Podcasts about Mediterranean Sea

In early July, the Mediterranean Sea experienced a marine heatwave. The surface of the water reached temperatures of 30 degrees in some places. A social media post at the time claimed that some of these sea temperatures were so different to the normal sea temperature at this time of year, that the sea was experiencing a “1-in-216,000,000,000-year sea temperature anomaly”. This would suggest that the likelihood of the event was on a timescale far longer than the amount of time the entire universe has existed. Is the claim true? Dr Jules Kajtar, a physical oceanographer from the National Oceanography Centre, takes a look at the statistics. We heard about this story because a listener spotted it and emailed the team. Get in touch if you've seen a number you think we should look at. moreorless@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Lizzy McNeill Series producer: Tom Colls Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge Sound mix: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the Lord said to him, This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, I will give it to your descendants. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.Deuteronomy 34:1-4Hello everyone and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Tonight we are pleased to continue our study on the book of Deuteronomy, which teaches us to know God, love God and obey God. Filling in for Ronald L. Dart, with his conclusion of this fascinating series, is our good friend, Richard Crow.

Welcome to Day 2695 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2695 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 80:7-13 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2695 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2695 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Vine from Egypt – A Garden Left to Ruin - A Trek Through Psalm 80:7-13 Today, we continue our deeply moving trek through Psalm 80 in the New Living Translation, encompassing verses 7 through 13. In our last conversation, we heard a desperate communal lament from the psalmist, Asaph. We felt the anguish of a people crying out to God as their Shepherd, questioning, "How long, O Lord God of Heaven's Armies, will you be angry with our prayers?" (Psalm 80:4). We saw the bitter reality of their lives: feeding on sorrow and drinking tears by the cupful, becoming the public "scorn of our neighbors." Their primary plea was for God to "restore us" and to "smile on us and save us" (Psalm 80:3). Now, as we move into this next section, the psalmist continues this prayer for restoration, but he does so through a magnificent and poignant agricultural metaphor. He portrays Israel as a vine, one that God Himself rescued, planted, and tenderly cared for, a vine that once flourished and covered the earth. He then contrasts that glorious past with the vine's present state of ruin and desecration, all to intensify his plea for God, the divine Gardener, to return and care for His vineyard once again. This metaphor would have resonated deeply with the ancient Israelites, a people whose identity and heritage were intrinsically linked to the land and its fruitfulness. It's a powerful picture of a relationship that has fallen into disrepair, and the desperate hope for its renewal. So, let's immerse ourselves in this beautiful and heartbreaking metaphor of a vine planted by God. A Glorious Vine Planted by God (Reads Psalm 80:7-11 NLT) Restore us, O God of Heaven's Armies. Smile on us and save us. You brought a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it here. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shade; the mighty cedars with its branches. The vine spread its branches west to the Mediterranean Sea and east to the Euphrates River. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins this section by reiterating the central plea, a refrain that will run throughout the psalm: "Restore us, O God of Heaven's Armies. Smile on us and save us." This repetition serves to reinforce the gravity and single-mindedness of their desire for a complete reversal of their fortunes. They are begging for God's favor to return, for Him to turn His face back to them, for they know that in His smile is their salvation. The psalmist then introduces the magnificent vine metaphor, recounting...

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you!You probably have talents you have not explored yet. Take the time to try something new, something that you really desired, but never got around to ever starting. Virgin Voyages is providing Commander Drew and his lovely wife another great adventure in the Mediterranean Sea. He is such a regular on the Virgin line that he knows the layout of all of their big ships. He is having such a good time he actually had flashbacks to being in the Navy when he volunteered to  participate in an exercise in survival with U.S. Marine Corps that took place on the largest island in Greece, the island of Crete. He had to rough-it for a while but survived the encounter. This time the ship is heading to Crete, but he won't be roughing-it; he will be sitting in the lap of luxury probably lounging somewhere on a beach frequented by the rich and famous, where a simple lunch for two costs about $500.00 (give or take.) For some good news in the world, consider that recent studies suggest that eggs, once cited as unhealthy due to cholesterol, was said in error as egg consumption may actually lower unhealthy (bad)  cholesterol when used as part of a diet low in saturated fat. There is no need to die of loneliness if you have the strength to get out in the world and try something new. Meet a wingman who did a good deed and lifted the spirits of a group of elders   who needed to see a new view of the outside world. 

FRESHLY FOUND INTERSTELLAR COMET I3/ATLAS AND THE THEORY OF LITHOPANSPERMIA:   8/8: Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, by Thomas Halliday.  https://www.amazon.com/Otherlands-Journey-Through-Earths-Extinct/dp/B097CL2BVX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr1 The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands,Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life.

FRESHLY FOUND INTERSTELLAR COMET I3/ATLAS AND THE THEORY OF LITHOPANSPERMIA:   1/8: Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, by Thomas Halliday. https://www.amazon.com/Otherlands-Journey-Through-Earths-Extinct/dp/B097CL2BVX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr1 The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands,Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life.

FRESHLY FOUND INTERSTELLAR COMET I3/ATLAS AND THE THEORY OF LITHOPANSPERMIA:   2/8: Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, by Thomas Halliday. https://www.amazon.com/Otherlands-Journey-Through-Earths-Extinct/dp/B097CL2BVX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr1 The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands,Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life.

FRESHLY FOUND INTERSTELLAR COMET I3/ATLAS AND THE THEORY OF LITHOPANSPERMIA:   3/8: Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, by Thomas Halliday. https://www.amazon.com/Otherlands-Journey-Through-Earths-Extinct/dp/B097CL2BVX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr1 The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands,Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life.

FRESHLY FOUND INTERSTELLAR COMET I3/ATLAS AND THE THEORY OF LITHOPANSPERMIA:   4/8: Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, by Thomas Halliday. https://www.amazon.com/Otherlands-Journey-Through-Earths-Extinct/dp/B097CL2BVX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr1 The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands,Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life.

FRESHLY FOUND INTERSTELLAR COMET I3/ATLAS AND THE THEORY OF LITHOPANSPERMIA:   5/8: Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, by Thomas Halliday. https://www.amazon.com/Otherlands-Journey-Through-Earths-Extinct/dp/B097CL2BVX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr1 The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands,Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life.

FRESHLY FOUND INTERSTELLAR COMET I3/ATLAS AND THE THEORY OF LITHOPANSPERMIA:   7/8: Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, by Thomas Halliday. https://www.amazon.com/Otherlands-Journey-Through-Earths-Extinct/dp/B097CL2BVX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr1 The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands,Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life.

FRESHLY FOUND INTERSTELLAR COMET I3/ATLAS AND THE THEORY OF LITHOPANSPERMIA:   6/8: Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, by Thomas Halliday. https://www.amazon.com/Otherlands-Journey-Through-Earths-Extinct/dp/B097CL2BVX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr1 The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands,Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life.

In this episode, we speak with Lucille, operation communications manager for SOS Mediterranee.    She tells us how the Ocean Viking's crew found 25 people adrift in the Mediterranean Sea by chance in March 2024. The survivors told Lucille that they had left Libya five or six days ago with around 60 people. Most of them didn't survive.    A serious incident report published quietly by Frontex in May this year corroborates the survivors' accounts, that their boat was spotted by planes and commercial ships, but no rescue was launched.    The Frontex report also admits that its own failures — as well as those of the Libyan, Maltese and Italian maritime authorises — "likely" breached the fundamental right to life of those who died.    ---Get in touch---   Twitter: @FleetCivil   Mastodon: @civilfleet@kolektiva.social   Bluesky: @thecivilfleet.bsky.social   Instagram: thecivilfleet   info@civilfleet.com   civilfleet.com   --- Show notes ---   For more on SOS Mediterranee, see their website here: sosmediterranee.org   Follow SOS Mediterranee on social media: BlueSky: @sosmediterranee.org‬ Insta: SOS MEDITERRANEE Twitter: @SOSMedIntl   You can download Frontex's serious incident report 13681 / 2024 here: https://tinyurl.com/4bhb495d   Find the full Frontex report on The Civil Fleet's website, too: https://thecivilfleet.wordpress.com/2025/08/08/episode-75-frontex-likely-breached-refugees-right-to-life/    For more on SOS Mediterranee's old ship, the Aquarius, read this: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/07/dark-day-migrant-rescue-ship-aquarius-ends-operations-mediterranean    For more on Doctors Without Borders (MSF), see episodes 67, 21 and 14 of The Civil Fleet Podcast   For more on Frontex, the European Border and Coastguard Agency, check out episodes 68, 54, 52, 50, 34, 31, 23, 15, 7 and 1   For more on Malta, see episodes: 74, 72, 37, 27, and 5   For more on Seabird, check out episodes: 65 and 1   Alarm Phone activists are interviewed in episodes: 48, 5 and 3   You can read Alarm Phone's account of all this, here:  https://alarmphone.org/en/2024/09/27/denial-of-rescue-85-people-left-to-die-in-march-2024/   Oh, and Ben mentions the episode with Nadir, ResQship's rescue ship. That is episode 71. Also, check out episode 27 for more on the Nadir. 

Fluent Fiction - French: Sisterly Love: A Backyard Adventure to Remember Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2025-08-03-22-34-02-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Dans un quartier calme de Marseille, l'été touchait à sa fin.En: In a quiet neighborhood of Marseille, summer was coming to an end.Fr: Les maisons serrées les unes contre les autres dissimulaient de petits jardins ensoleillés, remplis d'odeurs de la mer Méditerranée.En: The houses, tightly grouped together, concealed small, sunny gardens filled with the smells of the Mediterranean Sea.Fr: Éloïse, une jeune fille avec un grand cœur, avait un projet important en tête.En: Éloïse, a young girl with a big heart, had an important project in mind.Fr: Son frère cadet, Thierry, allait bientôt retourner à l'école, et elle voulait lui préparer une surprise spéciale.En: Her younger brother, Thierry, was soon returning to school, and she wanted to prepare a special surprise for him.Fr: Éloïse était une sœur dévouée.En: Éloïse was a devoted sister.Fr: Thierry, un peu timide et introverti, craignait de ne pas se faire de nouveaux amis cette année.En: Thierry, a little shy and introverted, feared he would not make any new friends this year.Fr: Leur famille, marquée par quelques difficultés financières, ne pouvait pas se permettre de grandes dépenses.En: Their family, marked by some financial difficulties, could not afford large expenses.Fr: Mais cela n'arrêtait pas Éloïse.En: But that did not stop Éloïse.Fr: Elle parcourut la maison à la recherche de matériaux.En: She searched the house for materials.Fr: Elle trouva du vieux papier, des ciseaux émoussés, et quelques crayons de couleur.En: She found old paper, dull scissors, and some colored pencils.Fr: Avec ces articles, elle escomptait créer quelque chose de merveilleux.En: With these items, she intended to create something wonderful.Fr: Elle décida de transformer leur jardin en un "zone d'aventure" pour Thierry.En: She decided to transform their garden into an "adventure zone" for Thierry.Fr: Elle commença par créer un livre de souvenirs.En: She began by creating a memory book.Fr: Chaque page racontait une histoire de leur été : les glaces mangées sur la plage, les soirées à regarder les étoiles, les moments partagés dans leur petit quartier.En: Each page told a story of their summer: ice creams eaten on the beach, evenings spent stargazing, moments shared in their small neighborhood.Fr: Éloïse ajouta des notes.En: Éloïse added notes.Fr: Des mots doux, des encouragements, des blagues qui faisaient sourire Thierry.En: Sweet words, encouragements, jokes that made Thierry smile.Fr: Puis, avec quelques vieilles draps et des branches ramassées, elle érigea une tente de fortune au milieu du jardin.En: Then, with some old sheets and gathered branches, she erected a makeshift tent in the middle of the garden.Fr: Ce serait leur repaire secret, un endroit où Thierry pourrait rêver.En: This would be their secret hideout, a place where Thierry could dream.Fr: Le dernier soir de l'été fut chaud et paisible.En: The last night of summer was warm and peaceful.Fr: Éloïse appela Thierry dans le jardin.En: Éloïse called Thierry into the garden.Fr: Quand il découvrit la "zone d'aventure", ses yeux s'illuminèrent.En: When he discovered the "adventure zone," his eyes lit up.Fr: Il feuilleta le livre, lisant chaque mot avec attention.En: He flipped through the book, reading each word attentively.Fr: Il sentit tout l'amour et le soutien que sa sœur avait mis dans ce projet.En: He felt all the love and support his sister had put into this project.Fr: Thierry, ému, serra Éloïse dans ses bras.En: Thierry, moved, hugged Éloïse tightly.Fr: L'idée qu'Éloïse avait eu fonctionna merveilleusement.En: Éloïse's idea worked wonderfully.Fr: Thierry se senti soudainement confiant et prêt pour la rentrée.En: Thierry suddenly felt confident and ready for the return to school.Fr: Ce geste, pourtant simple, avait comblé toutes ses craintes.En: This gesture, simple yet meaningful, had alleviated all his fears.Fr: Éloïse réalisa alors une vérité importante.En: Éloïse then realized an important truth.Fr: Ce n'était pas les objets coûteux qui comptaient le plus, mais l'amour et l'attention qu'elle portait à son frère.En: It was not the expensive items that mattered most, but the love and attention she gave to her brother.Fr: Leur lien fraternel s'en trouva renforcé, comme les rayons du soleil qui réchauffaient doucement leur jardin ce soir-là à Marseille.En: Their sibling bond was strengthened, like the rays of the sun gently warming their garden that evening in Marseille. Vocabulary Words:neighborhood: le quartierproject: le projetyounger brother: le frère cadetsurprise: la surprisefinancial difficulties: les difficultés financièresmaterials: les matériauxdull scissors: les ciseaux émousséscolored pencils: les crayons de couleuradventure zone: la zone d'aventurememory book: le livre de souvenirsstory: l'histoireice creams: les glacesbeach: la plageevenings: les soiréesstargazing: regarder les étoilesnotes: les notesencouragements: les encouragementsjokes: les blaguessmile: le souriremakeshift tent: la tente de fortunehideout: le repaire secretsupport: le soutiengesture: le gestebond: le lienrays: les rayonstruth: la véritéitems: les objetsattention: l'attentionsibling: fraternelwarming: réchauffaient

Join hosts Asher and Kristen as they board the Culture Train and return to Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy! After visiting the colorful cliffside villages, today they head uphill to learn the true art of Ligurian pesto from Ms Barbara—right in her fragrant basil garden with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. From basil grown in nearby Pra' to marble pestles and pine nuts, discover the traditions and flavors that make pesto à la Genovese so special. Fasten your imaginary aprons—we're making pesto the Ligurian way: buzzing basil gardens, marble mortars, and salt-sprinkled sea breezes. Discover ingredient secrets: sweet Pra'-grown basil, two-year-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh Italian pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and sea salt. Learn why using a cold marble mortar matters Cultural connections: hear how veggies, herbs, and cooking pass through generations, from Ms Barbara's grandmother to our family kitchens.

Welcome to Positive Waves, where luxury meets purpose and the yachting world drives real-world change. In this episode, host Jana Thomas speaks with Rosie O'Donnell from Yachts for Science, live from the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Rosie shares how this groundbreaking initiative connects private vessels with marine scientists to enable critical research — from the icy waters of Svalbard and Greenland to the Mediterranean Sea. Discover how superyacht owners can get involved, what's in it for them, and how each yacht is carefully matched to scientific missions that are changing the future of our oceans.

Alexandria, Egypt, has stood for almost 2400 years. Today, though, parts of it are crumbling—one building at a time. As Earth's climate changes, the Mediterranean Sea is rising, the coast is eroding, and saltwater is seeping into groundwater supplies. That weakens buildings, causing them to collapse. And according to a recent study, without action to protect the coastline, the problem will get worse in the years ahead.Alexandria is the largest city on the Mediterranean, and one of the busiest ports. But its maritime location is causing trouble. Researchers looked at records of building collapses over the past quarter century. They also compared the coastline to that of previous decades, studied the soil, and made other observations.They found that 280 buildings have collapsed in the past 20 years. Over that span, the rate of collapse jumped from fewer than one per year to almost 40. Almost all of the destroyed buildings were within a mile of the coast.The jump was largely the result of climate change. Higher sea level and stronger storms have eroded the coastline by an average of 12 feet per year, with one district averaging 120 feet. And seawater is filtering into aquifers below the city. That corrodes foundations, causing buildings to crumble.The scientists recommended creating dunes and greenbelts along the coast to keep the Mediterranean at bay—and keep Alexandria from crumbling into the sea.

2025 Jul 20 SUN: SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Gn 18: 1-10a/ Ps 15: 2-3. 3-4. 5 (1a)/ Col 1: 24-28/ Lk 10: 38-42 We may have been confused last week by some words of St. Paul in this letter to the Colossians, and today he provides us with another puzzle. He says, "In my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church." And we have to ask, what could that possibly mean? We understand and we teach consistently that the suffering, the passion of Jesus, His death, His resurrection, these things are sufficient for our salvation, that free gift we often talk about. So what could Paul mean by this? It seems that he is thinking about the growth of the Church, and feeling a sense of solidarity, we might say, with all the people who will come into the Church, the People of God. As he makes his way around various communities along the Mediterranean Sea, he witnesses growth, and he knows that sufferings will have to take place as a result of this growth. And we turn to the first reading today, and we have a demonstration of a quality to be expected in that world at that time. The quality -- the virtue -- of hospitality. And we find this to be a somewhat strange story, because it's kind of disjointed. First it says that Abraham met the Lord, and then it says that there are three men before Abraham. So this is rather confusing. As Christians, we have tended to look back on this incident of Genesis chapter 18, and we see here a foreshadowing of the revelation of God as Trinity, one God, three persons. And of course the Trinity was not revealed until the time of Jesus. So that is a thing that we as Christians can do when we reflect on the Old Testament, that there are things there that are pointing to the Christian revelation. And so Abraham and Sarah exercise hospitality. Their world was a bit different from ours. And we can reflect and realize that you and I have time itself sort of chopped up into little pieces, because we are going here and there and meeting social responsibilities of various kinds. Abraham's world was not like that. They had the time to pay attention to somebody who would just show up. They had traveled long distances themselves, and they knew that there were very, very few stops along the way for refreshment.  So they exercised hospitality, and then comes the message: "By about this time next year, Sarah will have a son." And if we go on further in chapter 18 of Genesis, we find out that Sarah is listening and she's laughing. And later Abraham said, "You were laughing." And she replies, "No, I wasn't." So it's quite a thing, and an obvious thing to laugh about if you are past childbearing. But yes, they had their son, Isaac, and that name comes from a root meaning laughter.  Hospitality is at work in the Gospel as well. And this time, Martha, the one offering the hospitality, is consumed with anger, not anger, with anxiety. Yeah, there's anger mixed in there too, definitely, as she thinks that Mary ought to be helping her. But what prevails in Martha is anxiety. And Jesus speaks to calm her. "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things. Only one thing is needed, and Mary has opened herself to that one thing necessary." Every one of us knows that we have a lot of anxiety. This is kind of well an unorganized feeling, you might say. We know that we believe that much is expected from us, and we go about meeting various obligations, and we wonder whether we have met them all. And so, like Martha, we can be filled with anxiety. I know I have been in such circumstances, and there is no contrast like the contrast between anxiety and peace. And we know that our God wants peace for every one of us. And so, with Martha, we trust, we learn to know what really matters, what things are peripheral, so we can settle ourselves in great peace. Remembering that we can have this gift because God does care for us as Jesus expressed it to Martha. You are anxious and worried about many things, and all you need is my peace.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Bridges of Gold: A Family's Path to Healing by the Sea Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-07-11-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: השמש שקעה לה מעל נמל תל אביב, וצבעה את הים התיכון בגוונים של זהב וכתום.En: The sun set over the port of Tel Aviv, painting the Mediterranean Sea in shades of gold and orange.He: אנשים טיילו לאורך המזח, נהנים מהרוחות המקררות והאווירה השוקקת של הקיץ.En: People strolled along the pier, enjoying the cooling breezes and the bustling summer atmosphere.He: אריאל, שירה ודורון התאספו ליד אחת המסעדות הפופולריות, מתכוננים לפגישה משפחתית שתהיה לא רק מפגש נעים, אלא גם הזדמנות לחדש קשרים.En: Ariel, Shira, and Doron gathered near one of the popular restaurants, preparing for a family reunion that would be not only a pleasant meeting but also an opportunity to renew connections.He: אריאל הצעיר רצה להוכיח את עצמו, ולהיות שווה בין אחיו.En: Young Ariel wanted to prove himself and be an equal among his siblings.He: שירה, האחות הגדולה, הייתה תמיד הגשר בין כולם, מנסה לשמור על שלום ביניהם.En: Shira, the older sister, was always the bridge between everyone, trying to maintain peace among them.He: דורון, האח האמצעי, הרגיש לעיתים קרובות שהוא נשכח בצד, וזה יצר אתגר לא קטן לאריאל.En: Doron, the middle sibling, often felt left out, which posed a significant challenge for Ariel.He: בתוך המסעדה, כשהם יושבים בצוותא מול הים, ניסתה שירה להוביל שיחה נעימה, אך לא יכלה להתעלם מהמתח הדק ששרר באוויר.En: Inside the restaurant, as they sat together facing the sea, Shira tried to steer a pleasant conversation but couldn't ignore the subtle tension in the air.He: דורון שתק והסתכל בעיניים קשות על אריאל.En: Doron remained silent, casting a hard look at Ariel.He: לבסוף, אריאל החליט להתמודד עם הבעיה.En: Eventually, Ariel decided to address the issue.He: "דורון," פנה אליו בהחלטיות, "אני יודע שחשבת שאני תמיד מקבל יותר תשומת לב, אבל אני רוצה שנהיה חברים טובים."En: "Doron," he addressed him decisively, "I know you thought I always got more attention, but I want us to be good friends."He: דורון הביט באריאל ונראה מהוסס.En: Doron looked at Ariel, appearing hesitant.He: "קשה לי לשכוח איך הרגשתי," הוא אמר, "אבל אולי הגיע הזמן שנדבר על זה.En: "It's hard for me to forget how I felt," he said, "but maybe it's time we talked about it.He: לא באשמתך שנולדת אחרון."En: It's not your fault you were born last."He: הוויכוח ביניהם הלך והחריף כשהם התחילו להעלות זיכרונות ישנים.En: The argument between them intensified as they began to bring up old memories.He: זה היה במהלך ויכוח הסוער, כששירה התערבה ביניהם בעיניים חמות ומבינות.En: It was during this heated debate that Shira intervened between them with warm, understanding eyes.He: "חייבים לפנות מקום אחד לשני," אמרה ברוך, "אתם אחים, וזה מה שחשוב."En: “We need to make room for each other,” she said gently, “you are siblings, and that's what matters.”He: לרגע הייתה שתיקה, והגלים התנגשו על המזח ברקע.En: For a moment, there was silence, with the waves crashing against the pier in the background.He: לבסוף, דורון נאנח ואמר, "אתה צודק, אריאל.En: Finally, Doron sighed and said, "You're right, Ariel.He: אולי הזמן להפסיק להיות כועסים."En: Maybe it's time to stop being angry."He: אריאל הרגיש פרץ של הקלה ואמר, "אני מבטיח לשים לב אליך יותר."En: Ariel felt a rush of relief and said, "I promise to pay more attention to you."He: השניים התחבקו, ושירה חייכה בשקט לידם, שמחה מעומק ליבה.En: The two embraced, and Shira smiled quietly beside them, happy from the depth of her heart.He: כשהם עזבו את המסעדה, הקשר ביניהם הרגיש חדש ועמוק יותר.En: As they left the restaurant, the bond between them felt new and deeper.He: אריאל למד את החשיבות של אמפתיה והקשבה, וידע שמעכשיו, הוא יפעל לשמור על הקשר הזה ולחדש אותו שוב ושוב.En: Ariel learned the importance of empathy and listening and knew that from now on, he would work to maintain and renew this relationship again and again. Vocabulary Words:set: שקעהport: נמלpainting: צבעהstrolled: טיילוpier: מזחbreezes: רוחותbustling: שוקקתreunion: פגישה משפחתיתrenew: לחדשprove: להוכיחequal: שווהmaintain: לשמורpose: יצרsteer: להובילsubtle: דקtension: מתחdecisively: בהחלטיותhesitant: מהוססintensified: הלך והחריףmemories: זיכרונותintervened: התערבהunderstanding: מבינותembraced: התחבקוbond: קשרempathy: אמפתיהlistening: הקשבהpersistently: שוב ושובrush: פרץsilence: שתיקהdepth: עומקBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Friday morning, the 11th of July, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today.We start in the Gospel of Matthew 12:30: “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Then we go to the Gospel of Luke 11:23, and Jesus says exactly the same thing. He says: “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” We cannot serve two masters. Either we are for the Lord or we are against the Lord. There is no middle ground. The Lord says in the Book of Revelation, “If you are lukewarm, a compromiser, I will spew you out of My mouth.” Strong words, and like never before in the world, we have got to be definite and intentional when it comes to our faith. I am thinking of children at school, particularly, under tremendous pressure to compromise and say, “Yes, all roads lead to Heaven.” According to our Bible they do not. Jesus says, “I am the way,…” John 14:6. We need to stand tall for the Lord like never before. So, by doing nothing, the Lord says we are actually against Him. When somebody asks you, “Are you a follower of Christ?”, you have to say “yes” or “no”. You can't say, “Well, you know, I believe in all gods.” We don't actually, and that is why we get persecuted so much. I think again of those incredible men, those migrant workers who were working in Libya when they were caught by ISIS, marched to the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and given an opportunity to deny Christ. If they had relented they would have lived, but they didn't, and one by one they were killed. But what really touched me was that one of them was a migrant worker from Ghana, from Africa, and they said, “Who are you serving?” And this is all on video, folks. He said, “I am with them.'Understand very clearly, if you want power and peace and joy in your heart, you need to stand for Christ. You need to be definite, and that will give you the peace, the ability and the power, to walk this road with Jesus. Have a blessed day as you stand tall for the King of Kings, the soon-coming Saviour of the world.Jesus bless you and goodbye.

We're still in the year 394 BCE and we've seen Camillus has had a run in with the Falsican Schoolmaster. In this episode we move on further into the action of 394 BCE and look at 393 BCE as well. Is Camillus learning how to keep a low profile? He is praised from his success over the Faliscans and he doesn't rush for a triumph this time. But the challenge remains, that Camillus' forgotten vow to Apollo might be about to bite him on the bottom.A fateful voyage!Rome is pretty intent on fulfilling Camillus' forgotten vow to Apollo and this means a boat trip is in order. But sailing to Greece is not for the faint hearted, especially when you have such precious cargo as a golden bowl in tow. Tune in for adventures on the high sea!War with the AequiansThe Aequians, a thorn in Rome's side? Yes indeed. Do our sources agree? Of course not. It's Diodorus Siculus against Livy, duking it out with Siculus having just a mention of trouble, while Livy comes packing details. We take you through the chaotic details. The conflict centres in the town of Verrugo but watch out for mention of Tusculum as well.New Year, New You?It's time for the Roman census! We also see a return of the consulship in 393 BCE! The tussle about moving some of Rome's population permanently to Veii is back on the agenda. There's a faction in favour of a move to Veii and a faction against. Our sources seem to position this as a patrician/plebeian divide, but it might be more confusing or complicated than that.More Aequians on the Horizon…Somehow, the Aequian forces, that were absolutely devastated in 394 BCE are BACK baby but their appearance seems only a flash in the pan compared to Rome's troubles at home. There's tribunes of the plebs to worry about, factional infighting over what to do about Veii, and some trials to contend with as well. It's an exhausting time to be in Roman politics! Enter scene right: Camillus… How important was the tribune of the plebs right of veto? The question is raised in Livy's narrative.Things to listen out forSpecial legates - fancy!Pirates on the Mediterranean Sea!A fine of 10, 000 asses!What's going on the tribune of the plebs and the veto?A break from the pattern of the gens? Shock and horrorLivy getting confused?7 iugera to be allocated to every Roman and provision to procreatePestilence in Rome and surroundsA Roman beach getawayFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Lucia, Cormac, and Shashank dive into the depth of the Mediterranean Sea to discover more about the most energetic neutrino measured to date, which had an energy of a whooping 120 PeV! They then pay a visit to the South Pole to discuss what the ICECUBE neutrino observatory can tell us about the proton fraction of cosmic rays at the highest energies.  Casting a wide (KM3)NeT for a record-breaking neutrino https://astrobites.org/2025/05/29/km3net-neutrino Kachow! Three high energy neutrinos speed through IceCube https://astrobites.org/2025/05/31/template-post-33 Space Sound: https://youtu.be/VKvuohsicZs (Particle of Doubt by David Ibbett) Gammapy Song: https://gammapy.org/gammapy_song.mp3 (Gammapy Python package: https://gammapy.org) 

Samantha Burgess, Strategic Lead for Climate at ECMWF, discusses marine heatwaves as the Mediterranean sea reaches record-breaking temperatures.

This month in 1831, the Mediterranean Sea got a whole new island, one that European powers bickered over for a few months before the debate ended pretty abruptly. Plus: starting Friday in New Hope, Pennsylvania, it's the Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash. The Mediterranean's short-lived 'Atlantis' (BBC)Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash Here's hoping we see a lot of backers rise up on Patreon (and that their support also doesn't sink back a few months later)

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 374The Saint of the day is Blessed Raymond LullBlessed Raymond Lull's Story Raymond worked all his life to promote the missions and died a missionary to North Africa. Raymond was born at Palma on the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea. He earned a position in the king's court there. One day a sermon inspired him to dedicate his life to working for the conversion of the Muslims in North Africa. He became a Secular Franciscan and founded a college where missionaries could learn the Arabic they would need in the missions. Retiring to solitude, he spent nine years as a hermit. During that time he wrote on all branches of knowledge, a work which earned him the title “Enlightened Doctor.” Raymond then made many trips through Europe to interest popes, kings, and princes in establishing special colleges to prepare future missionaries. He achieved his goal in 1311, when the Council of Vienne ordered the creation of chairs of Hebrew, Arabic, and Chaldean at the universities of Bologna, Oxford, Paris, and Salamanca. At the age of 79, Raymond went to North Africa in 1314 to be a missionary himself. An angry crowd of Muslims stoned him in the city of Bougie. Genoese merchants took him back to Mallorca, where he died. Raymond was beatified in 1514 and his liturgical feast is celebrated on June 30. Reflection Raymond worked most of his life to help spread the gospel. Indifference on the part of some Christian leaders and opposition in North Africa did not turn him from his goal. Three hundred years later Raymond's work began to have an influence in the Americas. When the Spanish began to spread the gospel in the New World, they set up missionary colleges to aid the work. Saint Junípero Serra belonged to such a college. Click here for quotes from Catholic saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Welcome to Episode #175 of the Way of the Bible podcast. This is our seventh of eight episodes in our Twenty-Second mini-series entitled The Return of Jesus Christ. On today's episode, we'll continue to scratch the surface of Old Testament prophetic texts in the book of Daniel that speak of the return of Jesus. We are likely living in a period the Bible refers to more than any other. The judgment of the world and the return of Jesus Christ on the Day of the Lord. I asked at the beginning of our last episode, “Are you ready for this?” The return of Jesus Christ. I ask it again. Are you ready? There are so many prophetic plates spinning wildly that all point to a world conflagration. We now have two escalating conflicts in the world and two others about to emerge. Israel and Iran are trading missile launches and fighter bomber sorties over the production of weapon-grade plutonium. The USA stepped into the conflict with a bombing raid of our own on three high-value nuclear targets in Iran. Russia and Ukraine are still killing one another in large numbers on battlefields as well as indiscriminately bombing cities of both nations. The United States and the European Union both have their fingers in this conflict as they try to isolate Russia and weaken its power on the global scene.With northern Europe and the Middle East in states of high tension, China has an excellent opportunity to expand its global power footprint by reclaiming the island of Taiwan. At the same time, North Korea has returned to firing missiles into the ocean to once again make its neighbors aware of their nuclear capabilities.Why is any of this important? Hasn't the world always been in conflict? The answer to this last question is a definitive, NO. The world hasn't always been in conflict. Up until WWI, all wars on the planet were local or regional. Neighbors fighting neighbors for territorial dominance. WWI changed all that when suddenly there was a global disturbance between nations centered in Europe. Many historians do not believe the war ended at the signing of the Armistice of November 11, 1918 but was continued in WWII.  During WWII, the German regime murdered over fifteen million people, including six million Jews, which was a third of their entire population globally. The holocaust was not a one-off but a continual threat the Jews have faced since their dispersion into the world following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD. Just look up their history, and you'll see they are an often-hated, persecuted, and hunted people, no matter where they settle in the world. Yet through millennia, they have proudly retained their genealogical and national heritage.In the early 19th Century, a Zionist movement began to actively resettle Jews from around the world in a new Israel in the promised land. This Zionist movement was successful in having a British declaration made to that effect in the early 20th Century (Re: Balfour Declaration of November 2, 1917). The land of Palestine, which encompassed Israel, was partitioned to the British after WWI as their spoil of war. Following WWII, and the dissolution of British control over the region, the delegates of the United Nations set aside a small portion of the British partition along the Mediterranean Sea for the nation of Israel. Amid local objections and inflamed emotions, the nation of Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948. Through subsequent short conflicts with other nations, Israel acquired control over additional disputed lands, including the city of Jerusalem.Since its formation in 1948, Israel has become a powerful nation in the neighborhood and possesses nuclear weapons. It is a continual state of expansion as Jews from around the world migrate to this tiny country. Latest estimates indicate over nine million Jews are currently in Israel. This number constitutes almost one-third of all Jews in the worl

Nestled in the Horn of Africa on the easternmost part of the African continent is a small country called Djibouti. It's bordered by three other countries: Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west, and Somalia to the south. Djibouti's eastern border abuts the busy shipping lanes of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These bodies of water are connected by the Bab al-Mandab Strait which serves as an essential gateway between the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean. Directly across that narrow body of water from Djibouti is Yemen. You can imagine the geopolitical significance of this particular part of the world. You might be thinking of issues pertaining to global trade, to international peace, to development and humanitarian assistance. And you might not be surprised to know that there is a United States military presence in Djibouti. But you might be surprised to learn that the only Catholic priest currently serving in the US military for the entire continent of Africa is living there in Djibouti. You might also be surprised to learn that this priest is a Jesuit, one who just a few months ago was teaching theology and neuroscience to undergraduates at Creighton University. Now, Fr. Chris Krall is serving as a chaplain, having been called up from his reserve status at the end of the 2024 fall semester. Instead of grading papers, he's traveling by helicopter to remote bases across Africa to bring the sacraments and a listening ear. Fr. Chris is our guest today calling in all the way from east Africa. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a priest ministering to folks in the military, this conversation is for you. We talk about how Chris' current mission fits into his Jesuit vocation of being available to go where God's people need him. We wrestle with some of the possible tensions inherent in being a priest in the military. And we reflect on the surprising similarities between ministering to colleges students and ministering to women and men in uniform. A note: This conversation was recorded in late May.

Listen in as Charlene and Archer share their experiences in Israel, from swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, taking a walking tour of Tzfat, Tzeva Adom (sirens), meeting Israelis, and what it means to be Jewish.*To email us, please use Realtopicswithkids@gmail.com

//The Wire//2300Z June 18, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: ESCALATIONS CONTINUE IN MIDDLE EAST. CONCERNS GROWING REGARDING SALE OF PUBLIC LANDS IN AMERICAN WEST.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East: The war continues as before, with both Israeli and Iranian missile strikes taking place overnight. Both nations have also cracked down on internet use throughout their respective populations, due to operational security risks pertaining to how effective strikes actually were.The United States has begun the large-scale evacuation of citizens from Israel, which is being carried out via commercial cruise ships, as Ben-Gurion Airport was closed to all commercial flights last Friday, until further notice. At the moment Israeli citizens are not permitted to leave the country, as the Transportation Minister has enacted the wartime policy forbidding citizens from departing.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - Diplomatic efforts continue as before, with varying statements being made by the White House regarding the situation in the Middle East. Earlier yesterday afternoon, journalists in the press corps stated that they were told that President Trump would address the nation, however a short time after this announcement the speech was canceled and the White House called a lid for the day. This afternoon the White House stated that President Trump has not yet made the decision to strike Iran or not, though multiple Situation Room meetings have occurred throughout the past few days.Western USA: Concern is growing regarding the potential sale of public lands throughout the region. Over the past few days, information has leaked pertaining to the recent reconciliation bill in the Senate. Though this verbiage is still being considered, the latest draft of the amendment to the "Big Beautiful Bill" allegedly allows the sale of roughly 3 million acres of public lands.AC: This sale is not yet set in stone, and details are very vague regarding what the impact of this potential sale might actually be. All of these concerns can be eliminated simply by the swipe of a pen, however going off of the information that is available right now, concerns are mounting.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: More strategically, the large-scale deployment of military assets continues as before. Some airfields are being packed with airframes, while other bases (which are within range of Iranian missiles) are being emptied out to protect assets from retaliatory strikes.Overnight, CNN reported that the USS GERALD FORD (CVN-78) has been ordered to deploy to the Mediterranean Sea, to supplement the two Carrier Strike Groups already in the CENTCOM theater. The FORD has not departed port yet, and this deployment may not necessarily be a rapid and unplanned endeavor; the FORD was scheduled to undertake a routine deployment this summer anyway. However, three CSG's in CENTCOM is not particularly a sign indicating peace.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground//END REPORT//

Donald Trump posted to his social media site Truth Social on Monday evening that “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” as he made an early departure from the G7 summit in Canada to “attend to many important matters,” according to the White House. The U.S. government is also moving the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz away from the South China Sea canceling a planned port call in Da Nang City, Vietnam scheduled for this week as the ship continues to move West towards the Arabian Sea where it could join the USS Carl Vinson carrier striker group. At least three Navy destroyers have been moved to the Mediterranean Sea over the past week, including the USS Thomas Hudner.This happens at the same time that the U.S. is claiming it won't directly join Israel's war on Iran, reignited last Thursday when Israel bombed the country, but the military moves both signify that Israel is unable to defend itself militarily, and that the U.S. is preparing for its own offensive role in the conflict.It's also increasingly clear that despite initial claims to the contrary, the U.S. government knew and approved of Israel's plans, really making this a US-Israeli war. In fact, Donald Trump himself said to the Wall Street Journal a few days ago, “It wasn't a head up. It was – we know what's going on.”The war against Iran isn't just Trump's and Netanyahu's war. It's part of a long offensive against the country for maintaining independence from the imperialist world system, and for being a stalwart supporter of the Palestinian people.Are we yet again on the verge of yet another regime change attempt by the United States in Iran as Trump threatens Ayatollah Ali Khamenhei? Have Israel and the US put the world on the verge of a new World War by igniting a regional conflict that could spread like wildfire? Find an action against the war in Iran at answercoalition.org/iran. Support the show

Welcome, Catholic Pilgrims, to another day in the Mediterranean Sea with Mother Cabrini. Today, in the readings, it is the feast day of St. Francis Xavier. Mother is very excited to celebrate because St. Francis Xavier is who she modeled her name after. Remember, St. Francis Cabrini wanted to go to the East, like he did.  St. Francis Xavier was born on April 7th, 1506, so he was born 344 years before Mother Cabrini. He was Spanish and is one of the founders of the Jesuits. He was encouraged to become a priest by St. Ignatius of Loyola.  He was sent to India because Portugal was colonizing India and the Portuguese there were losing their faith or not living up to it. So, St. Francis Xavier went as the Papal Nuncio to India in 1541. It was not an easy time for him there. He had to deal with government officials that didn't like him being there. He was upset by the poor moral lives of many Catholics living in the area. And he had to build a lot of churches which wasn't easy. He died in China on December 3rd, 1552 from being ill with fever. He is buried in India.  He has a fascinating story as a missionary and he most definitely met with many struggles and hardships in his time. It's not surprising Mother Cabrini looks to him as a model to imitate as a missionary herself.  Let's hear about her time today as we turn to page 250.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Over the past night, 10 Israelis were killed and 200 injured in Iranian barrages, in addition to three killed the previous night and dozens injured, including seven IDF soldiers. Berman fills us in on the overnight strikes. We turn to a discussion of Iran's military capabilities and what's known about its missile arsenal. And Borschel-Dan poses the to-date hypothetical question of Iran's naval fleet reaching Israel. So far, American air defense systems and a Navy destroyer have helped Israel shoot down incoming ballistic missiles that Tehran has launched in response to Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military leaders. We hear how the US has used both ground-based Patriot missile defense systems and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense systems that are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. A Navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean Sea also shot down Iranian missiles heading toward Israel, one official said. Berman weighs in on whether the US may step up its efforts and join Israel in the possible scenario of a ground offensive on Iranian soil. To close out, Berman describes the daring Mossad operation in Iran that allowed Israel to launch the airstrikes. We hear that Israel spent years preparing for the operation against Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, including building a drone base inside Iran and smuggling precision weapons systems and commandos into the country. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: 6 dead, including 2 children, in Iranian missile strike on Bat Yam apartment building Devastation grows as Iran targets civilian areas, despite interceptors and shelters 4 Arab women – mother, 2 daughters and a sister-in-law – killed by Iranian missile near Haifa US air defense systems, naval destroyer help down Iranian missiles fired at Israel Trump: Iran will face American might ‘at levels never seen before’ if it attacks US Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Illustrative: US President Donald Trump gets out of a THAAD missile truck at the White House in Washington, DC, on July 15, 2019. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the annals of US military history, there are no doubt many unsolved and perplexing mysteries, but few could compare to the fate of the US Navy spy ship that was mercilessly attacked by one of its closest allies intentionally and without warning. One of the reasons it is still a mystery is because it is also the only peacetime attack on a US naval vessel that, to this day, has never been investigated by the Congress of the United States.The USS Liberty was a 455-foot, 10,150-ton electronic intercept spy ship, originally a standard-design Victory Ship--a more evolved version of the World War II Liberty Ships--which were built as supply ships, not intended for direct fighting. The Liberty had been converted to an Auxiliary Technical Research Ship (AGTR), known colloquially as a "spy ship," first deployed in 1965; its top speed was only 18 knots.Yet the Liberty's fate, one of the most enigmatic, unresolved military mysteries of all time, is, paradoxically at its core, quite clear-cut and undisputed. The basic facts generally accepted by all are that, on the fourth day of the Six Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors (Egypt, Syria and Jordan), the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) savagely attacked the U.S. spy ship, the USS Liberty.On the warm, sunny-bright day of June 8, 1967, starting at about 6:00 a.m., at least twelve, possibly thirteen Israeli aircraft of different types began surveilling the Liberty, some of which were only 1,000 feet or less in altitude, apparently to photograph and "map" her for later targeting purposes. The precision of the later attack could only have been accomplished through such pre-planning, specifically identifying the priority targets, starting with the gun mounts to render the ship defenseless, followed by all of the forty-five different radio antennae and related transmitting equipment. . Beginning just before 2:00 p.m., three unmarked French-built Mirage III-C swept-wing fighter jets, without warning, settled into a triangular formation, aimed straight at the Liberty and proceeded to bore down on the ship in a fast low-level attack that began with rockets targeted at the four gun mounts and heat-seeking missiles aimed at the communications gear, with their warmed transmitters. . When the attack was over, thirty-four men were dead and one hundred seventy-four were injured to varying degrees, some near death.Unlike all other books ever written about the tragic attack - none of which provide a satisfactory explanation of what really caused it - Remember the Liberty! examines it in complete context of how it was positioned there by Johnson himself, for the very purpose of being attacked, and sunk, with every one of the 294 men on board going to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. His purpose was to use that event - while blaming Egyptian President Gamal Nasser for the attack - as a pretext for joining Israel in the war, even at the risk of igniting World War III with the Soviet Union. This book provides the only realistic explanation for why Lyndon Johnson did what he did, and why, in the heat of battle, he intervened with his Navy officers who were determined to rescue the Liberty and ordered them to recall the squadrons of fighter jets they had already dispatched - twice, 90 minutes apart - for that purpose.When the heroic crew saved the ship from sinking, it stopped Johnson's plan to join Israel in the war and thereby saved the world from certain nuclear conflagration. It also prevented his strategy of entering what he felt would be a "popular war" (unlike his other one in Vietnam) in order to give him a better chance to be reelected president the following year. When that failed to materialize, so did his reelection campaign; ten months later he was forced to announce his decision to not re-run for the office that he had always considered his destiny.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Today we are visiting the Capital of the world, the city where East meets West and old meets new. It's a spot where everything feels alive and you can't help but be wowed by the humanity of it all.  Joining me today to chat all things Istanbul is Jonathan Crook, the Managing Director of the brand new Peninsula Istanbul. We discuss everything from Turkish cuisine, to the contemporary art scene, to the special elements that Peninsula has brought to the city.  And as a special bonus for this episode, Jonathan is offering VIP meet and greet, a yacht arrival experience, and an upgrade to a suite for the first listener to book the property through Bell & Bly Travel!  Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

Today on America in the MorningMore Guardsmen & Marines To LA It was a day of protests on the streets of Los Angeles on Monday and more is expected today, which comes as active duty Marines are reportedly being deployed to the nation's second-largest city along with 2,000 more National Guardsmen as the anti-ICE protests continue.  Jim Roope has the details from Los Angeles.   Trump Accounts President Trump and private corporations are touting his investment accounts for newborn Americans, a plan that is meeting resistance from those who would not benefit from the plan.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   Arrest In Las Vegas Double Murder The suspect police were looking for is now under arrest, after two people were shot and killed on the Las Vegas Strip.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports.    San Diego Plane Crash Six people have died after a small plane crashed off the California coast near San Diego.  Correspondent Haya Panjwani has details – audio courtesy of LIVE-ATC-DOT-NET.   RFK's Vaccine Panel Changes Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday said he is retiring all 17 members of a government panel that makes vaccine recommendations, a move rebuked by the American Medical Association.  Correspondent Lisa Dwyer reports on the implications of that order.    Mark Green Leaving Congress The already narrow GOP majority in the House of Representatives will become even thinner in the coming weeks.  House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, a Tennessee Republican, announced Monday that he plans to resign.     Homan Talks LA & Newsom As ICE protestors and police confronted each other in L.A. and other cities last night, the nation's Immigration Czar defended the administration's response, and announced that another 2 thousand more California National Guardsmen were activated by President Trump to respond to Los Angeles.  Correspondent Rich Johnson reports that Tom Homan also clarified his comment about arresting the governor of California.   Israel To Deport Gaza Flotilla In Israel, a number of activists including Greta Thunberg and a Game of Thrones actor from a Gaza-bound yacht in the Mediterranean Sea have been taken into custody and are awaiting deportation.  As correspondent Haya Panjwani reports, part of their deportation process included screening footage of the Hamas October 7 attack on Israel, which led to the war in Gaza, something they all refused to do.    Senators To Discuss Budget On Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans are expected to meet today to hash out some of the current debates surrounding President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.    Travel Ban In Effect Some travelers coming into the United States on Monday said that there were some longer lines and added scrutiny at airport entry points after President Trump's travel ban took effect.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports.   Unusual Cancer On The Rise A new study has found an alarming rise in cancer of the appendix.  A report by the National Cancer Institute found that although very rare, showing rates of appendix cancer have tripled among Gen X and quadrupled among millennials.     Finally   The pioneering funk and soul musician Sly Stone, the front man of the hit-making band Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away.  Correspondent Ed Donahue has a look at his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peace Community,On today's episode I genuinely speak about this era of coming together within the collective community. I give transparent and honest perspective views on topics from the importance of unity to connecting the impact of colonization.At this time humanity is on the line and has been for a long time. I want to do my due diligence in spreading awareness on what's happening. There is a ship called Gaza Freedom Flotilla carrying 12 humanitarian volunteer members with humanitarian aid due to the IOF blockading and sieging essential needs such as medicinals, food and aid for the people in Gaza. The ship was intercepted and all members have been abducted by the IOF as of June 9, 2025 in the early rising hours in the Mediterranean Sea. This entity has cut off all their communication and connection from the rest of the world in order to hide their committed war crimes against humanitarians who were peacefully carrying aid to those who are in need and suffering due to their inflicted, relentless, barbaric violence. At the time of this release, no one has updates about those aboard The Gaza Freedom Flotilla ship; This is urgent. We must assure coverage by sharing and pressuring the demand for their safe return. This is happening before the world... Do your due diligence as a human. No one deserves these injustices.Here are the names of the members and the country that they reside in.Greta Thunberg - SwedenHüşeyin Suayb Ordu - TurkiyeReva Viard - FranceRima Hassan - FrancePascal Maurieras - FranceBaptiste Andre - FranceThiago Avila - BrazilSergio Toribio - SpainMaro Van Rennes - The NetherlandsYasemin Acar - GermanyS/O to every brave soul rising up against ICE AGENTS in Los Angeles and across this nation where ICE raids are scheduled to continue taking place. I'm with you and so are the people. The time to stand up is now.Free The Entire Planet of Oppression. Continue advocating for all who suffer from oppression and change your contributions now that you have awareness. No one has the deranged luxury to continue ignoring what's happening. The Divine is watching.If this episode resonated with you; Support the podcast by following, rating + leaving a review. Gratitude for tuning in + listening to the podcast; Your support is greatly appreciated. Stay Genuine, Peace.Email: thegenuinepod@yahoo.comLove + Support Donations: https://cash.app/$TheGoddessKera

This World Oceans Day, we're sharing a story from The Outlaw Ocean — an urgent look at the migration crisis unfolding in the Mediterranean Sea. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ian Urbina shares insights into how climate change is driving a massive global migration, with 150 million people expected to move in the next 50 years. He follows the story of one rural farmer, a young father from Guinea-Bissau.Find the full series here: https://link.mgln.ai/oo-woe

Today, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are celebrating their daughter Lilibet's birthday. Meghan shared a video of herself dancing and effortlessly bending over just before giving birth. This raises questions: Were any of Meghan's pregnancies genuine, or did she use padding under her dress to appear pregnant? Next, Greta Thunberg's latest activist stunt involves living on a boat in the Mediterranean Sea, supposedly heading toward Gaza. This sounds more like a luxury vacation than a protest, one most of us could only dream of. Meanwhile, ICE has made another significant move, with a major bust leading to the arrest of violent criminals and human traffickers, sparking protests in Minneapolis. Why are some citizens defending human traffickers? Finally, we've got plenty to react to—check out all this and more on today's Untamed!  

Hola! Jason is in Spain with JKatz Moses, so the audio is a bit malnourished, but the discussion will still blow your hair back. Back in the states, Keith struggles with yet another "quick project" as he screws multiple things up and just can't make any headway. Jason and JKatz enjoy an 18-course meal overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, while we all wait in the drive thru at Chick-Fil-A. Enjoy the show! Be sure to check out Bits & Bits at www.bitsbits.com and use coupon code MORSELS15 to save 15% on your order of router and/or CNC bits. Be sure to hit up Katz-Moses Tools at www.KMTools.com - cool tools at a fair price. If it's on their website, it's in Jonathan's apron. www.kmtools.com **And check out the new Katz Moses aluminum channel French Cleat system with some bad azz 3D printed accessories that lock in place!! Say whaaaa?!?!?**WTB Woodworking has a new giveaway that includes over $100 in MagSwitch gear! The link for the giveaway will be: https://www.wtbwoodworking.com/giveaway , so go sign up and win yourself some sweet kit! This giveaway is live from 4/21/25 to 6/21/25. **Check out WTB Woodworking new store at 390 Pike Road, Unit 2, Huntingdon Valley, PA for lumber, slabs, woodworking tools and MORE!! Or shop online and earn yourself some Burkell bucks for every dollar you spend!Help us support Grit-Grip!! A revolutionary new breed of double-sided sanding sponges that we both LOVE! Check it out at https://grit-grip.com/ and use code "shopsounds" at checkout to get a free sanding block!The Bourbon Blade: https://www.bourbonmoth.com/shop/p/the-bourbon-blade-original-pocket-chiselIf you'd like to support us on Patreon and have access to our irreverent aftershow, you can sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/shopsoundspodcastYou can find us on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook and TikTok (maybe): Bourbon Moth Woodworking and Keith Johnson Woodworking

We talk to CODEPINK's National Co-Director Danaka Katovich about recent events including a drone attack on the Freedom Flotilla for Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea and slanderous attacks on peace activists by corrupt US Senators opposed to CODEPINK's "China Is Not Our Enemy" campaign. Musical excerpt: "Sirens of Titan" by Al Stewart.

Back on this day in 2016, EgyptAir Flight 804 crashed over the Mediterranean Sea. After years of investigation, officials concluded that a pilot’s cigarette sparked a fire that brought the plane down.

Gaza will never become an independent nation, Israel Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter says.   “There's not going to be an independent sovereign state other than Israel west of the Jordan River,” Leiter told The Daily Signal.   “There could be all sorts of autonomous arrangements,” he said, “but there's not going to be an independent sovereign Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. It's just not going to be.”   The nation of Israel extends from the Joran River west to the Mediterranean Sea to form the narrow country that is roughly the size of New Jersey. Since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, pro-Palestine protesters in America and round the world have chanted, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” referring to Palestine fully occupying the land between the Joran River and the Mediteranea Sea, in turn eliminating the nation of Israel.   Following Oct. 7, there is a “complete absence of bandwidth” in Israel for the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel. There is, however, a great deal of interest in Israel to expand partnerships with nations in the Middle East through the Abraham Accords, according to Leiter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We often don’t know why God allows storms to disturb the weather patterns of our lives, but we have a Savior who knows how to manage storms and can get us through them. In his unique style, Robert Morgan will weave together Biblical truth, history, and powerful storytelling to teach how to move through the storms of life until we reach safe harbor. Join us for a wonderful, uplifting conversation.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's rounds are Music (Intros), Fictional Planets, French Borders (Quickfire), Who Am I?, and a Prize Round. Prize Round Picture Question: Which country?

We often don’t know why God allows storms to disturb the weather patterns of our lives, but we have a Savior who knows how to manage storms and can get us through them. In his unique style, Robert Morgan will weave together Biblical truth, history, and powerful storytelling to teach how to move through the storms of life until we reach safe harbor. Join us for a wonderful, uplifting conversation.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beppe, a native Italian, started his journey in active travel over two decades ago and, with the help of his wife Heather, co-founded Tourissimo, one of the top adventure travel companies in Italy. With years of expertise designing cycling and adventure tours across all 20 regions of Italy, Beppe and Heather have the inside scoop on the most authentic and unforgettable experiences Italy has to offer.So grab your espresso (or a glass of vino Italiano), and let's explore Italy region by region!Northern Italy: Adventure, Culture, and Alpine BeautyLombardy (Lombardia)Running along the Swiss border, Lombardy is Italy's largest and wealthiest region—a land of striking contrasts and cultural riches. Home to nearly 10 million people, Lombardy contains 12 of Italy's largest cities: Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Mantua, Pavia, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Monza, Sondrio, and Varese. The region blends modern sophistication with old-world charm, from the fashion capital and bustling metropolis of Milan to the serene, postcard-perfect landscapes of Lake Como.Lombardy is dotted with some of Italy's most beloved lakes, including Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Idro, and many more. Picturesque villages like Bellagio offer sun-drenched escapes along Lake Como's shores, while the medieval towns of Bergamo and Mantova enchant visitors with cobblestone streets, sweeping views, and centuries of history.Culinary lovers will be spoiled for choice with Lombardy's 60 Michelin-starred restaurants—3 with three stars, 6 with two stars, and 51 with one star. Be sure to savor the region's iconic Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused dish that's a local staple. Wine enthusiasts won't want to miss a glass of Franciacorta, Italy's sparkling answer to Champagne.November is a wonderful time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It's also the perfect season to explore Lombardy's slice of the Alps, where charming mountain towns await nestled among the peaks. For an unforgettable adventure, consider attending the 2025 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo!Tourissimo Tip– If you are flying into Milan, select the correct airport because Milan has two airports! For info, check out the following Tourissimo blog: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/avoid-this-common-travel-mistake-know-milans-two-airportsVenetoVeneto, the birthplace of Prosecco, Polenta, and the iconic Spritz, is a region rich in charm, culture, and culinary delights. Stretching from the Italian Riviera to the Venetian Pre-Alps and the stunning Dolomites, Veneto is home to both natural beauty and historic towns. Its capital, the enchanting floating city of Venice, is world-famous for its canals, gondolas, labyrinthine streets, and undeniable romance.Each of Venice's islands offers something special: admire the colorful houses of Burano, renowned for its lace-making traditions; visit Murano, celebrated for its centuries-old glassblowing artistry; and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Torcello. Exploring these islands by vaporetto (water bus) offers a quieter, more authentic glimpse into Venetian life. Tourissimo Tip–For a few more suggestions, check out Tourissimo's blog on the Venetian Lagoon: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/our-favorite-destinations-in-the-venetian-lagoonBeyond Venice, Veneto boasts a treasure trove of picturesque towns. Verona, Padua, Vicenza, and Asolo each offer their own distinct history and beauty. Visit Castelfranco Veneto for a charming escape or head to Bardolino to enjoy a boat ride on Italy's largest lake, Lago di Garda. Stroll the waterfront in Castelletto sul Garda or circle the freshwater moat of Cittadella, a red-brick medieval town full of character.In the countryside, the hills of Prosecco promise stunning vineyard views, while the medieval town of Montagnana offers a taste of the past. Nature lovers can visit the volcanic Euganean Hills in Este, and cheese lovers shouldn't miss the small town of Asiago, home to one of Italy's most famous cheeses.Veneto's culinary scene shines with 34 Michelin-starred restaurants—2 with three stars, 3 with two stars, and 29 with one star. Indulge in local specialties like Bigoli in Salsa, a hearty Venetian pasta with anchovy sauce, and toast with a glass of Prosecco, Grappa, or the regional favorite, the Select Spritz. And don't forget—Venetians love to celebrate, so let loose and join the party!Tourissimo Tips–Another fun suggestion is Veneto Marostica, the City of Chess, where they do a living chess match with hundreds of people dressed in medieval costumes every two years: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/marostica-the-city-of-chessPiedmont (Piemonte)Nestled at the foot of the Alps and bordered on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea, Piedmont is one of Italy's most underrated gems. With a diverse landscape that offers adventure and beauty year-round, this region is perfect for both winter skiing and summer hiking and biking, thanks to its stunning Alpine scenery.But Piedmont isn't just about breathtaking views—it's steeped in rich history and cultural significance. As the first capital of Italy, it boasts grand palaces, remarkable art, and sacred relics like the famed Shroud of Turin. The capital city of Turin is a vibrant hub, home to Europe's largest outdoor food market and the monthly Gran Balon flea market, a haven for vintage and antique lovers.Venture beyond the city and you'll discover a region bursting with charm and flavor. Tour the Langhe Hills, a paradise for vineyard visits, and sample Bagna Cauda, a warm anchovy and garlic dip beloved by locals. Wander the lakeside town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, or stroll the cobbled streets of Neive, where views of rolling hills and storybook cottages create an unforgettable setting. In Asti, you can witness the September medieval horse races and visit the majestic Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo. For a true fairy-tale escape, head to Macugnaga in the valley of Monte Rosa, a perfect base for both skiing and hiking. And just outside of Turin lies the hidden gem of Lake Orta, a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.Piedmont's culinary scene is just as spectacular. With 35 Michelin-starred restaurants—2 with three stars, 3 with two stars, and 30 with one star—the region is a paradise for food lovers. Dine in Alba during white truffle season (September to January), and savor iconic regional dishes like Agnolotti del Plin and Coniglio Arrosto. Wine enthusiasts will be in heaven here—Piedmont is the land of Barolo, the "king of wines," and Barbaresco, two of Italy's most prestigious reds.Tourissimo Tips:Piedmont is home to the Slow Food movement: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/why-piedmont-is-renowned-for-its-slow-foodTourissimo Tip–Check out this blog for a guide to a day of eating in Turin: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/a-day-of-eating-in-turinTourissimo Tip–One of the Best Meals of Your Life will be at the Piazza Duomo in Alba!Emilia-RomagnaLocated in central Italy along the Adriatic coast, Emilia-Romagna is a vibrant and diverse region known for its perfect blend of “slow food” and “fast cars.” This area is considered both the culinary and automotive capital of Italy, offering rich traditions, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.Food lovers will be in heaven here. Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of iconic Italian delicacies such as Mortadella, Tortellini in Brodo, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, traditional Balsamic Vinegar, Lambrusco, and egg-based fresh pastas like lasagna, tortellini, and tagliatelle. A visit to Parma lets you savor authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and world-class Prosciutto, as well as enjoy the elegant Teatro Regio opera house.The region also has a need for speed—it's home to legendary automotive brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. For car enthusiasts, the Ferrari Museum in Modena is a must-see. Emilia-Romagna even has a dedicated cycling tourism office, and in summer 2023, it played host to several stages of the Tour de France, which began in nearby Florence.Beyond the food and cars, Emilia-Romagna offers a range of enchanting destinations. The capital city of Bologna is known for its Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the scenic Santuario Madonna di San Luca. In Ravenna, marvel at the dazzling, colorful mosaics and the historic San Vitale Basilica. Along the coast, vibrant seaside resorts like Cervia, Cesenatico, and Rimini create a lively, carnival-like party atmosphere from late May through September. For a more peaceful experience, explore the medieval gem of Brisighella, a lesser-known treasure full of charm.When it comes to fine dining, Emilia-Romagna doesn't disappoint. The region boasts 24 Michelin-starred restaurants, including one three-star, three two-star, and twenty one-star establishments. Visitors are often struck by the warmth and generosity of the locals—some of the most hospitable people in Italy—who express their love through exceptional food and outstanding service.Tourissimo Tips:Did you know that there is a whole other country within Emilia Romagna? https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/san-marino-the-other-small-country-within-italyTourissimo Tip–Pietra di Bismantova was an inspiration for Dante: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/pietra-di-bismantova-the-inspiration-for-dantes-purgatoryTourissimo Tip–You can cross the Rubicon: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/crossing-the-rubiconTrentino-South TyrolNestled along Italy's northern border with Switzerland, Trentino–South Tyrol is a stunning mountainous region that blends Italian and Austrian influences, making it a top destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its striking Alpine scenery, exceptional cuisine, and rich cultural duality, this region offers the best of both worlds.The South Tyrol capital, Bolzano, is renowned for having the highest quality of life in Italy, combining the clean, efficient infrastructure often associated with Germany with the flavorful food and spirited lifestyle of Italian culture.Outdoor adventurers will be captivated by the Dolomites, with their dramatic limestone peaks—ideal for hiking, skiing, and breathtaking vistas. Don't miss the Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest Alpine meadow, which is especially stunning in spring and summer. Explore shimmering Lake Garda and uncover the region's medieval past through spectacular castles like Schloss Tirol, Castel Roncolo, and Castel d'Appiano.Tourissimo Tip–An off-the-beaten-path outdoor paradise can be found in the Alps of Trentino. Check out the Val di Sole. This is one of the areas that Beppe and Heather regularly go to on their personal vacations in Italy: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-wild-dolomitesThe culinary offerings here reflect the region's unique blend of cultures. Traditional dishes range from Bratwurst and Goulash to Italian-style pastas with hearty meats like deer. Foodies should try Speck, a savory smoked ham, perfectly paired with a glass of Gewürztraminer, a fragrant white wine native to the area. The region also produces excellent white wines and lighter reds that pair beautifully with its alpine cuisine.When it comes to fine dining, Trentino–South Tyrol excels with 33 Michelin-starred restaurants, including three three-star, five two-star, and twenty-five one-star establishments, making it one of Italy's most impressive gourmet regions.LiguriaLocated along Italy's rugged northwestern coastline, Liguria—also known as the Italian Riviera—boasts dramatic cliffs, colorful seaside villages, and incredible culinary traditions. The region is best known for the five picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, as well as the glamorous resort towns of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.Tourissimo Tip– If you visit the Cinque Terre, don't forget to look up, and hike up away from the crowds to see the heroic vineyards: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-heroic-winemaking-of-the-cinque-terreBecause of the narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs, many travelers prefer to explore the region via the local train or by public or private boat. If you're planning to hike the famous trails, be aware that entrance permits are now required due to landslides and overtourism.In the regional capital of Genoa, dive into maritime history, visit the iconic San Lorenzo Cathedral, and wander the city's old port area. Just outside Genoa, discover the secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey, accessible only by boat or footpath. In Vernazza, one of the Cinque Terre towns, visit the Doria Castle and the beautiful Santa Margherita Church.Liguria is also a celebrity hotspot, and its cuisine is just as impressive as its scenery. Known as the birthplace of pesto, the region is famous for Pesto alla Genovese, made with a special local basil. Be sure to try the region's olive oil, garlic, cheeses, and exceptional seafood, especially the anchovies. Other regional specialties include Focaccia di Recco, a cheese-filled flatbread, and lighter olive oils that perfectly complement Ligurian dishes.For fine dining, Liguria is home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants, all with one star, offering refined cuisine rooted in the region's coastal and agricultural traditions.Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Friuli)Tucked between Veneto, Austria, and Slovenia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a lesser-known gem that offers a unique blend of Alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and coastal charm. The region features part of the Dolomites, ideal for hiking, skiing, and capturing breathtaking scenery.The capital, Trieste, is a refined port city with a fascinating blend of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences. Don't miss the Miramare Castle, perched over the sea with stunning views. In Cividale del Friuli, stroll through cobbled streets and sample Frico, a savory, crispy dish made of cheese and potatoes, best enjoyed with a glass of Schioppettino, a bold red wine native to the region.For outdoor adventures and relaxation, spend a beach day at Lignano Sabbiadoro, camp in Sistiana, bike the trails around Grado, or explore the ancient Roman ruins in Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the enormous Grotta Gigante (Giant Cave), stroll through Unity of Italy Square, and tour the Revoltella Museum for modern art.Friuli-Venezia Giulia is also home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants, including two two-star establishments and five one-star venues, reflecting the region's quiet but impressive culinary scene.Tourissimo Tip– A hotel that Heather and Beppe love in Cormons is La Subida. It's a unique, high-end, and rustic property nestled in nature that boasts a 1-Michelin star restaurant: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/hotels-we-love-la-subidaAosta ValleyNestled in the northwestern tip of Italy, where it borders Switzerland and France, the Aosta Valley is Italy's smallest and highest region—a true mountain paradise. This alpine jewel is renowned for its dramatic snowcapped peaks, storybook castles, and a unique blend of French and Italian culture, as both languages are spoken here.The region is home to Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), Europe's highest peak, which straddles the borders of Italy, France, and Switzerland. While the summit lies on the French side, visitors on the Italian side can experience the Skyway Monte Bianco, a breathtaking cable car ride offering panoramic views of the Alps.Key landmarks include the striking Matterhorn, the impressive Fénis and Savoy Castles, and the Bard Fortress, one of the largest and most remarkable fortifications in the Alps. After a day in the mountains, relax in one of the region's thermal spas, and indulge in Fonduta, a rich, velvety cheese fondue perfect for chilly alpine evenings.Wine lovers should sample the region's distinctive red mountain wines, especially Enfer d'Arvier, known for its bold flavor and high-altitude character.Tourissimo Tip–A fun tradition is the Friendship Cup, a communal cup of coffee: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-friendship-cup-of-valle-daostaCentral Italy: History, Art, and Rolling HillsTuscany (Toscana)Tuscany, the heart of the Renaissance, is a captivating region of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and timeless art and architecture. Located just below Italy's northern regions, it's a haven for art lovers, history buffs, and food and wine enthusiasts alike. From Chianti to Brunello di Montalcino, the region offers a wide variety of world-class wines.The regional capital, Florence, is one of Italy's most walkable and safe major cities, making it ideal for solo travelers. Admire its architectural wonders while sipping on Chianti Classico and indulging in a local favorite—Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Must-see landmarks in Florence include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David. For iconic views, head to Piazzale Michelangelo.Beyond Florence, explore the historic cities of Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano, each offering its own charm. Don't miss the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Siena Cathedral, and spend time in the picturesque public squares like Piazza del Campo, Piazza della Signoria, and Piazza del Duomo.For off-the-beaten-path adventures, discover medieval hilltop villages such as Sorano, or head to the Maremma coast for scenic beaches and bold wines. Tuscany also shines in its culinary excellence, boasting 41 Michelin-starred restaurants—including 1 three-star, 5 two-star, and 35 one-star establishments.Tourissimo Tip–3 places in Tuscany you didn't know existed: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/three-places-in-tuscany-you-did-not-know-existedUmbriaUmbria, often called the "Green Heart of Italy," is the country's only completely landlocked region, nestled between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche. Though it lacks large cities, Umbria more than makes up for it with breathtaking natural beauty, medieval towns, and a rich culinary tradition.One of Umbria's most impressive sights is the Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Falls)—the second tallest waterfall in Europe. Nature lovers and photographers alike will be amazed by its dramatic 165-meter drop. The region is also home to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy's most revered saints, and a major pilgrimage destination.Food lovers will delight in Umbria's hearty, earthy cuisine, featuring lentils, mushroom-based dishes, cured meats, and the prized black truffle (Tartufo Nero di Norcia). Pair these specialties with a glass of Sagrantino di Montefalco, a robust red wine unique to the region.Umbria's culinary excellence is further reflected in its four Michelin-starred restaurants: Casa Vissani, Vespasia, Ada, and Elementi. Each holds one Michelin star, offering refined takes on the region's rustic flavors.Tourissimo Tip–Norcia is definitely one of Italy's culinary gems: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/norcia-one-of-italys-culinary-gemsMarcheLocated in central Italy on the Adriatic side, Marche is a beautiful region with a population of 1 million people, known for its charming towns, rich history, and welcoming, hardworking culture. The region offers stunning destinations like Urbino and Ancona, along with pristine beaches such as Spiaggia della Due Sorelle, Parco Naturale Monte San Bartolo, Mezzavalle, and the Riviera del Conero, not to mention many picturesque nature reserves.Must-see landmarks include Castello di Gradara, Palazzo Ducale di Urbino, the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, Tempio del Valadier, and the breathtaking underground Frasassi Caves. Marche's favorite cities and nearby towns also include Gubbio, Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto, and Cascia.For those drawn to religious history, highlights include the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis, the Sacred Convent of Saint Francis, Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, and Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi, as well as the Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia. History lovers should visit Rocca Paolina, Piazza IV Novembre, Fontana Maggiore, Piazza del Comune, and Grotta di Monte Cucco, while museums like Narni Sotterranea, the National Gallery, and Nobile Collegio del Cambio offer rich cultural experiences.This region is famous for its culinary tradition, especially its mastery of seafood, and is home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants — including Uliassi in Senigallia, proudly holding three Michelin stars, along with one two-star and five one-star establishments. No visit would be complete without tasting Olive all'Ascolana, fried stuffed olives that perfectly capture Marche's local flavor. All of this, combined with the region's natural beauty and warm, fun, and friendly locals, makes Marche a truly unforgettable destination in the heart of Italy.Tourissimo Tip–Ascoli Piceno, the town where the Ascoli olive is from, is beautiful, especially at night when it appears to glow: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/ascoli-piceno-the-italian-town-that-glows-at-nightLazioLazio, one of Italy's central regions, though often considered a southern region by Italians, is a place rich with history, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. At its heart is the capital city of Rome, a destination overflowing with opportunities for exploration. Essential sites include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and countless other remarkable attractions. No visit to Rome is complete without savoring its famous dishes, including Cacio e Pepe — a creamy cheese and pepper pasta — along with local favorites like Spaghetti alla Gricia, Pasta all'Amatriciana, and Pasta Carbonara, best enjoyed with a glass of crisp Frascati wine while taking in views of the Colosseum. Lazio as a whole has 107 two-star Michelin restaurants and 105 one-star restaurants. If you find yourself in the Trastevere neighborhood, there are many wonderful popular restaurants, including La Scaletta and Le Mani in Pasta.Another must-see is Vatican City, home to the Vatican and its world-renowned religious and artistic treasures. In December 2025, Rome will host the Jubilee, or Holy Year — a significant Catholic Church event focused on forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal, held only once every 25 years and drawing pilgrims from across the globe.Beyond Rome, Lazio offers a beautiful coastline and peaceful countryside, perfect for travelers seeking quieter escapes. Among its hidden gems is Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman city that once served as the bustling port of Rome, located at the mouth of the Tiber River. With its blend of legendary landmarks, culinary traditions, religious significance, and off-the-beaten-path treasures, Lazio is a captivating region waiting to be explored.Tourissimo Tip–There's a wonderful project underway to create a cycle path around the perimeter of Rome: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/cycling-in-rome-grab-a-bike-and-bike-the-grabAbruzzoAbruzzo, known as Italy's green region, lies in the central-eastern part of the country and boasts a stunning combination of mountains, coastline, and unspoiled nature. Along the beautiful Trabocchi Coast, visitors can admire the historic trabocchi — ingenious wooden fishing structures built by fishermen centuries ago to safely fish the Adriatic waters, many of which have now been converted into charming seaside restaurants where you can dine on fresh seafood while suspended above the waves with sunsets as your backdrop. When it comes to dining, Abruzzo currently boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants; there are three 1-star restaurants and one 3-star restaurant. Food lovers shouldn't miss Arrosticini, the region's famous grilled lamb skewers, or a glass of bold Montepulciano d'Abruzzo red wine. Outdoor enthusiasts have countless opportunities for adventure, from swimming at the Stiffe Caves and strolling the Ponte del Mare to relaxing on the beaches of Riserva Naturale Guidata Punta Aderci and hiking to the iconic Rocca Calascio. Lakeside escapes await at Lago di Scanno and Lago di Barrea, while the towering Gran Sasso d'Italia and the expansive Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, and Lazio e Molise offer breathtaking scenery and pristine trails. The region is home to many national parks — Abruzzo, Lazio, Molise National Park, Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains National Park, and Maiella National Park — perfect for hiking, biking, trail running, and spotting the highest peaks of the Apennine Mountain Range. Cyclists can enjoy the Bike to Coast cycle path, a 131 km (81.4 mile) route running along the Adriatic coast from Pescara to Vasto. History and architecture lovers will appreciate sites like Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, Centro Storico di Sulmona, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, and the Medieval Village of Pacentro. For a uniquely tranquil experience, visit the enchanting Gardens of Ninfa. Abruzzo is also a fabulous winter skiing destination and keeps traditions alive with events like Transumanza, the seasonal migration of livestock, primarily sheep, between the high-altitude pastures of the region. With its mountain majesty, historic villages, flavorful cuisine, and coastal charm, Abruzzo offers something unforgettable for every traveler.Tourissimo Tips:More info on the trabocchi coast: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/abruzzos-trabocchi-coastAbruzzo Bike to Coast is a beautiful bike path along the coast: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/cycling-along-abruzzos-coastMoliseOne of Italy's most untouched and lesser-known regions, Molise is famously nicknamed “the region that doesn't exist,” though it's rich in history, traditions, and natural beauty. This quiet region offers a mix of beaches and mountains, including part of the National Park of Abruzzo within the Apennines mountain range, filled with abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and winter ski opportunities. Tourissimo Tip–The Region That Doesn't Exist: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-italian-region-that-doesnt-existThe capital city, Campobasso, is home to notable sites like Monforte Castle and several Romanesque churches, while the charming coastal town of Termoli draws visitors for its beaches, trabucchi (historic fishing huts now serving fresh seafood), and local specialties like brodetto, a traditional seafood stew. Along the Molise coast in Termoli, dining at a trabucchi offers fresh catches with a side of Adriatic views. History buffs should visit the Samnite ruins in the Pietrabbondante archaeological area, the well-preserved Saepinum Archaeological Area, and landmarks like Lago di Castel San Vincenzo, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Purification, Monforte Castle, and the Basilica of Saint Mary of Sorrow. A must-see is the Marinelli Bell Foundry, founded in 1339. It's the oldest continuously operating bell foundry in the world, Italy's oldest family business, and the official provider of bells to the Vatican. Food lovers can sample Cavatelli, a local pasta specialty, paired with Tintilia, a rare red wine unique to Molise. The region is also home to seven one-star Michelin restaurants and several local food tours that showcase its rustic culinary traditions. While Molise's quiet charm and untouched landscapes make it a special destination, visitors should note that English is not widely spoken, making it a truly authentic Italian experience for those eager to explore one of the country's hidden gems.Southern Italy: Sun, Sea, and Ancient WondersCampania The birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, the Mediterranean Diet, and Mozzarella di Bufala, Campania is one of Italy's most vibrant and culturally rich regions. Home to the bustling regional capital Naples (Napoli), it boasts some of the country's most iconic destinations, including Pompeii, the stunning Amalfi Coast, and the tranquil Cilento Coast.Along the sparkling, deep-blue waters of the Golfo di Napoli, you'll find must-visit coastal towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, as well as the famous islands of Ischia, Capri, and the colorful Procida. Visitors can hike the breathtaking Path of the Gods, explore the hauntingly preserved ruins of Archaeological Pompeii, forever shadowed by the gray cone of Mt. Vesuvius, and savor the region's culinary gems like ultra-fresh seafood and crisp Falanghina wine.History and culture lovers shouldn't miss Sansevero Chapel Museum, San Carlo Theatre, the Catacombs of San Gennaro, and the lush Villa Cimbrone Gardens. Campania also impresses with its historic castles, including the Royal Palace of Caserta, Ovo Castle, and Castello Aragonese d'Ischia. Wine enthusiasts should head to the province of Avellino, known for producing some of the best wines in southern Italy.Tourissimo Tip–Wine is also grown inland on the Amalfi Coast, and there are some vines that are 250 years old (pre-phylloxera): https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/old-vines-on-the-amalfi-coastNature lovers will be drawn to the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and cultural heritage, featuring ancient ruins like Paestum and Velia, the majestic Padula Charterhouse, and idyllic coastal villages.Campania is also a paradise for food lovers, home to 51 Michelin-starred restaurants, including one three-star, eight two-star, and forty-two one-star establishments. From world-famous landmarks to hidden treasures, Campania offers an irresistible blend of history, nature, food, and coastal charm.CalabriaWith its rugged coastlines, dramatic landscapes, and hidden treasures, Calabria is a must-visit region in southern Italy. Known for its bold flavors and rich culinary traditions, visitors should sample 'Nduja, a spicy, spreadable sausage paste, and the region's famous Calabrian chiles. The local cuisine embraces cucina povera, a tradition of simple, hearty dishes featuring handmade pasta made with just flour and water. Calabria offers a growing fine dining scene with six one-star Michelin restaurants. For nature lovers, Calabria is home to three stunning national parks — Sila, Aspromonte, and Pollino — ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and immersing in untouched landscapes. Along the coast, Capo Vaticano stands out as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, offering breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters. History buffs and castle enthusiasts can explore impressive fortresses like Castello Ruffo di Scilla, Castello Murat, Castello di Le Castella, and Castello Aragonese. Don't miss charming towns and villages such as Tropea, famous for its clifftop views and beaches, as well as Scilla, Pentedattilo, and Le Castella. With its authentic culture, stunning coastlines, flavorful cuisine, and rich history, Calabria remains one of Italy's most captivating yet underrated regions.Tourissimo Tip–Way off the beaten path, lies a  unique museum in Mammola, Calabria https://calabriastraordinaria.it/en/news/visit-to-musaba-the-sistine-chapel-of-calabriaPugliaKnown as the Maldives of Italy, Puglia is a sun-drenched region celebrated for its whitewashed hill towns, ancient olive groves, and miles of stunning coastline. With a dry Mediterranean climate and scenery that often feels more Greek than Italian, Puglia is famed for its beaches in Salento, crystal-clear waters, and charming seaside towns. One of its most iconic sights is the fairytale-like trulli houses of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region is also a food lover's paradise, offering specialties like Orecchiette pasta with turnip greens, the classic Fave e Cicoria (fava bean purée with wild chicory), and fresh seafood paired with crisp vegetables. Wine lovers can savor Primitivo, a bold local red. For fine dining, the region boasts nine one-star Michelin restaurants, blending rustic flavors with refined culinary creativity.Puglia is dotted with unique cities and towns worth exploring, including Locorotondo, Otranto, Lecce, Monopoli, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Bari, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare. Nature and history enthusiasts will enjoy visiting extraordinary sites like the Grotte di Castellana, the dramatic Cave of Poetry, the ancient Basilica San Nicola, and the scenic Gargano Peninsula. With its thousand-year-old olive trees, Puglia is the largest olive oil producer in the world, known for its strong, spicy oils. The locals here are famously warm and welcoming, going out of their way to make visitors feel at home.Puglia's blend of natural beauty, rich tradition, and heartfelt hospitality makes it one of Italy's most captivating and underrated destinations.Tourissimo Tip–Here are some of the gems of Puglia: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/some-of-the-gems-of-pugliaBasilicataBasilicata, a remote yet captivating region with a population of just 500,000, offers a wealth of unique experiences despite its secluded location. Among its most intriguing destinations are the ghost town of Craco and the ancient cave city of Matera, both steeped in history and cinematic charm. Other towns worth visiting include Maratea and Palombaroa, each offering its own cultural and scenic appeal.Tourissimo Tip–Matera is magical! https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/destination-highlight-matera-the-city-of-stonesThe region is rich in historical and religious landmarks, such as the Crypt of Original Sin with its remarkable frescoes, and the medieval Melfi Castle. Don't miss the towering Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Maratea, a striking monument that overlooks the Tyrrhenian coast.For a taste of local flavor, try Peperoni Cruschi—crispy, sun-dried peppers that are a beloved regional delicacy. Basilicata is also known for its exceptional wines, especially the bold, full-bodied reds of Aglianico del Vulture DOC, made primarily from the Aglianico grape. White wine lovers will appreciate the region's Greco di Tufo and Fiano varietals as well. Basilicata also has a total of 14 one-star Michelin restaurants. Adventurers can experience an adrenaline rush on The Angel's Flight, a giant zip line that offers stunning views and a thrilling ride through the Lucanian landscape.SicilySicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a world of its own, offering a diverse landscape of coastlines, mountains, and magical towns such as Cefalù, Palermo, Taormina, Catania, Noto, Agrigento, and Syracuse. Palermo serves as the cultural and diplomatic capital of the region, while Catania stands as its business hub.A volcanic island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sicily boasts a rich collection of cultural and natural treasures. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples, the active volcano Mount Etna, the stunning Duomo di Cefalù, and the picturesque islands of Stromboli, Bella, and Ortigia. The region is also home to the renowned Baroque Triangle in the Val di Noto region of southeastern Sicily, where the eight towns of Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, and Scicli have been recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding examples of late Baroque architecture.Sicily's culinary scene is just as impressive. Indulge in traditional Sicilian cannoli, filled with sheep's milk ricotta cheese and always stuffed fresh to order. Take a street food tour to savor local favorites like arancini, and don't miss sipping on a glass of Nero d'Avola, one of Sicily's most famous wines. The region is also internationally celebrated for its top-tier agriculture and winemaking.For a taste of authentic Italian charm beyond the tourist trail, explore the towns featured in I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia—Italy's list of its most beautiful hidden gems. Tourissimo Tip–This is a great tip for all 20 regions of Italy. Find out more here: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-most-beautiful-small-towns-in-italyFood lovers will be delighted to know that Sicily is also home to 23 Michelin-starred restaurants, including three two-star establishments and twenty with one star.Tourissimo Tip–If you visit Corleone, you should definitely learn about the legacy of the Mafia. We in North America tend to have a romanticized view of the mafia, but for the locals, the history is more brutal. See some photos and learn more here: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/letizia-battaglia-groundbreaking-photojournalist-who-fearlessly-documented-the-mafia-in-her-native-sicilySardiniaSardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, is a rugged, rural paradise known for its natural beauty, deep-rooted traditions, and ancient history. The island is home to features like the Apennine Coast, the Adriatic Coast, and the Apennine Mountains. Most of Sardinia's population lives in the capital region of Cagliari, but much of the island remains untouched, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic Italian island life.One of Sardinia's most fascinating distinctions is that the Barbagia region is recognized as a Blue Zone—an area with an unusually high number of centenarians. This longevity is attributed to the region's healthy diet, active lifestyle, and strong sense of community. For outdoor enthusiasts, inland Sardinia offers some of the best biking and hiking experiences in all of Italy.Tourissimo Tip–What is a Blue Zone? https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/blue-zoneThe island's coastlines are just as enticing. Costa Smeralda is often described as paradise on earth, with stunning beaches like Spiaggia di Tuerredda, Cala Goloritzé, and Spiaggia di Porto Giunco perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Don't miss the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena), a protected area with crystal-clear waters and pristine landscapes.Charming towns such as Alghero, Bosa, and Cagliari add to the island's appeal. Many of Sardinia's towns are nestled in the mountains located in the island's center, offering a peaceful and scenic escape.Cultural and historical attractions abound. Must-see sites include the Nora Archaeological Park, Bastione di Saint Remy, Parco Archeologico Naturalistico di Santa Cristina, and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari. For an unforgettable natural wonder, venture into the Frecce delle grotte srl and Neptune's Grotto, stunning sea caves accessible by boat or stairs carved into cliffs.Sardinia is also home to a unique ancient civilization. Scattered across the island are over 7,000 nuraghe—megalithic stone structures built during the Nuragic Age (c. 1900–730 BC). These mysterious, tower-like buildings are the island's most iconic symbol, and some scholars believe there were once over 10,000 nuraghe structures in total.Religious architecture also impresses, with highlights like the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Cecilia, the Church of the Holy Trinity of Saccargia, and the Basilica di San Simplicio showcasing Sardinia's spiritual and artistic heritage.Sardinian cuisine reflects its mountainous geography. Surprisingly, for an island, the diet leans more toward land-based ingredients than seafood. Signature dishes include Porceddu (roast pig), Fregola (a traditional Sardinian pasta), and the adventurous Casu marzu—a sheep's milk cheese intentionally infested with live maggots and considered a local delicacy. Sardinia also holds 16 one-star Michelin restaurants.To accompany these flavors, try a glass of Cannonau red wine, known for its high polyphenol content and potential health benefits, or the refreshing Vermentino white wine, perfect for warm Mediterranean days.Tourissimo Tip–Magic Trick or Pasta Making? https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/magic-trick-or-pasta-making From the Alps to the Mediterranean, each Italian region is a world of its own. Want to see it all? Check out Tourissimo's amazing trip planning and Italian information at tourissimo.travel! Buon viaggio!From the Alps to the Mediterranean, each Italian region is a world of its own. Want to see it all? Check out Tourissimo's amazing trip planning and Italian information at tourissimo.travel! Buon viaggio! 

“We want to make it hard for people to go to hell by making it easy for them to go to church so they can experience, know and follow Jesus.”Joshua 1:2-6 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am givingthem. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanonmountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.' No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I willnot fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would givethem.Joshua 1:2a “Moses my servant is dead…1. THINK about the PAST.Joshua 1:2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you tolead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am givingthem. 2. Take ACTION TODAY.Isaiah 43:19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past andlooking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race andreceive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.BIG moves of God are almost always preceded by obedience to him in SMALL things.“If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you willprobably be unhappy all the days of your life.”—Abraham MaslovThe greatest ENEMY to your calling is your COMFORT.ACTION is the preparation for the FUTURE PROMISE that God has for you.3. TRUST God for the FUTURE.Joshua 1:3-6 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.' No one willbe able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I waswith Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to theirancestors I would give them. What seems IMPOSSIBLE to me, is not remotely DIFFICULT with God.Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory inthe church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Jennifer Roig-Francolí is The Art of Freedom® Coach for musicians and creatives, and Author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller 'Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life'.   Jennifer Roig-Francolí is a prize-winning violinist and Alexander Technique teacher helping musicians and creatives online to break through pain, performance anxiety, and mindset obstacles to personal freedom and artistic success. She has a special interest in supporting women to thrive in their everyday and musical lives.   As the creator of The Art of Freedom® Method for conscious living and masterful artistry, Jennifer combines her extensive professional experience with a lifelong love of meditation and perennial wisdom. Her unique holistic approach to self-integration and joyful music-making is based on the five Life-Pillars of Purpose, Mind, Body, Spirit, and Artistry and the practice of touch-free Primal Alexander™ Technique.   Honored as a “Rising Star” by TIME magazine, Jennifer's career as a violinist has taken her to concert halls around the world from a young age, including solo performances at Carnegie Hall and collaborations with esteemed orchestras like the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Berlin Symphony Orchestra. She has won international competitions and held leadership positions in various ensembles, including the Grammy Award-winning ensemble Apollo's Fire. She can be heard on recordings with Apollo's Fire and as a soloist on most digital streaming platforms.   A dedicated educator, Jennifer has taught the Alexander Technique on the faculties of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Xavier University. In Ohio, she established two professional associations for Alexander Technique teachers, providing a platform for growth and collaboration within the community. In 2010, her groundbreaking research study on the integration of Alexander Technique into laparoscopic surgery for surgeons at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center resulted in a prize-winning paper presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics and publication in the Journal of Urology.   Jennifer studied violin with Nathan Milstein in Switzerland, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan, David Cerone at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and both Josef Gingold and Stanley Ritchie at Indiana University. A dual citizen of the USA and Switzerland, Jennifer lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and enjoys traveling to far-off places such as Switzerland, Spain, and India. Some of her favorite things to do include playing Big Boggle with her grownup kids, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, curling up by the living room fire, and taking walks in nature.   Her BOOK is available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4kxRupu  (affiliate link) Website: https://www.ArtofFreedom.me Email: Jennifer@ArtofFreedom.me YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferRoigFrancoli    Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to Crushing Classical, and maybe even leave a nice review!  Thanks for joining me on Crushing Classical!  Theme music by DreamVance. You can join my email list HERE, so you never miss an episode! I help people to lean into their creative careers and start or grow their income streams. You can read more or hop onto a short discovery call from my website. I'm your host, Jennet Ingle. I love you all. Stay safe out there!  

Are we looking the wrong direction when it comes to UFO phenomena? Maybe we should be looking down — into our oceans. In this in-depth interview, legendary UFO researcher Richard Dolan dives deep (literally) into the mysteries of Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs). Drawing from his extensive new book series: A History of USOs, Richard shares mind-blowing cases of underwater UFO encounters — from chilling US Navy confrontations to strange sounds in Soviet submarines, and even mysterious sightings over the Great Lakes. What you'll learn in this episode: Are USOs the same phenomenon as UFOs? The hidden naval encounters you've never heard about Are global military powers tracking USOs in secret? The astonishing frequency of transmedium objects Historical cases from as far back as Christopher Columbus! Are there secret underwater alien bases? Lake Erie and Great Lakes USO encounters Soviet Navy incidents USOs and potential links to nuclear submarines Why military secrecy around USOs is even stronger than UFO secrecy The global hot spots: Puerto Rico, Catalina Island, Mediterranean Sea, South China Sea, and more! Richard Dolan also answers: Are we being watched beneath the waves? Are underwater craft studying our military technology? And could they be operating from hidden oceanic bases? Richard Dolan's Book: A History of USOs: Unidentified Submerged Objects (Volume 1 — Available now on Amazon): https://amzn.to/3XZ1n65 Visit Richard Dolan's site: https://richarddolanmembers.com — This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! — For more information on our podcast data policy CLICK HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices