Podcasts about Magi

In chapter 13 of 1 Kings we read of two prophets and Yahweh's denouncement of Jeroboam's altar and himself. God sent an unnamed prophet from Judah to prophesy what Josiah would do some 350 years later. As king Jeroboam stretched forth his hand to order the arrest of the dissident prophet he was struck with leprosy. Jeroboam had to plead for healing, which he was granted. The Judean prophet had been commanded by God to return immediately after the denunciation of Jeroboam and the prophecy that men's bones would be burnt on the altar by a man named Josiah. But the old prophet was beguiled into accepting hospitality from another unnamed prophet. While at the meal table the latter prophet told of the doom awaiting the Judean prophet. When the Judean prophet was returning to his home town he was met by a lion which slew him. The lion stood by his carcass. The Judean prophet's ass was not harmed by the lion. The ass remarkably did not flee but also stayed near the body of the slain prophet. The old prophet from Israel heard of these incredible signs and went and took the body of the Judean prophet and buried him in his sepulchre. The lying prophet from Israel commanded his sons that upon his death he should be buried in the same location as the Judean prophet. Although the punishment for the lying prophet seems severe Yahweh cannot tolerate falsity, especially when the impostors claim to be speaking the LORD's word. Deuteronomy is full of God's opposition to these liars as also we have seen in our readings in Jeremiah. What a wonderful record is contained in the 39th chapter of Jeremiah. It delivers the final judgment on the wicked Zedekiah - the day had come when iniquity had an end. That end came in the overturning of the kingdom of Judah. We are told that Jeremiah was saved by Royal command from Nebuchadnezzar. We note that Rabmag was present when Jerusalem fell. Rabmag was a title meaning "the chief of the Magi" and belonged to Daniel himself. Likewise Ebed-melech was delivered due to his trust in God Almighty, and his kindness to Jeremiah. As God had promised Ebed-Melech through Jeremiah the prophet. No doubt Daniel ensured that both Jeremiah and Ebed-Melech were rescued. Our 13th chapter in Mark tells us of the Olivet prophecy. Jesus, in response to his disciples pointing out to him the magnificence of the temple precinct, tells them all stones of that Temple will be overturned. Peter, James, John and Andrew ask him three questions in verse 4; which he answered in the subsequent verses to 27. Verses 5-13 answer the first question and the concluding statement was relevant to that generation, and for all time - the one who endures to the end will be saved. The 14th to the 23rd verses link the prophecies of Daniel 8 and 9 to our Lord's message. They have special reference to the Roman desolation of Jerusalem that would be fulfilled in the overturning of Zion by the emperors Vespasian and his son Titus in AD 70. The following 4 verses relate to the interval from then until Israel's regathering and national identity in 1948. This is outlined in the parable of the fig tree from Vv28 to 31. An exhortation to watchfulness is from verses 32-37. These final verses should be slowly read aloud by each of us as we meditate the message for the need for each of us to ready ourselves for our Lord Jesus Christ's coming. https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Episode 65:  In this episode, Timalyn continues the discussion begun in Episode 64 about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.  Today, she's explaining the no tax on tips deduction. If there is any part of this new tax law that you'd like to hear her cover, please let us know. No Tax on Tips Timalyn jumps right in to let listeners know that tips are still considered taxable income. In order for them to be deducted, they must also be reported to the IRS. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a new section in tax law that allows a maximum of $25,000 in qualified tips to be deducted from an eligible taxpayer's returns. This deduction is available for tax years 2025 - 2028.  To be eligible, the taxpayer must have a Social Security number. The social security number must be administered by the social security administrator prior to the due date of the tax return.  The tip is limited to the amount the taxpayer earned in qualified tips or $25,000, whichever is less.  For single taxpayers, the deduction begins to phase out once their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) reaches $150,000. For taxpayers filing jointly with their spouse, that MAGI limit doubles to $300,000, but the deduction remains at $25,000. This deduction is not available to married taxpayers filing their taxes separately from their spouse. For every $1,000 the taxpayer goes over the MAGI limit, their deduction is reduced by $100.  The deduction is also available to self-employed taxpayers. They can only take the deduction up to the amount of their net income. It cannot create a loss.  Qualified tips must be cash and voluntary. This means that the payor has to select the amount of the tip. Tips earned in a tip-sharing arrangement or charged to a card count as cash tips for the purposes of this deduction.  Qualified tips will be found on the taxpayer's W-2, wage statements, contractor's 1099-NECs, and on third-party payment processing Form 1099-K. Taxpayers who report unreported tips on Form 4137 may also use that form to show their qualified tips.  Timalyn warns taxpayers that this is the year they may not want to let a family member who is not a professional handle their taxes. There are a lot of mid-year changes that, if not handled correctly, can lead to tax issues.  Need Tax Help Now? If you need answers to your tax debt questions, book a consultation with Timalyn via her Bowens Tax Solutions website.  Click this link to book a call. Please consider sharing this episode with your friends and family.  There are many people dealing with tax issues, and you may not know about it.  This information might be helpful to someone who really needs it.  After all, back taxes shouldn't ruin their life either. As we conclude Episode 65, we encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You'll be able to subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and many other podcast platforms.  Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America's Favorite EA, and she's here to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time.  Thanks for listening to today's episode. For more information about tax relief options or filing your taxes , visit https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com/ . If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here:  https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/contact. Disclaimer:  This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.  It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding.  Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.

Support TUC Ministry 2025: https://gofund.me/553bccb2 https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tu... Website: The Unexpected Cosmology Link: https://theunexpectedcosmology.com/ Archives page: https://theunexpectedcosmology.com/ar... Patreon Support:   / membership   Hebrew Match Dating: https://www.hebrewmatch.com/ Shelves of Shalom Publishing: https://shelvesofshalompublishing.com/ Contact: noelhadley@yahoo.com Facebook:   / theunexpectedcosmology  

On June 27, 2000, Magi Bish drove her 16-year-old daughter, Molly Bish, to her summer lifeguarding job at Comins Pond in Warren, Massachusetts. Molly, the youngest in a close-knit family with her parents Magi and John, sister Heather, and brother John Jr., had started her new job eight days prior. A bright, athletic, and social teen, Molly had just been to her first prom, was on the honor roll, and played multiple sports. Her parents had relocated to Warren from Detroit, believing it was a safe place to raise a family. The day before Molly vanished, Magi noticed a mustached man in a white sedan staring at Molly in the pond's parking lot. Though he didn’t act overtly threatening, Magi felt uneasy enough to wait until he left. On June 27, she didn’t see him and felt reassured. As Molly got out of the car, she said to he mom, “I love you, Mom.” And that was the last time Magi ever saw her daughter alive. If you have a case you’d like Catherine Townsend to look into, you can reach out to the Hell and Gone Murder Line at 678-744-6145. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new tax bill has officially passed (you've probably heard it mentioned as the “Big Beautiful Bill”). And while most headlines are focused on politics, we're focused on what it means for your retirement. The choices you make in the next year or two could have a significant impact on how much you keep and how much goes to Uncle Sam.   Important Links: Website: http://www.yourplanningpros.com Call: 844-707-7381   ----more---- Transcript:    Marc: This week on Plan With the Tax Man, let's talk about the Big, Beautiful Bill and what it means for your retirement. We'll stay away from the politics as much as humanly possible and just focus on what it might mean in the choices that you may make in the next couple of years. Let's get into it.   Hey everybody, welcome into the podcast. This is Plan With the Tax Man with Tony Morrow and myself to talk investing, finance and a retirement with Tony, who is Des Moines Professional Alternative at Tax Doctor Inc. He's a CPA, CFP and an EA of 30 years plus in the industry, and a great resource for you to tap into.   And Tony, this week we're going to talk about... It's been a couple of weeks now and we're going to talk about the BBB or the OBBBB as the One Big Beautiful Bill. But you know, it's kind of funny. I think at first when we heard that, I think we thought that was just like the media name, but that's actually the bill's name. I was expecting it to be like OBB753624, some crazy number or whatever. But nope, it's One Big Beautiful Bill. So how you doing, buddy?   Tony: I've been good. Wrapping up the summer and hot here and here, we're getting ready for the state fair. So that's a big thing around here.   Marc: Yeah.   Tony: Yeah. Things are going good.   Marc: Well, good. Well, let's talk about this. Like I said, we'll try to stay off of the political stuff as much as we can. I mean, unfortunately, everything is trying to frame every piece of a conversation with some sort of a slant. And I will say, the only piece I'll say about this is that there's a lot of this helps billionaires and blah, blah, blah. And when you really look at some of the stuff we're going to cover today, it really doesn't. It's actually really kind of low and middle income families who actually get some of this extended stuff, at least a lot of the things that are going to affect most people. Right?   Tony: That's right. Yeah.   Marc: So we'll just dive into it. We'll kind of get started. So first of all, the tax brackets, which is the big piece, have been extended. You and I have been talking about that for a couple months now. When you're talking about planning and strategizing, we were waiting to see would the TCJA, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from 2017, expire or would they get extended? Well, they got extended.   Tony: They got extended and they are supposedly... And we have to address this because you're going to hear a lot of stuff in the news and whatnot about this and that tax cut or brackets being now permanent, and hopefully, everybody knows that permanent only means that they just won't expire. But-   Marc: Right. In Washington-   Tony: Congress can change them.   Marc: Yeah. In Washington, permanent is not an actual word I don't think. Yeah.   Tony: It isn't. So I wish they wouldn't throw that around. But from this standpoint right now, they're not going to expire until Congress changes them.   Marc: A future Congress would have to pass a bill, basically.   Tony: Yeah. So you have to do that. But it is good news because now people from all income aspects can kind of plan. Obviously, the higher income is probably more concerned because they can do maybe a little more, but this is going to benefit people because all across the board, we're not going to have to worry about tax rates going up for right now.   Marc: Yeah. The seven brackets, Tony, they're staying the same through at least probably 2028, right?   Tony: At least. Yeah. At least.   Marc: Right. So we got what? 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37. Those are the tax brackets.   Tony: That is correct. Yeah. I always have to look them up now. Because there's so many, and they're constantly adjusting them a little bit for inflation. But I think that as far as how you can take advantage of that any more than you already have is we always try to get our clients to use up the bracket that they're in. It's important that they know what bracket they're in, which is their marginal bracket, because that is the bracket that the last dollar of income that's going to be taxed on. So anything we can do to fill up that bracket-   Marc: Can you explain that a little bit? Because I think people get confused by that, right? So they think, okay, let's say I'm in the 22, and so I'm afraid I'm going to do this or this and I'm going to move to the 24. But when you get moved up a bracket, it doesn't mean every dollar that came in moves to the 24, correct?   Tony: That's correct. Yeah. And a lot of people tend to forget when we'll pull out the brackets and the ranges that this is a progressive tax system. Certain amounts of income are starting out taxed at 10 and then the next is 12 and on and on and on. We talk about marginal bracket because if you're in the... Let's say I spout out, you're in the 22% bracket, that means any more of your income that you bring in that year over a certain amount is going to be taxed at 22%, but the first parts weren't taxed at 22%.   Marc: Correct.   Tony: Just the latest. And so it's really a good tactic for using Roth IRAs or Roth conversions-   Marc: And we'll talk about that yeah, a little bit later too. Yeah. But that's a good piece of that. I mean, overall extending this, from a planner's standpoint, which obviously you're a planner, that's useful. Yeah?   Tony: I think it's useful because now we can go with people and we can, I think with more accuracy, determine what their future taxes are going to be on some of this stuff and how we want them to take advantage of that and invest for retirement. I mean-   Marc: Yeah, for sure.   Tony: On a nation standpoint, well, again, we don't want to get into politics and all that as far as spending and cutting and this and that. But all we can do is take advantage of what they give us regardless of who's in there.   Marc: Yeah, true. And so probably up until '28 we'll have this in place, and some of these pieces that they passed also do have time expirations on them as well, and we'll talk more about that here in just a second. But again, there seems to be a lot of confusion around it. So that's the first big takeaway is that, hey, we are at historically low tax rates. So that's a win for most people. We'll see how it plays out in the long run, but for right now, that's the advantage we can take from it.   The standard deduction was also "made permanent" right, Tony? And honestly, it's pretty hefty. Check this out. I was going to run this past you, see what you thought. If you kind of break this down a little bit, Tony, so it's what? The standard deduction is... Let just find my note here. Where'd it go? Okay, so the standard deduction for a married couple, it's 31,500 base for 2025. That's pretty hefty.   Tony: That's hefty. And a lot of clients, that at least we see, may not be able to have enough itemized deductions to get over that, but at least it is. It's hefty. So you're not being penalized what I would say so much, but it is making it a little bit simpler for some Americans to just take the standard deduction. However, I think what we're going to talk about next will come into play this year where it hasn't come into play and that's the SALT cap because some people might be able to itemize now. But again, it's important to make that distinction.   Marc: Yeah, for sure. Well, I'll tell you what. I'm going to move it around a little bit. Let's talk about the SALT cap after we talk about some of the other deductions that kind of go along with the standard. Okay? So we got the standard deduction. It's 15,750 for a single person, single filer. 31,500 for a married couple.   Now, what they did for a lot of our listening audiences is the whole conversation and the kerfluffle around no tax on Social Security. That didn't happen. They did their bartering and all that stuff and people wanted to get this, and some people wanted to get that. And what they settled on, Tony, was this additional $6,000 per person over the age of 65.   Now, here's where I think people get confused. So the existing law gives you that additional standard deduction of $2,000 per person if you're over 65. Then this new temporary, from 2025 to 2028, senior deduction they're calling it is another 6,000 for single filers or 12,000 for married couples. So if you add these together, the 31,500... Let's say you're a married couple. 31,500 base deduction, the 3,200 age-based existing law deduction for married couples, plus the $12,000 bonus that's temporary through 2028, that's $46,700 of deductions can be pretty hard to itemize.   Tony: It's going to be pretty hard to itemize for seniors. Yes.   Marc: That's pretty great.   Tony: For sure. I mean, that is good.   Marc: 65 and over again, right?   Tony: Yeah, 65 and over. Now, what you got to remember though is that it's not... And I've already started to hear it. They're not eliminating taxes on Social Security.   Marc: Correct.   Tony: You still are paying taxes on your Social Security. It's just that they're extending a deduction. So it's in the ballpark. I mean, your taxes will be cut by whatever tax rate you're in with this deduction. And so-   Marc: It's kind of like a semantic word. It's almost a semantic math problem. Now, there are income limitations on this, we should say. For some people, it is like you're not going to be paying the tax on your Social Security, but not for everybody.   Tony: Not for everybody, but yeah for a lot of people, especially the people that are more Social Security heavy as far as driven with their retirement income, you may not be paying taxes at all now or very little. They will go down.   Marc: Yeah. So I guess we should explain the phase out. So how it works is if your MAGI, your modified adjusted gross income, is 75,000 for singles and 150, that's when it starts to phase. Does it mean you're cut off? It's not like a cliff, right?   Tony: It's not like a cliff.   Marc: At 150 for couples, it's not cut off, but at $250,000 of income, that's when it does cut off. So 150 to 250, you're kind of like percentages are going down, correct?   Tony: That's correct.   Marc: Okay.   Tony: Yeah, that's correct. And then the people that are over 250, obviously I think probably the theory there is, well, they don't need this extra deduction. So you're not getting it basically.   Marc: Right. Right.   Tony: So you're not getting that tax cut.   Marc: And so that really does benefit lower and middle income families, retirees.   Tony: For a lot of them definitely. Definitely. I think we're going to see a lot of our senior tax clients and the financial planning clients, their tax bill is going to go down with that.   Marc: Yeah. Now, the goofy part unfortunately was what was the IRS or whoever sent that thing out at first saying that it was no tax? And then they was like, okay, got all kind of confused and people got a little misnomer there. So we wanted to make sure we kind of explained that. They're kind of calling it the senior citizen deduction. As I said, it's 6,000 per person. Of course, $12,000 if you're married, and it's only for folks over 65 and again, within those monetary thresholds.   Now, to your point, let's back up a little bit and go to the SALT cap again, the bargaining chip I think when all these congressmen and senators and women are all chatting. It's like, well, I want this and I want that. They get this plan together. This happens with every bill for everything. We all know that's what they do. And you know that the higher income states were like, hey, California and New York and New Jersey and some other states were like, we need to raise the SALT. So explain what the SALT tax is and all that stuff.   Tony: So the SALT tax is short for what they did with the state and local income taxes and your property taxes back with the Tax Act of 2017. They basically put a limit on that deduction that you can not deduct any more than $10,000 in that whole area of your Schedule A, which is really your state and local income tax, your property tax, your car license fees and sales tax.   And so for those high tax states and those big states like California and New York, you're talking property values... I mean, some of those people's property tax alone might've been 30 to 50,000.   Marc: Yeah. I think Jersey's even higher than California, if I'm not mistaken. But Jersey's pretty high too. Yeah.   Tony: So I mean, all the really high income earners have large, large homes and properties have been crying for several years because they always could itemize drastically and now that was cut way down for them. So they have expanded this to I believe it's 40,000.   Marc: It's 40. Yep. Mm-hmm.   Tony: And there are some limits I believe on that too, and I can't remember what they are. But that is going to be a help to people that might not have been able to itemize before that might be able to now. Again-   Marc: Yeah. I feel like that's going to be your higher income earners though, Tony,   Tony: It is.   Marc: And by the way, yes, you're correct on the limits on that. The SALT deduction cap phases out between a half million and 600,000.   Tony: Okay.   Marc: Yeah. So it's fairly up there. So if you're itemizing, you're probably fairly well off.   Tony: You're probably fairly well off. Yeah. It just gives a little bit to the higher income earner, especially in the higher property tax states and whatnot, and income tax states to be able to deduct all that where they were limited severely here in the past. And we have a couple of tax clients that live in these states. They're making a half million, million bucks a year as a W2'd employee. So they're phased out of everything. It's those people that were really getting hurt. So this will help some as well.   Marc: Yeah, for sure. And before we move on to just the strategy of things and stuff, I did want to point out that there's also that new charitable deduction for standard filers. So if you can't itemize, back to my point a minute ago, we're talking like 30 plus grand of standard deductions going on, so a lot of people will not hit the itemizing level. They added this new little in 2026, Tony, where you can, for singles, it's only $1000, but still it's $1,000. And for married couples, it's $2000, but you can still do charitable donations without the itemizing.   Tony: Without the itemizing.   Marc: So it's not a ton of money, but it still comes off of your top income line. And if you're charitable minded, that's a great thing.   Tony: That's a great thing. I mean, even at $2000, let's say you're in the 20% bracket, it's $400 of an actual tax reduction. And again, you want to take everything they're going to give you and you don't want to leave anything on the table. So that does help with the charitable giving as well.   And back to the point of the higher income people, the charitable giving, they're giving a lot more anyway, so they're already itemizing. So that doesn't really do anything for them, but it does give the average person, if they're doing it anyway, at least they get a little bit of deduction where before they didn't.   Marc: Yeah, true. True. And this is an above the line deduction, correct?   Tony: Above the line. So they don't have to itemize.   Marc: Yeah.   Tony: Yeah.   Marc: Okay. All right, so then let's talk about also charitable giving and the Roth opportunities. So we kind of started that little piece of that earlier. Coming back to that now. The fact that you now have more runway, Tony as a planner, if Rothing over time was something that was maybe on someone's radar to do and they were worried, well, are they going to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act or not? Or were the tax rates going to go up? That kind of changed that scenario, but now that we know that it's going to be that way for maybe the next four years, then hey, Roth opportunities are still alive.   Tony: They're very much alive. Our clients especially using backdoor Roths for higher incomes, for us, we're basically telling clients, let's make sure we're filling up these brackets and getting everything into a Roth as we can before they change something on that loophole. But I think in this tax situation, especially in the planning area as far as evaluating what to do now versus later, I think that's where people like us come and play where we can provide a lot of value in that area. It's not talking all about just choosing investments, is how can we cut your tax bill and continue to save for retirement tax efficiently.   Marc: Yeah. I mean, I think that's going to be the name of the game for most people is how do we maximize... Especially for four years, right?   Tony: Four years.   Marc: We know that politically it is what it is and in four years, depending on what happens with elections, another administration could come in and try to wipe out everything that this administration did. Who knows. So be efficient and take advantage of things right now while you can. And we'll wrap it up with any other things in there that caught your eye that you thought were interesting that you might want to share with the listeners?   Tony: I think one was, and nobody really is talking about it yet and it doesn't help a whole lot of people, and I don't know if I really agree with it, but I think it's important to get it out there. And that is they're allowing auto loan interest to be deducted again above the line. So you do not have to itemize to get this deduction. However, there's a lot of limits in it. It's got to be purchased this year, it's got to be new. There's phase outs for the deduction on income, but everybody's buying a car [inaudible 00:17:06]-   Marc: Yeah, it's like 10 grand too, isn't it? It's pretty-   Tony: Yeah, it's up there.   Marc: Yeah.   Tony: And so if you're out buying that, you're going to have an incentive to...   Marc: Well, that was the point. Yeah. that was the point, right? Because what is it, final assembly in the US? Which I'm curious as to what the breakdown on that is. Is it like 40% of the car has to be assembled here or what?   Tony: Exactly. I think that's interesting.   Marc: Yeah, for sure.   Tony: And it'll be interesting to see how they try to police that for people that might press that a little bit.   Marc: Great point. Yeah. Well, in that same car vein, Tony, I think it is again, part of that initiative to promote American business and growth and help our economy. Because on the same side, the EV credit is going away. So if on your radar for your retirement strategy, if you're getting close to retirement this year was to get a new car like many retirees do when they first get to retirement, keep in mind that the EV credit goes away in September. So just a little over a month or so from now.   Tony: Yeah. I think one last one though is the no tax on tips up to $25,000.   Marc: Might not help a lot of our listeners or your clients, but maybe their kids or grandkids.   Tony: Yeah. I mean, it's going to help a certain segment to a point. I actually had, believe it or not, somebody already called me up, and this was a business client, they're already thinking, and hopefully they don't do this. But they were asking about, well, why don't I just convert all my employees to 1099s and they can basically claim tip income?   So the IRS has got rules on that. It's got to be W2. They got to be reported tips. So if you're a tipped employee and it's got to be in the service industry that normally receives tips, can't be somebody out on the road truck driver or something like that. Don't get too cute with some of this stuff and trying to push the limits and trying to outthink things, because you're going to get yourself in trouble. I know the IRS is having some issues now with staffing and whatnot, but I would recommend highly do not try to do any of that. And there's already stuff out on the internet talking about ways, which I think are already, they strike me as illegal. So don't fall for that. Make sure you ask your advisor.   Marc: Yeah, yeah. Yeah. We want to still stay above board with this stuff.   Tony: Got to stay above the board.   Marc: Yeah. Especially with some of that stuff. But yeah, I mean, it could be beneficial for folks in those industries doing things the right way. So good stuff. I mean, look, Tony, at the end of the day, the tax bill didn't shake the system to its core, but it did provide a decent amount of change to help in a lot of areas, especially for retirees and pre-retirees to take advantage of. So again, the window's kind of short to act. A lot of this stuff kicks in either this year or the first of next year, and it expires at the end of '28, going probably into '29. Unless of course Congress does something different. But more than likely, this all stands until there's a new administration and then they rule some kind of changes or whatever. So the takeaway, be proactive, right?   Tony: Right. Be proactive, talk with your advisor, see which deductions might apply to your situation both for taxes and retirement planning. And then just modify the plan as you go and try to take advantage of anything you can.   Marc: Absolutely. Yeah, and that's a great point. And when working with someone like yourself, Tony, who's doing both sides of that, both sides of the aisle if you will, if you'll pardon the pun, you've got the planning side as well as the tax side. So it's really helpful to have both of those things under one roof. So reach out to Tony if you've got some questions, need some help. Get yourself onto the calendar so that you can Plan With the Tax Man at 844-707-7381. 844-707-7381. Or of course, visit him online@ at Yourplanningpros.com. That is Yourplanningpros.com. And don't forget to subscribe to us on Apple or Spotify or whatever podcasting app you enjoy using. We'll see you next time here on Plan With the Tax Man with Tony Morrow. Thanks, Tony.   Tony: All right, take care.   Securities offered through Avantax Investment Services SM, member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory Services. Insurance services offered through an Avantax affiliated insurance agency. Investment strategies discussed in this episode may not be suitable for all investors. Please consult with a financial professional.

I detta avsnitt möter MariaTherese och Ulf den mångsidige Anders Wallin för ett spännande samtal om kaosmagi. Vi utforskar hur kaosmagi fungerar i praktiken, där du tillfälligt kan anta vilken trosuppfattning eller symbolvärld som helst för att uppnå ett magiskt syfte. En gud, en arketyp, en form – allt kan användas som verktyg i ett medvetet skapande av verklighet. Tillsammans reflekterar vi kring kraften i symboler som bägare, stavar, svärd och pentagram – men också om hur oväntade figurer som Alice i Underlandet eller Tingeling kan bli magiska ledsagare och nycklar till det undermedvetna.Hemsida: www.mithera.seAnders hemsida: www.innerpower.se

In this episode, Jackson and Magi continue their miniseries on the CSB's Accidental Release Reporting Rule (AR3). They break down incidents that highlight the critical importance of identifying incompatible mixtures in chemical processes, including incidents at Domtar Paper Company, Darling Ingredients, and Tronx. This episode is about the consequences of human error and the need for rigorous safety measures. Stay tuned through the end of the episode for an important message about the CSB!For more about the CSB's ARRR, or AR3 as we like to call it, read volume one here and volume two here, and be sure to check out the other episodes in our AR3 miniseries: Episode 121 - ARRR Summaries & Trends Episode 125 - AR3 Volume TwoEpisode 127 - CSB AR3 Breakdown - Preventing Incidents with Proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)Episode 130 - CSB AR3 Breakdown - Preventing Injury with Proper PPEFor the CCPS Chemical Reactivity Worksheet, visit https://www.aiche.org/ccps/resources/chemical-reactivity-worksheet

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4th, brings about several important tax changes. I'm discussing what these updates mean, especially for retirees, and sharing practical advice on how to take advantage of new deductions and avoid unexpected tax hits.  From permanent adjustments to tax brackets and an increased standard deduction, to special benefits for those aged 65 and older, I cover everything you need to know to optimize your retirement strategy. Whether you're curious about Social Security taxation, itemized deductions in high-tax states, or planning smart Roth conversions, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed financial decisions for your golden years. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] An overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). [06:13] Roth conversion tax implications. [07:29] Additional deductions for those over 65 increase total deductions. [11:35] TCJA and SALT deduction changes. [13:43] Strategies to lower taxable income for retirees. Key Tax Changes Every Retiree Needs to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act One of the most impactful provisions of the OBBBA is making existing federal income tax brackets permanent. The 2017 TCJA tax brackets —10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% —had been set to expire after 2025, which would have led to higher rates. The new act not only locks these rates in place but also indexes the brackets for inflation. While there are minor changes in the income thresholds at the lower brackets, the net result is stability for taxpayers, and retirees can now plan with confidence, knowing their marginal tax rates aren't set for an imminent hike. Higher Standard Deductions Standard deductions also see positive changes, rising to $15,750 for individuals and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. Previously, these figures were $15,000 and $30,000, respectively. With higher deductions, more retirees may find it beneficial to take the standard deduction rather than itemizing, saving time and potentially reducing taxable income. Extra Deductions for Retirees 65+ Perhaps the most significant impact for retirees: From 2025 through 2028, filers aged 65 and up can claim an additional $6,000 deduction per person. For couples where both spouses are over 65, that's a $12,000 boost, on top of the already existing extra deduction for seniors ($2,000 for individuals, $3,200 for couples). So, if both spouses are over 65 and income is below the required threshold, the combined standard deduction could reach $46,700. There is a catch, though: this extra deduction phases out as income rises, disappearing entirely for individuals making $175,000 or more and couples earning $225,000 or more in modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). The deduction is reduced by 6% for every dollar over $75,000 (for individuals) or $150,000 (for couples). For example, if a couple's MAGI is $200,000, they'd lose $3,000 of the $6,000 deduction per spouse. Timing IRA distributions or Roth conversions helps you stay under these thresholds and maximize deductions. Social Security Taxation Although there was political talk about ending Social Security taxation, the OBBBA preserves the old rules. How much of your Social Security benefit is taxable depends on your combined income, still calculated as adjusted gross income plus 50% of your Social Security benefit. The deduction enhancements may help lower your taxable income, keeping more Social Security benefits untaxed, but there are no direct changes here. Being mindful of when and how you draw taxable income can keep more of your Social Security out of the IRS's reach. Itemized Deductions and SALT Cap Changes For high-tax state residents and those with larger itemized deductions, another headline is the increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. Temporarily, from now through 2029, the cap rises from $10,000 to as much as $40,000 (with phase-outs for high earners, those over $500,000 in MAGI lose this benefit, and it disappears after $600,000). This can provide significant relief for homeowners or retirees in states with high property or state income taxes. The mortgage interest deduction rules remain unchanged, and when combined with the higher SALT cap, could make itemizing more attractive for some. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates opportunities and considerations for retirees. Take the time to review your financial plan, explore new deduction limits, and coordinate with tax and financial professionals. Thoughtful adjustment now can lead to years of improved after-tax retirement income.  Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

Welcome to the Christmas series! Magi, masters of alchemy and astronomy, notice an anomaly in the constellations. Their curiosity leads them to the scriptures, where they become convinced God has done something miraculous.  Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.  To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aloha and welcome to The Mission North Shore's podcast!  In Matthew 2, we delve into the fascinating story of the Magi and their quest to find the newborn King of the Jews. The Magi, guided by ancient prophecies and a miraculous star, traveled great distances to worship the Messiah. This message encourages us to reflect on how earnestly we're seeking God in our own lives and prompts us to consider: How much of God do we truly want? Are we willing to 'journey far' in our pursuit of a deeper relationship with Him? God bless and have a great week!

1/ CALIBRO 35. Convergere in giambellino.2/ SOLA ROSA. Del Ray. 3/ ANDERSON PAAK. The season/ carry me. 4/ XAMVOLO. Feels good.5/ TUXEDO. Dreaming in the daytime. feat MF DOOM.6/ THUNDERCAT. Drink Dat. feat WIZ KHALIFA.7/ J.I.D. Hood Booger.8/ BASTIEN KEB. Chicken Stomp. 9/ SPACE INVADAS. Wild world. feat REMI.10/ THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE. MAYBE SHE'LL DREAM OF ME. 11/ OHNO AND ROY AYERS. Another Two 4.12/ SHAFIQ HUSAYN. Magi’s love.13/ HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE. Indigo.14/ BAYAMO. Morning on laurel canyon.Escuchar audio

Send us a textIn conversation with Magi Gibson, leading voice in Scottish poetry, author, creative writing tutor and literary events organiser. A fascinating listen to Magi who is a feminist and a powerful voice against blacklisting and cancellation for gender critical beliefsIf you enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to hear more, go to womensrights.network/wrn-podcast to listen, download and subscribe to more of our episodes. And if you'd like to join our conversations, go to womensrights.network/join-wrn

In this episode, Jackson and Magi continue their miniseries on the CSB's Accidental Release Reporting Rule (AR3). They discuss incidents where the release of hydrogen cyanide, chlorine gas, and other toxic gasses lead to injuries, and even fatalities, that could have been prevented by use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This episode is all about the importance of proper training, risk awareness, and adherence to safety protocol.Stay tuned through the end of the episode for an important message about the CSB!For more about the CSB's ARRR, or AR3 as we like to call it, read volume one here and volume two here, and be sure to check out the other episodes in our AR3 miniseries: Episode 121 - ARRR Summaries & Trends Episode 125 - AR3 Volume Two.Episode 127 CSB AR3 Breakdown - Preventing Incidents with Proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

En Ivoox puedes encontrar sólo algunos de los audios de Mindalia. Para escuchar las 4 grabaciones diarias que publicamos entra en https://www.mindaliatelevision.com. Si deseas ver el vídeo perteneciente a este audio, pincha aquí: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQTr-wwoD5s La sabiduría de la Astrología Magi, las declinaciones y la Luna fuera de los límites, nos revelan movimientos del alma. Son señales que nos invitan a ir más allá de lo conocido, a conectar con lo invisible y a abrirnos al lenguaje sutil del Universo. Eleonora Mertel Estudió cine y se especializó en guión. Actualmente, trabaja con Astrología y expande al mundo sus conocimientos sobre la Astrología Magi. Más información en: https://www.mindalia.com/television/ PARTICIPA CON TUS COMENTARIOS EN ESTE VÍDEO. -----------INFORMACIÓN SOBRE MINDALIA--------- Mindalia.com es una ONG internacional, sin ánimo de lucro, que difunde universalmente contenidos sobre espiritualidad y bienestar para la mejora de la consciencia del mundo. Apóyanos con tu donación en: https://www.mindalia.com/donar/ Suscríbete, comenta positivamente y comparte nuestros vídeos para difundir este conocimiento a miles de personas. Nuestro sitio web: https://www.mindalia.com SÍGUENOS TAMBIÉN EN NUESTRAS PLATAFORMAS Facebook: / mindalia.ayuda Instagram: / mindalia_com Twitch: / mindaliacom Odysee: https://odysee.com/@Mindalia.com *Mindalia.com no se hace responsable de las opiniones vertidas en este vídeo, ni necesariamente participa de ellas.

This episode is all about "mazal tov." How do we congratulate friends who have a newborn baby? And what do you say when you're not sure if it's a boy or a girl, in a gender-based language like Hebrew? Guy has all the answers. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Mazal tov – Congratulations – מזל טוב She-yihie be-mazal tov – Congratulations – שיהיה במזל טוב Mazal tov al ha-herayon – Congrats for the pregnancy – מזל טוב על ההריון Mazal tov al ha-dira – Congrats for the apartment – מזל טוב על הדירה Magi'a lecha/lach mazal tov, lo? – You deserve a mazal tov, right? – מגיע לך מזל טוב, לא Brachot – Blessings, greetings – ברכות Ani me'achelet lecha/lach she- – I wish you that – אני מאחלת לך ש Eize kef lishmo'ah – So happy to hear this – איזה כיף לשמוע Eize yoffie – How great- איזה יופי Be-sha'ah tova – Congratulations – בשעה טובה Be'emet be-shaa tova – Congratulations – באמת בשעה טובה Bekarov etslecha/etslech/etslachem – May we celebrate the same thing for you soon – בקרוב אצלך/אצלכם Samachti lishmo'a – I was so happy to hear this – שמחתי לשמוע Wow, ma-ze samachti lishmo'a she- – I was happy to hear that – וואו, מה-זה שמחתי לשמוע ש Ratsiti lehagid mazal tov – I wanted to say congratulations – רציתי להגיד מזל טוב Ratsinu lehagid mazal tov – We wanted to say congratulations – רצינו להגיד מזל טוב   Playlist and Clips: Elad Shodler – Mazal Tov (lyrics) Eric Berman – Beinonimi (lyrics) Sarit Haddad – Ani Me'achelet Lech (lyrics) Yehuda Sa'ado – Be-tsel Dmuta (lyrics) Tzipi Shavit – Mazal Tov Ep. no. 51 about yoffi HEB Episode no. 96 about wishing HEB Episode no. 350 about evil eye HEB

The sermon explores the recurring theme of Jesus as the prophesied King of the Jews, tracing its recognition from the Magi's visit to Pilate's inscription on the cross, ultimately revealing Jesus as the King for all Gentiles. Drawing a detailed analogy to cultivating a fruit tree, the message emphasizes the importance of a good heart—free from sin and filled with Christ's righteousness—as the source of good words and actions, warning that careless speech will be judged while those aligned with Christ's grace will be justified, ultimately highlighting the need for believers to carefully examine their words and ensure they reflect the goodness of their transformed hearts.

Al and Kev talk about whether or not farming game remakes are worth it. Timings 00:00:00: Theme Tune 00:00:30: Intro 00:02:08: What Have We Been Up To 00:38:42: Game Updates 00:58:01: New Games 01:11:11: Farming Game Remakes 01:51:29: Outro Links Research Story 1.0 Tiny Garden Switch Info Go-go Town “Tourist Trap” Update APICO Physical Edition Farming Simulator 16-bit Limited Edition Romestead Contact Al on Mastodon: https://mastodon.scot/@TheScotBot Email Us: https://harvestseason.club/contact/ Transcript (0:00:30) Al: Hello, farmers, and welcome to another episode of the harvest season. My name is Al. (0:00:34) Kev: My name is Kevin (0:00:36) Al: And we’re here today to talk about Cottagecore games. (0:00:39) Kev: You woo supposedly the word on the street is it says on the box (0:00:46) Al: Does it? (0:00:47) Kev: That’s odd, yeah, it does it what does the websites I’m assuming it does (0:00:51) Al: I don’t know. This is a good question. What does it say on the website? (0:00:54) Kev: You know, we’ve never done (0:00:55) Al: It says farming. It says a podcast about farming simulators. (0:00:58) Kev: Well, there you go, I guess we were lying somewhere, you know one of these days (0:01:00) Al: Yeah, classic. (0:01:04) Kev: Not days we should do in April fools and switch it up (0:01:07) Kev: Or we talk about I don’t know something else. I guess we kind of do that sometimes but you know something really different (0:01:12) Al: Something, something else. (0:01:14) Kev: Yeah (0:01:16) Kev: We talk about gotcha games, I mean I already do but you know all in oh (0:01:23) Kev: Yeah (0:01:24) Al: Hello. We are going to talk this episode about, I want to have a discussion about remakes. (0:01:25) Kev: Hello listener (0:01:34) Kev: We don’t oh (0:01:34) Al: Specifically remakes of farming games. (0:01:38) Kev: Oh, that’s well hmm. I mean it’s still in the neighborhood like there’s stuff to be discussed for sure (0:01:47) Al: Well, that’s why we’re doing it. (0:01:51) Al: I don’t tend to have topics that I don’t think I’ll have much discussion. (0:01:55) Kev: That is died and I believe that’s factually not true (0:02:00) Al: Wow, how dare, how dare you, how very dare you. (0:02:04) Kev: Oh (0:02:06) Al: Before that, we have a bunch of news, but first of all, Kevin, what have you been up to? (0:02:13) Kev: Okay, let’s see here when I wrote things down (0:02:16) Kev: Okay, Marvel snap. Okay, I should have talked about this earlier because it ended this week, but I mean all snap goes (0:02:22) Kev: It’s good the the new Fantastic Four (0:02:27) Kev: Season with cards based off the movies coming up (0:02:30) Kev: They’re just doing a whole new season like first step family (0:02:34) Kev: First steps whatever but but that’s coming so you know and that looks good (0:02:38) Kev: But I didn’t talk about maximum voltage overdrive or whatever that thing was called (0:02:45) Kev: You played snap outs been a minute. Did you play maximum voltage? (0:02:49) Kev: Do you remember that mode at all? (0:02:50) Al: I think it was around when I was playing, but I don’t think I played it. (0:02:54) Kev: Uh-huh (0:02:56) Al: I did the Deadpool Diner and I did. (0:02:59) Kev: Yeah (0:03:00) Al: There was one other one that I did, but I don’t think I did maximum. (0:03:02) Kev: Okay, so (0:03:04) Kev: So yeah, every once in a while snap introduces these like alternate modes with different rules or different words or whatever (0:03:12) Kev: And so one that they’ve done is called maximum voltage (0:03:16) Kev: and previously maximum voltage was a three-turn game instead of six turns and (0:03:20) Kev: They would give you a random amount like two to four energy every turn like extra so it was you know (0:03:27) Kev: Not just the one two three four (0:03:29) Kev: So you had you could play cards quickly and you had to do on three turns (0:03:34) Kev: It’s a it’s a different pace a game. It’s fun even shorter. I liked it (0:03:41) Kev: Well this past week or two they did maximum voltage overdrive or overcharge whatever’s over something (0:03:50) Kev: Where it was a four-turn game (0:03:53) Kev: The same rules of okay, you get random two to four energy every turn (0:03:59) Kev: on top of what you already have (0:04:02) Kev: But they (0:04:04) Kev: Also filled your deck out with like was it eight or twelve extra random cards in your deck (0:04:10) Kev: Those extra cards had lower costs and higher power (0:04:15) Kev: So it was it was a wild ride because it was a lot of like kind of RNG really right what you get (0:04:22) Kev: It’s hard to build around like, you know real strategy around it (0:04:26) Kev: and you know, I (0:04:28) Kev: I enjoyed it enough. It was fine enough. You know a lot of people don’t like RNG sort of (0:04:34) Kev: modes or strategy so you know I don’t think as popular as other ones but at (0:04:40) Kev: least they tried something right like I always did they say hey try it and then (0:04:43) Kev: we’ll see how it goes but the bigger fiasco was the rewards because when they (0:04:52) Kev: have these side missions they’ll give you usually like a sort of bonus currency (0:04:56) Kev: or side currency or whatever specific for that mode with a shop or reward tier (0:05:01) Kev: or something like that. (0:05:04) Kev: In this case they gave you a shop, you could earn let’s just call them vault points or whatever they were called. (0:05:08) Kev: And so there was a new card in the shop. (0:05:12) Kev: Kid Omega, I don’t know who that character is but they had a decent enough ability. (0:05:16) Kev: But regardless, so yeah, it was a new card and very cool and all. (0:05:24) Kev: But here’s the thing, for the first time ever in one of these side modes, you could not earn the card for free. (0:05:32) Kev: Um… (0:05:34) Kev: Well, I guess you technically could, but… (0:05:36) Kev: So how it works is every eight hours you get a set of three missions, and you get X number of points for it, right? (0:05:44) Kev: Well, people did the math. (0:05:46) Kev: If you did all the missions, every single set of three for every eight hours for the entire duration of the thing, (0:05:52) Kev: you would still have to win 500 games, I think it was, to earn enough points to earn the new card. (0:05:57) Al: That is so many games. (0:06:04) Kev: But… (0:06:04) Al: I don’t think I’ve ever won 500 games combined in the, like, what, combined what, six months (0:06:06) Kev: Yeah, totally. (0:06:14) Kev: I mean, I might be there with you. (0:06:18) Kev: But yeah, so that was wild. (0:06:24) Kev: And a lot of people were up in arms about it, as you can imagine, and I think understandably so. (0:06:30) Kev: Also, because Marvel Snap, traditionally, has been… (0:06:34) Kev: Play-ish where or at least you if you played enough you could get a decent pool of cards or you could get work (0:06:40) Kev: You know the new cards they were releasing if you kept up you could (0:06:45) Kev: You could you could play for free (0:06:48) Kev: the boat the money was either spent on generally speaking on (0:06:55) Kev: Cosmetics, you know variants and bundles (0:06:57) Kev: I guess the season passed you could unlock a new card and that’s ten bucks a month and like that (0:07:02) Kev: But they would drop for free later (0:07:04) Kev: So you didn’t have to do it. But anyways (0:07:08) Kev: Point is that a lot of players feel like the the snap devs are kind of leaning a little more into (0:07:15) Kev: You know pay to win or pay to get the new cards (0:07:19) Kev: So that was a big (0:07:20) Kev: Yeah, big big bit a little bit of fiasco (0:07:25) Kev: and (0:07:26) Kev: Yeah, it’s over now. We went to another mode called sanctum showdown, which is but it’s much slower paced modes fun (0:07:35) Kev: They’re playing it safe. No crazy (0:07:38) Kev: Expensive card or whatever but (0:07:40) Kev: It’s interesting to see (0:07:43) Kev: kind of a shame that they you know, they’re a little money hungry, but (0:07:48) Kev: Cuz though otherwise the game I think is in still in a decent shape (0:07:52) Kev: They’ve released so many cards like I think it’s almost in a state of we can play whatever you want more or less (0:07:59) Kev: But yeah, I mean I’m still playing it. I’m still enjoying it. I did not get the kiddo-megan card (0:08:05) Kev: You know, it’s wild. I saw somebody with that card on day one (0:08:08) Kev: Which means they must have put a lot of money or gold or whatever. Yeah, there’s always an I found the whale. Oh (0:08:08) Al: Hmm there’s always one. There’s always one. Yeah (0:08:16) Kev: Speaking of not having money or wanting money (0:08:20) Kev: Yes, let’s talk about unicorn overlord. So I reached the end of what’s called best stories. That’s the beast land (0:08:30) Kev: Campaign area there’s basically like five countries in the game or whatever and each one is kind of (0:08:34) Kev: Its own little chapter if you will write its own little story and arc and so I reached the end of the best stories chapter (0:08:41) Kev: Which is fine and all the villain was a rat man a rat where rat I guess. I don’t I don’t know how to describe it (0:08:50) Kev: You know, I’ll show you a picture (0:08:52) Kev: but (0:08:53) Kev: And so I enjoyed it. It was a fun chapter. I think the Beast people were cool, but what is funny and (0:09:00) Kev: I can feel it. I learned about this (0:09:04) Kev: When I went online because it felt something felt like it was changing the writing in unicorn overlord who was pretty alright (0:09:12) Kev: Up until around now because they really just kind of did not give the the rat man’s name (0:09:19) Kev: His name was Elgore and he kind of had an interesting story (0:09:23) Kev: The rats were generally oppressed people and he wanted to rise up and then you know, he became a general (0:09:29) Kev: So it’s kind of an interesting story and there was some evil the evil bad guy team (0:09:34) Kev: We’re doing experiments on him yada yada (0:09:38) Kev: But it was really really rushed. And so I kind of looked into it and it turns out (0:09:45) Kev: That oh (0:09:47) Kev: Hold on one second now (0:09:49) Kev: my mic (0:09:51) Kev: Sorry, there we go. Sorry. My mic had a hiccup and I think we’re good now while checking (0:09:57) Kev: double-checking (0:09:58) Al: Sounds fine to me. (0:09:59) Kev: Yes, okay. I lost a few seconds of the recording, but okay. I’m okay (0:10:03) Kev: I don’t know, at least the– (0:10:03) Al: It’s fine now. (0:10:05) Al: Zoom is pretty good at like starting out. (0:10:05) Kev: Yeah, all right (0:10:09) Kev: Well, anyways, so I looked up that why it started feel rushed and turns out that the unicorn (0:10:15) Kev: Overlord development ran out of money and basically the director producer they started funding it out of their own pocket (0:10:22) Kev: so apparently this last (0:10:25) Kev: quarter or so of the the game is gonna feel very rushed and (0:10:30) Kev: There’s no time for story anymore. Which is sad but (0:10:34) Kev: That said the game is still (0:10:38) Kev: Entertaining. I like it. It’s fun. Yeah, like unicorn overlord to two thumbs up from me (0:10:45) Kev: Let’s see (0:10:47) Kev: So yeah, so that’s good. Um, oh, okay follow up from last week (0:10:50) Kev: So we spent a little time having a fun little chat about magic the gathering and capitalism and the $1,000 (0:10:58) Al: Like 20 minutes. (0:10:59) Kev: pack of set of four packs (0:11:02) Kev: and it was all started as you may recall because (0:11:04) Kev: I was looking at the, or you know, the Final Fantasy set of Magic the Gathering cards came out, (0:11:12) Kev: and I did not want to buy them because I didn’t want to spend them, or spend the money for them. (0:11:17) Kev: Well, this week I bought the Final Fantasy card set from Magic the Gathering, virtually, virtually, there’s my caveat, haha. (0:11:26) Kev: Uh, no, I did not spend money, but… yeah, haha, virtual versions of my cardboard. (0:11:27) Al: Oh, wait, that’s that’s even that’s even all right. (0:11:30) Al: I was going to say that’s even worse if you bought digital cards. (0:11:35) Kev: No, no money spent. So I’ve been, I’ve played Magic the Gathering Arena, though that’s the online client. I fired it up to get in there and try. (0:11:43) Al: Good game. I’ve not played in a long time, but when I was playing, I was doing a lot of arenas. (0:11:49) Kev: Alright, it’s good. It feels comparable, I think, to, you know, Pokemon TCG live. (0:11:54) Al: Oh, I think it’s way better. (0:11:56) Al: I think it’s way, way better. (0:11:57) Al: I think the I mean, it’s been a while since I played it. (0:12:00) Al: But in my experience, the app was much less slow in menus and the effects were much better. (0:12:05) Kev: Yeah. (0:12:08) Kev: I agree with that. It is much, much more polished, right, overall. A little fancier. And you’re right, a little less laggy. (0:12:17) Kev: But, yeah, but I mean, the point is, it serves as a decent online, you know, substitute for the paper game. (0:12:26) Kev: So I got some, yeah, Final Fantasy cards there and played a little, doing a choco bow deck. (0:12:33) Kev: I’m really upset (0:12:35) Kev: Those cards are really good, art-wise and gameplay-wise (0:12:42) Kev: They have, because I mentioned I was playing Final Fantasy, the proper FFTCG (0:12:49) Kev: That game doesn’t have equipment cards (0:12:51) Kev: Magic the Gathering does, so Magic the Gathering can include iconic items and weapons (0:12:57) Kev: Like the Buster Sword, or a cup of instant noodles from Final Fantasy XV (0:13:04) Kev: So I’m more…a little… (0:13:05) Kev: I’m jealous that Magic did it so well. (0:13:07) Kev: Whoever…the people working on the Final Fantasy set, they really love Final Fantasy. (0:13:13) Kev: They have Souplex the Train as a card. (0:13:17) Kev: People who know FF5 understand that reference. (0:13:25) Kev: But yeah, I mean, I try to… (0:13:27) Kev: I’m still thinking about it. I’m looking at it. (0:13:31) Kev: The card’s proper. I’m not gonna buy it yet. (0:13:35) Kev: Oh, it’s been…I’ve been craving it. It’s a siren song. (0:13:38) Kev: So I had to…you know…I had to at least do it virtually to enjoy it a little. (0:13:46) Kev: But I digress. That’s what I’ve been up to this week. (0:13:50) Kev: What about you, Al? What’s going on? (0:13:52) Al: Well, let’s see, what have I been up to? (0:13:56) Al: Shock surprise. (0:13:58) Al: I have been playing some Mario Kart World up. (0:14:00) Kev: Yeah, you’re going for it, man. Getting all those knockouts here. I’ve seen your progress. (0:14:04) Al: Yes, so update on that. (0:14:07) Al: I have done all of the Grand Prix’s 150, three stars and all of the knockout (0:14:13) Al: all of the knockout tours, 150, three stars. (0:14:19) Al: and I have done enough in free. (0:14:22) Al: Rome to unlock mirror mode. (0:14:25) Kev: Okay. (0:14:27) Al: And I have unlocked all of the costumes. (0:14:30) Kev: Oh, you’re- you’ve done it all almost pretty much at this point. (0:14:33) Al: I am still missing three characters. (0:14:36) Kev: Wait, wha- oh. How d- uh- uh-huh. (0:14:38) Al: But that’s because they are the Kamek characters, (0:14:43) Al: so you have to be on a specific course (0:14:47) Al: and someone use the Kamek behind you on that specific course. (0:14:50) Kev: Uh, okay, I did notice that I got some kamiks and I think I got kamiks characters out of that. (0:14:53) Al: There’s a chance that you get one that character, so. (0:15:00) Al: Yeah, yeah, yeah. (0:15:01) Al: So I’ve got most of them, but I’m still missing three of them. (0:15:04) Al: And it’s like they are dreadful to try and force like the bet. (0:15:08) Kev: Yeah, who are they? (0:15:10) Al: How who am I missing? (0:15:12) Al: Let me check my spreadsheet. (0:15:14) Al: I am missing Rocky, wrench. (0:15:18) Al: Peepa and Swoop. (0:15:20) Kev: Oof, oof, oh man, I like swoop. (0:15:21) Al: I have the rest of them. (0:15:22) Al: So that’s I have that’s 15 out of 18 characters unlocked (0:15:26) Al: and 103 out of 103 costumes unlocked. (0:15:31) Al: So, yeah, and I’ve got all the vehicles as well. (0:15:36) Al: All 40 of them. (0:15:37) Al: So I am going to I’m definitely going to do. (0:15:40) Al: I’m definitely going to start doing mirror modes. (0:15:42) Al: I really want to restart all the mirror modes (0:15:45) Al: before I get too much muscle memory for specific courses. (0:15:46) Kev: Yeah. (0:15:49) Kev: Mmm. (0:15:50) Al: Right, because that that’s when it becomes really hard. (0:15:52) Kev: Yeah, you’re right. (0:15:53) Kev: That’s an excellent point. (0:15:53) Al: But I’d love I’d love to three star mirror mode (0:15:56) Al: because I’ve never restarted every mirror mode in a Mario cart. (0:16:00) Kev: I mean you’re like there, you’re wide as well, right? You’ve gone the 90%? (0:16:06) Al: Yeah, it’s I guess the thing is it’s just about like time now, right? (0:16:10) Kev: Uh-huh. (0:16:10) Al: Like we’ve got two and a bit weeks until Donkey Kong comes out. (0:16:15) Al: That’s basically my deadline, right? (0:16:15) Kev: I was about to say, that’s the deadline, right? (0:16:17) Al: Like if it’s if I’ve not done it by (0:16:20) Al: Donkey Kong coming out, it’s probably never happening. (0:16:23) Kev: Yeah, well, maybe they’ll release some DLC, but I understand what you generally say. (0:16:28) Al: Yeah, but at that point, I don’t I think at that point I’ll play the DLC, (0:16:31) Al: but I don’t think I’ll go back and try and do the other mirror modes. (0:16:31) Kev: Yeah, it’ll be out of your system, I get it. (0:16:34) Al: Right. (0:16:36) Al: So we’ll see. We’ll see how I feel. (0:16:38) Al: But I’m going to I’m going to at least try and see how far I get. (0:16:42) Al: But obviously it’s quite few and, you know, I can see I should be able to do them. (0:16:47) Al: Right. Because I’ve done one hundred and fifty. (0:16:49) Al: I should be able to do mirror mode. (0:16:50) Al: I don’t think I’m in use to them enough that I will cause problems. (0:16:53) Al: Although maybe there’s a couple of courses that are recreations of previous ones, (0:16:58) Al: like the Mario Bros circuit, which is just like the continuation from the one (0:17:00) Kev: Yeah (0:17:03) Al: and since the sna is- (0:17:06) Al: right? That one might be trouble because I suspect I’ll have muscle memory for that course (0:17:06) Kev: Yeah (0:17:12) Kev: Sure sure (0:17:12) Al: but we’ll see, we’ll see. I’m gonna try and we’ll see how I go (0:17:17) Al: and I think that’s all I was considering. So have you done much free roam? (0:17:22) Kev: Not too much myself now (0:17:25) Al: So you’ve got the P switches, you’ve got peach medallions and you’ve got the question mark blocks. (0:17:27) Kev: Yeah (0:17:29) Kev: Yeah (0:17:32) Al: the only one that’s actually like shown on the map. (0:17:36) Al: The P switches where each course has a certain number of P switches and it shows you how (0:17:38) Kev: Mm-hmm (0:17:40) Al: many you’ve got. So I’m considering doing the P switches, but there’s no way I’m going (0:17:47) Al: to look for all of the peach medallions and all not not P switches sorry the question mark blocks. (0:17:52) Al: It’s not the P switches the question mark blocks. There’s no way I’m going for the piece all the (0:17:56) Al: P switches and all the peach medallions. I’ll probably do some more just playing around in (0:18:00) Al: free roam and if I see some I will do some, but I’m not going to go out my way to get (0:18:04) Al: every day because it’s like (0:18:06) Al: 300 P switches or something it’s mad how many there are I’m not going to do (0:18:08) Kev: Yeah, you don’t want to collect all the Koroks? (0:18:12) Al: all of them definitely not but I can see myself doing all the question mark (0:18:17) Al: blocks just because they’re like clearly like there’s six on this course six on (0:18:22) Al: this course six on this course I could see myself doing that but I’m not I’m (0:18:28) Al: not going all in on that at this point right like we will see (0:18:31) Kev: man. I gotta say the free roam is a little disappointing from what I’ve experienced and (0:18:39) Kev: seen. I was really hoping for, for lack of a better word, secrets, right? Little nooks (0:18:47) Kev: and crannies you could explore that, you know, you wouldn’t experience on a race or whatever, (0:18:52) Al: - Yeah, yeah, yeah. (0:18:53) Kev: right? Like in, you know, shooting for the stars, like even a handful of courses not in any of the (0:19:01) Kev: pre-write, you know, unofficially labeled, like you enter a cave and all of a sudden (0:19:06) Kev: there’s this little racetrack down there. Stuff like that, but anyways, yeah, there’s not much (0:19:12) Kev: going on other than unlocking mirror mode, I guess, on free roam. Although I do like the (0:19:20) Kev: Princess Peach Castle, the window easter egg, that’s fun. (0:19:23) Al: Yeah, yeah, it’s I will agree that I think free roam is a little bit of a disappointment, but yeah, I am still very much having fun. (0:19:35) Al: And I will definitely be playing this with people in person a lot. (0:19:40) Kev: I’m sure. I mean, it’s Mario Kart. It’s built for that. (0:19:41) Al: No, it’s 100% worth. (0:19:44) Al: Yeah, it’s 100% worth it, especially as, you know, it was what, like 30 quid in the bundle, right? (0:19:49) Kev: Yep. (0:19:50) Kev: Exactly. (0:19:50) Al: Like it was very much worth that. (0:19:53) Al: And just, it is, I still stand by it’s the most fun to control the, with the new physics reactions. Like I feel like all the other ones will feel quite stiff going back to them. (0:20:04) Kev: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I don’t think (0:20:10) Kev: Yeah, I yeah, I don’t think a lot of people are gonna push back on that it does feel very good to control (0:20:16) Kev: I agree (0:20:19) Kev: Yeah, it’s it’s I mean it’s Mario Kart right like it’s still gonna be good (0:20:22) Kev: It’s a but it is funny though that you know insert the the Simpsons sheep gif when Donkey Kong bonanza comes out (0:20:28) Al: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Definitely. That is going to be like a couple of weeks of just (0:20:34) Kev: Yeah (0:20:37) Al: like that’s the only thing I’m playing. Yeah. And we, has the direct been since we recorded (0:20:39) Kev: It looks so good, I only more (0:20:44) Al: our last episode? I can’t remember. Super fun. I’m so excited for this. I think it’s (0:20:44) Kev: I I can’t remember. We haven’t talked about it either way, but that’s uh (0:20:51) Kev: that’s a (0:20:52) Kev: good looking direct (0:20:53) Al: really, yeah, I think they, that was a great direct because it shows (0:20:58) Al: it kind of confirmed a bunch of the stuff we already knew while also giving us enough (0:21:03) Al: to be like, oh, there’s more. Right. And, and I think it’s really, I think it’s really (0:21:09) Al: good looking. Like I love the different effects that you get in transforming into other animals (0:21:16) Al: and also having Pauline basically be like a parrot on your shoulder. Right. It’s really (0:21:22) Kev: yep it’s it’s so good I i love the online reaction that we the internet gave of like you (0:21:23) Al: fun. (0:21:30) Kev: know the trifecta of uh was it ralph and vanellope uh sully and boo and now we’ve got dk and pauline (0:21:38) Kev: you know big guy and then little girl um it’s it’s fun (0:21:38) Al: Look, it works, right? Like why, why break it? Why try and fix it if it’s not broken, (0:21:47) Kev: Exactly. It’s great. Um, yeah, I’m I’m very pumped. Uh, (0:21:52) Kev: for uh uh the the game or general, I guess. Um, it’s I’m a (0:21:59) Kev: little disappointed that we don’t get the animal buddies (0:22:02) Kev: per se. I mean, I know Rambi’s in there and and it’s kind of (0:22:06) Kev: in there, but you know, it’s it’s the functions been replaced (0:22:09) Kev: by your transformations and the transformations are cool. I (0:22:12) Kev: won’t lie. Um but uh I don’t know. I’m a guy who likes Rambi. (0:22:17) Al: Well, look, I don’t have any real history with the previous DK games other than trying them and not enjoying them. (0:22:23) Al: So I don’t particularly mind. (0:22:27) Al: I’m not a lower muncher. (0:22:30) Kev: Sure, I mean, it’s not even like lore stuff because that’s uh, that’s just uh, you know, I guess mechanics or (0:22:38) Kev: Gameplay traditions, whatever. But if you want to talk about lore, I mean we can get trying to you know (0:22:43) Kev: We can try figure out why on earth (0:22:48) Kev: Does how is Pauline hanging out a DK? How does that timeline work? (0:22:52) Al: Well, I think everything lines up if you just ignore the original DK game. I don’t think (0:22:59) Al: anything else is a problem. I think it’s only that. And I think that this ties in so much (0:23:00) Kev: Yeah. Which… (0:23:05) Al: better to Odyssey, because why would Pauline be the mayor of a city that’s named after (0:23:11) Al: her kidnapper? But she would be the mayor of a city that’s named after her hero. (0:23:12) Kev: Yeah, I like the way you think there that’s a good point, yeah, but and also like this (0:23:28) Kev: is even more so than Odyssey cuz I mean Paulina was in there was you know, she’s first time (0:23:32) Kev: back in forever or whatever but she’s you know, she has a starring role finally, that’s (0:23:40) Al: Yeah, my I also I have another theory that it might be time (0:23:47) Kev: All right, oh well there you are now we’re talking let’s get into that Zelda split timeline (0:23:55) Al: Well, I don’t even think it needs to be a split timeline, right? (0:23:58) Al: Like, if something happens and she gets shot forward and then she goes back in time after this, (0:24:04) Kev: Oh, I like it. I like. (0:24:05) Al: you know, she could still go through the whole thing, because the thing is, right, (0:24:09) Al: Pauline in Donkey Kong, that’s not this Donkey Kong, that’s Cranky Kong. (0:24:14) Kev: that is cranky kong who does exist yeah oh I like that that’s clever yeah there you go all right I like it (0:24:15) Al: So, you know, she’s obviously from the past. (0:24:22) Al: Or, or, here’s another suggestion. (0:24:25) Al: If Donkey Kong, if Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong are both Donkey Kong, then maybe Pauline. (0:24:32) Al: This could be a different Pauline. Maybe this is Pauline’s daughter. (0:24:35) Kev: You know, I mean, that’s well established, right? Bowser Jr. looks just like Bowser when he’s a baby, I guess, so you know. (0:24:45) Al: Pauline Jr. (0:24:46) Kev: Pauline Jr. could be! (0:24:49) Kev: Although, okay, you know what? You know what? I’ll even point the bat at the stands here. (0:24:54) Kev: I bet we get little Pauline here as a character in Mario Kart World War 2. (0:24:58) Al: I hope so. I do hope there is some stuff coming, so I saw someone note that some of the characters (0:25:06) Al: have lots of costumes, and some of them have almost none. In fact, some of them have none. (0:25:11) Al: And the interesting thing is, one of the characters that has almost none is Donkey Kong. He only (0:25:12) Kev: Yeah. (0:25:16) Al: has one costume. Just before a Donkey Kong game comes out, suspicious. So are we interested (0:25:17) Kev: It is very strange considering, you know, he’s… (0:25:21) Kev: Uh-oh, uh-oh! (0:25:28) Al: in a Mario Kart World update coming with some Donkey Kong costumes to encourage you (0:25:34) Kev: I mean (0:25:36) Al: to be interested in the new game? Maybe. Yeah. And we obviously have all the baby characters, (0:25:37) Kev: If if it feels like the most obvious dough in the world, right, um, so yeah (0:25:46) Al: so would we get a young Pauline, as well as the babies that we’ve got of the other characters? (0:25:48) Kev: I like it (0:25:51) Kev: How cute (0:25:51) Al: We don’t have Pauline at all. Oh no, we do have Pauline. But also Pauline only has one (0:25:53) Kev: We do it, Paul (0:25:58) Kev: Like a generic racer costume, so there you go (0:25:58) Al: costume. So, you know, the two of them, both in an upcoming game. You know, I will be very (0:26:05) Kev: Yeah, yeah, yeah (0:26:09) Al: disappointed if there’s not. But this makes you wonder what else could be related to things, (0:26:11) Kev: I you know that’s I don’t think you’re being unreasonable (0:26:16) Al: right? Birdo only has two costumes, so that’s an interesting one. Could there be a Birdo (0:26:22) Al: thing coming up? Who knows? Lakitu only has two costumes, and there is an update to… (0:26:28) Al: Why can’t I remember the name? Goodness me. Mario Party. Which Lakitu obviously has a (0:26:34) Kev: Which Mario what okay? (0:26:40) Al: big part in Mario Party. Maybe I’m stretching at this point. Who knows? But we’ll see. I’m (0:26:41) Kev: Yeah (0:26:48) Kev: We we will see I think that’s the end that’s all we can kind of say really um (0:26:54) Al: I’m sure we can say much more, but let’s not. (0:26:56) Kev: Well, well, okay, yeah, you know, I will say this like each his legs still make me very uncomfortable. I (0:26:59) Al: Fair, very fair. (0:27:03) Kev: Don’t like it (0:27:05) Kev: Get in the car. Don’t look at those freak. Yeah, no, no, I don’t like it. That’s (0:27:08) Al: Don’t put him on a bike. (0:27:15) Al: He should be in the cloud cart. (0:27:19) Al: That’s the only one he’s allowed to be in. (0:27:20) Kev: Yeah, you really or you know, I don’t care I (0:27:23) Al: No, I’m just saying. (0:27:26) Kev: Look, I don’t care if it’s like (0:27:29) Kev: Horrendous I don’t care if it’s horrendous like animation clipping just (0:27:35) Kev: Just stick the the dang (0:27:36) Al: The cloud around every cart you put them in. (0:27:40) Kev: Yeah, yeah, when he’s the bike it’s just clipping right to the cloud (0:27:45) Kev: Okay, you make it it’s worth it (0:27:50) Al: All right, so that’s my car. (0:27:52) Al: I’ve also I don’t want to talk too much about this, but I do want to mention it. (0:27:58) Al: I’ve opened Lens Island again and started playing that. (0:28:02) Al: So for context, I originally backed on. (0:28:06) Al: Kickstarter and I started playing it when it first came out, but it had no controller (0:28:11) Al: support and basically was horrible to use on the steam deck. (0:28:16) Al: So I have started playing it again, and it is less horrible to play on the steam deck. (0:28:24) Kev: But that’s always the bar we want less horrible (0:28:25) Al: And I think that’s as far as I’m going to go on this comp on it just now. (0:28:33) Al: I will probably go into it a lot more in the next. (0:28:36) Al: episode, probably, but no promises. (0:28:38) Kev: Okay, fine. Okay. (0:28:43) Al: So that is a thing that is currently happening that I am not going to give any opinions on right now. (0:28:52) Al: But finally, we are recording this on Saturday, the 28th of June. (0:28:57) Al: I have just finished the first day of Pokémon Go Fest 2025 Global. (0:29:01) Kev: Oh, is that what’s going on? Okay. (0:29:03) Al: That’s what’s today. (0:29:04) Al: Yeah. So, uh, I had. (0:29:06) Al: Fun. I got a few hours where I was allowed to remove my (0:29:14) Al: responsibilities from children and just go play Pokemon in Edinburgh. (0:29:17) Al: And yeah, I got a good amount of stuff done and I enjoyed that. (0:29:20) Kev: Cool. What is going on? What are they releasing? (0:29:24) Al: This is the Crowned in Shield form Zacian and Zamazenta. (0:29:30) Kev: Wait they weren’t in there already that’s weird, but okay (0:29:32) Al: No, they had the base forms, but not this Crowned in Shield form. (0:29:37) Al: Uh, because they’ve got to release them separately to make the most money, right? (0:29:42) Kev: - Oh, yeah, yeah. (0:29:46) Al: But yeah, so, uh, yeah, I think they did this one a lot better than the previous (0:29:52) Al: other forms, because with Curum and with, uh, oh, what’s the other one? (0:29:59) Kev: Uh, uh, uh, Nick Asma. (0:30:03) Al: Nick Rosma, thank you. (0:30:05) Al: with both of them. (0:30:06) Al: You have a certain amount of energy you need to get to fuse them, but if you separate (0:30:15) Al: them, you have to use the same amount of energy again to fuse them again. (0:30:21) Al: It’s like a thousand-fuse energy, or whatever they call it. (0:30:25) Al: I can’t remember and I don’t care. (0:30:26) Kev: Yeah, that’s correct (0:30:29) Al: Once you fuse them, you use up that thousand, but you get like a hundred per raid that you (0:30:33) Al: do. (0:30:34) Al: raids to get enough defuse once (0:30:35) Kev: Okay (0:30:36) Al: set of them. And then if you’re like, “Oh, I fused the wrong one”, and you unfuse it, (0:30:37) Kev: Yeah, oh (0:30:42) Al: you then have to do another 10 raids to do it. But of course, those raids were only available (0:30:45) Kev: It sounds like a lot (0:30:48) Al: for one weekend. They’ve never been available again, so you can’t get the energy anymore. (0:30:55) Al: It’s dreadful! (0:30:56) Kev: That sounds like a lot. (0:30:58) Al: Well, the good thing is that Zamasenta and Zacian, once you turn it into crown form, (0:31:04) Al: If you revere its form, you can… (0:31:06) Al: you can then do it again without using any energy. (0:31:09) Kev: Sure, okay. Okay, I mean, that’s that’s definitely nice. I just, man, I just got to say I didn’t go that long at all. But hearing how like, because I think Megas were kind of the first one where you had, you know, special mega energy or whatever. Like, it’s, oh, it doesn’t sound great. Just the oddest. (0:31:33) Al: The the Megas actually I think is a lot better than it was when it first launched. (0:31:38) Al: So like you you can get one free mega for each of your mega Pokemon once a week. (0:31:45) Al: So once you’ve done the initial one, every week, you can do it once for free. (0:31:49) Al: You only have to pay more energy after the first one (0:31:53) Al: if you want to do it faster than that. (0:31:55) Al: And as you get up the power, like once you can level up the mega and once you get (0:32:00) Al: Mega level 3. It matters. (0:32:04) Al: How much it costs so like every if you were to do it every single day, you wouldn’t be using a huge amount of energy so it’s it’s not it’s it’s much better than it was initially launched and I get why you know it is a bit frustrating that you still have to use it energy at all but it’s a lot less annoying you also get energy if you walk with them as a buddy and stuff like that so you know it’s it’s fine it’s fine it’s these fusing ones that are the most annoying because it’s like. (0:32:33) Al: I know have my necrosimas and my cutums fused and I can never unfuse them because I would never be able to fuse them again right like it’s just that’s it if you chose the wrong one tough and it’s really annoying because one of them I did choose the wrong one and but there’s nothing I can do about that I’m stuffed and that’s just what I have to live with. (0:32:40) Kev: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. (0:32:46) Kev: Oh, no! (0:32:50) Kev: Ugh. (0:32:52) Kev: Oh, that’s rough. That’s rough, buddy. (0:32:53) Al: Still. Yeah, that is life but yeah so there’s actions Amazon to was done much better and I got shiny. (0:33:03) Al: And I got my energy and I’ve I’ve powered them up so nice powerful Pokemon looking looking great my shiny shield was it shield form kind of what it’s called and they have new adventure effects so. (0:33:04) Kev: Yeah! (0:33:10) Kev: Yeah, that’s the game! (0:33:18) Kev: That’s cool, that’s good. (0:33:19) Al: There we go. (0:33:22) Al: And they can also be used because they’re when they’re in that form they can be used at power spots, which normally only dynamics Pokemon can be used a pair of spots, but of course you can’t you can’t. (0:33:33) Al: And they can also be used in Dynamax session and Amazon to but when they’re in that form you can use them a pair of spots so that’s fun. (0:33:44) Al: So yeah, I probably do a little bit tomorrow as well because it was Amazon to things action tomorrow, but which is a bit annoying, but if you got the ticket for go fest you do get enough energy to do one of one of the dogs, so I do have enough to do as action, but I probably want to get enough to do another one. (0:34:02) Kev: Sure. Well, I am glad that you’re enjoying it. (0:34:03) Al: Continuing to enjoy Pokemon go despite everything. (0:34:07) Kev: I don’t… (0:34:11) Kev: This, well, that’s kind of, uh, I mean, that’s just a blanket save these days. (0:34:20) Al: They keep trying to ruin the game, but I still somehow enjoy it. (0:34:24) Al: All right, let’s talk about some game use a woo. (0:34:31) Kev: Oh, wait, wait, back up. (0:34:32) Kev: I’m sorry, I just– (0:34:33) Kev: I don’t know why you just clicked something in my mind. (0:34:34) Kev: I forgot. (0:34:35) Kev: I want to follow up my Magic the Gathering thing. (0:34:39) Kev: So as I look, you know, I was dipping my toe in the MTG pool. (0:34:44) Kev: Guess what’s the next secret layer? (0:34:45) Al: I don’t know. (0:34:46) Kev: You know me. (0:34:48) Al: Ah, ah, ah, pressure, um, unicorn over the light! (0:34:53) Kev: Haha, oh, oh, that’d be so (0:34:54) Al: No, ah, no, um, let’s see, so Kevin, something Kevin would like. (0:34:59) Al: Well, it’s not going to be like anything Nintendo. (0:35:02) Kev: No, no it’s just very funny hearing that. (0:35:04) Al: Wait, is it? (0:35:06) Al: No. (0:35:08) Kev: I didn’t intend, I didn’t intend, life log Nintendo Pass. (0:35:09) Al: Well. (0:35:12) Kev: You don’t like Nintendo things, um, but it won’t, uh, MTG, I gotta say, it wouldn’t be (0:35:15) Al: I mean, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, that’s the opposite of what I thought, Kevin. (0:35:19) Kev: in there. (0:35:20) Kev: Yeah, okay. (0:35:21) Kev: Yeah, okay, yes, yeah, I know what you’re saying, but the way it came in my ears, it’s (0:35:21) Al: What I thought was, oh yeah, it could be, you know, you like Nintendo stuff. (0:35:25) Al: And I was like, oh no, but they’re not going to do something with Nintendo. (0:35:27) Al: That was my point. (0:35:30) Kev: It’s not too funny. (0:35:31) Al: Trying to accuse me. (0:35:32) Al: Accuse me of not thinking you like Nintendo stuff. (0:35:34) Al: Ah, no, I’ve not got anything. (0:35:39) Al: Nothing’s coming. (0:35:40) Kev: Ow! The lowest hanging fruit! Gotta go fast! (0:35:44) Al: Oh, Sonic. (0:35:45) Al: What? They’re doing Sonic, Magic the Gathering? (0:35:47) Kev: They’re doing- okay. (0:35:49) Kev: Yeah! Dude, they already did SpongeBob! Who cares? (0:35:53) Al: What? This is what one out all these cards look so good. (0:35:54) Kev: Oh, you missed that! SpongeBob’s in magic! Oh, yeah! (0:36:02) Kev: Don’t they? (0:36:03) Al: Oh, no. Oh, no. (0:36:04) Kev: They look- that’s- that’s the exact reaction. (0:36:10) Al: I don’t want this. Well, no, I do want this. (0:36:14) Kev: And you- and- oh, my- like, Shadow- (0:36:15) Al: I managed to not even look at the Doctor Who and Lord of the Rings ones somehow. (0:36:18) Kev: Oh- oh, yeah. (0:36:20) Kev: Shadow looks busted. It’s insane. (0:36:24) Kev: They’re no big the cats, so point against them for that. No cream, either. (0:36:28) Kev: But overall, it’s- it’s in their- (0:36:31) Kev: Ugh, Sonic’s ability, ‘cause you know, when they have an ability, they have a little, like, name for it. (0:36:36) Kev: It- it’s literally “Gotta go fast.” (0:36:38) Kev: You know “Gotta go fast” isn’t even from the games. (0:36:40) Kev: It’s just from the, uh, the- the dub intro of an anime. [Laughter] (0:36:45) Al: Yeah, I’m not particularly surprised. (0:36:48) Kev: Oh, yeah, Sonic’s going to magic. (0:36:50) Kev: It’s- ugh. I don’t like it. I’m- I’m- I’m- oh, dear. I’m cooked, as the children would say. (0:36:58) Kev: You know, Unicorn Overlord, it- wild as it- it’s not in Magic the Gathering, but in- they have one of those- (0:37:04) Kev: What is it? I think it’s, like, the Overlord edition. You know, one of the big fancy collector’s editions. (0:37:08) Kev: There’s actually a whole (0:37:10) Kev: building card game inside that it’s wild (0:37:16) Kev: Yeah, card games are my vice. They’re my legal addiction. Sonic’s coming to magic (0:37:16) Al: And will this be coming and will this be coming to arenas? (0:37:28) Kev: uh good question I don’t know arena is very weird because arena has (0:37:39) Kev: arena is kind of its own environment it has exclusive arena cards it has its own formats (0:37:45) Kev: and i’ll tell you the the bad ones we’re getting a spider-man set in a few months (0:37:51) Kev: that the spider-man set cards are coming to arena but not with spider-man full (0:37:58) Kev: they’re going to replace them with whatever generic magic card characters or whatever (0:38:02) Al: What? What does that even mean then? (0:38:05) Kev: it means they didn’t get the license to use it digitally (0:38:07) Al: What would be the point in adding the cards then, if they’re not the cards? (0:38:11) Al: So they’re gonna have like the same effects, but not use any names for Spider-Man. (0:38:14) Kev: yeah yeah you you get yeah you get pied or arachnid avatar I don’t know (0:38:18) Al: That’s so stupid. (0:38:20) Al: Just don’t do it. (0:38:28) Kev: uh good old magic together I i joined just this year what a good time to get into this game (0:38:36) Al: Update, I have downloaded Magi the Gathering Eraser. (0:38:39) Kev: yeah oh we gotta play some games um all right let’s go to non sonic base oh or is there (0:38:44) Al: Yes, yeah, news, game news. No, no, no, no, there’s obviously not. Research story have (0:38:47) Kev: is there sonic base news maybe not yet one day it’s inevitable (0:38:56) Al: announced that their 1.0 is coming the 21st of July, so it has been a long time coming. (0:39:00) Kev: Okay (0:39:02) Al: Let’s see, when did this first come into Early Access? February 2023 was when this launched (0:39:04) Kev: Yes, oh wait research, so I don’t know I heard something else okay that that is exciting (0:39:11) Al: in early access. (0:39:12) Kev: Research work takes forever to ask Cody. That’s why the 1.0. It’s it’s forever (0:39:14) Al: So, maybe we need to get our second harvest on this after the 1.0 is out. (0:39:18) Kev: It’s the equivalent of getting their PhD congratulations research story (0:39:23) Kev: I’m sure Cody isn’t triggered by this at all (0:39:31) Kev: Okay, so wait we got let’s see what is the date on the oh July 21st there (0:39:38) Kev: It is but it’s available on the on a beta branch. That’s weird. What do you mean? (0:39:43) Kev: 1.0 will be available in beta before one point (0:39:45) Al: No, no, that’s so. So that’s before launch, you’ll be able to play the beta. (0:39:48) Kev: Yeah, I know that that’s very weird to me like (0:39:52) Al: Well, OK, I see what you mean. I see what you mean. I see what you mean. So (0:39:57) Al: it’s not actually that uncommon in software development where you go, this is our beta for (0:40:05) Al: 1.0 or 1.1 or whatever. That is not that uncommon, actually. I think it’s less common in games, (0:40:07) Kev: Sure. Yeah. Sure. And I mean, like, you know, public betas and test servers, (0:40:12) Al: But it’s definitely something that you see quite a lot. (0:40:18) Kev: like they’re common and I’m not saying it’s unheard of, but I don’t know. (0:40:21) Kev: It just feels weird, especially in game dev, like the 1.0 is the big fitting, right? (0:40:25) Kev: So, uh, I don’t know, but whatever, um, but hey. (0:40:28) Al: You still have to pop the game you can’t just play it’s not just anybody can play it like it’s public (0:40:33) Kev: Yeah. (0:40:34) Al: But public for people who have paid for the game, right? (0:40:37) Kev: That’s true. Good point. (0:40:40) Kev: All right. But hey, it’s here. (0:40:42) Al: Tiny garden the content the (0:40:45) Al: Featured game of last week’s episode have released a statement regarding the Nintendo switch version (0:40:52) Kev: I didn’t think I’d ever hear a statement from Tiny Garden. (0:40:56) Al: This is this is great. I’m just (0:40:58) Al: going to read some of the statement because I don’t think I can really (0:41:01) Al: summarize it better than they have done. “We wanted to clarify some questions (0:41:06) Al: that have arisen regarding the Nintendo Switch version of Tiny Garden. We have (0:41:09) Al: been vague and perhaps not communicated with you as well as we could have, for (0:41:14) Al: which we apologize. We did not want to cause you unnecessary concern or bore (0:41:18) Al: you with technical details. The truth is that the Switch version of Tiny Garden (0:41:23) Al: will be ported by an external company. As we are such a small team it was very (0:41:28) Al: hard for us to do everything in-house. The problem here is we’ve not yet found a (0:41:32) Al: company that can port the game with the polish and quality that we feel (0:41:35) Al: comfortable with. Both our publishers Super Rare Games and us want to deliver (0:41:40) Al: the best possible version of Tiny Garden on Switch. However, we did not (0:41:43) Al: anticipate that this porting would be so complicated.” Hey, I could have told you. (0:41:48) Al: We’ve seen this before. (0:41:50) Kev: What are you talking about? (0:41:52) Kev: It’s katrossi katronfi, it’s fuckies! (0:41:56) Al: And then they go into details about complaining. (0:41:58) Al: About their game engine and that’s the reason. (0:42:02) Al: Sure, fine. (0:42:05) Al: It’s funny because it’s like, oh no, we didn’t know it would be complicated to bring it to a (0:42:10) Al: console. Like what did you expect? Like these things are always complicated. (0:42:14) Kev: Well, yeah, I mean anything game dev is complicated pretty much anything dev software dev is always complicated (0:42:19) Al: Yeah, exactly. (0:42:21) Kev: Well, look here. Here’s your free advice tiny garden people call biting studio (0:42:27) Kev: Those are the guys who make cassette beasts that except beasts is on Godot. They brought it to switch (0:42:32) Kev: It’s awesome on switch. There you go (0:42:33) Al: Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s the thing. I suspect if you do it in Unity or Unreal, I suspect (0:42:42) Al: it is slightly easier because they are obviously like larger companies use them and so therefore (0:42:51) Kev: They’re established. (0:42:53) Al: need the console support to be as good as it can be, right? Because otherwise there (0:43:00) Al: There would be big problems because Godot is. (0:43:04) Al: open source and therefore more likely to be used by smaller teams, and they are less likely to be focusing on consoles at all more likely to be focusing on just PC because that is the easiest for. (0:43:18) Kev: Uh-huh (0:43:18) Al: I mean, it’s just the easiest to develop for full stop right because there’s no gatekeeper right like that has has been the case for a long, long time. (0:43:20) Kev: Yeah, I mean yes, yes, that’s correct (0:43:26) Kev: And probably will always be the case because just the nature of the beast so yeah (0:43:28) Al: Exactly. (0:43:29) Al: Exactly. (0:43:30) Al: Exactly. (0:43:31) Al: So there’s, they’re probably simplifying. (0:43:33) Al: Things in what they’re saying, you know, these things happen. (0:43:40) Al: I would like to clarify again, please, if you’re backing a game on Kickstarter, if you (0:43:47) Al: want it for console, don’t back it on Kickstarter, right? (0:43:50) Al: Like just, just like it’s the console is always like, it is when the Kickstarter happens normally, (0:43:59) Al: the way that it is happened is there is a working version of the game. (0:44:03) Al: It may not be final. (0:44:04) Al: It may not have all the content, but they have a game and it can run on PC. (0:44:08) Al: There will be nothing running on console at that point. (0:44:11) Al: And it’s very likely, unless they are a team that have ported to console before, it’s very (0:44:16) Al: likely that they have no idea what they’re doing with consoles at all, right? (0:44:20) Kev: Yep. (0:44:21) Al: And this, this isn’t meant to be harsh on them. (0:44:24) Al: This is just a fact that if you have, if you’re not a console developer, you do not know how (0:44:29) Al: complicated it is. (0:44:30) Al: I am not a games developer, right? (0:44:33) Al: I’m a web developer. (0:44:34) Al: And even in web development, there are things that if you don’t know how it works, it is (0:44:38) Al: so much more complicated than you realize. (0:44:42) Al: And there are just certain things that are more awkward. (0:44:45) Al: And if you haven’t started development on it, you don’t know how complicated it is. (0:44:49) Al: And it is likely not going to be done until the game is finished. (0:44:52) Al: That’s the other thing, right? (0:44:55) Al: Even Stardew Valley still doesn’t get updates out day and date on console, right? (0:45:00) Kev: Yeah. (0:45:01) Al: and stardew valley (0:45:03) Al: is one of the biggest indie games, full stop. (0:45:06) Kev: Yeah. (0:45:07) Al: It’s not like he’s only on his own anyway. He has a team that he works with, he worked with (0:45:12) Kev: Nice. (0:45:12) Al: porting companies before, he has done many different things, and even he can’t do it. (0:45:20) Al: It takes so much work, even big companies struggle with that. (0:45:26) Al: It is rare for a game to come out at the same time on PC and console unless you are one of (0:45:31) Al: of the biggest games and they will. (0:45:34) Al: Completely different teams working on the PC version, working on the switch version, working on the PlayStation version Xbox is different because they’re like the Microsoft of well, pretty much Microsoft have done so much work and I, you know, I’m the first to jump on Microsoft a bad bandwagon, but Microsoft have done so much work to make putting games to Xbox so incredibly easy it’s not. It’s still not just as simple as click a button. It does. (0:45:36) Kev: Mm-hmm (0:45:41) Kev: Yeah (0:45:44) Kev: They are a PC (0:46:03) Al: It does it, but it is so much easier than any other console. If you have an existing PC game, especially if you’re using the tools that Microsoft give to make the game on PC. (0:46:07) Kev: Sure. Yeah. Well, I mean, guess. Hi. Hey, I’m still holding out for mighty number nine (0:46:15) Al: All that being said, all that being said, never back a Kickstarter for a switch game. Just don’t do it, right? (0:46:25) Kev: on the 3DS. Uh, but. (0:46:31) Al: I have, I have, when I, when I bought my steam. (0:46:33) Al: Dick, it was so good because it meant that I could go through and like change (0:46:37) Al: all of my kickstarters to use to steam codes instead of switch get codes. (0:46:41) Kev: Mmm, yeah, at least (0:46:41) Al: And you get the game a year before, right? (0:46:44) Al: It’s just every, every, every single one is there’s none of them. (0:46:49) Al: Not a single game that I have backed on Kickstarter has released (0:46:53) Al: on switch at the same time as steam. (0:46:54) Kev: year you’re not wrong not at all ah well you know what though in this (0:47:03) Kev: particular case there’s an easy way to fix this you know what you don’t even (0:47:07) Kev: have to release on the switch tiny garden just so you know what we’re (0:47:11) Kev: canceling it we’re investing everything into the playdate port and we’re all in (0:47:12) Al: Honestly, a Playdate port would probably be quicker, because it would have to lose features, (0:47:17) Kev: we’re good all is forgiven (0:47:24) Al: right? It’s not going to be the same, the graphics are simpler, like honestly, if they started now (0:47:31) Al: from scratch, they could probably get a Playdate version out before they could port their version (0:47:34) Kev: Well, well there you go, Tiny Guard. The path is there. (0:47:34) Al: to Switch. I’m not joking. They would of course get a fraction of the sales, right? There are (0:47:42) Al: Playdates. Yes, it does. I love the Playdate, it’s so good. I just wish I played it more. (0:47:44) Kev: the dozens look I mean I might join the dozens I’ll say that (0:48:00) Kev: Yeah (0:48:05) Al: As far as I can see, the only number I’ve seen on Playdate sales was in May of last year, (0:48:10) Al: They said 70,000 have been sold (0:48:12) Al: But that was one year into it, and we’re now a year later, so who knows

Watch Out For This Chinese Stock Scam! Yes, there's another scam out there trying to part you from your hard-earned money. This has happened many times in recent years and it's occurred in very small Chinese stocks that are vulnerable to manipulation. For some reason some US investors see these and think they've hit it big. US regulators try their best, but typically cannot get access to information in China to go after these people. They're so good they trick people who should know better like businesspeople and even a university professor lost $80,000 in the scam. Their advertisements show up on social media or in messages on WhatsApp and they contain investment advice that looks very convincing with the alure of big, quick returns. They trick investors into thinking that this company is on the verge of something very big and they show that there are already short-term gains, which are engineered by the scammers through manipulative trading. The hucksters come from Malaysia, Taiwan and other places around the world. Some have been so bold that for some investors who lost money, they come back with a second better offer to make up losses on the first investment. Obviously, these people have no shame and the only thing I can recommend is to stay away from small Chinese stocks, especially if you see them advertised on social media. Remember the old saying if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.   Is The Current 401K System Out of Date? The current 401(k) system was first established 42 years ago in 1978 when the use of normal pension plans was in place and when people still worked for a single employer for most of their career. This change in 1978 was beneficial to both the employees and employers, because it gave employees control over their retirement plan and reduced the long-term financial risk for many companies with underfunded pension plans that caused multiple problems form companies during the 2008 financial crisis. Today, times have changed and employees might experience over their 40 years plus work career different jobs that may include side gigs, the launch of a business or two and potentially a change in their job that could take place as much as 12 times over their career. The benefit for employees of the 401(k) is it gives people the ability to control their retirement. If they do leave an employer, they can take their retirement with them and invest it as they see best. The problem of today with changing jobs so many times is unfortunately these employees decide to take and use the money, even though the penalties and taxes due are sometimes as high as 50%. In my opinion, there is not one good reason why you should be taking your retirement money early as you'll pay for it many times over if you reach retirement with little or no retirement funds. Believe me, it is hard being older, but it is devastating to be older with no retirement funds. It has been estimated that frequent job changes over a career can cost as much as $300,000 in retirement savings. I like the new system that has made auto enrollment the default for employees starting a new job, but there is talk that they also want to require when a worker leaves an employer that their 401(k) automatically follows them to the new job and it should contain the same contribution rates as well. I think this is a terrible idea as it could get employees that are changing jobs locked into a terrible new 401(k). It could perhaps be additional administrative work for the new employer who already has enough to take care of when you include all the regulations, they have along with health insurance and current retirement plan administration. Being an employer myself one would not believe how much employers have to do already.    The Unknown Risk of the S&P 500 Many people love investing in the S&P 500 because the recent performance has been very strong. We have talked in the past about the over concentration of technology in the index, but I was shocked to learn that 71% or roughly 351 companies in the index report either non-GAAP income or non-GAAP earnings-per-share. This is dangerous for investors because you're not comparing apples to apples and 89% of those 351 companies that made adjustments had results that appeared better. Wall Street has forced companies to continue to report higher and higher earnings each year and sometimes each quarter or else the stock gets pulverized. Non GAAP numbers were supposed to be allowed to explain extenuating or extraordinary circumstances like a factory fire or a sale of a division, but companies have abused the rule and exclude items like stock based compensation, amortization of intangible assets and currency fluctuations. The one that bugs me the most is restructuring charges that occur every year. For example, Oracle has had a restructuring charge for the past five years. Unfortunately, the SEC is absent on enforcing the rules and non-GAAP earnings have just about become the standard. The problem for investors is with no standard, you cannot compare true earnings of a company. If you have been investing as long as I have, you'll remember the last time the abuse of non-GAAP earnings was during the tech boom and bust. Some people say we are too conservative with our investing and we are missing out on some big gains, but I do believe fundamental investing and understanding the true numbers of a company is far safer and it should produce better returns in the long run.     Financial Planning: What is the Net Investment Income Tax? The Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is a 3.8% federal surtax that began in 2013 under the Affordable Care Act, targeting high-income individuals. It applies to any net investment income that exceeds a single taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $200,000 or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly. Crucially, these thresholds are not indexed for inflation, so while they may have seemed high in 2013, today they would equal roughly $270,000 and $337,500 in 2025 had they been indexed for inflation, meaning more taxpayers are caught by the tax over time. Net investment income includes interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income, passive business income, and the earnings portion of non-qualified annuity distributions. While non-investment income sources such as wages, IRA withdrawals or conversions, and active business profits aren't directly subject to NIIT, realizing large amounts of those sources can push your MAGI above the threshold, thereby exposing your investment income to this additional tax.  Also keep in mind, most investment income is still taxed as ordinary income as well. Only long-term capital gains and qualified dividends receive the lower capital gain tax treatment, but all investment income may trigger the NIIT if income exceeds the thresholds.   Companies Discussed: Fiserv, Inc. (FI), Pinterest, Inc. (PINS), Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) & General Mills, Inc. (GIS)

Growing up with a mom struggling with severe mental illness, Karena Dawn learned early what it meant to carry heavy things in silence. That experience shaped so much of her life—including the dark years she rarely talked about. In this episode, she shares her journey from that painful silence to healing, forgiveness, and ultimately, purpose. We talk about how fitness became her lifeline and how she found her voice by telling the truth in her powerful memoir, The Big Silence. You may know Karena as the co-founder of Tone It Up, a wellness community that's inspired millions of women—but behind the fitness empire is a woman who's walked through deep grief, trauma, and recovery. She shares what it was like to care for her mom after a stroke, how she's working to break the stigma around mental illness, and why mental wellness is now at the heart of everything she does—including her work with The Big Silence Foundation and the board of NAMI. She opens up about how trauma can sneak into our health—especially during perimenopause—and the things that actually helped her feel like herself again. You'll also hear how she's now using her story to help others speak up and get the support they need. Her honesty is refreshing, and her heart for mental wellness is contagious. This one will move you, especially if you've ever carried pain quietly or felt like healing was out of reach. Karena's story reminds us that there's always a way forward—and it doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful. And before you go, I've got a new favorite to share: Mighty Maca Mango just dropped, and it's the zingy summer pick-me-up I've been loving lately. Throw it in sparkling water or popsicle molds… it's a delicious way to feel good from the inside out—check it out at dranna.com.   Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor. [00:02:05] The Big Silence. [00:03:14] Living with a parent with mental illness. [00:06:40] Fitness becoming a therapy. [00:08:59] Micro challenges build self-confidence. [00:12:42] Mental health and perimenopause. [00:15:36] Oxytocin and mental health. [00:21:36] Food is medicine. [00:24:18] Grieving a lost mother. [00:28:25] Motherhood's diverse definitions. [00:32:34] Preventing and healing from mental illness. [00:35:06] Maiden, Mother, Magi and empowerment.   Memorable Quotes: "I even have changed the story of being a victim of my mom's illness... I said, Mom, don't regret it because I love the woman I've become. And I became that woman because of what you had to go through. " [00:29:47] – Karena Dawn "I believe our society is getting better at recognizing the different types of mothers... motherhood is such a bigger term now, and I think that's such an important thing to get out there is you can be a mother in so many ways. And to recognize Mother's Day is not a happy day for everyone." [00:39:06] – Karena Dawn   Links Mentioned: Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca Listen to The Big Silence Podcast: http://www.thebigsilence.com/listen Buy the memoir, The Big Silence: https://thebigsilence.com/pages/memoir   Connect with Karena Dawn: Website: http://www.karenadawn.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenadawn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenaDawn/ The Big Silence Foundation: https://thebigsilence.com/ Tone It Up: https://my.toneitup.com/   Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca: Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca   Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com  

EPISODE 176 – FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST “When you have Robin Williams rapping, you know you're in the f***ing 90s!” Secret Santa Summer kicks off with Ashley's gift to Brian: the 90s environmentalist classic, Ferngully: The Last Rainforest! This week, Chris can never meet a kangaroo; Ashley grows up to be Magi; Brandon has that pan flute rizz; and Brian shares his laugh out loud moment. BTW: Gotta know the bean magic! Starring: Samantha Mathis, Jonathan Ward, Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, Grace Zabriskie, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, and Tone Loc Directed by Bill Kroyer FOLLOW US:Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/trashwatch)Instagram (@trashwatchpodcast)TikTok (@trashwatchpodcast)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YpPcNIBmqNvvLvxa3WTLA)Email (trashwatchpodcast@gmail.com)Listen to Brian's music at (https://www.brianhorne.com)Support the show

When we examine the biblical and historical data, it's very clear that December 25th is not Christ's birthday.  While we're not obliged to give an exact date, we can narrow it down to a window and a time: more likely a September date between 7 and 6 B.C., fitting into the set times of God. VF-2483 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

We look into chapter 8 from the New Testament section of A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture. We also reveal the first little-known fact about Fatima.Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast:Buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube:@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastThank you!

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide different details about the birth and early childhood of Christ.  By looking to evidence from the Bible and a variety of external sources, we can begin to learn the truth about His birth.  The accounts tell us where He was born and if you read carefully, what time of the year it was.  Jesus was not born at Christmas and the Magi did not visit Him at birth, but later when He was a young child. Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 VF-2482 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

Et shout-out til bibliotekskollegerne, der står bag podcasten Børnebogcast - og en smagsprøve på én af deres episoder. ”Børnebogcast” er både en podcast til forældre, der savner inspiration til, hvad deres børn selv kan læse og til højtlæsning, Julie Arndrup, børnebibliotekar, har en medvært og diverse gæster  i studiet, og sammen hjælper de dig med at sortere i børnebogstakken. De snakker med bl.a. børn, forskere og forfattere om læsning og anbefaler bunkevis af gode bøger. Og der dykkes ned i alle emner, der vedrører børns litteratur, læsning og sproglige udvikling. I denne udgave, som er lidt forkortet, mødes Julie og Sif med historiker og forfatter Maria Østerby Elleby til en snak om magien i hverdagen og gennem tiderne. Maria har skrevet ”Hekseri – den store bog om magi”  og ved rigtig meget om hekse, troldmænd, ellefolk, drager og alle de andre væsner som festivalen handler om i 2025. Find Børnebogcast - der hvor du ellers lytter podcast (inkl. eReolen) Følg Københavns Børnebiblioteker på: Facebook & Instagram Jingle: "The Show Must Be Go" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Äntligen är det dags för Annika och Åsa att podda igen och denna gång pratar de om ämnet magi.Hur får man in mer magi in i livet och vad är egentligen magi? Det är en tid runt Solstice och inför Nymånen i Kräftan. Bjud in mer magi in i vardagen!Vi hoppas att du finner inspiration i vår podd och att du supportar oss genom att sprida podden till dina vänner.Tagga oss gärna på insta i stories när du lyssnar din inspiration från podden. Ditt support betyder mycket för oss!VI GÖR DENNA INRE RESA TILLSAMMANS!❤️Kram,Annika & ÅsaFölj oss här:✦ Hemsida & medlemskap: https://hellomedicinewoman.se/✦ Följ oss på Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medicinewoman.se/✦ Annikas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annikapanotzki/✦ Åsas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespiritofhappiness/✦ Gå med i vårt community på Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/medicinewomanpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

„Nebe je rozbouřeno, hvězdy prší, lučištníci zmateně pobíhají, kosti nebeského lva se třesou,“ to jsou verše starých Egypťanů, které v jedné ze svých esejí citoval Josef Topol, protože byl přesvědčený, že báseň a mýtus mají společné předky: instinkt a magickou moc a dodával, že na samém počátku nejsou od sebe k rozeznání.

Pienas, kviečių produktai, kaušiniai ir net dalis daržovių yra dažni ingredientai dėl kurių žmonės prastai jaučiasi, tai parodo Lietuvoje populiarėjantis - maisto netoleravimo testas. Tačiau tiek dietologai, tiek alergologai sako – tokiais tyrimais gydytojai nesivadovauja, mat jie nėra mediciniškai patikimi.Rubrikoje „Auga ir balkone“ - panevėžietės Karolinos Abraškevičės balkonas, kurį moteris socialiniuose tinkluose pristato „Magišku balkonu“.Prancūzijos prezidentas Emmanuelis Macronas skelbia apie planus Europos Sąjungos mastu siekti uždrausti vaikams iki 15-kos metų naudotis socialiniais tinklais, kai šalyje mokinys peiliu nudūrė mokytojo padėjėją.Vasara – įsibėgėja, tačiau kol kas šiltais orais ji nelepina. Pajūrio verslininkai neslepia, jog kol kas poilsiautojų srautai itin nedideli. Tačiau tai – ne vienintelis pajūrio verslininkų rūpestis. Palangos viešbučių ir restoranų asociacijos prezidentės Lauros Taučiūtės teigimu, šiemet itin sunkiai sekasi rasti sezoninių darbuotojų bei suformuoti komandas.Ved. Paulius Selezniovas

Welcome to the Christmas series! Magi, masters of alchemy and astronomy, notice an anomaly in the constellations. Their curiosity leads them to the scriptures, where they become convinced God has done something miraculous.  Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.  To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rob and Magi break down the CSB's incident report on the Honeywell Geismar facility, which includes three significant hydrofluoric acid releases that occurred between 2021 and 2024. They review the CSB's analysis of each incident, highlight safety issues and failures in process safety management, and review the CSB's recommendations for improving safety practices and preventing future incidents. Tune in to find out more and read the CSB's full report ⁠here⁠.For more CSB final report breakdowns, check out the episodes below:Episode 122 - Incident Breakdown: 2023 Fire Heater Fire at Marathon Martinez Renewables Facility⁠Episode 105 - Incident Breakdown: 2022 Fatal Naphtha Release and Fire at BP-Husky Toledo Refinery in Ohio⁠Episode 97 - Incident Breakdown: 2020 Fatal Oil and Gas Well Blowout in Burleson County, Texas⁠

I tillegg til: Oppdatering på NM i Bingo, NM i møtebooking og VM i excel - Nødvarsel og Målungdommen - The Beekeeper Episoden kan inneholde målrettet reklame, basert på din IP-adresse, enhet og posisjon. Se smartpod.no/personvern for informasjon og dine valg om deling av data.

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Jesus Christ: Perfect Man - Mighty God. This Sunday he will be discussing: The Magi and the Monster Matthew 2:1-4 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Pastors Alex and Chris consider the nativity and the star of Bethlehem. If you want access to a couple of theories/books check here and here.Key thought from this episode: What the star was is less important than the message - a king is born!We look forward to hearing from you for future topics we might address!Email chris.stukenberg@parkhillsefc.org or check out parkhillschurch.com for more info.

Tik pred premiero je film celovečernega prvenca mlade filmske režiserke in vizualne umetnice Ester Ivakič z naslovom "Ida, ki je pela tako grdo, da so še mrtvi vstali od mrtvih in zapeli z njo" nastal po predlogi kratkoprozne zbirke Suzane Tratnik. Ester je sicer avtorica več kratkih filmov in videospotov glasbenih skupin Haiku Garden, SBO, Noair, Bombyx Lori. Njen eksperimentni kratki film Magični grad je leta 2021 zmagal na Festivalu kratkega filma (FeKK). Žirija je ob tem napisala: "Videli smo prihodnost filma in njeno ime je Ester Ivakič." Na Festivalu slovenskega filma Portorož je za svoj kratki študijski film Srdohrd prejela posebno omembo žirije v kategoriji študentskih filmov. Razstava njenih animacij z naslovom Kraguljčkova pesem pa je bila na ogled v prostorih Zavoda SSCA.

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling talks about AI with Paula McConnell, AI clarity strategist and educator; Chris Stone, chief content entrepreneur, Cast Ahead; and Jason Van Orden, AI business growth and marketing strategist. The panel shares their collective love for AI, whether it's used as a tool for organization, productivity, education, or all of the above. Paula, Chris, and Jason also offer their AI origin stories, thoughts on how AI enhances - rather than replaces - human-centric projects, and more. Goals: - Jason: Use AI to do a brain dump. And then ask a useful question that will help you move forward, "What's my first step?" - Paula: Ask more questions. "How do I best use you?" or "Before you begin, do you have any questions?" - Chris: Use an aggregator, such as Magi, Poe, Merlin, so you have all of your tools in one place. Final Thoughts - Chris: AI can't network ... at least not yet - Jason: AI is here to stay; try it out! - Paula: Have conversations. Ask other people, "What does AI mean to you?" Learn More About: Paula McConnell: SevaDigital.com Chris Stone: CastAhead.net Jason Van Orden: JasonVanOrden.com/ai Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog 52SecretsBook.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello Beloved. ”THE MYSTERIES OF GOD HAVE BEEN REVEALED.”For those that knock - and demand the truth….text everything and bring it into light. Today we dip our toe into the lost books of teh bible and how the walk of Jesus far outstretched in what is portrayed in the bible according to the validity of the Essenes ( lost books of the bible discovered ). This is not a religious belief conversation, it is a historic overview of curiosity and deeper revelation of truth through a open mind and heart. That said…..LET'S HOP IN! POINT BLANK: One of the greatest spiritual enigmas of all time—the kind that makes you tilt your head and whisper, “Wait, what?”—is the missing 18 years of Jesus's life.You know the ones.The Gospels tell us about his birth, his moment of brilliance at age 12 in the temple, and then… silence.Until he reappears at 30, ready to turn the world inside out.It's as if the most formative years of the most influential spiritual teacher in history were tucked away behind a curtain.But what if that curtain is ready to be pulled back?Exploring the Lost YearsNow, I'm not here to sell you on conspiracy theories or fringe ideas just for the thrill of it.But I am here to explore the beautiful, messy, and fascinating mosaic of possibilities that suggest Jesus's “lost years” were anything but idle.There's a growing body of scholarship, oral tradition, and even ancient manuscripts that hint Jesus may have spent these years not in obscurity, but in study, in pilgrimage, and in deep spiritual practice across some of the most sacred lands on Earth.The Essene ConnectionLet's start with the Essenes.These weren't your average desert dwellers.They were a mystical Jewish sect living near the Dead Sea, devoted to ritual purity, communal living, and a prophetic vision of a coming teacher who would uplift humanity.Some scholars, like Edmund Bordeaux Szekely in The Essene Gospel of Peace, suggest Jesus was trained by them—immersed in their practices of fasting, healing, and spiritual discipline.The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947 at Qumran, echo teachings of divine justice, purity, and a “Teacher of Righteousness” that feel uncannily similar to Jesus's later message (see: Vermes, G., The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English).Echoes of KabbalahAnd then there's the thread of Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition that dives deep into the nature of God, the soul, and the cosmos.Lawrence Gardner, in The Magdalene Legacy, proposes that Jesus was not just a preacher but a mystic—someone who understood the Tree of Life, the sacred geometry of creation, and the divine spark within all beings.When Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “I and the Father are one,” he's not just being poetic.He's articulating a mystical truth that resonates deeply with Kabbalistic teachings on unity and divine emanation.Journeys to EgyptBut the trail doesn't stop in Judea.It winds its way south to Egypt, where the ancient Mystery Schools taught the secrets of resurrection, inner alchemy, and soul initiation.Gerald Massey, in The Historical Jesus and the Mythical Christ, draws parallels between Jesus and Osiris—the Egyptian god of death and rebirth.Manly P. Hall, in The Secret Teachings of All Ages, even suggests Jesus may have been initiated in the Great Pyramid itself, undergoing the sacred rites of transformation.Egypt wasn't just a place of pyramids and pharaohs—it was a spiritual university, and Jesus may have been one of its most dedicated students.The Indian SojournAnd then—this is where it gets really juicy—there's India.Yes, India.The land of sages, yogis, and the Upanishads.The connection begins at his birth, with the Magi—wise men from the East, possibly Hindu rishis—who followed a star not just in the sky, but in their inner vision.In Indian spiritual tradition, the “star in the east” refers to the third eye, the gateway to divine insight.Their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were traditional offerings for newborns in India, not just symbolic tokens.Fast forward a few decades, and we find the most intriguing account of all: The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ by Russian journalist Nicolas Notovitch.In the late 1800s, Notovitch claimed to have discovered Tibetan manuscripts in a monastery in Ladakh, describing the life of “Issa”—a name used for Jesus—who traveled through India, Nepal, and Tibet.These texts describe a young man fleeing societal expectations, studying the Vedas in Puri, challenging the caste system, and preaching universal love and nonviolence.Later, in Tibet, he studied Buddhist sutras—teachings that echo in his later messages about humility, renunciation, and inner peace.Now, Notovitch's claims were met with skepticism, of course.But Swami Abhedananda, a respected Indian monk, later traveled to the same monastery and corroborated the existence of the texts.Paramahansa Yogananda, in his spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, also referenced Jesus's time in India, emphasizing the harmony between Christ's teachings and the yogic path of self-realization.This wasn't about borrowing ideas—it was a soul recognizing truth across borders.The Aquarian GospelAnd if you're still with me (thank you), let's talk about The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ, written by Levi H. Dowling in 1908.Dowling claimed to have transcribed the book from the Akashic Records—a kind of cosmic memory bank.The Aquarian Gospel offers a sweeping narrative of Jesus's travels through India, Persia, Greece, and Egypt, learning from every major spiritual tradition of the time.Whether or not you believe in the Akashic Records, the book paints a compelling picture of a Jesus who was not only divine but deeply human—curious, humble, and committed to understanding the universal truths that bind us all.Mainstream PerspectivesOf course, mainstream Christianity has struggled with these ideas.The Gospels are silent on these years, and the Church has historically resisted narratives that suggest Jesus learned from other traditions.But let's be honest: the Bible has been edited, translated, and reinterpreted countless times.Can we really say we have the whole story?Or is it possible that what we've been given is just one chapter in a much larger, richer tale?A Bridge Between WorldsBecause here's the thing: When we allow ourselves to explore these possibilities—not as dogma, but as sacred curiosity—we begin to see Jesus not just as a figure of worship, but as a bridge.A bridge between East and West.Between the mystical and the practical.Between the divine and the human.His teachings on inward prayer, fasting, and the kingdom of God within mirror the meditative practices of yoga and the self-inquiry of the Upanishads.His parables echo the allegorical wisdom of Egyptian initiation rites.His message of love, compassion, and inner transformation is, in essence, the heart of every great spiritual tradition.And maybe, just maybe, that's the point.That truth is not a possession, but a path.That divinity is not a hierarchy, but a homecoming.And that Jesus, in his lost years, wasn't lost at all—but walking the long, sacred road that would prepare him to light the way for us all.Your thoughts? xo Kassandra. PS: Look for the next drop on our Lady Sophia and her uprising of the Divine feminine.Sources:* Szekely, E. B. (1981). The Essene Gospel of Peace.* Vermes, G. (2004). The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English.* Gardner, L. (2005). The Magdalene Legacy.* Massey, G. (1900). The Historical Jesus and the Mythical Christ.* Hall, M. P. (1928). The Secret Teachings of All Ages.* Notovitch, N. (1894). The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ.* Abhedananda, S. (1922). Journey into Kashmir and Tibet.* Yogananda, P. (1946). Autobiography of a Yogi.* Dowling, L. H. (1908). The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ.Thank you for being open to this journey.Keep seeking, keep questioning, and above all—keep your heart open to the divine mystery that is always unfolding.Love KassandraThe Light Between is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Light Between at thelightbetween.substack.com/subscribe

Take the survey: http://tiny.cc/846   BestPodcastintheMetaverse.com Canary Cry News Talk #846 - 06.02.2025 - Recorded Live to 1s and 0s Deconstructing World Events from a Biblical Worldview Declaring Jesus as Lord amidst the Fifth Generation War! CageRattlerCoffee.com SD/TC email Ike for discount   SHOW NOTES/TIMESTAMPS HELLO WORLD Netanyahu on “free palestine” (video 1) 7:27 Man firebombs pro israel crowd   EXEC/PRODUCERS 34:57 “free palestine” Alex Karp (video 2) 48:40 Palantir and israel gaza (the nation)   Palantir - lord of the rings.    Trump taps Palentir (NYT) Alex Karp Roll in CV (Vid 3) Alex Jones on Alex Karp (Video 4)   Beast SYSTEM 1:48:10 Alex Karp Alex, Palantir, 2015 (Forbes) Alex Karp is the new Political Category (Washington Monthly) Alex Karp “humiliate your enemy” Vid 5   PRODUCERS 2:53:01   Starbase - network state 3:21:48   END 3:30:45 Show length 3:40:16

In this episode, we journey through Matthew 2:12–23, a story that is often overshadowed by the more familiar scenes of the Christmas narrative. While we celebrate the joy of Christ's birth, this passage reveals the raw and unsettling reality of His early days: warnings in dreams, midnight escapes to Egypt, and the tragic massacre of the innocents. Through Joseph's quiet obedience and the Magi's faithfulness, we witness God's hand preserving the promise. This is not a sanitized story; it's a powerful reminder that faith is often forged in discomfort, obedience in the shadows, and hope in the midst of mourning. Join us as we reflect on what it means to follow God when the path is unclear—and how our everyday obedience can protect what He's birthing in our lives.

In this powerful expositional teaching, Pastor Brandon dives deep into Matthew 2 and uncovers the profound Hebrew roots behind the visit of the Magi. Far from a typical Christmas message, this lesson reveals the rich prophetic and historical context of Jesus' birth, showing how His arrival was anything but mythical—it was calculated, confirmed, and foretold. Discover: The true timeline of Jesus' birth (6–7 BC) Why the Magi believed in the Messiah and made the two-year journey How Balaam's prophecy and Daniel's influence shaped their faith What the star really was (hint: it wasn't a planet or asteroid) The sinister character of Herod—and how his reaction mirrors today's culture This message isn't just about ancient history—it's a wake-up call for our times. Just like the first century, our generation is either hostile, indifferent, or hungry for the true King. Which are you?

In this powerful expositional teaching, Pastor Brandon dives deep into Matthew 2 and uncovers the profound Hebrew roots behind the visit of the Magi. Far from a typical Christmas message, this lesson reveals the rich prophetic and historical context of Jesus' birth, showing how His arrival was anything but mythical—it was calculated, confirmed, and foretold. Discover: The true timeline of Jesus' birth (6–7 BC) Why the Magi believed in the Messiah and made the two-year journey How Balaam's prophecy and Daniel's influence shaped their faith What the star really was (hint: it wasn't a planet or asteroid) The sinister character of Herod—and how his reaction mirrors today's culture This message isn't just about ancient history—it's a wake-up call for our times. Just like the first century, our generation is either hostile, indifferent, or hungry for the true King. Which are you?

Episode 300: #Origins2025 Preview Introduction: News:  3 Magi - 10 days, $45 Mimic Mansion - 13 days, $46 #Origins2025 Preview:  Jason 5 - Mythical Dice (iello) Katie 5 - Uh oh, Dino (Ludiminal) - buy  Jason 4 - MicroMacro Kids: Crazy City Park  Katie 4 - Ministry of Lost Things (PostCurious) - buy Jason 3 - Nana Toridori (KTBG) Katie 3 - Breakers (Lightning Lake Games) - demo Jason 2 - Belgian Beers Race Dice (Grand Gamers Guild) Katie 2 - Ovation (Grand Gamers Guild) - buy Jason 1 - Inferno (Grand Gamers Guild) Katie 1 - Galileo Galilei (Capstone Games) Honorable mentions: River Market (KTBG), Up or Down, Grand Central Skyport, Cretaceous Rails, LOOT (outset knizia), Mega Jackpot (hachette) Closing:

It's a fifth Friday, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like why lunch meat is round but bread is square; how much loot the Magi gave the Holy Family; and more.

In this episode, Magi and Jackson discuss the importance of lockout/tagout procedures in process safety, analyzing several incidents that highlight failures in energy isolation and the consequences of neglecting safety protocols. They delve into the need for thorough procedures and best practices to prevent accidents in industrial settings.For more about the CSB's ARRR, or AR3 as we like to call it, read volume one here and volume two here,k out the other episodes in the AR3 Miniseries: Episode 121 - ARRR Summaries & Trends and Episode 125 - AR3 Volume Two.

There's a famous optical illusion drawing that, depending on how a person perceives the image, shows an elderly woman or a young lady with her head turned away from us.You can see it here – and what's fascinating is while one person may see a young lady and another an older person, the image itself is unchanged – only our perception and interpretation of the image.We're going to be continuing our study in the Gospel of Matthew this Sunday, and we'll be reading about some very different reactions and responses to the news that the Messiah King had been born in Israel. It was perceived as either good or bad news, depending on what a person may have felt was at stake in the arrival of a new King.We'll be reading Matthew 2:1-23.The text introduces us to some characters that we'll have to try and get familiar with.We'll meet King Herod (or Herod the Great) who was the Roman puppet ruler over Israel at that time. We'll also meet the Magi, or Wise Men as our modern translations call them. They are apparently court astrologers who travel from the East because they observed astronomical phenomena that they interpreted as the portent of the arrival of an important King.We'll also hear from the religious scribes, the keepers of the Torah. All of these people react to the news of the birth of Messiah – and all of them react differently. What do the Magi state as their intentions? What does Herod say he wants to do compared with what he does? Who is this text portraying in a positive way, and who is negatively represented? What might we infer from that?We're going to pay attention the the tension and conflict that emerges as Jesus comes on the scene and consider what that tells us about the world we live in, as well as the condition of our own hearts.It will be both a challenge and an encouragement! Hope you can join us this Sunday at 10 AM!Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.

Dr Alexander Cummins is a contemporary cunning-man and historian of magic. His magical specialities are the dead (folk necromancy), divination (geomancy), the cunning-crafts of traditional British service magic, and the grimoires. His published works include The Black Raven with Brian Johnson, Nazarth: Pillars of Gladness, The Art of Cyprian's Mirror of Four Kings, An Excellent Booke of the Arte of Magicke with Phil Legard, A Book of the Magi, The Starry Rubric, and a host of essays in collections by both occult and academic publishers.  Al is a frequent speaker on the international circuit, and co-hosts the podcast Radio Free Golgotha. Dr Cummins' work, classes, and services can be found at www.alexandercummins.com." In this chat, we talk about geomancy, how it works as a form of divination, how it can be used for more magical operations, and just why more people need to use titles like 'service magician'. Enjoy! Find Al online at: https://www.alexandercummins.com His other links are here: https://linktr.ee/grimoiresontape Order The Black Raven: https://hadean.press/products/the-black-raven Get your free guide to home protection the folklore way here: https://www.icysedgwick.com/fab-folklore/ Become a member of the Fabulous Folklore Family for bonus episodes and articles at https://patreon.com/bePatron?u=2380595 Buy Icy a coffee or sign up for bonus episodes at: https://ko-fi.com/icysedgwick Fabulous Folklore Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/fabulous_folklore Pre-recorded illustrated talks: https://ko-fi.com/icysedgwick/shop Request an episode: https://forms.gle/gqG7xQNLfbMg1mDv7 Get extra snippets of folklore on Instagram at https://instagram.com/icysedgwick Find Icy on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/icysedgwick.bsky.social 'Like' Fabulous Folklore on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabulousfolklore/

Welcome to Season 10 of All the Feelings, where your hosts Pete Wright and Tommy Metz III take you on a guided tour of that weird liminal space between “I should know better by now” and “Why does filling out a W-2 feel like a personality test written by Kafka?”In this premiere episode, the subject is Money, starting with the slow-burning crisis of homeownership. Tommy—staunch apartment loyalist and occasional demon extractor—wonders if owning property is still the pinnacle of adult success, or just another gatekeeping tradition propped up by 1940s mortgage policy and peer pressure from ghosts. Pete, long-time homeowner and accidental handyman, walks us through the real cost of grass, siding, and painting things that no landlord will pay for.Then, it's Tax Time: the annual gauntlet where America's adults cosplay as accountants and hope they don't accidentally confess to fraud. If you've ever had to Google “What is MAGI?” and gotten answers involving sorcery or the Nativity, this episode is for you. Pete recounts his annual ritual of fiscal shame and digital form-filling dread, and Tommy offers a scathing comparison between the IRS and the HOV lane—both of which function primarily through fear.Along the way, we explore the emotional toll of systems that are designed to be opaque, the quiet panic of feeling unqualified to do basic grown-up things, and why the true cost of adulthood might just be your confidence. Spoiler: No one really knows what they're doing. Even Einstein.

Daily Dose of Hope May 20, 2025 Day 2 of Week 8   Scripture – Matthew 2   Prayer:  Dear God, You are amazing!  How awesome it is that you who created all things are also so intimately involved in our lives.  We give you glory and praise for who you are.  We are so thankful for your love.  We want to know you more.  We want and need to hear your voice.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...  In Your Name, Amen. Welcome back, friends, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a devotional and podcast connected to the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, FL.  Today, we are digging into Matthew 2.  This is pretty familiar Scripture to many of us.  Let's try to see it with fresh eyes. The text begins with foreign Magi visiting King Herod.  These men are an interesting and mysterious group. We don't really know much about the magi who come seeking Jesus from eastern lands.  Some translations call them wise men or kings.  Matthew doesn't include a lot of details.  We have no idea how many there actually were (despite the popular carol, Scripture does not say there were just three of them).  Like the shepherds, the magi seem an unlikely group to seek out and worship Jesus. They were pagans, gentiles, involved in the occult, and yet they knew there was something more.  They were searching for something more.  So these magi embark on a long journey, carrying expensive gifts worthy of a king, eager to pay homage. Their efforts lead them to an encounter far beyond their expectations. Unlike an earthly king who would have been found in a palace, the magi are led to what we can probably assume is a modest home of a Jewish family and it's there that they find Jesus with his mother and Scripture says they bow down and worship him.  Maybe it wasn't what they expected but they see God's hand in it nonetheless and worship the one they know to be the Messiah, the savior of the world.  They were outsiders but they recognized the Messiah when so many insiders failed to do so. Up until now, it all sounds great, right?  But there is another character in this story.  His name is Herod the Great. The Herod family ruled over the holy land both before and after the time of Christ, they were somewhat like puppet kings, put in place by the Romans to keep order.  And they don't have a great reputation at all.  They were, for the most part, insecure and power-hungry. One reason I don't think it's accurate to refer to the magi as wise men is because they did one thing that was really unwise.  They go straight to King Herod, “So where is the NEW king? Where is the one who has been named king of the Jews?”  Keep in mind, Herod the Great considered himself to be king of the Jews.  The man is insecure and vicious so he tries to trick the magi into divulging Jesus' location.  But no amount of earthly power can get Herod what he wants.  The magi are warned in a dream to not return to Herod.  And this angers him more.  Herod was both feared and hated. The Jewish historian Josephus painted a picture of Herod as a suspicious and cruel client king, with a history of killing anyone whom he saw as a threat, including three sons and his wife. So even though the magi remind Herod of Micah's prophecy that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), his response was not to pay homage but to destroy the newborn king.  In Matthew 2:16, we read that Herod decides to take matters into his own hands and kill all the baby boys who might be in the age range of Jesus, When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.  Truly dark and horrific.  The extent to which human beings will go to gain power surely demonstrates the brokenness of our world.  Then and now.  But through all of this, Jesus is saved.  The baby's family is warned in a dream and they head down to Egypt for a period of time to keep the boy safe from Herod before they come back to Israel and settle in Nazareth.  Because God's purposes will prevail.  God had promised long, long ago to send a Savior for his people and there is nothing that could get in the way.  Listen to this prophecy from in Isaiah 9:6-7, spoken 700 years before the birth of Jesus, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.  It's like God was saying “I'm going to send someone who will restore the people of Israel to me.  This person will be a light to the Gentiles, and will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth AND it will be obvious once more that your God reigns.”  No power-hungry king could mess that up as hard as he tried.  No earthly power could thwart God's plan of redemption for his people.  It's true that bad things to happen.  God allows human beings free will and that is too often used for evil.  But that doesn't mean God isn't involved, it doesn't mean he isn't invested, God can and has orchestrated, changed, and/or stopped the plans of all kinds of people to get done what needs to get done.  God has been working, in his time, over the course of thousands of years, to achieve his bigger purpose. And what was the bigger purpose?  God's mission from the beginning was to redeem his world.  He did this through Jesus.  That little baby that the wise men knelt down and worshiped, that child that Herod felt so threatened by --- that child would grow to become the Savior of the world.  He would bring sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed, he would proclaim good news to the poor.  He would preach the Kingdom of God and show the world a different way of living, ultimately giving up his own life voluntarily on a Roman cross.  In doing so, he became the final sacrifice for sin, providing a way for you and me and all people to be redeemed.  Because of Jesus' sacrifice, our sins can be forgiven and we can walk hand in hand with a holy God.  Because of Jesus, nothing separates us from God.  And then, three days after he died, he was resurrected, defeating evil and death and demonstrating to the world who HE is.  He is, after all, God.  Jesus is the Lord. Jesus is LORD of all.  Paul writes this in Colossians 1:15-20, The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  Jesus is above all things.  Jesus is Lord. And over the course of 2000 years, rulers and kings and dictators and autocrats have tried to wipe out his influence.  They have misused his teachings, they have twisted the Gospel.  Like Herod, they have done all kinds of things to either try to eliminate the influence of Jesus or to use the Gospel for their own deceitful purposes.  And at times, it's been ugly and violent and really sad.  But this is TRUTH:  God will ensure that his purposes prevail.  Yes, in our sinful and broken world, all kinds of horrors will occur.  Vladimir Putin will think he's invincible.  Kim Jong Un will declare himself supreme ruler.  American politicians will think themselves unshakable.  You and I will experience heartbreak, loss, and illness.  And yet, Jesus is still Lord of all.  God is still working in our lives, God is still present with us in the middle of the mess, and Jesus is still in the business of transforming lives.  Friends, Jesus is on the throne, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  The rulers of the world may oppose him but they are ultimately answerable to him.  Because he will come again. I'll stop there for now.  But I do have to ask this question:  Is Jesus Lord of your life?  More tomorrow. Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

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1) What happened to the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus?2) Why does the genealogy in Matthew only go back to Abraham?3) What is the difference between iniquity and sin?4) What is the scriptural perspective on fornication?5) Are any of the churches Paul started still in existence?6) Should a church have a closed communion, for members only?7) What is the obligation in a marriage if one of the partners becomes a believer?8) What is the meaning of wealth in 1 Corinthians 10:24?

What's the secret to growing a thriving brand online in today's ever-changing digital world—and how can small businesses stand out? Peg Fitzpatrick, acclaimed author of The Art of Small Business Social Media: A Blueprint for Marketing Success, joins us today to break it all down. Drawing from her own experience moving from traditional marketing to social media mastery, Peg shares expert insights on growing a thriving brand online. Listen in as she explains how small business and boutique owners can identify their ideal customers, create content that truly resonates, and more. Resources: Peg Fitzpatrick: Website | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn The Art of Small Business Social Media: A Blueprint for Marketing Success by Peg Fitzpatrick Join The Boutique Hub   Ashley Alderson: Instagram   The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube