December in making preparations for a two-squadron assault against this enemy force. The plan was for the 1st Squadron to attack at 0830 while the 2d Squadron from Hill 2348 supported the attack by enveloping the left flank of the enemy. In furtherance of this plan Troop E of the 2d Squadron moved off Hill 2348 at 0800 toward the southwest and dug in for the night just north of Mt. Cabungaan. On the morning of 11 December, an intense mortar and artillery concentration was placed upon the enemy position in front of the 1st Squadron. The fire was so close that fragments frequently fell on the waiting assault troops. After this fire, the 1st Squadron with Troop A in the lead moved out at 0715. At the same time Troop E attacked from the northeast. The enemy defenses consisted of seven or eight pillboxes and many caves dug into the very rugged terrain. The men of Troop A, closely followed by Troop B, charged up the hill "throwing grenades and firing from the hip." The hill fell to the 1st Squadron at 1003 after very heavy hand-to-hand fighting. Troop E had been held up by the terrain and was unable to assist the 1st Squadron. After the capture of the Japanese position, patrols established contact with Troop E at 1200. The regimental reconnaissance platoon returned from the vicinity of Lonoy with the information that the Japanese had prepared strong defensive positions in that area. The platoon had gained a good observation point 900 yards east of Lonoy. The next several days were spent in sending out patrols and moving the 2d Squadron to the position of the 1st Squadron. Meanwhile, on December 9, Admiral Okawachi had launched what would turn out to be his final TA convoy. This convoy, consisting of three destroyers, two subchasers, and six transport ships carrying the Takahashi Detachment and the Ito Naval Landing Unit, departed from Manila on December 9. A day earlier, the Camotes Detachment had also been dispatched individually via landing barges. In light of the recent enemy landings at Deposito, three units were assigned to deploy in Ormoc and support General Tomochika's forces in defending the city. However, by December 11, Ormoc had already succumbed, and the convoy finally arrived in Leyte, where it was immediately targeted by American fighter planes. Near Palompon, two transports were struck and left immobilized, prompting an urgent order for the Takahashi Detachment to disembark there and assist the Camotes Detachment during its landing at Palompon. Meanwhile, two destroyers and two transports carrying the Ito Naval Landing Unit continued to Ormoc, where four American destroyers awaited them. This led to a chaotic battle, as artillery, mortars, tank destroyers, and the destroyer Coghlan opened fire on the transports as they unloaded the SNLF Marines northwest of Ormoc. Consequently, one transport was sunk, and another was damaged, necessitating an escort back to Palompon to offload its remaining cargo. Despite this, over 200 Marines managed to land by nightfall, although they could not connect with the Imahori Detachment situated north of Ormoc.  At 2330 on 11 December the 77th Division beach defense units observed a Japanese convoy, which was transporting the Special Naval Landing Force, steaming into Ormoc Bay with the apparent intention of landing at Ormoc. The Japanese evidently thought that Ormoc was still in their hands. The first craft noticed by the U.S. forces was a landing barge with about fifty men, heading directly for the Ormoc pier. By the time the barge came within range of the shore weapons, all shore units were alert and waited with guns trained upon it. They withheld their fire until the barge was within fifty yards of the pier and then all weapons converged their fires upon the craft. The first rounds squarely hit the barge, which immediately burst into flames. The Japanese clambered atop the gunwales and are reported to have screamed, "Don't shoot," under the mistaken notion that their forces still occupied Ormoc. The harbor was lit up by the burning barge and 60-mm. illuminating shells. During the night the Americans discovered that another enemy vessel, about the size of an LST, had pulled into shore northwest of the town under cover of darkness and was busily engaged in discharging troops and equipment. The tank destroyer guns of the 307th Infantry, emplaced along the beach within 1,000 yards of the vessel, opened fire on it while forward observers from the 902d Field Artillery Battalion directed artillery fire upon the landing area and inland. The enemy vessel attempted to pull out to sea, but after proceeding less than fifty yards it burst into flames and sank. About 150 men, two tanks, a number of rifles, mortars, and machine guns, and a quantity of ammunition had been unloaded before the vessel sank, but most of the supplies, including four ammunition trucks, had been destroyed by American fire while the vessel was unloading. The early dawn of 12 December revealed another ship of the same type farther west near Linao. The artillery, mortars, and tank destroyer guns opened up against this vessel as it fled along the shores of Ormoc Bay, and their fire followed until it was out of range. Before the fire ceased, heavy clouds of smoke billowed from the vessel as it moved at a snail's pace. During the night the American fire had to be closely coordinated, since American vessels, including a resupply convoy, were in the bay. Not a single U.S. craft was damaged. Troops of the Special Naval Landing Force who had disembarked got in touch with Colonel Imahori, who immediately ordered them to go to Highway 2 as the reserve unit of the 12th Independent Infantry Regiment. It was impossible for them to carry out the order, since the 77th Division had advanced north from Ormoc. They thereupon decided to join a naval airfield construction unit at Valencia, but again they failed. In the latter part of December, the men of the Special Naval Landing Force were in the eastern part of the Palompon area without having taken part in the battle for the Ormoc corridor. On the journey back to Manila, the Uzuki was sunk by two PT boats near Leyte on December 12. The rest of the convoy was also assaulted by 46 aircraft off Cebu, leading to the sinking of the Yuzuki and one transport. This incident marked the final TA convoy of the war, as the fall of Ormoc made the operation pointless. Similarly, plans for a counterlanding at Carigara Bay with the 39th Regiment were also scrapped. The nine TA convoys successfully transported an estimated 45,000 men and 10,000 tons of supplies and equipment to Leyte; however, this came at a significant cost. The Southwest Area Fleet incurred losses that included one light cruiser, nine destroyers, three submarines, three subchasers, two frigates, and 26 transports. Additionally, during enemy carrier strikes on Luzon and the Visayas, the fleet lost one heavy cruiser, two light cruisers, five destroyers, one submarine, three subchasers, three frigates, 19 transports, and four oilers. On December 11, General Bruce launched an aggressive defense of Ormoc, planning to advance his troops daily to establish new forts or blockhouses by nightfall until Valencia was secured. Consequently, the 307th Regiment and the 1st Battalion of the 306th Regiment attempted to cross the Antilao River but encountered intense fire and were quickly pinned down. Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion of the 306th managed to advance despite facing increasing resistance from the Imahori Detachment at Cogon but was ultimately compelled to withdraw due to heavy enemy fire. At the same time, the bulk of the 305th Regiment repositioned to the right of the 307th, while the 17th and 184th Regiments completed their limited offensive, successfully crossing the Talisayan River without opposition and reaching the Binoljo area, with the 2nd Battalion of the 184th advancing to Ipil to establish contact with the 77th Division. At this stage, General Yamagata's units had retreated into the mountains, regrouping north of Talisanyan to initiate their final withdrawal to Ormoc. However, their escape route had been entirely cut off, and they were being pursued from the east by the bulk of General Swing's 11th Airborne Division. As General Gill's offensive progressed, his infantry began assaulting enemy artillery positions in the north. Simultaneously, the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry launched an attack against the 102nd Division units; however, the defenders managed to hold the cavalrymen back at the hill's base. Meanwhile, General Suzuki was hastily retreating toward Huaton, where he was expected to arrive by December 13. His strategy involved waiting for the 5th and 77th Regiments to reach his position before executing a robust counterattack to reclaim Ormoc. The 68th Brigade was tasked with bolstering the beleaguered 1st Division, which had incurred over 3,000 casualties since the start of hostilities. Returning to the frontline developments, the previous day's intense fighting compelled Bruce to solidify his positions on December 12. He organized the delivery of supplies and supporting artillery to bombard enemy defenses while dispatching strong patrols for reconnaissance. At the same time, the 17th and 184th Regiments successfully gathered at the Panilahan River in preparation to reinforce the 77th Division. On the following day, after a significant artillery bombardment, a specialized attack force led by Colonel Paul Freeman, comprising two companies from the 305th Regiment, was dispatched to assault Colonel Imahori's primary blockhouse at Cogon. Meanwhile, the remainder of the regiment targeted other enemy positions along the ridge. While the infantry managed to advance to the ridge, Freeman's companies were unable to progress further, ultimately forcing the 305th to retreat. Simultaneously, the 307th Regiment advanced westward along the Ormoc-Linao road and successfully captured Linao. Although the 77th Division had pushed its western boundary forward by approximately 1,000 yards during the day, the central front lines remained largely unchanged since morning, necessitating General Bruce to launch another attack the following day. Meanwhile, Arnold sent the 32nd Regiment to connect with the 11th Airborne Division to aid in its withdrawal from the mountains.  On the morning of 13 December the 2d Battalion, 126th Infantry, with the assistance of its tanks and heavy mortars, pushed past the Japanese who had held up its advance. In the face of most determined opposition the battalion moved south, destroying the pockets of resistance which had been bypassed. At the end of the day the 2d Battalion had advanced 400 yards to a position 200 yards north of a roadblock set up by the 3d Battalion, 126th Infantry. The 3d Battalion, less Company L, which was to remain on the high ground overlooking the road, was to attack south on the east side of Highway 2 and come abreast of the 1st Battalion, 126th Infantry. At 1521 the 3d Battalion reported that six enemy tanks were coming up the highway. After heavy fighting, the Japanese tanks withdrew at nightfall and returned to the south. The 1st Battalion, 126th Infantry, the southernmost unit of the division, made plans to dislodge the enemy force between it and the 3d Battalion. The contested ground consisted of an open space 600 to 700 yards long and 200 to 300 yards wide, at the southern end of which were two knolls. The 1st Battalion had men on both knolls but did not control the northern end of the sector where the Japanese had dug in and were using machine guns, mortars, and rifles. The 1st Battalion charged against the Japanese and rooted them out with grenades and mortar fire. Except for this action, only slight gains were registered during the day. The men of the battalion were hungry, having been without food since the previous afternoon. The commanding officer of the battalion renewed a request for additional rations and ammunition, since the one-third ration that had been received the day before was insufficient. The 1st and 2d Battalions of the 127th Infantry received orders from the regimental commander to advance south with the 1st Battalion on the left, pinch out the 3d Battalion, 126th Infantry, and link up with the 1st Battalion, 126th Infantry. The 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry, moved out in a column of companies and had advanced 400 yards when it encountered forty to fifty Japanese on a ridge to its front, about 150 yards west of the road. The enemy threw blocks of TNT and grenades against the battalion, effectively pinning down the troops. A night perimeter was established. The 2d Battalion, 127th Infantry, moved abreast of the regiment's 1st Battalion throughout the day. Its advance was bitterly contested by the Japanese, who employed machine guns, mortars, and rifles against the battalion, which dug in for the night under fire. At 1630 the 11th Field Artillery Battalion fired upon fifteen Japanese who were walking along the road south of Lonoy and killed twelve of them. The night of 13-14 December was not quiet. At 2300 an enemy force from the 1st Infantry Regiment broke into the command post of the 126th Infantry. The Japanese set up a machine gun in the area and attacked with grenades and rifles. Bitter hand-to-hand fighting ensued but by 0325 the enemy force was evicted and the area had quieted down. At 0630, with the coming of dawn, the Headquarters Company got things in order and everyone was "happy to hear sound of comrade's voices." Six Japanese were killed and two Americans and two Filipinos wounded. On December 14, nearly all battalions of the 126th and 127th Regiments were actively advancing and maintaining physical contact with one another, successfully pushing over two miles south of Limon. At 0730 on the morning of 13 December, the 2d Squadron, 7th Cavalry, moved out and came under fire from two Japanese machine guns well emplaced on a cliff. The ridge narrowed to ten feet with sixty-degree slopes, making forward passage almost impossible. The troops were pinned down. In the meantime, Troop F of the squadron worked south in an attempt to envelop the rear of the enemy force but was unable to do so and returned. The 2d Squadron established night perimeters near the same positions it had held the previous night. On the following morning the 75-mm. and 105-mm. artillery and the 4.2-inch and 60-mm. mortars began to register heavy fire on the Japanese strong point. At 1200 Troop G of the 2d Squadron jumped off, attacking the enemy position frontally while Troop F moved in from the rear. Employing flame throwers, Troop G steadily pushed forward and by 1445 had knocked out four enemy bunkers and destroyed several machine guns. Of more importance, it was fifty yards beyond the enemy front lines. Troop F also continued to advance. By the end of the day the enemy force had been rooted off the high ground, and the 2d Squadron, 7th Cavalry, was in firm possession of the ridge. The unit captured a quantity of enemy ordnance, including 12 light and 3 heavy machine guns, 9 grenade launchers, and 73 rifles, together with considerable quantities of grenades and ammunition. Before the ridge was secured, "over 5000 rounds of artillery fire had been placed on [the] . . . position without appreciably affecting it." On 14 December, the 12th Cavalry was ordered to continue west to Highway 2 and assist the advance of the 32d Division, to establish a roadblock on the highway, and to attack the hostile forces to the north between it and the 32d Division. In furtherance of this order, the 1st Squadron, less A and C Troops, moved west on 15 December toward a previously reconnoitered area that was about 1,800 yards east of the barrio of Lonoy. This site, a banana plantation, was chosen for its observation facilities to the west and as an excellent dropping ground for supplies. The 1st Squadron, having encountered little opposition, closed on the area before dusk. Thereupon the rest of the regiment was ordered to close in on the area before nightfall on 17 December. At 0930 on 14 December Colonel Freeman prepared his special assault force to renew the attack. Before the jump-off, artillery and mortars laid their fire on the blockhouse and beyond. Under cover of artillery fire the troops cautiously moved out at 1030 with Company L on the right and by 1105 they had advanced 100 yards. Company L knocked out two pillboxes with flame throwers and a tank destroyer gun. Company E found every step of the way contested. The troops used hand grenades and bayonets and literally forced the enemy out of the foxholes in tough hand-to-hand fighting. Capt. Robert B. Nett, the commanding officer of Company E, although seriously wounded, refused to relinquish his command. He led his company forward and killed seven Japanese with his rifle and bayonet. Captain Nett was awarded the Medal of Honor. While Company E was so engaged, Company L on its right advanced through dense foliage and burnt the Japanese out of their foxholes and the bamboo thicket with flame throwers. The company was assisted by armored bulldozers from the 302d Engineers. For a hundred yards on all sides of the blockhouse, the enemy had dug many deep foxholes only a few yards apart. All the foxholes were covered, some with coconut logs and earth, and others with improvised lids of metal and earth. One was protected by an upturned bathtub. The armored bulldozer drove over the positions, its blades cutting off the tops of the foxholes, after which small arms fire into the holes killed the occupants. The crews of the tank destroyers not only fired point-blank at targets but opened the escape hatches and dropped grenades into the foxholes. At 1240 the blockhouse, or what remained of it, was secured. Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion, 305th Regiment executed a flanking maneuver around the blockhouse, subsequently shifting 1,000 yards to the east to intercept the enemy's communication lines along Highway 2. On December 15, the 77th Division consolidated its positions and dispatched small patrols, effectively securing the port of Ormoc. Since the initial landings, the 77th estimated that they had killed 3,046 Japanese soldiers and captured 9 prisoners at the expense of 103 soldiers killed, 318 wounded, and 26 missing. With the 184th Regiment taking over the defense of Ormoc, Bruce's troops were now able to prepare for their advance toward Valencia and beyond, aiming to connect with General Sibert's 10th Corps, which was still making its way southward. However, we must shift our focus from Leyte to address another significant development in the Philippines.  While Admiral Nimitz was strategizing his invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa—topics we will delve into further in the future—General MacArthur reluctantly postponed the Mindoro operation until December 15 to give Admiral Kinkaid time to assemble a robust escort carrier group to protect General Dunckel's Western Visayan Task Force during its landing on Mindoro. This group, composed of six escort carriers, three aging battleships, three cruisers, and 18 destroyers commanded by Rear-Admiral Theodore Ruddock, was tasked with safeguarding Admiral Struble's Task Group 78.3, now renamed the Mindoro Attack Group, alongside Admiral Berkey's Close Covering Group, which included three cruisers and seven destroyers. Additionally, Admiral McCain's Task Force 38 was ordered to assist Operation Love with a series of strikes against the main airbases on Luzon. Although the prime airfield locations on Mindoro were situated in the northeast, perilously close to Japanese air concentrations in Luzon, MacArthur chose to establish a beachhead and airfield sites near San Jose in the southwest corner. The 503rd Parachute Regiment was designated to land on the Green and Blue Beaches around the Bugsanga River, while the majority of the 19th Regiment would come ashore at the White Beach near Mangarin Bay. Meanwhile, General Yamashita had been convinced since early November that Leyte would fall, prompting him to strategize for the defense of Luzon. He thought the Americans would try to establish advance air bases in the western Visayas rather than on Mindoro, as the Japanese believed Mindoro had limited suitable locations for operational airfield construction. This belief hindered Yamashita's ability to reinforce either these positions or the already weakened defenses on Luzon, as Field Marshal Terauchi persistently pressured him to send all available reinforcements to Leyte. Realizing he could not engage in a decisive battle on Luzon without substantial reinforcements, Yamashita began planning a delaying defense strategy, where his existing forces would conduct operations aimed at exhausting enemy resources. In preparation for the worst-case scenario, the 14th Area Army started organizing positions for a prolonged defense in the mountainous regions around Baguio and north of San Jose, west of Tarlac, and east of Manila. At this stage, Yamashita had the 61st Independent Mixed Brigade stationed on the Batan and Babuyan Islands, the 103rd Division in northern Luzon, the 58th Independent Mixed Brigade in the Lingayen Gulf area, the 2nd Tank Division near San Miguel-Cabanatuan, the 8th Division in Batangas Province, the 11th Independent Regiment in the sectors around Baler and Dingalan Bay, the 82nd Brigade in the Lamon Bay region, the remainder of the 105th Division in the Legaspi and Naga areas, and most of the 23rd Division in the San Jose and Umingan sectors. In addition, the Manila Defense Force, established on November 1, comprised four provisional infantry battalions and five infantry companies, tasked with defending Manila and the Bataan Peninsula. Furthermore, the 8th Division was charged with the defense of Mindoro; however, the island was only protected by two provisional companies from the 359th Independent Battalion, which were deployed there to bolster the local naval garrisons and air personnel. On December 12, Struble's convoy finally set sail from Leyte Gulf towards Mindoro. Struble's forces steamed on through the Mindanao Sea unmolested until the afternoon of 13 December. Japanese Army and Navy planes had had the three groups under surveillance since 0900, but had not attacked pending receipt of information on the force's destination. In midafternoon ten Japanese Navy planes, including three designated as suicide bombers--the dread kamikazes--flew up from a field on Cebu and found the Allied force off the southeastern corner of Negros Island. Unobserved by lookouts and undetected by radar, which nearby land masses blanketed, one kamikaze flew in low over the water and crashed with a mighty roar on the light cruiser Nashville, Admiral Struble's flagship. Combined explosions from the plane's bomb and ship's ammunition wrecked the flag bridge, the communications office, and the combat information center. Over 130 men were killed outright, including General Dunckel's chief of staff, the 310th Bombardment Wing's commander, Admiral Struble's chief of staff, and Task Group 78.3's communications and medical officers. The wounded, numbering about 190, included Dunckel, who was painfully but not seriously injured and burned. Struble and Dunckel quickly transferred to the destroyer Dashiell, which also took aboard some of the members of both officers' staffs. The rest of the staffs and the wounded sailed back to Leyte on the Nashville, protected by the destroyer Stanly. Later that afternoon, another kamikaze struck the destroyer Haraden, which also had to return to Leyte, resulting in 15 fatalities and 25 injuries. Additionally, Admiral Shima's 2nd Striking Force was instructed to relocate from Lingga to Camranh Bay in anticipation of a potential sortie. Despite this, the Americans continued their advance, and fortunately for them, the Japanese were searching in the western Visayas, causing them to miss the opportunity to attack on December 14. Meanwhile, McCain's carriers launched a significant strike against Luzon, while Ruddock's carriers effectively diverted enemy attention with attacks on air concentrations in Panay and Negros Islands. By late afternoon of the 14th the location of the convoy in the southern waters of Mindoro Strait made it clear that the objective lay beyond the western Visayas. For the first time Fourteenth Area Army estimated that the landing would take place on Mindoro and ordered the 8th Division to alert its outposts there. It was also a serious possibility,, however, that the enemy might strike directly at Luzon. General Yamashita therefore issued a warning to Area Army forces throughout central Luzon. As a further precaution, the Nagayoshi Detachment, which was awaiting shipment to Leyte, and the 71st Infantry Regiment of the 23d Division, which had just reached Manila, were ordered to deploy immediately to Bataan Peninsula and Batangas, respectively, to meet potential enemy landings in those sectors. The Navy and air commands in Manila saw much greater probability of a landing on Luzon than on Mindoro. They therefore directed all subordinate units and installations to prepare for action against both enemy amphibious forces and possible airborne attack groups. Additionally, Army and Navy aircraft were quickly organized to target enemy shipping. Meanwhile, Struble's convoy anchored near San Jose and began preparations for the landings, which would catch the few defenders of Mindoro off guard. As troops transferred to the landing crafts and surface vessels commenced the pre-landing bombardment, McCain's carrier aircraft launched another assault on Luzon, inflicting substantial casualties. Assisted by Ruddock's carriers, they successfully shot down eight out of fifteen kamikaze attackers targeting the shipping off the island. For the loss of 35 aircraft, the Americans estimated they destroyed around 450 Japanese planes during this operation. Nevertheless, the Japanese continued their assault, damaging two LSTs that would later sink, as well as one LSM. In the heroic action, the destroyer USS Moale (DD-693), under the command of Commander Walter M. Foster, went alongside the burning LST-738 (which was loaded with aviation fuel and ordnance) to rescue crewmembers. Several explosions aboard LST-738 caused damage to Moale as she pulled away. Some pieces of shrapnel were two feet square and they put four holes in Moale's hull. Gunner's Mate Ed Marsh reported that a one-gallon jar of vaseline from the LST's cargo splattered on one barrel of his twin 40 mm Bofors AA gun, providing unwelcome lubrication. Moale suffered one fatality and thirteen wounded. In addition, Moale also rescued 88 survivors. Despite this damage, they were unable to prevent the successful landings of the 19th Regiment and the 503rd Parachute Regiment, which quickly unloaded and advanced seven miles inland to secure the objective beachhead line. Consequently, the few Japanese units present in the area were compelled to retreat inland toward Bulalacao. Meanwhile, engineers promptly began construction on the new Hill Drome, which would be completed by December 20. The second Ellmore Field was projected to be ready for limited use three days later and for continuous dry-weather operations by December 28, a week ahead of schedule. On the morning of December 16, a slow-moving tow convoy consisting of small tankers, barges, and LCTs, accompanied by destroyers, arrived off Mindoro after suffering the loss of a small Army tanker that was sunk and a destroyer that was damaged by kamikaze attacks during the journey. Concurrently, McCain carried out his final strike against Luzon, unfortunately resulting in the sinking of the hellship Oryoku Maru, which was carrying 1,620 prisoners of war, with over 200 lives lost. The burden of taking their fellow soldiers' lives would not be the only consequence for the Americans, as the fierce Typhoon Cobra soon battered Task Force 38, sinking the destroyer Spence and damaging nine additional warships. Despite these significant losses, the Mindoro operation was ultimately a complete success. Although MacArthur aimed to launch his amphibious invasion of Lingayen Gulf just 15 days after capturing Mindoro, considerations such as the lunar and tidal conditions at Lingayen Gulf, the necessity to rest and replenish the units of Kinkaid's 7th Fleet, and the ongoing slow progress in airfield construction on Leyte—required for establishing a much larger airbase at Mindoro—ultimately compelled him to delay Operation Mike I until January 9. Conversely, the invasion of Mindoro, signaling that the final advance on Luzon would soon take place, prompted Terauchi to recognize that Leyte was a lost cause. As a result, the decisive battle at Leyte was immediately halted, the 35th Army was instructed to hold the southern Philippines for as long as possible, and the 14th Area Army was ordered to expedite its defensive preparations on Luzon and quickly respond to the enemy landing on Mindoro. 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. Intense battles unfolded as American forces aggressively pushed back a chaotic Japanese retreat, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for Ormoc, while enemy convoys faced destruction and retreat marked the war's shifting tide. US forces battled fiercely on Leyte and Mindoro, overcoming Japanese resistance and kamikaze attacks to secure key positions for the Luzon invasion.

It is no secret that law students and attorneys exist in a stressful environment. As Amy Levin recently wrote, "[l]aw student mental health is at an all-time low." The American Bar Association (ABA) has conducted a study that shows how this environment tends to contribute to high rates of mental health disorders and substance abuse. In an effort to face this challenge, LSM has launched the Wellness Program—focused on providing students resources and discussions to face this issue, together. Our first episode was with Ruth Haley Barton on Establishing Rhythms & Abiding in God (here). This week, we are joined by Dr. Barbara L. Peacock to talk about spiritual disciplines as soul care. Dr. Peacock is the author of the award-winning book Soul Care in African American Practice (book + workbook). Her newest book is Spiritual Practices for Soul Care 40 Ways to Deepen your Faith (buy). She is passionate about the disciplines of prayer, spiritual direction (soul care), lectio, and visio divina. In 2013 she founded Barbara L. Peacock Ministries. This ministry is committed to providing safe spaces for encounters with God. She founded Peacock Soul Care, whose mission is focused on nurturing souls, educating minds, and cultivating spirituality through soul care and spiritual experiences. Her personal website is here. Her ministry website is here. Music Credit(s): Tokyo Music Walker & Rexlambo.

Kyle and Owen sit down with Hopkinton head coach Dan Norton. They discuss the challenges and successes of Norton's coaching career, including his background and journey to becoming Hopkinton's head coach. The conversation covers coaching strategies, the importance of youth programs, and how Norton integrates youth and high school lacrosse. They delve into the nuances of defensive drills, the evolution of lacrosse positions like LSM, and the impact of club lacrosse programs. The episode also highlights the rivalry between Hopkinton and Westwood, and the shared history between the teams. Norton shares his thoughts on modern coaching trends and provides insights into lacrosse's development at the high school level. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Host Banter 00:41 Guest Introduction: Dan Norton 01:39 Dan's Coaching Journey 03:16 Challenges and Learning as a Young Coach 05:26 Balancing Teaching and Coaching 12:23 Reflecting on a Successful Season 15:28 High School Lacrosse in Massachusetts 20:35 Media and Coaching Perspectives 23:11 Awkward Conversations and Career Reflections 24:20 Coaching Youth and High School Lacrosse 25:36 Building Community and Mentorship Programs 28:27 Starting a New Lacrosse Club 29:54 Challenges and Rewards of Club Coaching 33:43 Preparing for the Upcoming Season 37:07 Defensive Drills and Strategies 38:27 Trends in Lacrosse Coaching 39:54 The Evolution of the LSM Position 43:43 Rivalries and Memorable Games 45:13 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Host Rob Reed welcomes some serious local retail powerhouses to the Clicks to Bricks podcast today: Alex Nocifera and Brian Monahan. Alex, a serial entrepreneur Rob has known for over a decade, returns to the show. Following a successful exit in local marketing and founding Field Day, which was featured in episode 29, he's now focused on his latest venture, LOMA, which he co-founded with Brett Campbell, another former guest from episode 30. Joining him is Brian Monahan, Global Client President and Head of Retail Media Solutions at the agency powerhouse Dentsu. Together, they discuss the shift toward local store marketing, exploring how local activations and media drive foot traffic, boost frequency, and connect businesses with the communities they serve. This is a great episode in a new format we are exploring, so be sure not to miss out. Thanks for listening!Key Points From This Episode:Where guests are joining us from today.A fun fact about Brian Monahan that most people might not know.What Alex has been up to since Field Day and more about LOMA.How Brian ended up at Dentsu and what they do there.Alex speaks to where the pain is that's preventing franchise brands from unlocking the potential of local.Brian shares his thoughts on the idea of mistaking activity for impact; what is the unlock?Alex shares why they're still working with paper mail and how influence can come in many different ways.The franchise profile: dealing with the franchisee and the possible disconnect.We discuss the idea that retailers are becoming media networks.Brian's take on Walmart's store-level support through socials and why more retailers haven't followed it.LOMA being built to work for big companies: centralizing the workstream. Alex unpacks three core constituents in retail.Going back to the good old-fashioned match market test.Thoughts on trends and big shifts expected for 2025.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Alex Nocifera on LinkedInLOMABrian Monahan on LinkedInDentsuEp 29: Alex Nocifera is the Founder and CEO of Field Day, the Local Marketing Activation PlatformField DayEp 30: Brett Campbell is Vice President of Field Marketing for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and this episode is a deep dive into LSM: local store marketingGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't: 1Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Welcome back red, blue and purple people, to another episode of Constellation. This week on LSM's conversational podcast, we're getting a little bit political. Now that the 2024 presidential election is behind us and the results are in, Colin, Jaffe and Dagan discuss the outcome, the winners and losers and what it all might mean as the world hurtles into 2025. Is the gang feeling optimistic, cynical, hopeful, bitter, angry or worried in the face of these imminent changes? Regardless of your political stripe we hope you enjoy the conversation, and thanks so much as always for tuning in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to another episode of Constellation for your ear holes and eyeballs! As the famous saying goes, and then there were three. This week on LSM's conversational podcast, we set sail with a trio of your favorite podcasting personalities rather than the usual foursome. Will this bit of streamlining make this nearly perfect show even better? Kicking things off, Matty talks to his comrades about personal reflections. When consuming various media ranging from video games to movies, how much introspection is involved? What plays into our feelings about the entertainment we choose to spend our time with, and how often do we allow ourselves the right to form judgements honestly while also giving ourselves permission to change our minds about the things we watch, read and play? Next up, Lord Cognito wants to weigh-in on our history with doctors. From the gifted healers that make our lives better to the mediocre medical practitioners who only add to our pain and suffering, what experiences have we had with doctors? As the nature of healthcare becomes increasingly difficult to navigate for the providers and their patients, does the prescription exist for the perfect doc? Finally, the Dagster asks the gang about trading reality for our idyllic fantasy worlds. Given the chance, which fictional places from our favorite works of fiction would we choose to inhabit, and why? Thanks so much for tuning in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to another delicious episode of Constellation. If you're hungry for some engaging conversation, we've got three meaty topics for you to feast on. First, Gene Park gets things cookin' with a discussion about our day jobs. What are the primary occupations that pay our bills, and how do we juggle our busy professions with our podcasting endeavors? Next, Micah wants to spice things up by talking about anger. Who or what makes us hot under the collar, and what strategies do we utilize to help us cool down before we boil over? Finally, Hoeg serves up a big batch of social media super stardom! The Hollywood Reporter has listed 'The 50 Most Influential Influencers' and LSM's favorite lawyer wants to talk about it. How familiar are we with this new wave of the most popular Instagram, YouTube and TikTok icons, and how are we all faring so far in this era of social media celebrity? Bon Appetit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No, you're not imagining it! We have been getting a LOT of Xbox showcases as of late. Just weeks removed from their Tokyo Game Show panel and they have returned once more with a Partner Preview that ran for almost thirty minutes. Before that was Gamescom and before THAT was their massive summer show. Joining the Dukes are LSM's very own Gene Park and Bradley Ellis to discuss all the announcements and gameplay (or lack thereof) during the Partner Preview. Did it deliver like prior Xbox shows or was it a bit of a nothing burger? Naturally, we get into that. We also discuss Xbox Game Studios' new lead as well as rounding out our latest criticism of Bethesda, Metaphor's impressive sales, Destiny Rising, and the future of Xbox's streaming tech! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a rare themed episode of Constellation, Last Stand Media's conversational podcast. This week, I (Colin) welcome Punching Up co-host Micah Moriarty, Summon Sign host Brad Ellis, and LSM producer Ben Smith to the show, and I asked each of them to bring a topic centered around our recent experience at our live show in California. Brad kicks things off with a chat about San Diego itself, the host city of our event, a unique and special locale that has a lot to offer. What do we think of southern Southern California? Next, I get into the entire premise of 'going backstage' or 'being backstage' at an event. I love the mysticism and history behind the scenes at these different venues. Does anyone else feel it, too? Third up is Ben, who experienced some limited technical difficulties during our show. When tech goes awry in our day-to-day lives, how do we react, and what do we do? Finally, Micah rounds things out with an exploration of late-night eating. After all, seeing an In-N-Out shoulder-to-shoulder crowded after midnight set her mind alight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Uncharted Territory! Chris Ray Gun (Sacred Symbols) hosts this weeks episode of Constellation, Last Stand Media's conversational podcast. Joined by Micah Moriarty (Punching Up) and Lockmort (a foreigner,) this ever-winding episode gets nutty. Micah forces us to envision our own Freaky Friday scenarios and decide which celebrities and LSM cohosts we'd switch bodies with. Chris sets his sights on animals that the world will be better without. Lockmort asks us about the three dumbest things we've ever done. Chris is hosting so expect frequent derailments. For free breakfast for life go to https://www.hellofresh.com/freecon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Sony may have purchased Bungie with specific end-goals in mind, it's clear -- some two years later -- that the deal hasn't improved PlayStation whatsoever. In fact, it's becoming increasingly nebulous why the acquisition was made at all, with Bungie hemorrhaging money, laying off hundreds, shedding high-end talent, and churning through funds that could be better spent by Sony's actually reliable stable of teams. With further layoffs, the creation of a new spin-off first party squad, and drama galore, there's plenty for us to get into on this topic alone. But there are other things to discuss, too: Firesprite is seemingly making a PlayStation 6 game, Until Dawn Remake got an ESRB rating, Activision's compelling white paper makes a great case for skill-based matchmaking, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Do we have any nostalgia for pandemic-era gaming? Would Sony have been wise to rely more heavily on established IP for their games-as-a-service push? With studio failures aplenty, is it even worth getting into game dev at this point? How has Colin been dealing with Boar's Head's darkest days ever? Tickets to Sacred Vs Dukes live show: https://bit.ly/sacreddukes Get a free gift with your Journey Pack at https://www.tryfum.com with code SACRED Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:28:15 - San Diego Live show! 0:29:55 - where baby? 0:36:39 - Will CCDF work at LSM? 0:45:46 - Boar's Head listeria outbreak 0:53:52 - Stolen pet waste basket 0:59:22 - Mega Man figure jar 1:03:51 - Cleaning in the shower 1:07:50 - New PSVR2 and PS5 pricing 1:14:33 - Astro Bot Dualsense 1:16:44 - Until Dawn Remake gets rated 1:20:43 - Voice actors strike 1:23:12 - Skill Based match making works 1:32:51 - Legacy of Kain returns? 1:42:57 - Alien Hominid 1 and 2 remastered 1:46:20 - Armored Core and Silent Hill sales and downloads 1:47:37 - What are we playing? 2:08:23 - Bungie Layoffs 2:52:06 - Firesprite's future game 2:59:00 - New PS Plus games 3:03:31 - Gaming with Biden and Trump 3:06:23 - PlayStation's creativity 3:12:34 - Pandemic gaming 3:19:58 - New vs old IP for live service 3:26:43 - Why pursue a career in games? 3:38:06 - Requirement to keep games going Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices