Podcasts about Malabar

Dr. Dave Weldon is a physician and former member of Congress. He was born in Amityville, New York, on August 31, 1953. After graduating from Stony Brook University in 1978, he earned his M.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1981. Dr. Weldon served in the U.S Army from 1981 to 1987 and in the Army Reserve from 1987 until 1992. After his military service, he practiced medicine in Florida. Dr. Weldon represented Florida's 15th congressional district in Congress from 1995 to 2009. He is a physician at Health First Medical Group in Malabar, Florida. President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Weldon in November 2024 to serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); however, his nomination was withdrawn by the White House on March 13, 2025, just hours before his scheduled Senate confirmation hearing. Dr. Weldon is married to Nancy Weldon and they have two children.

Contested Childhoods: Caste and Education in Colonial Kerala (Cambridge UP, 2024) traces a complex history of caste, race, education, and Christian missions in colonial south India. It draws upon the vast Protestant Christian missionary archives of the London Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society, and the Basel German Evangelical Missionary Society to showcase the processes of negotiation, tensions, and underlying violence in the encounters between European 'outsiders' and local populations on the question of education. It examines the interplay of caste and education in reshaping ideas and norms of modern childhood and lower-caste community building in the regions of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar. Set against a comparative historical perspective, the book argues for a greater focus on subaltern histories, especially the meanings and practices associated with educating poor, lower-caste children within the confines of formal schooling and beyond. Divya Kannan teaches in the Department of History, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, India. She is a historian of South Asia with particular interests in histories of childhood and youth, gender and sexuality, empires and colonial violence, histories of education, curriculum and pedagogy, Christian missions, and public and oral histories. Khadeeja Amenda is PhD candidate in the Cultural Studies in Asia programme at the Department of Communication and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Contested Childhoods: Caste and Education in Colonial Kerala (Cambridge UP, 2024) traces a complex history of caste, race, education, and Christian missions in colonial south India. It draws upon the vast Protestant Christian missionary archives of the London Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society, and the Basel German Evangelical Missionary Society to showcase the processes of negotiation, tensions, and underlying violence in the encounters between European 'outsiders' and local populations on the question of education. It examines the interplay of caste and education in reshaping ideas and norms of modern childhood and lower-caste community building in the regions of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar. Set against a comparative historical perspective, the book argues for a greater focus on subaltern histories, especially the meanings and practices associated with educating poor, lower-caste children within the confines of formal schooling and beyond. Divya Kannan teaches in the Department of History, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, India. She is a historian of South Asia with particular interests in histories of childhood and youth, gender and sexuality, empires and colonial violence, histories of education, curriculum and pedagogy, Christian missions, and public and oral histories. Khadeeja Amenda is PhD candidate in the Cultural Studies in Asia programme at the Department of Communication and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Contested Childhoods: Caste and Education in Colonial Kerala (Cambridge UP, 2024) traces a complex history of caste, race, education, and Christian missions in colonial south India. It draws upon the vast Protestant Christian missionary archives of the London Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society, and the Basel German Evangelical Missionary Society to showcase the processes of negotiation, tensions, and underlying violence in the encounters between European 'outsiders' and local populations on the question of education. It examines the interplay of caste and education in reshaping ideas and norms of modern childhood and lower-caste community building in the regions of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar. Set against a comparative historical perspective, the book argues for a greater focus on subaltern histories, especially the meanings and practices associated with educating poor, lower-caste children within the confines of formal schooling and beyond. Divya Kannan teaches in the Department of History, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, India. She is a historian of South Asia with particular interests in histories of childhood and youth, gender and sexuality, empires and colonial violence, histories of education, curriculum and pedagogy, Christian missions, and public and oral histories. Khadeeja Amenda is PhD candidate in the Cultural Studies in Asia programme at the Department of Communication and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

Contested Childhoods: Caste and Education in Colonial Kerala (Cambridge UP, 2024) traces a complex history of caste, race, education, and Christian missions in colonial south India. It draws upon the vast Protestant Christian missionary archives of the London Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society, and the Basel German Evangelical Missionary Society to showcase the processes of negotiation, tensions, and underlying violence in the encounters between European 'outsiders' and local populations on the question of education. It examines the interplay of caste and education in reshaping ideas and norms of modern childhood and lower-caste community building in the regions of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar. Set against a comparative historical perspective, the book argues for a greater focus on subaltern histories, especially the meanings and practices associated with educating poor, lower-caste children within the confines of formal schooling and beyond. Divya Kannan teaches in the Department of History, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, India. She is a historian of South Asia with particular interests in histories of childhood and youth, gender and sexuality, empires and colonial violence, histories of education, curriculum and pedagogy, Christian missions, and public and oral histories. Khadeeja Amenda is PhD candidate in the Cultural Studies in Asia programme at the Department of Communication and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

Contested Childhoods: Caste and Education in Colonial Kerala (Cambridge UP, 2024) traces a complex history of caste, race, education, and Christian missions in colonial south India. It draws upon the vast Protestant Christian missionary archives of the London Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society, and the Basel German Evangelical Missionary Society to showcase the processes of negotiation, tensions, and underlying violence in the encounters between European 'outsiders' and local populations on the question of education. It examines the interplay of caste and education in reshaping ideas and norms of modern childhood and lower-caste community building in the regions of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar. Set against a comparative historical perspective, the book argues for a greater focus on subaltern histories, especially the meanings and practices associated with educating poor, lower-caste children within the confines of formal schooling and beyond. Divya Kannan teaches in the Department of History, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, India. She is a historian of South Asia with particular interests in histories of childhood and youth, gender and sexuality, empires and colonial violence, histories of education, curriculum and pedagogy, Christian missions, and public and oral histories. Khadeeja Amenda is PhD candidate in the Cultural Studies in Asia programme at the Department of Communication and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

Contested Childhoods: Caste and Education in Colonial Kerala (Cambridge UP, 2024) traces a complex history of caste, race, education, and Christian missions in colonial south India. It draws upon the vast Protestant Christian missionary archives of the London Missionary Society, the Church Missionary Society, and the Basel German Evangelical Missionary Society to showcase the processes of negotiation, tensions, and underlying violence in the encounters between European 'outsiders' and local populations on the question of education. It examines the interplay of caste and education in reshaping ideas and norms of modern childhood and lower-caste community building in the regions of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar. Set against a comparative historical perspective, the book argues for a greater focus on subaltern histories, especially the meanings and practices associated with educating poor, lower-caste children within the confines of formal schooling and beyond. Divya Kannan teaches in the Department of History, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, India. She is a historian of South Asia with particular interests in histories of childhood and youth, gender and sexuality, empires and colonial violence, histories of education, curriculum and pedagogy, Christian missions, and public and oral histories. Khadeeja Amenda is PhD candidate in the Cultural Studies in Asia programme at the Department of Communication and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/british-studies

In the February episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, Malabar Investments Advisors Sumeet Nagar and Akshay Mansukhani join FEG CIO Greg Dowling in an in-depth discussion. This month they analyze the differentiating quality of the Indian market versus other emerging markets and the importance - and benefit - of a comprehensive understanding of market liquidity. A history of entrepreneurial spirit, low-cost structure and an attractive mix of domestic and offshore capital have combined to make Indian private markets worthy of attention.Tune in for this in-depth discussion of the opportunities and risks within India's evolving and growing private markets.You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

Bombay, now Mumbai, was a major shipbuilding centre for the Royal Navy in the first half of the nineteenth century. The ships were magnificent, built from the famous Malabar teak and by the hands of a highly skilled Indian workforce. This episode explores that fascinating history through one particular aspect of a sailing warship's construction: the figurehead. To find out more Dr Sam Willis spoke with Clare Hunt, a Senior Curator for the National Museum of the Royal Navy based at their site in Hartlepool. Clare has been charged with the care and management of HMS Trincomalee since 2016, a frigate built just after the end of the Napoleonic wars in Bombay dockyard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How would a medieval Sufi Muslim view the Jewish and Christian scriptures? In this episode, we explore this question through the teachings of Abd al-Karim al-Jili. Born on the Malabar coast of India in 1365, Jili studied throughout the Middle East before settling in the town of Zabid in Yemen. It was there that he wrote his most famous work, al-Insan al-Kamil fi Ma‘rifat al-Awakhir wa-al-Awa'il (The Perfect Human in the Knowledge of the Last and First Things).  In that book, Jili drew on the terminology of the Quran and the Sufi teachings of Ibn Arabi to summarize his vision of the relationship between God and humanity. Consequently, he was centrally concerned with scriptural revelation: how God reveals Himself to humankind through the holy books. This led Jili to write a mystical comparison of the Quran with the Hebrew Bible and New Testament (known in Arabic as the Tawrah and the Injil). Nile Green talks to Fitzroy Morrissey, the author of Sufism and the Scriptures: Metaphysics and Sacred History in the Thought of ‘Abd al-Karim al-Jili (I.B. Tauris, 2021).

Best-known for her journey trekking across the Australian desert, Robyn Davidson joins us to reveal a new expedition, this time into the past. From the lush tropics of Malabar to the loneliness of London, Robyn shares an illuminating portrait of her childhood, the loss of her mother, her journey as a writer, and the strange and wondrous persistence of memory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"The parapsychological element is very strong in Theyyam, which is an example of Indian shamanism. When you worship a Theyyam, you don't need an intermediary, a priest, like you do in a temple; here you can go into a direct dialogue with the Theyyam. 90 percent of the Theyyams are mother goddesses performed by men. And though a Theyyam performance is highly caste oriented, it can only be a success if every community of a particular area gives their support. So everybody joins together for it and if they have disputes, it is all settled before the Theyyam, during the performance" - KK Gopalakrishnan, author, 'Theyyam; Indian Folk Ritual Theatre' talks to Manjula Narayan about this living tradition of Kerala, the touching stories that are narrated, elements of ancestor and nature worship that are central to the pre-Brahmanical folk form, the paradox of it flourishing in northern Kerala where communism first sprouted in the state, the Muslim Theyyams of Malabar, the spectacle of the performances, and how it is, in a sense, a repository of the race memory of the people of the region.

The team is continuing into Spooky Season with an account of real life "Vampire." This week, Kelly takes us to Malabar, Florida in 1985 to tell the story of John Brennan Crutchley, also known as "Count Malabar." This episode is sponsored by: GO Realty Cherokee Family Healthcare The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Easy Street, Restaurant, Bar, and Performance Hall Theme song is The Legend of Hannah Brady by the Shane Givens Band https://open.spotify.com/track/5nmybCPQ5imfGH8lEDWK4k?si=d8d9594652cf4cf1 Sources: https://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-john-brennan-crutchley/cat-mcauliffe https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2002/04/02/vampire-rapist-is-found-dead-in-prison-from-apparent-suicide-2/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1986/04/26/floridas-vampire-rapist-investigated-in-78-fairfax-killing/260e4ff0-c7c9-42dc-aa40-b3db799fc43d/ https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/09/us/freed-but-shunned-a-rapist-is-confined.html https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-08-10-mn-32981-story.html --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/truecrimeoneasystreet/support

On this property spotlight episode, we break down the key financials and market dynamics that make this spacious 1,750 square foot townhome at 3407 Malabar Rd, Montgomery, AL a standout investment opportunity. --To learn more about our full-service turnkey operations, check us out online at www.spartaninvest.comConnect with Spartan!Facebook: @spartaninvestInstagram: @spartaninvestTwitter: @spartaninvestConnect with Lindsay!Facebook: @spartanlindsaydavis

Kya Chatans, Chhota chetan ek sachhai hai? kya proofs hain iske? kya kisi ke sath ye hua bhi hai? Bramayugam ek sachhai hai? suniye is episode mein! listen,share,connect @indiaunveiled.podcast (Insta) indiaunveiledpodcast@gmail.com

Parlons peu, parlons plantes (tinctoriales) autre que les plantes à indigo, la garance et le réséda, histoire d'ouvrir la palette des couleurs. Aujourd'hui je vous parle de la baselle (Basella alba) et de ses nombreuses propriétés tinctoriales. Étude scientifique à l'appui : ÉTUDE 1 Article de kokopelli : ARTICLE Les graines de chez Couleur Garance : GRAINES ArtEcoVert, LE podcast de la couleur végétale

W sobotę 7 września w ikonicznych miejscu nad zatoką Botany, w Randwick Golf Club w dzielnicy Malabar, odbyła się uroczystość zorganizowana z okazji 20. rocznicy założenia Polskiej Szkoły w Randwick, Polish School of Sydney .

Our Syro-Malabar Catholic sisters and brothers have a new home in St. Paul! Father Antony Skaria joins us to talk about the move and educate us about the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.   Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow! Direct links: Instagram Facebook YouTube

A slightly different episode. Ian, Gemma and Honey visited the Farne Islands for a 3 day diving trip in July 2024 and give  a review of their experiences.  The Farne Islands are in the North East of the UK and have numerous dive sites only a short distance from the mainland and the harbour and coastal town of Seahouses. Our trip was organised by our local dive centre, Christal Seas Scuba https://www.scuba4me.co.uk/ and Sovereign Diving https://www.sovereigndiving.co.uk/  looked after us over the weekend. We stayed at the best B&B we know called  Malabar https://malabar-seahouses.co.uk/ Here are links to the dive sites around the Farne Islands  https://www.sovereigndiving.co.uk/wreck-diving.html and here is a bit more information about the new dive site we visited, The Coryton  https://www.lindisfarne.org.uk/shipwrecks/3.htm We also enjoyed great food at Bamburgh Castle Seahouses,  https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/bamburgh-castle-inn/ and Italian food at Insieme   https://www.insieme-seahouses.co.uk/ and then amazing Italian food and service in Edinburgh at  Gordons Trattoria  https://www.gordonstrattoria.com/ If you would like more detailed information about our trip then do email or send us a DM and we have a PDF guide with more information. The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024. Please follow Narked at 90 on Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065027019650 We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba   We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba   We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.  

Escuche esta y más noticias de LA PATRIA Radio de lunes a viernes por los 1540 AM de Radio Cóndor en Manizales y en www.lapatria.com, encuentre videos de las transmisiones en nuestro Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/lapatria.manizales/videos

  Tune in each Tuesday to learn an interesting coffee fact, tip, tidbit, or amusing story told in 60ish (some stories are just too good to pack into a minute!) seconds. For more great coffee information, visit our blog, CoffeeWithTheQueen.com.

This episode was sponsored by Hummingbirds. Go to hummingbirds.com/startupCPGThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Grassroots Marketing. Schedule a call at https://calendly.com/grassrootsmarketing/grassroots-x-startupcpg-intro-call)Join Grace Kennedy in this bonus episode of the Startup CPG podcast as she delves into the flavorful world of House of Kajaana, a pioneering plant-based Indian food brand owned by Sabah Ashraf. Sabah unravels the remarkable transition from investment banking to culinary entrepreneurship, and discover how House of Kajana is redefining frozen meals, prioritizing taste and inclusivity by crafting gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free dishes like roasted cauliflower tikka masala and coconut Malabar curry.Explore their strategic approach to product selection, rooted in building strong consumer connections through familiar flavor profiles. Delve into their expansion strategies, including partnerships with renowned retailers like Fresh Direct and an upcoming launch in Whole Foods stores nationwide.Gain insights into House of Kajana's commitment to engaging consumers through in-store demos and digital platforms like Instagram and Aisle. Learn about their vision for the future, centered on providing convenient access to healthier meal options across the country.Tune in to this mouthwatering conversation and join the plant-based revolution with House of Kajana!Listen in as Sabah shares about:House of Kajaana Mission and IdentityEarly Influences and Love for Indian FoodProduct DevelopmentLaunch Strategy and Retail ExpansionPreparation for Nationwide PresenceNavigating Distribution and Finding Great PartnersChallenges of Being a FounderAdvice for Other FoundersFuture Plans for the House of KajaanaEpisode Links:House of Kajaana's WebsiteSaba's LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics Cin7 Links:Get a free month trial and then 50% off your first 3 months. Check out cin7.com/startupcpgHummingbirds Links:Find case studies, content + an exclusive chance to win a FREE custom managed campaign. Visit Hummingbirds.com/startupCPGGrassroots Links: Special Startup CPG community pricing and no minimum # of demos with Grassroots Marketing, our official in-store demo partner. Schedule a call at https://calendly.com/grassrootsmarketing/grassroots-x-startupcpg-intro-call

Florida Vampire /// Part 2 /// 750Part 2 of 2  www.TrueCrimeGarage.comIn November of 1985 in Malabar, Florida authorities responded to a strange and disturbing call.  A young woman who had been abducted the day before somehow managed to escape from her captor's home.  A motorist found the young woman on the side of the road.  He took her to his home for both her protection and to call first responders for help.  The woman described to detectives what the abductor had subjected her to over the last 22 hours.  An abduction case was rare but perhaps the most startling detail of the woman's story was that the man who had offered her a ride and then tortured her in his home, also drank the woman's blood.  The Brevard County Sheriff's Office had a serious case on their hands and the community had a monster living among them.  Beer of the Week - Huggins Hefeweizen by Hell 'N' Blazes Garage Grade - 3 and a half bottle caps out of 5  For merch check out the Garage Sale on the TCG store page and to sign up for True Crime Garage's other show Off The Record go to  www.TrueCrimeGarage.com Follow True Crime Garage onInstagram and on X @TrueCrimeGarage / Follow Nic on X @TCGNIC / Follow The Captain on X @TCGCaptain  Cheers and Don't Litter! 

Florida Vampire /// Part 1 /// 749Part 1 of 2  www.TrueCrimeGarage.comIn November of 1985 in Malabar, Florida authorities responded to a strange and disturbing call.  A young woman who had been abducted the day before somehow managed to escape from her captor's home.  A motorist found the young woman on the side of the road.  He took her to his home for both her protection and to call first responders for help.  The woman described to detectives what the abductor had subjected her to over the last 22 hours.  An abduction case was rare but perhaps the most startling detail of the woman's story was that the man who had offered her a ride and then tortured her in his home, also drank the woman's blood.  The Brevard County Sheriff's Office had a serious case on their hands and the community had a monster living among them.  Beer of the Week - Huggins Hefeweizen by Hell 'N' Blazes Garage Grade - 3 and a half bottle caps out of 5  For merch check out the Garage Sale on the TCG store page and to sign up for True Crime Garage's other show Off The Record go to  www.TrueCrimeGarage.com Follow True Crime Garage onInstagram and on X @TrueCrimeGarage / Follow Nic on X @TCGNIC / Follow The Captain on X @TCGCaptain  Cheers and Don't Litter! 

In Episode 156 I had the honor to speak with Garett Tomasek, U.S. leader of Best Buddies. Garett was introduced to me and the Unstoppable Mindset by accessiBe's own Sheldon Lewis, also a past guest on the podcast. Sheldon also introduced me to an incredible woman who is a Best Buddy in Canada. Meet Jessica Rotolo who is a talented and fearless 25-year-old model, artist, self-advocate, actor and dancer, who has a passion for performing on film and stage. Jessica was born with Downs Syndrome. I empathize a great deal as my parents, like Jessica's, were told that she would be a burden on them. As with my parents, Jessica's parents, especially her mom, fiercely opposed the idea that their daughter could not grow up to do whatever she wanted with her life. Along the way, Jessica was introduced to Best Buddies Canada where she met one of her pier buddies, Lauren Abela. Under the Best Buddies program, a Best Buddy like Jessica gets a new “pier buddy” every year. These people are volunteers who choose to become friends and mentors for persons with development or intellectual disabilities. In the case of Lauren and Jessica, their relationship flourished, and they became and still are clearly best friends, and Jessica's mom, Dorlean is also part of the team. Mom refers to herself as Jessica's Momager and prefers to work behind the scenes. However, she clearly is a significant part of the conversation you get to experience on this episode. Clearly these three are an unstoppable force. Lauren is a leader in Best Buddies and Jessica is an international ambassador for the program. Check out this episode and be ready to be inspired and encouraged. About the Guest: Jessica Rotolo Jessica is a talented and fearless 25-year-old model, artist, self-advocate, actor and dancer, who has a passion for performing on film and stage. Jessica was born with Down syndrome and is a role model for her community as well as an Ambassador for DramaWay, Best Buddies Canada and Best Buddies International. As the recipient of several awards, Jessica has also been recognized in the Ontario Legislative Assembly and the Canadian House of Commons for her outstanding international commitment in advocating and fundraising for her Down Syndrome community. She has performed in several musical drama productions throughout her career at DramaWay, a Toronto drama company serving the All-Abilities community. She has been a guest on several Canadian News Stations and Talk Shows. She has appeared in numerous campaigns for the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and a Documentary called “Employable Me Canada” not to mention a number of other fashion shows and photo shoots, including the Fashion Arts Toronto show and with designer 3ndolith. Dorlean Rotolo As her “Momager,” Dorlean is committed to supporting her daughter, Jessica, in all aspects of her career of modeling, acting, dancing and her advocacy for Best Buddies Canada, Best Buddies International and the Down syndrome community at large. Lauren Abela Lauren is a recent psychology graduate and now Student Recruitment Officer at the University of Guelph-Humber. She was first introduced to Best Buddies in high school at St. Jean de Brebeuf in Vaughan, Canada. Lauren fell in love with the atmosphere and purpose of the organization, and soon took on greater leadership roles including co-founding her own chapter with Jessica and becoming Canada's first Global Ambassadors for Best Buddies together. Because of Jessica, Lauren chose her thesis research topic to be called, “Down Syndrome Acceptance: Changing Attitudes Through Interventions.” Through her research, she found a positive relationship between disability education and inclusionary attitudes. Lauren is grateful to have attended university on a full scholarship as a Founders' Academic Merit Scholarship recipient, and made the most of her last 4 years as an active member in the community. Upon graduating, she received her school's top graduation awards, including Gold Medallion for Leadership Excellence and Michael Nightingale Community Enrichment Award. Presently, Lauren plans to pursue further education to become a Registered Psychologist and continue her research assistantship with her former professor's non-profit, Teaching & Learning Research (TLR) In Action, studying the accessibility of post-secondary classrooms for the visually impaired. In the meantime, she travels around Ontario promoting her school, encouraging students to apply for scholarships and consider joining Best Buddies. Best Buddies taught her that friendships are not something to be taken for granted, and the power of giving kindness to someone who needs it most holds immeasurable impact. Ways to connect with Jessica, Dorlean & Lauren: Best Buddies Canada Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestbuddiescanada?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Best Buddies Canada Website: https://bestbuddies.ca Jessica's Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessica.rotolo20?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Jessica's Linktree Website: https://linktr.ee/Jessica.Rotolo20 Shop Jessica's Cards: https://kidicarus.ca/product-tag/jessica-rotolo/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: **Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. **Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Well, hello once again and welcome to unstoppable mindset today we get to do something a little bit different, something we haven't done a lot, although when we do it. It's kind of fun. And that is we have more than one guest on the podcast today. Several months ago, we had a guest on Garrett Tomasek, who is involved with best buddies in the United States. And if you listened to that episode, you had a chance to learn about Best Buddies. And he was introduced to us by Sheldon Lewis here at AccessiBe well. Along the way, Sheldon also introduced us introduced us if I could talk I'd be in great shape but introduced us to Jessica Rotolo and Dorlean Rotolo and Lauren Abela. Lauren is a best buddy Jessica is a best buddy of Lauren's. And we also have, as I said, other people involved in this whole thing specifically Darlene, who is Jessica's mom, she prefers to be called her momager. And we're going to talk all about that. But Jessica is involved in a lot of different events. Jessica is a model, she's an actress, she does a variety of different kinds of things. And she was born with Down syndrome. So we're going to talk about all of that. And we're going to talk about best buddies and do whatever it is that we need to do to make this a fun time. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. And I think I'm going to start with Jessica and say welcome to unstoppable mindset. How are you? **Jessica Rotolo ** 03:00 Yes, I'm great. I'm great. I go. ahead, go ahead. I am 25 years old, and I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I was born with Down syndrome. And right here is a buddy of mine, a pure buddy who I love. **Lauren Abela ** 03:21 Lauren. Jessica is hugging me right now. I'm Lauren. **Jessica Rotolo ** 03:24 And my mom who I live with **Michael Hingson ** 03:29 Hug your mom too. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 03:30 And I'm getting hugs right now. **Michael Hingson ** 03:33 Okay, just checking for **Dorlean Rotolo ** 03:35 being just as mom is the amount of hugs we get. Well, that's kind of I once said on a documentary she did that she she would be a professional hugger. **Jessica Rotolo ** 03:45 And that was called employable me. And that was when I was looking for a job and they helped me actually get a job at Navara the costume rental store. And well, so they do and they also helped me get my art and to Christmas cards. **Michael Hingson ** 04:04 Oh, so do you have a job today? Today? **Jessica Rotolo ** 04:07 I do. I actually work at my preschool. Centennial. Jobcentre. Ah, okay, I am a path forward classroom assistant there because I went to Centennial when I was a kid, a baby, a baby, a **Michael Hingson ** 04:27 baby. Well, that's kind of cool. Well, Lauren, let's welcome you also to unstoppable mindset. How are you? **Lauren Abela ** 04:34 I'm doing good. I'm nervous but excited. **Michael Hingson ** 04:38 Don't be nervous. No need to be nervous. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 04:43 You don't bite do you? **Michael Hingson ** 04:45 Never anxious. Just food. And humans are not food. So no. Well, Lauren, tell us a little bit about you kind of growing up. Why don't you start us off with that. We learned already a little bit about Jeff because she's 25, and she was born with Down syndrome, we'll come back to that. But tell us about you, Lauren. Yeah, **Lauren Abela ** 05:05 so I was born, normally developing, I have a twin brother and two older sisters, born and raised here in Ontario, Canada. And I first got involved in high school with best buddies in the 11th grade. So halfway into my career, and I haven't left since. So **Michael Hingson ** 05:24 how did you discover Best Buddies? **Lauren Abela ** 05:26 So I know that the club had a presence around my high school. And they would often host events and have tables set up during club fairs, and they would have big sales. So within those first couple years, I was getting familiar with the organization. And then finally, in the 11th grade, they were recruiting people for to join the Club. And then after that, I was like, you know, why not? What's, what's stopping me from joining and just and making new friends. So that was why I wanted to go and join and was that hope of making new friends and here I am today, so incredibly blessed to have my truly lifetime best friend Jessica? **Jessica Rotolo ** 06:06 Yes. And I started best buddies in grade nine of high school. And I've been in Best Buddies for 10 plus years. And it's been a fun ride through it. Oh, **Michael Hingson ** 06:24 well, how did you discover Best Buddies? We heard how Lauren did. But Jessica, how did you discover Best Buddies? **Jessica Rotolo ** 06:30 I actually heard about it from a teacher in class that Emily Chang was an is her name. And she told everyone about it. And I said, oh, oh, join. And I heard of I joined and I loved it ever since. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 06:57 Now. How to highland park. **Jessica Rotolo ** 07:00 Yeah. To Highland Park High School. Yeah. How **Michael Hingson ** 07:05 close in age are you to learn and Jessica? **Jessica Rotolo ** 07:08 Well, I'm 25 and Lauren is 22 turns.Okay, four months? **Michael Hingson ** 07:13 Yeah. All right. So, so you and how old? How old? Were you, Jessica, when you were in the ninth grade and started voting and best? You were four. Okay. My gosh. Okay. So, you started well, before Lauren, how did you guys meet and become best buddies. **Jessica Rotolo ** 07:31 So we met when I went to Humber College, when I went there. And I, she called Best Buddies, Canada. And she wanted to join, she wanted to start up a Best Buddies group up there. And I called Best Buddies, Canada. And I said that I want to start up as buddies up there as well. So best buddies, Canada basically. put us together. And we met first at Humber, at the Starbucks there, and we decided to start up a Best Buddies chapter. **Lauren Abela ** 08:14 And, Michael, just to add on to that, if you're not, if, you know, just to share some background information that's based Canada is quite a small leadership team. So we had reached out to different people within the organization. And then in office, they're like, Hey, someone from Hungary reached out. Yeah. Someone from the University of Guelph Humber reached out. So it was the team over at the space Canada. Deanna and Vicki who connected Jessica and I together. Yes. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 08:40 And the university and the college are right beside each other. They are Yeah, so. **Jessica Rotolo ** 08:46 So the Humber College actually went to 12. Humber University University. **Michael Hingson ** 08:50 Right. So did you get a college degree, Jessica? **Jessica Rotolo ** 08:57 Well, I was in the sea ice program there. And that is a two year program for people with special needs, like me and other people who have autism and other any **Michael Hingson ** 09:14 special special special needs. Yeah, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 09:16 it's a two year program. Yes, **Jessica Rotolo ** 09:18 a two year program. And I was in person for a little bit and then COVID happened. And I was online, which I did not like. Yeah, yeah. But I also did a documentary in 2018 called employable me. And that's when I got the job and the cards, but they also said that I was eligible to graduate two years before 2015. And that meant that if I graduated, then I would have gone to Humber College in person all throughout **Dorlean Rotolo ** 09:56 Europe, but then I don't think you'll remember Lauren. Yeah. Yeah, I meant to be, **Jessica Rotolo ** 10:01 but it was meant to be. But I went, I deferred it for a year and then an orphan. Yeah. Worked out. **Michael Hingson ** 10:08 Yeah. Sodid you go back to college and finish or? **Jessica Rotolo ** 10:12 Well, I defer it for a year. And they went to Humber what engineering. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 10:18 She got accepted. But then she deferred the acceptance for one year because I had a number of things she was doing. So then she went to college for the two year program. Okay. The second year was COVID. So yeah, she was **Lauren Abela ** 10:31 Jessica. I can't imagine what if you had beat me to starting the chapter? Chapter. Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 10:40 So after COVID, so you haven't gone back and finished your second year yet? No, **Jessica Rotolo ** 10:45 no, I'm done now. Oh, no, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 10:47 you finished? She finished it online, **Michael Hingson ** 10:49 online. Okay. Okay. And I **Jessica Rotolo ** 10:51 graduated online as well. Cool. **Michael Hingson ** 10:55 So you virtually walked across the stage and got here. So Dorlean, tell us about you a little bit, kind of your life growing up, and then certainly having the opportunity to be with Jessica, and being a mom and all that. This has obviously been different for you than probably what you expected? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 11:20 Oh, absolutely. I grew up in Saskatchewan and rural farming community. My father was a farmer, my mother, a nurse and, you know, had a lovely life in not in Saskatchewan, and then move to the mountains. And then after when I was living in Banff, I decided I wanted to move out to Ontario, so moved here and luckily met my husband. And you know, we had Jessica and it certainly was a shock like most families when you have a surprise that you weren't expecting, and but we wouldn't change Jessica in any any possible way. She is a force to be reckoned with. Yes. And the Down Syndrome has not stopped her from leading an unbelievable life. I **Jessica Rotolo ** 12:06 do anything anyone else can do. Yeah, she's **Dorlean Rotolo ** 12:09 very, very accomplished, young lady. And we're incredibly proud of her. And my first time that actually I went to a hotel to a, an event in Vaughan, which is north of Ontario. And I didn't know it, but it was a Best Buddies event that was being put on. And I remember having a t shirt from it that I eventually just gave away because I'm like, I don't know why I have this t shirt anymore. And then lo and behold, when Jessica, signs up for Best Buddies, I'm like, Oh my gosh, I should have kept that T shirt. Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 12:46 Yeah. Well, so do you have other children? Yes, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 12:49 we have one daughter. Her name is Bobby. And she's doing her PhD in Waterloo, Ontario, and very proud of her. She started her PhD when she was 22 years old. And that's in public health. And yeah, she's doing very accomplished younger woman as well. **Michael Hingson ** 13:05 Jessica, are you gonna go get a PhD? **Jessica Rotolo ** 13:08 I don't know. Yeah. To a makeup course. So I want to learn everything to know that is about makeup. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 13:20 Well, when you go into her bedroom at Sephora. **Jessica Rotolo ** 13:26 She's got a makeup to **Michael Hingson ** 13:29 what to tell people a little bit about Jessica. Jessica is a model. She's an artist, self advocate, actor, and dancer. And you have performed in a variety of different kinds of things that I do want to get to all that. But the point is that you are definitely doing a lot of stuff. So maybe a PhD isn't in your future, and that's okay. Or you might decide down the line that you want to be more of an academic, but that's probably a whole lot more boring than being an artist and a dancer. And especially, I speak from experience being a self advocate. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, so you **Jessica Rotolo ** 14:08 I am a self advocate for Down syndrome and Best **Dorlean Rotolo ** 14:12 Buddies and alopecia and alopecia because **Jessica Rotolo ** 14:15 in 2014, I was on a pill for sleep disorders and I caused alopecia. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 14:25 Yeah, target all patients. **Michael Hingson ** 14:28 Tell us about that. Tell us what that is. How **Jessica Rotolo ** 14:31 alopecia is hair loss. So I was completely bald from head to toe. Like hair, eyebrows, lashes everywhere. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 14:42 And then so we after nine months from the pill Jessica passed out. So we took the took her off the pill and then within eight months her hair started growing back. Yeah. But then there were still patches that were not coming back. So Jessica was would go to Sandy Brooklyn. hospital. Yes. And every three months is hollow just **Jessica Rotolo ** 15:03 there. We did 50. So it is a 50 steroid injections and my head and eyebrows. And that did not work **Dorlean Rotolo ** 15:14 every three months. And then very luckily Pfizer came out with a trial test pill, which Jessica was accepted to three and a half years ago. And so she's been going to a dermatologist and she's on that. And it's grown her hair to 32 inches long. **Jessica Rotolo ** 15:30 Wow. And growing and growing. And going with the pill. Yeah. **Jessica Rotolo ** 15:36 And now we're doing a documentary on my hair grow hair loss and hair growth journey. And I'll be cutting my hair off shoulder length, and I'll be donating my hair as a wig to someone who has **Dorlean Rotolo ** 15:58 alopecia. So continental hair is where Jessica bought a number of weeks when she had her hair loss. And they are graciously part of the documentary with Sunnybrook Hospital. And they will, Michael Suba. His name is and he will be donate making a way out of justice hair that will be donated to a young woman who is suffering from alopecia. **Michael Hingson ** 16:22 Oh, that's that's pretty cool. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 16:25 And she's getting her hair cut when I started taping this weekend. **Jessica Rotolo ** 16:31 We can Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 16:32 What's the new documentary **Dorlean Rotolo ** 16:33 gonna be about? Well, Jessica's hair loss and regrowth journey. Okay. And **Michael Hingson ** 16:38 when will that be released? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 16:42 For spring, spring? Because we'd like to enter into Tiff and all the film festivals, and then also put it into the educational system. Yes. So it'd be a 12 to 15 minute documentary. Yeah. So we're very excited about it. We have a wonderful director named Scott drecker. Who is, is doing all the filming will **Jessica Rotolo ** 17:02 love him. Yeah. I also did a couple of public service announcements. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 17:09 And that's how we know him. Yeah, that's how we did that was for the Down Syndrome. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 17:15 Society. That's right, **Michael Hingson ** 17:16 so. So Dorlean, what is best buddies meant for you? Clearly, and I know that Jessica and Lauren have thoughts about that, and we can talk about that. But I'm curious, what does it really mean for you? 17:32 Well, the biggest thing for me was friendship. When Jessica joined, the friends that she made, and still has connected with is unbelievable. They are women that now our doctors are going to medical school. They are all very accomplished young women, and they still keep in touch with Jessica. So to me, it's friendship, this is what best buddies really is. For our family, and but also it's the, it's to the it's given just so many unbelievable opportunities to become a leader, they they have given her so many different ways where she can just shine and and and be that leader that we knew was in there. Because she hasn't gotten it from other other places, associations, but Best Buddies has just let her shine. I've been to two **Jessica Rotolo ** 18:29 leadership conferences in Toronto, Canada, twice. One was a sleepover and when was a day thing? **Michael Hingson ** 18:39 And what were the leadership conferences about or what did you accomplish there? **Jessica Rotolo ** 18:44 Um, basically how to make new friends and learning how to speak in front of large crowds. 18:54 Well, there you go. And be an advocate. Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 18:58 So Lauren, do you go to on any of these events with Jessica? **Lauren Abela ** 19:04 Yes. So my first one similar to justice story was in high school. So before we had met, but you know, just over the summer, we went to the International Leadership Conference. **Jessica Rotolo ** 19:13 We did and that was our first one in person. Yeah, first, where was that? Indiana? 19:21 Oh, it's an Indiana **Jessica Rotolo ** 19:23 in the US. **Michael Hingson ** 19:24 I have. I have close friends. So we live in Bloomington. It's beautiful. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 19:29 Believe how stunning it was just loved every minute because Joe and I went as well. Yeah. And we had a mini vacation while they were off working and getting up at six and **Lauren Abela ** 19:42 made sure I was up on time. Mondays but so memorable. **Michael Hingson ** 19:48 This is where I know Best Buddies is is a miracle organization because there's never a day that just go get up at 6am **Michael Hingson ** 19:58 Well, you know that's how actresses are They like to sleep late. Oh, **Michael Hingson ** 20:01 yeah. Yeah, I like to sleep in and then they party till 1111 30 at night so or later. **Michael Hingson ** 20:10 Sleep. So So Jessica, you are doing a lot of different things with acting and art and so on. Why and how did you start all of that? And how young were you when you started that? **Jessica Rotolo ** 20:24 I believe I started this. My art and everything. When I was like four, I think what, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 20:34 John who taught you how to do so Jessica signature has a heart tell them? Yes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 20:38 My heart is Madras signature. And my my aunt, my aunt, Auntie Bev taught me how to make an M first, and then a V at the bottom and connect it and connect them make a heart like a heart. But now, I do it all myself. Yeah, yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 20:59 So what kind of art do you do? Hearts, our hearts. **Jessica Rotolo ** 21:04 Make hearts and then also people, female and male. And **Michael Hingson ** 21:11 what kind of art is it? Is it just drawing or painting or what? **Jessica Rotolo ** 21:15 Painting Manet? Okay, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 21:19 you're one of Jessica's pieces **Michael Hingson ** 21:20 of art? Well, for those who can see the podcast, because a lot of people are going to be listening to this, but if you want to show one, I don't see a problem. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 21:30 Well, you know, the the unique thing about Jessica is Hearts is that she divides them into little squares and colors. And so they're very, very colorful, and, and very **Jessica Rotolo ** 21:41 intricate. I would say it **Dorlean Rotolo ** 21:44 takes her about 40 to 50 hours to do one of **Michael Hingson ** 21:46 her I was just gonna ask that. Yeah, so 50 hours to do one, huh? Are you do you do oil paint or what? **Jessica Rotolo ** 21:54 No acrylic paint acrylic. Okay. Yes. So like on the canvas. Now, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 21:58 when she first started out, it was crayons. It was like a pencil crayon. Yeah. And then I introduced her to the acrylic paint when she got older. And yeah, they're they're a work of art. And she's Yeah, our prime minister has one dancer and mentioned national has one while we gave 24 away to a World Down Syndrome Day event that we did on March 21st. So many people have just because wonderful heart and **Jessica Rotolo ** 22:26 then when I started acting, I believe it was 15 I think with drama away, or your 14 when you thank you. I was 14. And I loved it ever since that **Dorlean Rotolo ** 22:48 you call them your second family. Yeah. And what do you do with drama? Where **Michael Hingson ** 22:51 does the classes tell us about trauma? **Jessica Rotolo ** 22:54 Our drama, winter or is like a group B? This is Mississauga, West Scarborough east, everywhere. Number of classes for drama. There is songwriting, which I love the most. That one is where you write your own songs. As a group as a group. Yes. And then dance. Dancing. I love dancing and dancing. I started when I was 1616. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 23:34 Yeah. But when with drama when you didn't when you were young boy. But how **Jessica Rotolo ** 23:39 old? Were your little? Oh, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 23:40 yeah, you started like with ballet. You were three years old. **Jessica Rotolo ** 23:44 Three years old. I started dancing. Wow. **Michael Hingson ** 23:47 So you've been doing it a while needless to say, which is certainly cool. And you've been dancing. So drama. What kind of drama do you do today? **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:00 Um, we do a lot of plays. Like, um, the last play that we did was the very first play that drama we ever did. Wizard of Oz such **Dorlean Rotolo ** 24:12 as 22 years ago. Yes. And I was **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:15 the what keepers of the West. **Michael Hingson ** 24:20 And did you say the big line? I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too. **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:26 I did not. Really? I was going to and what **Dorlean Rotolo ** 24:33 did you say instead? **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:35 I don't remember. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 24:37 You don't remember your line. **Michael Hingson ** 24:42 Oh, what what was her line? **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:44 Yeah, for God. **Michael Hingson ** 24:47 Don't talk to her about forgetting lines. **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:51 But that was the past play that we just did. **Michael Hingson ** 24:56 You just did that one, huh? Yeah, we **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:58 just did that one. Now. **Michael Hingson ** 24:59 I I'm curious. Are plays like that recorded? Do this? Anybody make videos on them? Are they available? **Jessica Rotolo ** 25:07 Yeah, yes. They're all recorded and you can get them online. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 25:11 Yeah and drama. Wait, drama way.com Yeah. And there because it's everybody, everybody that is in an actor all everybody has special needs. And **Michael Hingson ** 25:23 I'm just gonna say Yeah. Then from verbal to **Dorlean Rotolo ** 25:25 nonverbal. And Danielle stir nod who is the **Michael Hingson ** 25:29 executive producer, director and co founder. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 25:33 She? She has that everybody has an amazing role. And the costumes the props are very fun. believable. Yeah. Her staff. What do you think about the staff have drawn love **Jessica Rotolo ** 25:45 them? Yeah, I miss a couple of them. Because some of them are to move on how to move. Yeah, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 25:53 but it's an incredible organization. Yeah. Yeah. And so last year for drama. Wait, I **Jessica Rotolo ** 26:02 am yeah, I'm also an ambassador for jumbo i Tell **Michael Hingson ** 26:05 me about that. Please. **Jessica Rotolo ** 26:08 I love being an ambassador for jumbo I just because I have these a car for being an ambassador. And I can just give one out to any any for if Danielle **Dorlean Rotolo ** 26:25 needs a spokesperson, or anybody who wants to be entered interviewing about drama, wait, just because asked to represent drama. Wait. **Michael Hingson ** 26:36 So Lauren, how are you and Best Buddies involved with what Jessica is doing with drama? Where are you? Other than obviously supporting? Yeah, **Lauren Abela ** 26:48 so actually really had an amazing time watching just because played the Wizard of Oz this year. It was spectacular. So I really, really enjoyed just showing up supporting, watching, it was really a really nice time because all the laughs and how serious everyone takes their role. Like it was a honestly professional production. Needless to say, so. That's the reason generally, they don't have a direct connection at the moment. But nothing that we can't start today. There's anything I've learned from Jessica is that, you know, if you want to do something, go ahead and do it. **Jessica Rotolo ** 27:26 We did a lot of other plays. And actually, some of them were copied onto DVD guns, instead of like online, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 27:36 and there are other actors or performers that are part of the best buddies. organization as well. Yes, yes. But Best Buddies has been incredible. Especially, you know, the way you can tell them what were you with you and Lauren, the first Canadian? **Jessica Rotolo ** 27:52 Oh, yes, we actually we are the first Canadian buddy best buddy pair to be a to be the best buddies global ambassadors. And our kids, this is the top **Lauren Abela ** 28:11 are the ambassadors I'm wearing a purple collared shirt that they gave us at the International Conference this year, which **Dorlean Rotolo ** 28:17 says Best Buddies ambassador. Yes. And then Jessica, you're wearing which **Jessica Rotolo ** 28:21 shirt? I'm wearing my best buddies Canada talk. **Lauren Abela ** 28:25 And it has the logo in white, or a solid red t shirt. **Michael Hingson ** 28:29 What is the logo look like? If you would learn Oh, **Jessica Rotolo ** 28:32 it's actually the logo is two people putting their arms like this around each other on each other. **Lauren Abela ** 28:42 Like, like **Michael Hingson ** 28:43 this doesn't work very well just to go because most people aren't going to see this. They're going to hear it **Jessica Rotolo ** 28:48 actually I got this talk at the 20th year Leadership Conference. **Michael Hingson ** 28:57 Cool. So for you, Lauren. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 29:01 Might may say the the gentleman that he his name is Keith Haring and he's a contemporary artist in the world and he create created and donated the best buddies logo for Anthony Kennedy Shriver Wow, they weren't went to university together. Uh huh. Huh. So that's who does that develop the logo? Yes. **Michael Hingson ** 29:25 So Lauren, what is your favorite thing about having Jessica as a as a best buddy and a best friend? **Lauren Abela ** 29:31 Do I have to pick just one Michael like really? Possible to **Lauren Abela ** 29:42 certainly the key one that like stood out as soon as we met the first day, it was just your confidence. Yeah. And how you approach life and it's definitely learned a lot from you. Still learning each day is a how you can just Jessica how you can just take on challenges and be like You know what, I deserve to be here and I'm gonna own it, whatever you're doing. If you're standing in front of 100,000 people, you're gonna own it. I believe that. So definitely just Well, **Jessica Rotolo ** 30:10 I actually did something called motion ball. I know I for Special Olympics, Canada, I auditioned with a really. I did an audition tape, which I technically really didn't need to, because I was in already. But I auditioned, like, my little skit, and then I won. And I'm much I didn't plan on. And I got to perform at the guard and find out how many people 2500 2500 People **Michael Hingson ** 30:55 did you start? Yeah. **Jessica Rotolo ** 30:58 And I loved it. I don't get nervous whatsoever. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 31:04 And a very interesting fact. Is that, so Anthony Kennedy Shriver started special started. Best Buddies. Yeah. In like 1989. And his aunt and mother started Special Olympics. Right? So he comes from a fabulous lineage of people that just give to the world. And especially people with special needs. So they're extra special. They have an extra special place in our heart, don't they? Yeah, they really do. **Michael Hingson ** 31:37 Well, I think Lauren, you've probably kind of answered this, but I'm going to ask it anyway. What has Jessica taught you that you can take away as a life lesson? Yes, **Lauren Abela ** 31:46 so something I've been sharing with different high schools I've visited for my school. As that's my new job. After graduating from university, I now go around to different high schools in Ontario, recruiting people for the University of Guelph Humber, and include this part of my speech, because I really want others to have a similar friendship story if they can, if they can join best buddies or start their own chapter. And that's that, you know, how to be accepted for who you are. Because Jessica accepts me for who I am. And how to love with all of your heart. So I really, really appreciate Jessica for those two very big. Well, **Michael Hingson ** 32:29 Ken, I think that's extremely important. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 32:32 What do you say they're a very big hug right now. **Michael Hingson ** 32:34 What do you think? What? What do all of you think that best buddies can teach the world? And how can we get more people to pay attention to the lesson? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 32:46 Well, from a parent's perspective, sure that my child can do anything like anybody else, it may take her a little bit longer, but she can do anything. And she just needs to be given the chance from a job to being a friend. Just give them the opportunity because they deserve it. They're part of our planet. And, and they're, you know, we were made by all made by our you know, who we believe in, if you're, if it's God, it's whoever you believe in, we are all made together to live on this planet, and we each deserve. You know, that opportunity just to live a wonderful, wonderful life and Best Buddies. Absolutely. Does that. It does. Yes. **Michael Hingson ** 33:31 Well, well, Jessica and Lauren, in their various ways are ambassadors. It sounds like so are you do you go out and give speeches and talk to the public? No, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 33:39 no, I don't. I don't **Jessica Rotolo ** 33:42 know. She goes on the documentary. Unbelievable. Me with me. Yeah, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 33:45 yeah. So but no, I don't I just I'm behind the scenes making sure that when just because they're, everything's done for her or we work together to do it. Yeah. You know, I'm, I'm her taxi. I'm her. **Jessica Rotolo ** 34:00 With us now for us. Yeah. Yeah, it was awesome. For us. That's the **Jessica Rotolo ** 34:04 same for worldwide Down Syndrome Day. 2023 **Dorlean Rotolo ** 34:08 was yeah, just it was, you know, helped me don't do it for me, help me. Let me let me show you that. I can do it too. I may need help. But just and that's, you know, his World Down Syndrome days. Again, their theme. Yeah, it was wonderful. And **Jessica Rotolo ** 34:22 I was also bullied in the past like, as a little baby and as a little kid and now Best Buddies really helped me make new friends. Yeah. And **Michael Hingson ** 34:38 that's real accepted. That is clearly great and a good thing. And and having a good friend like Lauren is always a valuable thing I think for for anyone, Lauren, you got your degree in psychology. You're going to continue on and go further with that. Yes, **Lauren Abela ** 34:57 I do want to pursue further Education, hopefully become a psychotherapist and and maybe a psychologist down the road. But you know I haven't shared yet but just to come and our friendship influenced my thesis topic thesis research paper. For my fourth year I just wrote it. And that was on Down Syndrome acceptance, changing attitudes through interventions. So it was measuring, quantitatively whether a short video, just sharing more about people with Down syndrome of all different ages, genders in jobs and careers, and how capable they are. And it did find a positive relationship between education and acceptance attitudes. So if there is any advice that I can give people, it's to be open to learning, and to ask questions, and approach people with a positive and open heart. You know, there's enough hate in this world don't spread more from yourself. **Michael Hingson ** 36:03 There's too much hate in this world, actually. But yeah, well, you know, so we've, we've heard a lot about Jessica's leadership and so on, and mom in the background, but you've taken on leadership roles and Best Buddies and elsewhere. Why did you do that? And what what was the inspiration to make that happen? **Lauren Abela ** 36:22 Yeah. Well, I know, I mentioned to you how I joined the student union with my university Ignite. And that was wanting to make clubs more accessible for students to join, seeing the positive impact of Best Buddies on the school. And I just wanted to give back in that way, and like Jessica, Tommy take action, you know, don't wait for someone else to do it. If there's something you want change, and then be that difference you want to see in the world. So that's how I approach these leadership opportunities. And it's certainly, you know, really definitely a credit, Jessica to many of my accomplishments, including the the award that my school gave me. Yes, yeah. Because we were. **Michael Hingson ** 37:11 Now when when you're a best buddy with someone, so Jessica is your best buddy. And and probably more relevant to ask it this way. Do you have more than one best buddy? Or do you stick with one person and devote all your time to that? **Jessica Rotolo ** 37:27 I have lots of money. I have like eight buddies now, since high school. **Michael Hingson ** 37:39 But how many do you have at one time? **Jessica Rotolo ** 37:42 I'm one at a time, one at a time. **Michael Hingson ** 37:45 So Lauren, same for you. **Lauren Abela ** 37:47 Yes. So the beauty of the organization is that for each year or semester, depending on how the chapter organizes it, you are matched with just one person typically hoping, hoping that the numbers do line up. And the goal is to during that one year of commitment, foster friendship to last a lifetime. So that's what happened to Jessica. So **Jessica Rotolo ** 38:10 the mean, yes, but when I was in high school, yes. It was like I had four buddies. From that chapter one **Michael Hingson ** 38:22 each year. Yeah, yes. Yes. Or what? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 38:27 years because you were there for seven years. Yeah. **Jessica Rotolo ** 38:30 Yeah. So I actually know the names as well. Tiffany so Ha, Chloe, Grace, Lauren, Mary Louise from Tmu. And Lisa, and now Priyanka from the Tim you, so? **Michael Hingson ** 38:49 So if you and so the two of you, Lauren and Jessica, are not in the organization's definition. Best Buddies, your best buddies for life anyway. But you have you have different Best Buddies says Best Buddies in the organization. Yes. Yeah. **Lauren Abela ** 39:07 So how it is organized is that students with intellectual or developmental disability are classified as a best buddy. Yeah, and those without an IDD is a pure body. Yes. So those one pure buddy is matched with one best buddy each year. And you know, you can request to be with a person sometimes it really it differs Chapter Two chapter. Yeah, we actually **Jessica Rotolo ** 39:33 requested I requested her to be the the first by developer chapter **Dorlean Rotolo ** 39:40 and the unique thing is Humber is that you have to be a student to be in the in the organization, the chapter, but it Tmu **Jessica Rotolo ** 39:50 Tim, you the buddies don't have to be a student. Yeah. And the pair bonding is have to be a student. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 39:57 Yeah, yeah. And community To be living has come where they are us t Fs okay? **Jessica Rotolo ** 40:03 Yes FST has come in helped us find the bodies and bodies. So **Lauren Abela ** 40:11 different Best Buddies chapters, especially at the university slash college level will partner with the community organization to recruit the best buddies from whereas we at Humber, we're very lucky to have students in the CIC program that we could recruit directly from, **Jessica Rotolo ** 40:27 which I helped with because I was in that program, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 40:31 which has helped you became the largest club and yeah, at the school, didn't you? I **Lauren Abela ** 40:36 want to believe so. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 40:40 You have amazing amount of people come is wonderful. Yes, yeah. Yeah, there's so many great events. **Michael Hingson ** 40:49 So what kind of events? I think we've heard some of the things that the Jessica has done well, but, and obviously, Darlene, but Lauren, what kind of events have you done with this buddies? Or is it sort of similar to what Jessica has already told us? **Lauren Abela ** 41:04 I think the events I just mentioned here are just all of her personal accomplishments. I can't top that, Michael ask someone else. **Michael Hingson ** 41:15 Trying to top it, it's **Dorlean Rotolo ** 41:17 been very shy here, because without Lauren, it was it was a group that, you know, an effort between the two of them, there are partnerships so without each other, that clubs certainly would not have been successful, no as it was, but also the support that best buddies Canada gave them was really wonderful. Deanna is just **Lauren Abela ** 41:40 amazing. And some of the events that Deanna allowed us to participate in include the Ascot, yes. Which was an annual fundraiser so just Can I volunteered with that event? We've gone to the Blue Jays game. Free tickets from Best Buddies, Canada. Yeah, PJs **Dorlean Rotolo ** 41:56 Care Foundation went into the box and sat in the box. **Lauren Abela ** 41:59 Yeah, we're also we've got watch the champions movie and in the feeder in Toronto. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 42:04 And that's you've also could, you've had dance evenings at the at the school you've had friendship walks, right? Yeah. Yeah, **Jessica Rotolo ** 42:16 we did. You guys did. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 42:19 Talk to your Yes. That was best, buddy. Yes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 42:22 We also did the friendship dance. But that was my high school. Yeah. And I came in second in a dance off. **Michael Hingson ** 42:34 So Jessica, do you do social media at all? Yes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 42:40 Well, we both do, actually. And what do you do for a zoo? **Michael Hingson ** 42:43 Tell us about that. Hi, sorry, sad again. **Jessica Rotolo ** 42:48 We do Instagram lives together. Tell us about that. It's really fun. **Lauren Abela ** 42:53 Yes, maybe I can share how it started, which came about because of COVID. It was hard to connect with people. And I'm not sure it was a service. But it's Canada that reached out to me. They reached out to us. And they suggested that we go live on their Instagram just sharing a skill. And it became almost a weekly thing for us. **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:14 I believe our first we did a makeup tutorial we **Lauren Abela ** 43:18 do. Yeah. So we've done anywhere from makeup to baking. Cooking. walks outside. Yeah. Fashion. Yeah. And **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:27 also the conference. Yeah, **Lauren Abela ** 43:31 we went live at the conference too. For those that couldn't make it as it was quite far. We wanted to have Sharon in our experience so highly, highly recommend every person to go to a leadership conference at least once in their life. Yeah, **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:44 well, I did three **Dorlean Rotolo ** 43:46 who were some of the people throughout the conference in Indiana. Famous people that you got to meet **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:52 Miss T Miss USA Miss Teen USA, Garin **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:57 flowers? Yes. Getting flowers **Jessica Rotolo ** 44:01 in the Champions cast, the movie of champions, the cast there, but a couple of them our best Windows ambassadors as well. So **Dorlean Rotolo ** 44:13 yeah, yeah, it was one. That was wonderful. You guys had perfect weather. **Jessica Rotolo ** 44:17 Yes. Perfect weather. It was so nice. It was so hot out there. It was. **Michael Hingson ** 44:25 So I'm Darlene, are you strictly behind the scenes? Are you an ambassador for Best Buddies? Or do you take on any kind of roles **Dorlean Rotolo ** 44:33 on behind the scenes Michael? **Michael Hingson ** 44:36 be out in the open at all? Huh? **Michael Hingson ** 44:38 No, I'm behind the scenes. I'm the momager. And yeah, I just make sure that, you know, whatever Jessica needs, you know, from whatever, you know, helping her with what she's going to wear for any event to getting her there safely, making sure she has, you know, nourishment and drinks. Yeah, Let's, I'm just Yeah, strictly behind the scenes which I is for me. One **Jessica Rotolo ** 45:06 time. Enjoyable me. Yeah, why not? That's **Dorlean Rotolo ** 45:08 what we're best buddies. Studies. I'm just when Jessica, when Jessica **Jessica Rotolo ** 45:15 except for my Hayden Park chapter for that she was a part of it as well. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 45:25 Yeah. So what I did with when Jessica was at Hayden Park Secondary School with GE, all girls school in the public, the Toronto District Public School Board. **Jessica Rotolo ** 45:36 Yeah. And we had an attacker with another school UTS UTS. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 45:40 And so they were a distance away. So I would drive with our van and I would take two trips for the girls to load into the van and drive them over. So they didn't, because it was too far for them to walk. So it was really nice that they got to go to the other school instead of always having an event at their school or school. Yeah, **Lauren Abela ** 45:59 yeah. Yeah, one thing to jump in, that parents can do, in terms of supporting Best Buddies is actually to advocate to the staff at their school if there isn't a chapter to ask for them to be started one. Yeah. So that's one thing that we want to encourage family members and supporters. So if you know, of a friend or your child who has a disability, and there isn't a best buddy chapter to reach out to the President, the principal, the vice principal, and to see if one can be started. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 46:33 And then they just need one of the teachers would be, you know, be the contact with with the school, but it depends if it's at a high school versus a university level. Yeah. Because if it's a university level, did you need a teacher University? No, yeah. No. **Lauren Abela ** 46:51 Students just ourselves. Students. **Jessica Rotolo ** 46:57 In high school, it **Lauren Abela ** 46:58 was an elementary level. So we do our best buddy chapters in elementary as well. Same **Michael Hingson ** 47:04 process in the US and Canada. **Lauren Abela ** 47:09 Well, similar, so you just reach out to your state's supervisor in terms of the States or in Canada, reach out to Best Buddies Canada office, and they will be able to provide support on next steps and how to move forward. **Michael Hingson ** 47:23 So since it's come up, we might as well deal with it if people want to reach out how do they figure out where their local Best Buddies offices are reaching out to their state or whatever? How do they do that? **Jessica Rotolo ** 47:37 You can go online at best buddies.com. Yes, yes. **Lauren Abela ** 47:43 And then there you can find contacts, and what chapters are currently available to be joined. based on your geographic location? Yes. **Lauren Abela ** 47:56 Your work there. Very **Dorlean Rotolo ** 47:57 good. So what is it **Jessica Rotolo ** 47:59 best buy this for? us.org.org? **Michael Hingson ** 48:02 Yeah, that makes sense. This would be a nonprofit. Yeah, yes. Yeah. And do all Best Buddies chapters, pretty much do the same thing with the same kinds of people. So you deal primarily with intellectual disabilities, not all physical disabilities. **Lauren Abela ** 48:17 So there are intersecting disabilities. However, the best buddies main audience are those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It doesn't exclude anyone, everyone is welcome to join. It just depends on on the the matching system, but there's also the Associate Member position where you don't have to be matched. You can just attend events as you please, to enjoy and the fun and make people meet people across the whole chapters. And that's what **Jessica Rotolo ** 48:44 we are right now. **Michael Hingson ** 48:48 How large is best buddies in Canada now? **Jessica Rotolo ** 48:55 A shop there was in 1993. And that was the York University campus. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 49:05 Yeah, Cam doctor, but how many there are in the in Canada? I really don't know that number. **Jessica Rotolo ** 49:11 Me neither. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 49:12 But it's there's a lot of chapters lots. **Michael Hingson ** 49:16 And you say a started in 1993? Yes. Your, **Jessica Rotolo ** 49:20 your character University was the first ever chapter. It's **Dorlean Rotolo ** 49:23 just north of Toronto. Uh huh. **Lauren Abela ** 49:25 So I can give overall statistics. Best Buddies programs now engage participants in each of the 50. United States. And we're in Canada as well and in over 47 countries impacting over 1.3 million people worldwide. Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 49:41 So it is pretty substantive, although I don't generally hear much about it, but I'm glad that we've been able to do this, but I haven't really heard a lot about Best Buddies outside of being introduced to Best Buddies, people by Sheldon, which I really am grateful to We'll be able to do, because I like the message you clearly send the message that I think I and other people with disabilities, sin, which is we're as capable as anyone else stop limiting us with your own attitudes and beliefs. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 50:19 And one very interesting fact about what is happening right now with Best Buddies International, it is. They have its National Disability Employment Awareness Month, right. N D. A. M, in India, and is basically to have people you know, just trying to get everybody employed. It's a very big part of the best buddies in the US is to they have wonderful programs. Do **Michael Hingson ** 50:49 you know what the unemployment rate among people with Down syndrome is? No, I don't have that statistic either. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 50:57 We have. We have many families whose children or young adults are at home and do not have employment. Like when, as Jessica mentioned, when she was in the last documentary, they helped her get a job at a place called Malabar the costume rental store. And she absolutely loved, loved, loved it. But then COVID happened, it was close down. And then yeah, it was closed for good after that. So she lost her job. He loved it. **Michael Hingson ** 51:24 When he just wanted to go try on costumes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 51:29 Oh, I also I also got to meet a celebrity that came in. He was an actor. From the show victorious. He played back on the show. **Lauren Abela ** 51:54 On the topic of employment, just wanted to quickly mention, I was an ambassador for the Discover ability network. So any viewers listening in from Ontario, this is a free service paid for by the government, for employees with disabilities to connect them to employers looking to hire inclusively. So discoverability network, feel free to check that out later. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 52:14 And Jessica with fcb, Canada, she did a public service announcement. And they one of the things they helped create was a What would you guys create on? Oh, **Jessica Rotolo ** 52:29 we pretty wanted to be employable. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 52:38 employable? Yeah. Yes. And employable. And so they created the first LinkedIn, LinkedIn network for people with Down syndrome. **Michael Hingson ** 52:46 Yes. Ah, now what organization is, again? 52:50 FCB. Canada. What **Michael Hingson ** 52:51 is FCB? 52:52 It's just one of the advertising agencies in I'm not sure what FCB stands for. I was wondering, yeah, I'll look that up. And then with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, so it doesn't say FCB it just says FCB. Canada. Yeah. Wonderful, wonderful people. And, yeah, so the employable. So anybody who has Down Syndrome who would like to connect to it, it is a LinkedIn page, specifically for people with Down syndrome. Yes. What does it stand for? Long name? Yeah. Oh, yeah. **Lauren Abela ** 53:30 Full service, integrated marketing and communications agency with offices in Toronto and Montreal? Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 53:36 Well, there you go. Yeah. Well, that is cool. Well, let me ask, Jessica, what are your long term plans? I mean, so you do art, you do modeling and a number of different things. Do you just want to continue that? Do you have any kind of long term goals in life? **Jessica Rotolo ** 53:55 I do have one 54:03 guy in this house. Yeah. That's the problem. You know, Michael is yes, Jessica wants to move out of her house. But you know, it's financially she would never be able to that's the unfortunate thing because she doesn't have the income to be able to move out of her home or home. So she is forced to live with us until, you know, maybe we could while we're trying to get a business going with for Jessica with her with her heart design. And, and her cards are soft. I **Jessica Rotolo ** 54:33 am till five. Yeah. I wouldn't move out. Yeah, I don't live on my own. **Lauren Abela ** 54:39 You know, some people would blame the economy, so I can't really blame the economy. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 54:44 Yeah, it's very expensive to live in Toronto. So champion champions. **Jessica Rotolo ** 54:49 Want to move closer to my work, and your My vigor score for my drama classes around that area. Well, **Michael Hingson ** 55:00 you might, you may find as time goes on, you'll be able to make more of a career out of some of the things you're doing, which would really be exciting. No boys in your life I gather, huh? No, **Lauren Abela ** 55:11 not Yeah, that **Michael Hingson ** 55:12 was a pretty definitive answer. **Jessica Rotolo ** 55:14 I don't want to I don't want any. No, no. No, boy. **Lauren Abela ** 55:24 Are we gonna dance at each other's wedding? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 55:29 They're gonna dance at each other's weddings, but she's got to find a guy first. **Michael Hingson ** 55:35 Seems like a reasonable thing to do. And, you know, I'm, I'm one of those people who's of the opinion there is somebody for everyone. So you just never know, Jessica. 55:44 Yeah. You'll never know. **Michael Hingson ** 55:48 We have Well, we've already got Dorlean addressed. I mean, she's got a guy. So that works. Yeah. So Lauren, what about you? What are your sort of long term goals and guys, and all that? **Lauren Abela ** 55:58 Definitely looking into buying a house in a few years, hopefully. Definitely working because I just started working after just graduating this year. So I want to find a salary position. Some pretty good. And again, yeah, do a master's, become a psychotherapist, maybe do some more research. You know, start a family, get married first. Goals and happy and healthy and make a difference in the world? **Michael Hingson ** 56:28 Have you found the right person to get married to yet? Um, **Lauren Abela ** 56:32 I hope so. I think so. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 56:36 He's our favorite. **Michael Hingson ** 56:37 He's a keeper. No, mom, mom blesses. So that's a good start. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 56:42 He's an extraordinary young man. Very nice. **Michael Hingson ** 56:45 So for each of you question, what advice do you want to give to the world? And we've talked a lot about different things. And I know, we've probably addressed some of the issues. But as we kind of bring this to a close, this has been going for a while it's almost an hour, can you believe it? But **Dorlean Rotolo ** 57:04 what kind of what kind of interviewer? What kind **Michael Hingson ** 57:07 of advice and suggestions? Would you like to leave people with what kinds of thoughts? Let's start with Dorlean? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 57:15 Well, My Messages to Young families, when Jessica was in my arms in the hospital, the doctor that came into the room to assess Jessica basically told me that I would grow to love her, which just absolutely broke my heart. Yeah. And so to all the young families, you know, yes, it's a shock at the beginning when you when you're holding your, your child, and you know, the diagnosis, but life will be incredible. We could not ever imagine our life without Jessica, but also the people she has brought to our lives has been a true blessing. It's been a blessing for us, you know, meeting people like Lauren, Peter, and just all of Jessica's friends in the mothers that I've met and fathers, they're just beautiful people. So it'll be okay. That's, that's my message. It'll be okay. **Michael Hingson ** 58:09 Have you ever had the opportunity to go back and see that doctor who said that? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 58:15 No, no, I don't know what I'd say to him. And especially days later, when we went to back to the hospital, and then he used Jessica as a specimen for a fellow doctor to show the fellow Doctor all the signs of that it's a baby with Down syndrome. Basically, I had a break down for a couple of days, because, you know, that's Is this the way my daughter was going to be perceived by the world? And, you know, we certainly have shown that No, she's not. She's a perfect person in our eyes and everybody's eyes that No, sir, yeah, yes, surely so. **Michael Hingson ** 58:52 So I don't, I don't want to do a lot of preaching myself this week. But I will make the comment that we've got to get beyond this idea that disability means lack of ability, because it doesn't mean lack of ability at all. It's a characteristic and everyone has it. But you know, I hear what you're saying. My parents were told that they should send me away when it was discovered that I was blind and the same thing and they rejected that. And I wish more parents would, would take that step to not just go by what science says just because somebody is different. Yeah. 100%. So Jessica, what kind of advice do you have for the world? How do you want to leave people thinking about you this week? **Jessica Rotolo ** 59:38 So I would say be yourself and just don't be afraid to leave your friends. **Michael Hingson ** 59:47 Yeah, yeah. And it's all about, as you said, being yourself and having the courage to be yourself and don't let people talk you into something that isn't true. Yeah, yeah, it is. and **Jessica Rotolo ** 1:00:00 don't let anyone tell you different. **Michael Hingson ** 1:00:03 Oh, yeah. That's the real key, isn't it? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:00:06 Yes. You know? Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 1:00:10 And if you don't know what you want, figure it out and use your best buddies and your friends but figure it out. Because you can certainly want things just like anyone else. Yes. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:00:22 And you know, people don't have to be alone. And if you are alone, contact Best Buddies. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:00:27 They will help you. You don't have to be alone. It really is an amazing organization. Yeah, right. **Michael Hingson ** 1:00:33 And Lauren, and Lauren, you what kind of thoughts do you want to leave everyone with? **Lauren Abela ** 1:00:37 Yeah. If you can choose to be anything, be kind. That's it and everything that you do. And if you are unsure how to be kind, research, ask questions, you know, and if you're thinking that you want to learn more about Best Buddies, then go to the website, reach out to us on Instagram, we are very happy to share more and and consider things that you can do in your everyday life that are simple, simple things that to spread that kindness and to make that best buddies impact of friendship and inclusion and whatever workplace you're in. Yeah, **Michael Hingson ** 1:01:15 speaking of Instagram, do you guys still do the live Instagram? Yes. **Lauren Abela ** 1:01:20 It's been a few months, maybe a year, but we will do more we promise **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:01:25 crazier with you guys put on the love means event, World Down Syndrome Day event. Now the documentary him really has been advocating in different areas. Yes, very, very busy. Which is wonderful. So wonderful life. **Michael Hingson ** 1:01:39 Yeah, I want to just go do it. Yeah, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:01:45 exactly. Just make that phone call. Well, I **Michael Hingson ** 1:01:48 want to thank all of you for being with us today. On unstoppable mindset. Clearly, you're unstoppable. All three of you, especially as a team, but individually as well. And I want to thank you all for being here. And if you know other people who we ought to bring on as a guest on unstoppable mindset, please let us know. And for all of you listening out there and watching, we would love to hear your thoughts about any other guests that you'd like to have as well as we'd like your thoughts. And I know Jessica, Lauren. And Dorlean would like your thoughts also about this podcast? And actually, let me ask that question. If people want to reach out to you all directly, can they do that? And how would they do that? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:02:28 By email, or your Instagram or so **Jessica Rotolo ** 1:02:31 then what **Michael Hingson ** 1:02:32 what is your Instagram address or handle or how do people find you? Mine **Jessica Rotolo ** 1:02:39 is Jessica dot Rotolo 20 and rotala **Michael Hingson ** 1:02:43 was R O T O L O yes. So Jessica dot Rotolo 20. **Lauren Abela ** 1:02:48 Yes. And mine is L A U R E N A B E L A Three. **Michael Hingson ** 1:02:58 So you're the third Loren Abela. Jessica is the 20th Rotolo so **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:03:10 on Instagram, so everybody have to reach me through Jessica. Yes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 1:03:15 Well, sorry, my email. No, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:03:21 I just like it too many emails. No, yeah, they can reach out to Jessica's Instagram. Do **Michael Hingson ** 1:03:26 it on Instagram. That's fine. Well, I hope people will reach out to you guys. We really appreciate it. And I want to thank everyone again for listening. We really appreciate you being here and listening with us. It's been a fun hour. And that's one of the main goals on a stoppable mindset. It's not just for us to have fun, but I hope that all of you listening had fun as well. I'd love to hear your thoughts, please email me at Michael m i c h a e l h i at accessibe A C C E S S I B E.com. Or go to our podcast page www dot Michael hingson H i n g s o n.com/podcast. And wherever you're listening, please give us a five star rating. We value greatly your reviews and we love those five star ratings and really appreciate you giving those to us. So please do so and reach out. We'd love to

The Malabar Magic Ocean Swim is on this weekend, and they're looking to raise money for The Rainbow Club - an organisation dedicated to helping children with disabilities learn to swim. Rob Lloyd joins John to talk about the event and the great work they do. You can donate and support the swimmers here Listen to John Stanley live Monday-Thursday from 8pm-12am on 2GB/4BCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

fWotD Episode 2454: Nyctibatrachus major Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day where we read the summary of the featured Wikipedia article every day.The featured article for Tuesday, 23 January 2024 is Nyctibatrachus major.Nyctibatrachus major, the Malabar night frog, large wrinkled frog, or Boulenger's narrow-eyed frog, is a species of frog in the family Nyctibatrachidae, commonly known as the robust frogs. It was described in 1882 by the zoologist George Albert Boulenger, and is the type species of the genus Nyctibatrachus. It is a large frog for its genus, with an adult snout–vent length of 31.5–52.0 mm (1.24–2.05 in) for males and 43.7–54.2 mm (1.72–2.13 in) for females. It is mainly brownish to greyish in colour, with a dark greyish-brown upperside, a greyish-white underside, and light grey sides. It also has a variety of grey or brown markings. When preserved in ethanol, it is mostly greyish-brown to grey, with whitish sides. Sexes can be told apart by the presence of the femoral glands (bulbous glands near the inner thigh) in males.The species is endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range of India, where it is found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Adults inhabit fast-moving forest streams at elevations of up to 900 m (3,000 ft) and have highly specific habitat requirements. Adults are mostly found in or near water and are nocturnal; subadults can be found during both the night and day. Its diet mainly consists of other frogs and insect larvae. Over a period of several days or weeks, females lay multiple small clutches of eggs on leaves and rocks overhanging water; tadpoles drop into the water below on hatching. The species is currently classified as being vulnerable on the IUCN Red List owing to its small and fragmented range and ongoing habitat degradation. Threats to the species include habitat loss, increased human presence near the streams it inhabits, and possibly nitrate pollution caused by fertiliser overuse.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:11 UTC on Tuesday, 23 January 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Nyctibatrachus major on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm Olivia Neural.

Brandy Hall /// Part 3 /// 731Part 3 of 3 www.TrueCrimeGarage.comThis week we tell the story of a young mother who vanished.  On August 17th, 2006, 32 year old Brandy Hall was working the night shift at the Malabar fire station. Just before 11PM, Brandy told her coworkers that she was going home.  Her husband says she never showed up.  She has been gone ever since.  Foul play is suspected.  Where is Brandy? Beer of the Week - Fire Station No. 4 from House of Motor Brewing Company Garage Grade - 4 out of 5 bottle caps Follow True Crime Garage on X @TrueCrimeGarage / Follow Nic on X @TCGNIC / Follow The Captain on X @TCGCaptain Listen to True Crime Garage Off The Record.  Now available on Apple Podcast Subscriptions and to everyone everywhere on Patreon.

Brandy Hall /// Part 2 /// 730 Part 2 of 3 www.TrueCrimeGarage.comThis week we tell the story of a young mother who vanished.  On August 17th, 2006, 32 year old Brandy Hall was working the night shift at the Malabar fire station. Just before 11PM, Brandy told her coworkers that she was going home.  Her husband says she never showed up.  She has been gone ever since.  Foul play is suspected.  Where is Brandy? Beer of the Week - Fire Station No. 4 from House of Motor Brewing Company Garage Grade - 4 out of 5 bottle caps Follow True Crime Garage on X @TrueCrimeGarage / Follow Nic on X @TCGNIC / Follow The Captain on X @TCGCaptain Listen to True Crime Garage Off The Record.  Now available on Apple Podcast Subscriptions and to everyone everywhere on Patreon.

Brandy Hall /// Part 1 /// 729 Part 1 of 3 www.TrueCrimeGarage.comThis week we tell the story of a young mother who vanished.  On August 17th, 2006, 32 year old Brandy Hall was working the night shift at the Malabar fire station. Just before 11PM, Brandy told her coworkers that she was going home.  Her husband says she never showed up.  She has been gone ever since.  Foul play is suspected.  Where is Brandy? Beer of the Week - Fire Station No. 4 from House of Motor Brewing Company Garage Grade - 4 out of 5 bottle caps Follow True Crime Garage on X @TrueCrimeGarage / Follow Nic on X @TCGNIC / Follow The Captain on X @TCGCaptain Listen to True Crime Garage Off The Record.  Now available on Apple Podcast Subscriptions and to everyone everywhere on Patreon.

Nearly a century before cocaine bundles started washing up on the Sydney coast, the city's citizens clamoured to recover a different sort of illicit bounty from the sea: kegs of beer that'd floated free of Malabar, the happiest shipwreck disaster in Australian history.Support Forgotten Australia:Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustraliaPatreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustraliaTo send me a question for the David Hunt Book Club episode:forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.comor https://www.speakpipe.com/forgottenaustraliaCheck out my books as possible late Christmas presents for yourself or a loved one:The Murder Squadhttps://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.htmlHanging Ned Kellyhttps://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.htmlAustralia's Sweethearthttps://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12/6/23 6am CT Hour - Ashley Noronha/ Fr. Rajeev Valliyaveettil John, Glen and Sarah give an update on war in Israel/Hamas, Trump's town hall, upcoming Republican debate and the protocol for St. Nick's feast day. Ashley reports on the Pope's general weekly audience, immaculate conception in Italy, the featured nativity set in honor of St. Francis at the Vatican and the celebration of St. Nicolas. Fr. Rajeev explains his journey to priesthood in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and what this rite of the Catholic Church is and it's history in the USA.

Peace on My Block pairs at-risk Malabar students with mentors: https://www.richlandsource.com/2023/10/18/peace-on-my-block-pairs-at-risk-malabar-students-with-mentors/ Today - we're exploring a remarkable initiative at Malabar Intermediate School under the helm of Principal Tom Hager.Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malabar's peace and quiet was interrupted by this vampire in the 1980's

The Mark Moses Show is joined in studio by Patrick from Space Coast Power & Mike, Tim and Katie G from Walk On's Sports Bistreaux to preview the Palm Bay Fall Golf Classic going on this Saturday at The Habitat Golf Course in Malabar.  Listen to Mark weekday afternoons from 3-6 pm eastern on Sports Radio 107.9 FM/1560 The Fan & Sportsradio1560.com. You can also listen to Mark Mid days on 95.9 The Rocket. Follow him on social media @markmosesshow

The Mark Moses Show is joined by Palm Bay Special Events Coordinator Daniel Waite to talk about the Palm Bay Fall Golf Classic coming up on Saturday, October 7th at the Habitat Golf Course in Malabar.  Click on the link below for more details.... Palm Bay Fall Golf Classic Listen weekday afternoons from 3-6 pm eastern on Sports Radio 107.9 FM/1560 The Fan & Sportsradio1560.com. You can also listen to Mark Mid days on 95.9 The Rocket. Follow him on social media @markmosesshow

La nueva canción del puertorriqueño Seba Otero, Malabar, es un testimonio generacional. De él como artista, como músico, como compositor. Conversamos con él sobre la producción de esta pieza. Seba Otero publicó el álbum Salitre en 2022. Más recientemente estrenó junto al puertorriqueño Bebo Dumont la canción “Guarapo y Flor”, y se ha mantenido trabajando con Eduardo Cabra, productor de sus discos con quien colaboró como co compositor y co productor en el álbum Martínez del exintegrante de Calle 13. Entrevista: Víctor Amaya Caracas, Venezuela Septiembre 2023

Malabar, Florida. Thomas Harper is op 22 november 1985 op weg naar huis met zijn pick-up truck. Hij is thuis klusjes aan het doen en miste wat items van de doe-het-zelfzaak. Plots ziet hij iets opmerkelijks langs de kant van de weg: eerst lijkt het een grap, maar wanneer hij nog eens kijkt beseft hij dat het bloedserieus is. Hier is aflevering 120! Zit je met iets? Praat bij Tele-Onthaal over wat jou bezighoudt. Bel anoniem en gratis naar 106 (24u/7d) of chat via www.tele-onthaal.beBespaar tot wel €85,- op je eerste 4 boxen met de code HELLOJURY! Voor oude en nieuwe HelloFresh'ers (als je meer dan 1 jaar geleden je lidmaatschap hebt opgezegd).Zie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

32-year-old firefighter Brandy Hall left work early on the night of Aug. 17, 2006 in Malabar, Florida. She's never been seen again...Join our Patreon and enjoy early and ad-free episodes, tons of bonus episodes, discounts on our merchandise and more! www.patreon.com/palmahawkmediaVisit our website paradiseafterdark.com for links to our store, Patreon, tip jar and more!facebook.com/paradiseafterdarkpodcastInstagram @paradiseafterdarkpodcastTwitter @paradisedark239TikTok @paradiseafterdarkpodcastIf you see something say something!!Music by Captain Fathands @ captainfathands.com

Today we talk about the great duck reset of 2023, a new way to do green curry, community fun and more. Featured Event: Midwest Preparedness Project: https://www.midwestpreparednessproject.com/  Sponsor 1: StrongRootsReources.com: https://bit.ly/42UPCgJ Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com: https://bit.ly/3hDFWpa Weather has been awesome - nice and cool relatively speaking. Forage Elderberries are ripe Livestock New baby ducks The hatches are all meat birds Teenagers are integrated with old flock and the other babies are learning to Need to check sheep for work pressure - flokie's ears are hanging down Sheep love box elder Harvest meals Green curry turkey - roasted the leg quarter first and it tasted good Tomato, cucumber, basil mozzarella salad Grow Ts peppers are coming on Swimming in tomatoes Green beans, harvest 3 this week Reseeding beets, top watering each day Swiss chard looks sad Malabar spinach and forever spinach doing very well Deciding if I feel like direct seeding lettuces, etc before my secret trip next week Holler Neighbors/Community Island Mt Pat is back in town, bonfire with the whole neighborhood this weekend Infrastructure Shocking gutter Seconds away from all cabin wiring being complete Getting ready to fix the rest of my home joist problem Finances Sending another round to the auction Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

The three-hundred-fortieth episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Russian ‘revenge' mission: Ukraine braces as Kremlin steps up attacks on recaptured areas Niger military names 21-person cabinet ahead of West African summit Biden bans range of US high tech investments in China citing national security risk Insight: Europe cracks down after rise in 'direct action' climate protests At least 36 people have died on Maui as fires burn through Hawaii, county reports India, Japan, US, Australia hold first Malabar naval exercise off Australia Pigeon survives 80-mile drive stuck in front grille of car Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The three-hundred-fortieth episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Russian ‘revenge' mission: Ukraine braces as Kremlin steps up attacks on recaptured areas Niger military names 21-person cabinet ahead of West African summit Biden bans range of US high tech investments in China citing national security risk Insight: Europe cracks down after rise in 'direct action' climate protests At least 36 people have died on Maui as fires burn through Hawaii, county reports India, Japan, US, Australia hold first Malabar naval exercise off Australia Pigeon survives 80-mile drive stuck in front grille of car Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The three-hundred-fortieth episode of the DSR Daily Brief Stories Cited in the Episode: Russian ‘revenge' mission: Ukraine braces as Kremlin steps up attacks on recaptured areas Niger military names 21-person cabinet ahead of West African summit Biden bans range of US high tech investments in China citing national security risk Insight: Europe cracks down after rise in 'direct action' climate protests At least 36 people have died on Maui as fires burn through Hawaii, county reports India, Japan, US, Australia hold first Malabar naval exercise off Australia Pigeon survives 80-mile drive stuck in front grille of car Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lãnh tụ Triều Tiên bãi chức viên tướng hàng đầu, kêu gọi chuẩn bị chiến tranh; Mỹ, Ấn Độ, Nhật Bản, Úc tiến hành tập trận hải quân Malabar lần đầu tiên; Cháy rừng ở Hawaii như 'ngày tận thế' làm chết 36 người; Thái Lan: Đảng đối thủ ủng hộ đảng Pheu Thai trong việc thành lập chính phủ.

Today we give a midsummer update on the homestead, talk about community, and celebrate some things that have made life a little easier this year. Featured event: Pressure Canning Class Wednesday at 5pm Central DiscountMylarBags.com: https://bit.ly/43r4dkx StrongRootsReources.com: https://bit.ly/42UPCgJ LAST CALL: Paul Wheaton's Permaculture Adventure Bundle, $35 Holler Roost Plans on Etsy Rainy year is good Schedule based on weather: Early morning, midday break, later afternoon (Lots of breaks) Forage Paw paw update Red clover, mullein, echinacea, chocolate mint Creek mint Lambs quarter (final round) Mullain seed Elderberries acting differently this year Yarrow  Livestock Baby rabbits Feeding dogs raw is a challenge 8 baby ducks - all girls again Go to bed training Working with automation and the chickens Sheep pregnancy assessment Getting ready to move boys to my place Goat is foraging Grow Tomato blight experiment T has pet projects for food Reset mottled shade bed for thorny berries Green beans are banging 1st zucchini Brussels sprouts still not ready (Under seeding with squash) Beets sucked this year Onion update Potato update Chard is a perfect balance Cucumber update: volunteer versus planted Malabar spinach and forever spinach doing well Pigs planted squash Holler Neighbors/Community Holler Neighbor Dinner Spinning Wheel Story Infrastructure Maintain or make forward progress when Nicole is gone, hammering hard when Nicole is here Disturbing ground so that things can grow back before winter Collecting supplies for a subpanel project for the solar system Setting plans for a mini solar system for the main house that will run the oven and some lights 4wd 4 wheeler, game changer Finances No new income at the moment Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

On this episode of the Alachua County Extension Cord Podcast we discuss how to grow, select, store and prepare Malabar spinach. Guests: Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary, UF/IFAS Extension Environmental Horticulture agent and Martha Maddox, UF/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent. Host: Dr. Kevin Korus, UF/IFAS Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent. For more information visit. https://alachuacounty.us/news/Article/Pages/Malabar-Spinach-is-the-June-Plant-of-the-Month.aspx Music by the Walkers: https://www.facebook.com/thewalkersbandgville https://the-walkers.bandcamp.com/track/rattling-bones --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/extensioncord/message

Caste, Knowledge, and Power: Ways of Knowing in Twentieth-Century Malabar (Cambridge UP, 2023) investigates the transformations of caste practices in twentieth century India and the role of knowledge in this transformation and in the continuing of these oppressive practices. The author situates the domination and subordination in the domain of knowledge production in India not just in the emergence of colonial modernity but in the formation of colonial–Brahminical modernity. It engages less with the marginalization of the oppressed castes in the modern institutions of knowledge production which has already been discussed widely in the scholarship. Rather, the author focuses on how the modern colonial–Brahminical concept of knowledge invalidated many other forms of knowing practices and how historically caste domination transformed from the claims of superiority in acharam (ritual hierarchy) to the claims of superiority in possession of knowledge. K. N. Sunandan is Assistant Professor at Azim Premji University, Bangalore. His areas of interest are history of caste, history of knowledge production, colonialism and knowledge, and history and sociology of science. Sanjukta Poddar (she/her/hers) is Assistant Professor in Modern South Asian Studies at Leiden University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

We caught up with Brian Haas (Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Punkadelic) about his week 01 Jazz Fest 2023 Plans, including: Thu, Apr 27 Brian Haas, James Singleton and Aurora Nealand at Tigermen Den Fri, Apr 28 The New F*ck Yeahs at B J's Lounge Saturday, April 29 Helen Gillet & Brian Haas at The Virgin Hotel  Sun, Apr 30 James Singleton's Malabar at Cafe Istanbul more: https://brianroyhaas.com/tour/ @allthatjampod on IG, FB, and Twitter - Subscribe - leave a review - tell a friend. All That Jam is brought to you by Executive Producers Amanda Cadran and Kevin Hogan. Produced and edited by Amanda Cadran and Kevin Hogan. Mixed and Mastered by Kevin Hogan. Original Music by Aaron Gaul. Art by Amanda Cadran.

Last time we spoke the first time the British and French armada attacked the Taku forts it was a literal cake walk. Reminscent of the first opium war, the Qing cannons proved inept at hitting the European ships. Elgin's coalition made their way to Tianjin where they were met by the Emperors emissaries who began the same old tired procrastination strategy. Elgin was simply fed up and left the job to his brother Bruce who thought he got the deal won and done, but little did they all know the Qing had no intention of following through with the new treaty. A rebellion broke out at Canton and now Bruce was left with a new coalition force to fight yet again to get to Beijing to force the Qing to heed the treaty. However this time the Taku Forts were led by Prince Seng and he served the Europeans a truly nasty defeat. The tides of war were turning in favor of the Qing dynasty.    Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. #22 This episode is Part 4 of the Second Opium War: The March to Beijing   When news came back to Britain about the loss, Lord Derby's government fell on June 10th 1859. Lord Palmerston returned to power at the age of 75 and wrote to the foreign office  “We must in some way or other make the Chinese repent of the outrage. We might send a military-naval force to attack and occupy Peking.” Elgin sat in on a cabinet meeting as Palmerston had appointed him Postmaster-General in the new Whig government. Elgin proscribed a moderate response, fearing that if Britain toppled the Manchu government the new masters of China would become the Taiping who lets just say were not great friends to capitalism and especially not towards the opium trade. For those MP's who still sought diplomacy, a recent event had hurt their cause. American ambassador John Ward made an attempt at diplomacy, agreeing to go to Beitang around 160 miles north of Beijing before heading to the capital. Yet instead of traveling in a sedan chair like any respectable Qing official, Ward accepted the humiliating Chinese offer to use a wooden cart without springs or a cushioned seat. The Chinese it turns out slyly told Ward this was the preferred method of transport the Russians took when in reality it was the typical transport for tribute bearers. Apparently the trip was so bumpy and painful, Ward chose to walk the last few miles. The Qing were delighted at the sight of the western representative entering Beijing on July 27th on foot like a common peasant. Ward like so many before him, ran into the kowtow situation. Ward said he was willing to bow but “I am accustomed to kneel only to God and women” to which some Qing court official said “but the emperor is God'. Another absolutely ridiculous war about the logistics of Kowtowing emerged. Ward was unwilling to do the full blown deal and kept trying to cut corners. The Qing officials asked if he could touch the floor with his fingertips instead of his head, he said no. They then asked if he could hide his legs behind a curtain so the emperor thought he was kneeling when in fact he wouldnt be. Many letters went back and forth trying to find a way to accommodate Ward's kowtow, but at the last moment Emperor Xianfeng came out of an opium stupor and upon receiving the recent news about the grand victory at the Taku Forts demanded Ward do the full blown kowtow. The Emperor added, since the Americans decided to break neutrality at the Taku Forts it was the least Ward could do, ouch. If you can believe it, the kowtow argument went on for 14 days. The Emperor eventually ordered Ward and his entourage to be expelled from Beijing. Though this all looked horrible on the surface, in truth Ward went to Beitang without interference from the Emperor and signed a treaty with the Qing officials on August 15th of 1859. Wards success was due to the fact, unlike his British and French counterparts, America was not insistent on signing the treaty within the capital. The American experience made Bruce look bad and Palmerston was fed up with the Qing protocols, kowtowing and such. The British newspapers were calling for blood after hearing news about the Taku fort disaster. Yet the situation was delicate. 10% of Britains tax revenue came from the opium trade in China. As Elgin put it in a letter to a colleague “If you humiliate the Emperor beyond measure, if you seriously impair his influence over his own subjects, you kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. [You] throw the country into confusion and imperil the most lucrative trade you have in the world. I know that these opinions are not popular. The general notion is that if we use the bludgeon freely enough we can do anything in China. I hold the opposite view so strongly that I must give expression to it at whatever cost to myself.” Then some international actions stirred things into motion. Italy suddenly seized the Austrian controlled territory of Lombardy. Rumors began to spread that France was mustering 12,000 infantry, two squadrons of cavalry, 6 batteries of artillery and 20 gunboats most likely to hit Beijing….or perhaps Britain. It does seem to all be hysteria, but one thing was for sure, the British needed to take action to secure their interests in China. The Foreign Secretary on October 29th ordered Bruce to demand an apology for the lives lost at the Taku forts, for unspecified reparations and an agreement to respect the terms of the Treaty of Tianjin. The Qing would be given 30 days to respond, no more tactical delays allowed, if they failed to meet the deadline Bruce would block the Bei He River. Bruce received the orders in January of 1860, but there were problems. The idea was to starve out Beijing, its been an idea tossed around a few times at this point. However blockading the Bei He river would result in just rice crop not getting north, those living in Beijing could simply sustain themselves on the other crops found abundantly at the time in the north, corn and beans for example. On top of this Admiral Hope needed to furnish the warships and it would take until April, thus Elgin began to showcase the issues and it was agreed to extend the deadline until March.  The Qing responded surprisingly quickly to Bruce's ultimatum on April 5th with a no. Instead the Qing officials invited Bruce to negotiate with some imperial commissioners, not the Emperor and at Beitang. It seems the Qing remained ever emboldened by their victory at the Taku Forts, they also ended the response off by telling Bruce the barbarian representatives in the future should be more respectful, ompf. Bruce was out of his depth and many officials in Britain knew it. Instead of replacing Bruce outright they simply superseded him with another British emissary…his brother Elgin, double ompf. Thus Bruce was to remain in China to help his brother. Elgin had spent his entire time in Britain trying to stop the escalation to war and was extremely reluctant to take the diplomatic role again. None the less he felt he had to defend the treaty he had built and was being stamped upon. En route back to China, Elgin stopped in Paris at the Tuileries to speak the Napoleon III to ask what Frances territorial ambitions were in China. Napoleon III said the major drive was for Indo-China and that France was more than happy to leave Britain the pesky nation of China to deal with. If anything, weakening China would just help France more so in Indo-China, une gagnon-gagnon.  Baron Gros caught up to Elgin en route to China and both steamed out of Sri Lanka aboard the Malabar. The pair were in for a real fun time, as a brutal storm hit their ship and it sunk taking with it Baron Gros's uninsured plate and Elgin's top secret instructions from Britain. Eglin and Gros were delayed 2 more weeks to retrieve their lost stuff, those documents Elgin had lost by the way held some brand new demands of China such as the annexation of Kowloon, something that might have distressed the French. Again, a rumor had been spread to London that Napoleon III sought to seize Kowloon. This prompted some panicky British officials such as our old friend Harry Parkes to negotiate a permanent lease over Kowloon with the Chinese Viceroy of Canton. In a bizarre fashion while the British forces were mustering for an expedition, this was occurring indifferently and the viceroy of Canton accused because he was bankrupt.  The international force sent to China was staggering, 18,000 men, 7000 being French. Because of Kowloon easily going over to Britain, this allowed Sikh cavalry to perform military exercises on their large arabian horses terrifying the locals. The Sikhs and British brought with them a terrifying new toy, the 25 pound Armstrong fieldgun. It held the accuracy of a rifle with the destructive power of a cannon. It was designed to scatter large armies by firing a shell that burst into 49 angular fragments, making it one of the most brutal antipersonnel weapon in existence. I can't state it enough here, this one piece of military technology is what will destroy the Qing forces, it performed tremendously. The French were armed with an outdated Napoleon gun for their own artillery. 2500 Chinese coolies were hired by the British at 9$ a month + rations and 2 uniforms. Ironically crime in Hong Kong declined dramatically after the British left with these men, seems they got all the criminals on the island haha. General Sir James Hope Grant led the British forces and commanded a special loyalty from the Sikhs as they served under his fair leadership during the Indian revolt. Grant got the job, not because he was particularly gifted, just merely the closest General in the east. An allied force of 2000 British and 500 French were sent to seize Chusan island allowing them to assert dominance over the Yangtze and its critical use as a supply road to Beijing. The residents of Chusan were so traumatized from the last invasion they gave up without a fight. 50 miles north of Chusan was Shanghai whom welcomed the allies also without a fight because the mayor desperately needed help fighting off the Taiping rebels. The Taiping had recently seized Fuzhou and were on their way to claim the grand prize of Shanghai. The mayor of Shanghai pleaded with the Europeans to help despite the fact they literally were going to war with other parts of the Qing dynasty. The mayor offered to secretly report the ongoings of Beijing to the Europeans. The French counterpart to Grant, General Cousin de Montauban hated the chinese in general but really hated the Taiping rebels particularly because they were protestant. The French general wanted to annihilate the Taiping menace once and for all, but the British held the mans bloodlust back agreeing to use forces just to defend Shanghai against any Taiping invasion. Even Baron Gros went against his General agreeing with the British. At Shanghai the Europeans helped augment the outdated Chinese cannons that could not aim properly to be placed as swivel cannons on the walls, which could fire outward and inward, a notably helpful feature against residents who might lend their support to the Taiping. They sold some pieces of artillery to the delight of the mayor of Shanghai. As Elgin approached Shanghai he was falling further into a spiral of depression, he had this to write in his diary “If I had been anything but the greatest fool that the world ever saw I should never have been where I now am. I deserve to suffer for it, and no doubt I shall do so.” Meanwhile the guy was getting letters from the Whig government saying if he did not conclude the China mission by the next meeting of parliament, their government would most likely fall and it would be his fault. Rumors had spread in London that Elgin's overly appeasement of the Chinese was dragging the conflict on. On July 26th, 150 British ships steamed up the northern coast to land near Beitang, just 8 miles north of the Taku Forts on the gulf of Zhili. The French fleet soon joined them and for 5 days they began to unload troops from more than 200 warships, if I was the Qing dynasty, already facing the Taiping horde I would be peeing my pants. None of the wall guns in Beitang fired upon the Europeans as they approached and as they opened the gates they soon figured out why, the garrison literally had run away. They also found out a lot of the wall mounted artillery turned out to be fakes made out of wood, and I just know theres a great embezzlement story for that one. The 20,000 residents of the city welcomed the invaders like liberators and even began to point out where the forces of the infamous Prince Seng had buried mines inside and outside the city. A lot of those kind residents were rewarded with rape and looting by the troops. It is alleged many of the women of Beitang escaped the rape by poisoning themselves with opium, strangaltion or drowning, my god. Many residents sought refuge fleeing to a fetid marsh outside the city. General Grant blamed the hired coolies who he said “were for the most part atrocious villains…the robberies and crimes they committed in the town were fearful”. But it is most certain all the groups present took part in the orgy of plunder and rape, war never changes. British Provost-Marshal Captain Con ordered 30 soldiers flogged for looting and military discipline was restored the next week. The march from Beitang to Tianjin was a mud filled nightmare, an advance company of 1000 British and 1000 French eventually crawled along a stone causeway for 4 miles until they finally spotted Tianjin in the distance and a large horde of Prince Seng's cavalry blocking the way. As the Europeans drew closer, hundreds of Manchus, Han and Mongol cavalry became visible. Their sheer numbers were intimidating at first until the Europeans saw their weaponry. Most were utilizing bows and arrows, spears, some 18th century flintlocks and of course Gingalls. The allies lacked enough cavalry to fight even such an under equipped force and pulled back for the time being. A Qing commander upon seeing the Europeans peel back away sent a letter immediately to Beijing proclaiming a grand victory had already been won. Then on August the 12th of 1860, Grant assembled 800 cavalry to march around the Qing blockading the causeway and to take them from the rear. The main allied forced would hit the Qing head on using 3 Armstrong guns. When the frontal units were within a mile of the Qing horde they open fire with the Armstrongs. The Armstrong shells exploded and tore to piece the Qing cavalry, but the defenders were truly fearless, even as their comrades at either side were literally blown to pieces, they charged at the invaders. The Qing forces got within 450 yards when the effectiveness of the invaders guns simply halted them in their tracks, creating 25 minutes of terror. The suicidal valor of the Qing impressed many of their opponents, Major General Sir Robert Napier commanding the second division under Grant wrote “they bore unflinchingly for a considerable time such a fire as would have tried any troops in the world”. The Sikh riflemen gunned down the Qing with enfields and pistols while they were met mostly bow arrows. Lt Col G Wolseley recalled “never saw men come on so pluckily”. The better armed but widely outnumbered Sikhs managed to force the Qing to break and flee. The Punjab cavalry would have caused an even larger bloodbath pursuing the fleeing Qing, but the mud trapped their horses. Many of the Qing fled all the way to the safety of the Taku forts.  At the same time Grant had launched an attack on the Qing cavalry guarding the causeway leading to Tianjin when quite an unfortunate event unfolded. A drunk Irish sergeant who had recently took too much rum that he was literally ordered to delivery to the troops and got lost and stumbled into what he thought was a pack of friendly Sikh cavalry, it turns out they were Manchu. The Manchu cavalrymen seized the man and a few unfortunate souls who were following him. The Manchu ordered the Europeans to kowtow and they all did except for a Scottish private named Moyse who was beheaded on the spot. The Irish sergeant and other survivors were allowed to make their way back to camp to tell the others what had happened and they got back safely a week later. Their story made it into The Times which published a poem about the man, though it got his nationality wrong, typical English “Let dusky Indians whine and kneel,/An English lad must die./And thus with eyes that would not shrink,/With knee to man unbent,/Unfaltering on its dreadful brink,/To his red grave he went.” Two days after the kowtow incident the Europeans made their way up the causeway coming to a village called Sin-ho where they found the defenders had recently fled from. Further past the village was a large outpost called Danggu and unlike Sin-ho this was defended by Qing forces. Prince Seng had abandoned Danggu leaving behind Green standard troops. General de Montauban wanted to attack immediately, but Grant cautioned that the men needed rest. In a typical French-British rivalry fashion, de Montauban decided to attack without the British, but they found themselves quickly overwhelmed by the mud-walled fortification's 45 wall cannons. This setback humiliated the French general who had personally led the assault, but it did not lessen up his pursuit for glory. De Montauban came up with a wild plan to attack all 4 of the Dagu forts at the same time. Grant insisted on singling out the most northern fort as it was the most vulnerable. De Montauban made a mention of the situation in his diary on August 20th “I shall nevertheless send a French land force to work conjointly with our allies. The object of my observations is, above all, to free myself from military responsibility with reference to my own government.” On August 14th, the British and French took Danggu using 36 guns and two rocket batteries before the infantry swept in. As one British Lt said to his commander “the Armstrong gun is a great success”. By taking Danggu, the Europeans were now in a great position to attack the northern most Dagu Fort that Grant had singled out, it was just a mile from Danggu across the Bei He River. There was a 6 day delay at this point as the Europeans were bringing the rest of their supplies and equipment along the causeway and the French garrison in Shanghai had a nasty situation leading them to burn some of the city's suburbs in an effort to drive out Taiping rebels. On August 20th the Europeans set up 6 artillery batteries within half a mile of the northernmost Taku Fort and called in for 8 gunboats to attack it from the south. Just before sunrise of August 21st the Taku Fort opened fire on their position. The Europeans responded by performing a rolling forward bombardment all the way up to 500 yards from the Forts walls. The European Armstrongs, 8 inch mortars, 24 pound howitzers and French 12 inch cannons rayes absolutely smashed the forts wall cannons until the Qing were only left with Gingalls to operate. At 6:30am a powder magazine blew up inside the fort causing a massive explosion, but the defenders kept the fight on. Once the Europeans were 30 yards from the fort, a French force led by General Collineau began to scale the walls, but there was a moat in the way. The French General forced a detachment of coolies to stand in the moat up to their necks while supporting the scaling ladders on their shoulders for the French to climb up and my god is that a heinous act. Apparently Grant felt so terrible upon seeing what happened to the coolies that he gave them all an extra months salary as bonus. Once the French got atop the walls they launched bayonet charges that scattered the remaining defenders while the British blew a small hole in the forts wall allowing their own troops to charge single file through. The Qing commander of the fort showed more bravery than many of his men. When he was cornered he refused to surrender until an agitated Captain named Prynne of the royal marines pulled out his revolver and shot the man dead. Prynne then took the commanders peacock feather cap as a trophy of war. It took a few hours for the fort to be secured. The casualties were quite heavy, the British and French reported losing about 200 men, the Chinese were said to have over 1000 dead and another 1500 had fled the scene. 9000 surrendered to General Collineau, kneeling at his feet. The inside of the fort was a horror story. Thomas Bowlby described the devastation caused by the Armstrong guns to the defenders inside the fort “a mass of brains and blood smelling most foully”. Grant awarded 6 Victoria Crosses to celebrate the taking of the first Taku Fort. The taking of the northern most fort meant the other Taku forts were now uselessly outflanked, they had all been built to withstand attacks only from the river and were open from behind. The psychological effect was very apparent as within 5 hours, two emissaries from Heng Fu and the Viceroy of Zhili province turned up to negotiate. They were met by the ever xenophobic Harry Parkes who at this point was quite famous to the Chinese for being so xenophobic. Heng Fu's emissaries offered to remove the booms blocking the Bei He River and to allow the European ships safe passage to Tianjin where peace negotiations could resume. Parkes proceeded to crumple heng fu's letter and threw it right in the face of one of his emissaries, a man named Wang who happened to be an anglophile and fluent in English. Parkes he personally knew the guy, what an asshole. Parkes then began screaming that if the other 3 Taku Forts did not surrender within the next two hours they would suffer the same fate as the northern one. One European present at this parley described Parkes to be “harsh and unnecessarily violent towards Wang. This was not customary among European nations and the envoys should be treaty with the courtesy common to civilization”. Long before Parkes two hour screamfest had elapsed, white flags were already waving amongst the 3 other Taku forts without a single shot being fired.  The path to Tianjin was now open and as of August 23rd, Grant took the armada unchallenged up to the riverway with the infantry as the cavalry made its way overland on the twin banks of the river. By August 27th the Europeans had an encampment just outside Tianjin and the ambassadors prepared to negotiate yet again. This time the Qing court sent the senior official Guilian who had previously negotiated the treaty of Tianjin, but this time he carried plenipotentiary powers. Elgin and Gros were notified of his authority beforehand and discussed amongst another the best strategy going forward. Both men presented new demands much harsher than the previous ones. The Qing were asked to make a formal apology for the casualties caused by the first battle of the Taku Forts in 1859; to pay double the original amount in reparations of 4 million taels of silver; the right to station ambassadors in the capital and to confirm the treaty of Tianjin. The Europeans would occupy Tianjin, which controlled the flow of food to Beijing, giving them the power to starve out the capital if the Qing did not agree. The Taku Forts would also be occupied and they demanded admission to Tongzhou, a suburb only 15 miles away from Beijing. Now Guiliang did indeed have carte blanche from Emperor Xianfeng, but he found the new terms so unacceptable he resorted to the classic Chinese ruse that he did not in fact have plenipotentiary which completely contradicted his original claims. Elgin recognized the classic Chinese stalling tactic because it had occurred so many times at this point. Elgin wrote in his diary “The blockheads have gone on negotiating with me just long enough to enable [Hope] Grant to bring all his army up to this point. Here we are with our base established in the heart of the country, in a capital climate, with abundance [food] around us, our army in excellent health, and these stupid people give me a snub which obliges me to break with them,” Elgin at the same time wrote to his wife “I am at war again! My idiotical Chinamen have taken to playing tricks, which give me an excellent excuse for carrying the army on to Pekin.” Thus Elgin and Gros both agreed the time had finally come to simply march on Beijing. After the fall of Beitang and the Taku forts came so easily, Prince Seng was prepared to commit suicide. However he was ordered to retreat north to the city of Tongzhou just outside Beijing. Tongzhou stood on the road between Tianjin and Beijing and it was there he would prepare a last stand. He had sent 10,000 of his infantry and 700 Cavalry from Danggu and 40,000 Mongolian troops towards Tongzhou where he was amassing an army of 60,000. His instructions were not to attack, but to simply ensure peace while protecting the capital. As the Europeans marched, the Emperor dispatched more envoys and countless letters to Elgin and Gros to delay them. They kept saying that Guiliang had been confused and that in fact the Emperor had accepted all the terms if the Europeans would just stop their advance they could ratify the treaty. It seemed the closer the European force got to Beijing the high the frequency of letters and envoys became. But Elgin was fed up with the Chinese delaying tactics and told them all they would not stop until they reached the  suburb of Beijing, Tongzhou. Many of the frantic envoys made a counteroffer asking the Europeans to go to Hesewu which was between Tianjin and Beijing. Grant liked the offer because in truth, the military force was having a hard time keeping up their logistics. In a kind of humorous way, when Grant began to press Elgin about the logistical issue, Elgin began to blame the troops for quote “the difficulty of getting our army along is incredible; our men are so pampered that they do nothing for themselves and their necessities so great that we are almost immovable. I was disgusted to find out the troops refuse to drink their daily ration of grog unless it is iced.” I love the 19th century its so wild.  On September 14th Elgin sent Harry Parkes and Thomas Wade to negotiate with two new emissaries the Emperor sent to Tongzhou. Their names were Zaiyuan and Muyin, Zaiyuan was also the emperor cousin and both men held real authority. On the very first day of negotiation at Tongzhou, after 8 hours of discussion which is light speed it seems for the Chinese, they accepted all terms. They also agreed to a protocol for ratification, the European forces would be allowed to advance to a place known as Zhengjiawan, just 6 miles from Tongzhou. From there Elgin would leave behind the majority of the forces and proceed to Tongzhou with an escort of 1000 men to sign the treaty. After that Elgin and his escort could continue to Beijing to meet Emperor Xianfeng for a formal ceremony of the treaty ratification. Harry Parkes traveled back to Elgin to report the great news and by September 17th he came back to Tongzhou to tell the Qing emissaries Elgin was preparing his arrival. However by the time Parkes got back, the Emperor had secretly instructed Prince Seng to destroy Elgins party when he came to sign the treaty. The Qing forces at Tongzhou were all hard at work preparing artillery batteries and surprise attack launching points such as millet coverings to conceal units. When Parkes began talking to the emissaries they suddenly began an argument about Elgin needing to Kowtow, it was all a ruse to delay. Prince Seng meanwhile counseled his Emperor to save face by going on a “hunting expedition” near the northern border. Seng did not want the Europeans to take the Emperor hostage, though there were many who believed it was actually a secret ploy to grab the dragon throne himself. Emperor Xianfangs concubine turned consort, Cixi urged him to remain in Beijing. The Emperor proposed to march out of the capital at the head of a huge army, make a feint attack at the European force and then flee to the safety of his hunting lodge at Rehe over 100 miles away near the Great Wall. The European military officials told Elgin and Gros to go to Tongzhou with such a small escort was suicide and they believed it to all be a trap. On september 18th as Parkes was riding back to Tianjin to report to Elgin, he noticed Prince Seng's cavalry massing behind these rows of millets. The cavalry were beginning to occupy Zhengjiawan and now Parkes suspected it was all a trap. Parkes dispatched Henry Loch, Lord Elgin's private secretary post-haste to rush back to Elgin and report all of this. Meanwhile Parkes alongside two Sikh's returned to Tongzhou to confront Zaiyuan and Muyin. When Loch got to Elgin it turns out his warning was unnecessary, Grant had sent scouts who had spotted the force at Zhengjiawan. Loch showing true courage quickly rode back to Tongzhou to report back to Parkes with only a single body guard. Both men were captured by Qing cavalry units and they alongside Parkes were offered safe conduct to meet with Prince Seng too which they agreed, I mean they had no real choice. Once they reached Seng they were both arrested alongside 19 Sikh, Thomas Bowlby and 3 British officers.  Parkes remained fearless as he confronted what he described to be “a acne plagued, short, fat Prince Seng”. Despite being in no position to reject such an order, Seng ordered Parkes to kowtow. Parkes refused and was met with his head being smashed into the marble floor multiple times. Qing soldiers pinned Parkes down as Seng screamed  “You have gained two victories to our one. Twice you have dared to take the [Dagu] forts. Why does not that content you? I know your name, and that you instigate all the evil that your people commit. It is time that foreigners should be taught respect.” Parkes managed to free his head to look up at Seng and screamed “we came to you under the flag of truce and you promised safe conduct”. Seng laughed and had his men slam Parkes head back to the floor before he responded “write to your people and tell them to stop the attack”. Parkes replied “I cannot control or influence military movement in any way. I will not deceive your highness”. Suddenly European artillery could be heard and Seng ordered Parkes and the rest of the prisoners to be tossed into wooden carts and sent to Beijing. Parkes and Loch were shackled and incarcerated in the board of Punishments awaiting an execution. The prisoners hands were secured with leather straps that were moistened so they would shrink and cut into the victims wrists. Some of the POW's were sent to the Summer palace for private inspection and public humiliation by the Emperor. It was Prince Seng's intention to showcase these prisoners as such so the Qing who witnessed them would see they were not invincible and stop believing the Chinese could not win the war. The prisoners were forced to kneel in the palace courtyard, bound without food or water for 3 days. Their hands swelled and many became gangrenous. Disease and dehydration led to deaths. Parkes and Loch at the board of punishments were placed in separate cells and interrogated and tortured. After days of this they were demanded to write back to Elgin to plead for better terms. Meanwhile Prince Seng had his men continue to dig in and for the first time the Qing forces held a lot of firepower, 70 guns in all. Seng had a 3 mile wide force of cavalry at Zhangjiawan serving as a road block between the Europeans and Beijing. Seng had over 20,000 troops and. approaching them was a force of 1000 French and 2500 British. Yet again the Qing were relying upon bow and arrows for the mounted cavalry and antiquated firelock muskets and gingalls for the, versus the British Enfield rifle, French Minie gun and the deadly Armstrong guns. Seng was using a strategy of encirclement before going in for the kill, something more akin to medieval tactics that had the serious flaw of stretching Seng's lines out making them easier for enemy penetration.  The smaller European force fought its way forward to meet head on with the bulk of Sings army just outside Tongzhou on september 21. The swift Mongolian cavalry charged in a broad wave at the left flank of the approaching European force which was moving in three columns, cavalry to the left, artillery in the center and infantry to the right. The British and French cavalry quickly split and pulled aside as the artillery in the center wheeled their guns around to fire upon the incoming Mongolians. The Armstrong guns poured salvo after salvo deep into the ranks of the charging cavalry to terrifying effect. The Mongolians pulled up in confusion then the British cavalry of Sikh and Spahi being led by De Montauban smashed into Seng's left flank, breaking through the lines and scattering them into a chaotic retreat. Then the true slaughter came as one British officer put it “Our artillery opened fire upon the retreating forces with good effect. Firing slowly, every Armstrong shell bursting amongst them and bringing down the enemy in clumps”. A Qing eye witness had this to say about the same event “Our cavalry went out in front, but they were Mongolian horsemen who had never seen battle before. As soon as they heard the sounds of the foreign cannons, they turned back. The foot soldiers behind them scattered ranks, and then everyone trampled one another.” French infantry assaulted the town of Zhangjiawan as Seng's Mongolian cavalry's ponies were being crushed by the larger Sikh and Spahi horses using their more advanced rifles. As De Montauban's cavalry penetrated the Qing lines, they retaliated as best they could with gingalls and firelock rifles all the while Armstrongs kept blasting. When the Qing cavalry began to rout and flee the Sikh and Spahi chased them down bayoneting stragglers. Despite the absolute carnage of the artillery and bayonets, Seng lost only 1500 men during the battle, but the Europeans reported only losing 35, a staggering difference. By the end of the day the Qing forces were broken and their remnants were in a full retreat to Beijing. Elgin worried about the consequences of their victory writing in his diary “I rode out very early this morning, to see my General before he started, and to give him a hint about the looting which has been very bad here. He disapproves of it as much as I do”. General Grant had allowed the troops to sack Zhangjiawan, he considered it reparations rather than vengeance and thievery. Many of the women at Zhangjiawan feared rape, and many of the looting europeans were shocked to find countless women and children committing suicide by opium overdose. One man named Swinhoe recalled ‘the more conscious of them, beating their breasts, condemned the opium for its slow work, crying out, ‘let us die; we do not wish to live'”. Some British army surgeons began pumping the victims stomachs with such success only one of the victims still alive when the army got there died. Baron Gros shared Elgin's disgust over the looting, he wrote in a communique to the French foreign minister  “J'ai le coeur serré par les actes de vandalisme que j'ai vu commis par nos soldats, comme par nos alliés, charmés de pouvoir rejeter mutuellement les uns sur les autres les actes abominable dont ils se rendaient coupables.” (I was heartbroken by the acts of vandalism that I saw committed by our soldiers as well as by those of our allies, each delighted at the chance of heaping upon the other the blame for abominable deeds for which all deserved punishment.)” After the looting was done the force began to march towards Tongzhou. While the Europeans were marching over at Baliqao where 2 large bridge went over the Bei He River towards Beijing a Qing army was forming. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me.  The coalition forces served Pring Seng a bunch of nasty defeats and it seems it was impossible to stop them from marching upon Beijing. All that was left in their path was the great bridges at Baliqao where Pring Seng would make his last stand.