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Matthew Shindell outlines the history of robotic exploration, from Mariner to Ingenuity, while noting the political and technical hurdles facing future human missions to Mars.
The balance of global power changed profoundly over the course of the twentieth century, above all with the economic and political rise of Asia. Asia after Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century (Harvard UP, 2024) is a bold new interpretation of the period, focusing on the conflicting and overlapping ways in which Asians have conceived their bonds and their roles in the world. Tracking the circulation of ideas and people across colonial and national borders, Sugata Bose explores developments in Asian thought, art, and politics that defied Euro-American models and defined Asianness as a locus of solidarity for all humanity.Impressive in scale, yet driven by the stories of fascinating and influential individuals, Asia after Europe examines early intimations of Asian solidarity and universalism preceding Japan's victory over Russia in 1905; the revolutionary collaborations of the First World War and its aftermath, when Asian universalism took shape alongside Wilsonian internationalism and Bolshevism; the impact of the Great Depression and Second World War on the idea of Asia; and the persistence of forms of Asian universalism in the postwar period, despite the consolidation of postcolonial nation-states on a European model.Diverse Asian universalisms were forged and fractured through phases of poverty and prosperity, among elites and common people, throughout the span of the twentieth century. Noting the endurance of nationalist rivalries, often tied to religious exclusion and violence, Bose concludes with reflections on the continuing potential of political thought beyond European definitions of reason, nation, and identity. Sugata Bose is Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University. Lucas Tse is Examination Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
The balance of global power changed profoundly over the course of the twentieth century, above all with the economic and political rise of Asia. Asia after Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century (Harvard UP, 2024) is a bold new interpretation of the period, focusing on the conflicting and overlapping ways in which Asians have conceived their bonds and their roles in the world. Tracking the circulation of ideas and people across colonial and national borders, Sugata Bose explores developments in Asian thought, art, and politics that defied Euro-American models and defined Asianness as a locus of solidarity for all humanity.Impressive in scale, yet driven by the stories of fascinating and influential individuals, Asia after Europe examines early intimations of Asian solidarity and universalism preceding Japan's victory over Russia in 1905; the revolutionary collaborations of the First World War and its aftermath, when Asian universalism took shape alongside Wilsonian internationalism and Bolshevism; the impact of the Great Depression and Second World War on the idea of Asia; and the persistence of forms of Asian universalism in the postwar period, despite the consolidation of postcolonial nation-states on a European model.Diverse Asian universalisms were forged and fractured through phases of poverty and prosperity, among elites and common people, throughout the span of the twentieth century. Noting the endurance of nationalist rivalries, often tied to religious exclusion and violence, Bose concludes with reflections on the continuing potential of political thought beyond European definitions of reason, nation, and identity. Sugata Bose is Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University. Lucas Tse is Examination Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies
The balance of global power changed profoundly over the course of the twentieth century, above all with the economic and political rise of Asia. Asia after Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century (Harvard UP, 2024) is a bold new interpretation of the period, focusing on the conflicting and overlapping ways in which Asians have conceived their bonds and their roles in the world. Tracking the circulation of ideas and people across colonial and national borders, Sugata Bose explores developments in Asian thought, art, and politics that defied Euro-American models and defined Asianness as a locus of solidarity for all humanity.Impressive in scale, yet driven by the stories of fascinating and influential individuals, Asia after Europe examines early intimations of Asian solidarity and universalism preceding Japan's victory over Russia in 1905; the revolutionary collaborations of the First World War and its aftermath, when Asian universalism took shape alongside Wilsonian internationalism and Bolshevism; the impact of the Great Depression and Second World War on the idea of Asia; and the persistence of forms of Asian universalism in the postwar period, despite the consolidation of postcolonial nation-states on a European model.Diverse Asian universalisms were forged and fractured through phases of poverty and prosperity, among elites and common people, throughout the span of the twentieth century. Noting the endurance of nationalist rivalries, often tied to religious exclusion and violence, Bose concludes with reflections on the continuing potential of political thought beyond European definitions of reason, nation, and identity. Sugata Bose is Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University. Lucas Tse is Examination Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford University. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies
The balance of global power changed profoundly over the course of the twentieth century, above all with the economic and political rise of Asia. Asia after Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century (Harvard UP, 2024) is a bold new interpretation of the period, focusing on the conflicting and overlapping ways in which Asians have conceived their bonds and their roles in the world. Tracking the circulation of ideas and people across colonial and national borders, Sugata Bose explores developments in Asian thought, art, and politics that defied Euro-American models and defined Asianness as a locus of solidarity for all humanity.Impressive in scale, yet driven by the stories of fascinating and influential individuals, Asia after Europe examines early intimations of Asian solidarity and universalism preceding Japan's victory over Russia in 1905; the revolutionary collaborations of the First World War and its aftermath, when Asian universalism took shape alongside Wilsonian internationalism and Bolshevism; the impact of the Great Depression and Second World War on the idea of Asia; and the persistence of forms of Asian universalism in the postwar period, despite the consolidation of postcolonial nation-states on a European model.Diverse Asian universalisms were forged and fractured through phases of poverty and prosperity, among elites and common people, throughout the span of the twentieth century. Noting the endurance of nationalist rivalries, often tied to religious exclusion and violence, Bose concludes with reflections on the continuing potential of political thought beyond European definitions of reason, nation, and identity. Sugata Bose is Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University. Lucas Tse is Examination Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/central-asian-studies
The balance of global power changed profoundly over the course of the twentieth century, above all with the economic and political rise of Asia. Asia after Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century (Harvard UP, 2024) is a bold new interpretation of the period, focusing on the conflicting and overlapping ways in which Asians have conceived their bonds and their roles in the world. Tracking the circulation of ideas and people across colonial and national borders, Sugata Bose explores developments in Asian thought, art, and politics that defied Euro-American models and defined Asianness as a locus of solidarity for all humanity.Impressive in scale, yet driven by the stories of fascinating and influential individuals, Asia after Europe examines early intimations of Asian solidarity and universalism preceding Japan's victory over Russia in 1905; the revolutionary collaborations of the First World War and its aftermath, when Asian universalism took shape alongside Wilsonian internationalism and Bolshevism; the impact of the Great Depression and Second World War on the idea of Asia; and the persistence of forms of Asian universalism in the postwar period, despite the consolidation of postcolonial nation-states on a European model.Diverse Asian universalisms were forged and fractured through phases of poverty and prosperity, among elites and common people, throughout the span of the twentieth century. Noting the endurance of nationalist rivalries, often tied to religious exclusion and violence, Bose concludes with reflections on the continuing potential of political thought beyond European definitions of reason, nation, and identity. Sugata Bose is Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University. Lucas Tse is Examination Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs
The balance of global power changed profoundly over the course of the twentieth century, above all with the economic and political rise of Asia. Asia after Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century (Harvard UP, 2024) is a bold new interpretation of the period, focusing on the conflicting and overlapping ways in which Asians have conceived their bonds and their roles in the world. Tracking the circulation of ideas and people across colonial and national borders, Sugata Bose explores developments in Asian thought, art, and politics that defied Euro-American models and defined Asianness as a locus of solidarity for all humanity.Impressive in scale, yet driven by the stories of fascinating and influential individuals, Asia after Europe examines early intimations of Asian solidarity and universalism preceding Japan's victory over Russia in 1905; the revolutionary collaborations of the First World War and its aftermath, when Asian universalism took shape alongside Wilsonian internationalism and Bolshevism; the impact of the Great Depression and Second World War on the idea of Asia; and the persistence of forms of Asian universalism in the postwar period, despite the consolidation of postcolonial nation-states on a European model.Diverse Asian universalisms were forged and fractured through phases of poverty and prosperity, among elites and common people, throughout the span of the twentieth century. Noting the endurance of nationalist rivalries, often tied to religious exclusion and violence, Bose concludes with reflections on the continuing potential of political thought beyond European definitions of reason, nation, and identity. Sugata Bose is Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University. Lucas Tse is Examination Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies
The balance of global power changed profoundly over the course of the twentieth century, above all with the economic and political rise of Asia. Asia after Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century (Harvard UP, 2024) is a bold new interpretation of the period, focusing on the conflicting and overlapping ways in which Asians have conceived their bonds and their roles in the world. Tracking the circulation of ideas and people across colonial and national borders, Sugata Bose explores developments in Asian thought, art, and politics that defied Euro-American models and defined Asianness as a locus of solidarity for all humanity.Impressive in scale, yet driven by the stories of fascinating and influential individuals, Asia after Europe examines early intimations of Asian solidarity and universalism preceding Japan's victory over Russia in 1905; the revolutionary collaborations of the First World War and its aftermath, when Asian universalism took shape alongside Wilsonian internationalism and Bolshevism; the impact of the Great Depression and Second World War on the idea of Asia; and the persistence of forms of Asian universalism in the postwar period, despite the consolidation of postcolonial nation-states on a European model.Diverse Asian universalisms were forged and fractured through phases of poverty and prosperity, among elites and common people, throughout the span of the twentieth century. Noting the endurance of nationalist rivalries, often tied to religious exclusion and violence, Bose concludes with reflections on the continuing potential of political thought beyond European definitions of reason, nation, and identity. Sugata Bose is Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University. Lucas Tse is Examination Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day
Josh Rogin discusses the trade conflict between the US and India, noting that tariffs were used as leverage regarding Russian oil and Modi's diplomatic de-risking from Washington.1860 INDIA
Guest: Simon Constable. As Storm Nills approaches France, Constable reports on rising copper prices and volatile gold, while noting UK PM Starmer faces severe political pressure from opposition parties.MONET
Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer analyzes Iran's stalling tactics in negotiations via Oman, noting the pressure from a US armada while questioning Oman's neutrality as a mediator.1560 PERSIA
Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham analyzes Prime Minister Takichi's landslide victory in Japan, noting her hawkish defense stance and economic plans significantly strengthen the US-Japan security alliance.1930
In late 2025, the United Nations concluded its 20-year review of the outcomes emanating from the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Noting that the Caribbean region has been an active participant from WSIS's inception in 2003, we invited Nigel Cassimire, the Deputy Secretary General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, to discuss the findings of the review and resulting resolution, including * the initial rationale and objectives of WSIS; * whether WSIS is still relevant in today's digital environment; how the review addressed matters related to AI; and * how regional bodies, such as the CTU, can take the global 2025 outcomes and make them actionable in their member states. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page (www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ---------------
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer outlines the urgency of the Israel-U.S.alignment on Iran, noting the high cost of U.S. deployment and the risks of delaying action.1936 ABOLITION OF THE VEIL IN PERSIA
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Judy Dempsey. Dempsey highlights Europe's helplessness regarding U.S.political shifts, noting a lack of strategic leadership to navigate the changing geopolitical landscape driven by the U.S.1890 BRUSSELS
PREVIEW: Peter Huessy joins the show to discuss the end of the New START treaty and the modernization of nuclear arsenals since 2011. Huessy highlights the disparity in battlefield nuclear capabilities, noting that while the US assumes its systems work without testing, Russia and China are actively testing to develop "battlefield nukes." He warns that in military war games, once nuclear weapons are introduced, "nothing holds," and conventional US superiority becomes irrelevant.1958
Naomi's attitude has gone from bitter to hopeful as she guides Ruth towards Boaz. Knowing he's a redeemer, Naomi encourages her daughter in law, and Ruth listens. Often God can feel distant, we can feel in the dark, but the Lord is always at work in His providence. Noting happens apart from His will and plan, even when we can't see it.
Professor Sandra Walklate, Emeritus and honorary professor at the University of Liverpool, discusses her work in victimology and violence against women, including her work in the field of femicide. Drawing upon historical paradigms where the concept of feminicide has been previously employed, Walklate notes various examples from the Americas where femicide was used as a tool in drawing attention to the complicity of the state in hiding the numbers of women's deaths at the hands of men, only then to be disappeared by the state “with no compunction on the part of the state to pursue why those lives were disappeared.” Noting how some scholars and writers have attempted to extend the definition of the way in which we count femicide into femininicide, she argues the merits of “slow femicide” and accounting for the number of women's lives lost because of the illnesses that follow on from living with the stress of violence—from their propensity to commit suicide to the long-term effects of experiencing strangulation as a feature of that violence to the associated diseases. Conversely, Walklate questions whether creating a separate legal category for “femicide” in addition to related concepts like “coercive control” in cases of domestic violence truly benefits victims or simply expands the power of a system that has already failed these victims. Underscoring how the law cannot always offer respite to the victims of IPA (Intimate Partner Abuse) due to the reality that the number of people prosecuted for such crimes is infinitesimally small, Walklate observes how “the power of the advocacy voice over the reality of the evidence” has also affected the ways in which policing and the judiciary react towards specific types of violence. Get full access to Savage Minds at savageminds.substack.com/subscribe
Jim McTague reveals a mysterious worldwide shortage of cod discovered at a Lancaster Costco, noting skyrocketing prices and a puzzling lack of coverage by major newspapers investigating the supply disruption.1942 ARMISTICE DAY, LANCASTER PA
Andrea Stricker evaluates the stressed Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of a review conference, noting Middle Eastproliferation risks and the challenge of deterring near-peer adversaries in an evolving threat environment.1940
Practical advice from a straight-talking former criminal and occasionally profane Dharma teacher. Vinny Ferarro has practiced insight meditation (vipassanā) since the mid-90s. He's the Guiding Teacher of the Big Heart City Sangha in San Francisco and has led a weekly sitting group for almost two decades. As a fully empowered Dharma Teacher through Spirit Rock/IMS, he has taught residential retreats at various centers and currently leads Spirit Rock's Year to Live course. This episode originally dropped in May of 2024, but we're re-posting it because it was one of our most successful episodes. In this episode we talk about: Alignment Vinny's concept of "flashing your basic goodness" Noting practice The deep satisfaction in not seeking satisfaction Redirecting awareness Being an "empathetic witness" for yourself When to opt for distraction Not taking what's not yours Vinny's ancestor practice What is the connection between seeing our family patterns and not taking what is not ours? How loyal have we been to our suffering? Related Episodes: How To Be Okay No Matter What | Kamala Masters Vitamin E: How To Cultivate Equanimity Amidst Political Chaos | Roshi Joan Halifax Non-Preachy Ethics | Jozen Tamori Gibson Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Thanks to our sponsors: LinkedIn: Spend $250 on your first campaign on LinkedIn ads and get a $250 credit for the next one. Just go to linkedin.com/happier. Tonal: Go to tonal.com and use the promo code Happier for $200 off your purchase. Cozy Earth: Go to cozyearth.com/HARRIS for up to 20% off! To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris
Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek discusses Trump's nomination of hawk Kevin Warsh for Federal Reserve Chairman, noting the immediate drop in precious metals and potential monetary policy shifts.1905 BUTTE MONTANA
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek analyzes lingering inflation, noting consumer resistance to price hikes and hope that AI productivity will help companies improve margins without increasing costs further.JANUARY 1931
Guest: Judy Dempsey. Dempsey analyzes the stalemated Ukraine conflict, noting European refusal to accept Russianvictory, while discussing rising tensions and internal political divisions within Iran.1895 KRAKOW
Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg details Starmer's unpopularity and lack of economic agenda, noting potential leadership challenges within the Labour Party from rivals like Burnham and Streeting.1808 GREST HSLL BSNK OF ENGLAND
Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley analyzes new talks involving Turkey and the UAE, noting U.S. reluctance to support Iranian civil society leaves the clerical regime breathing room despite weakness.1890 ALEPPO
Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley observes Russia targeting Ukrainian infrastructure to pressure the public, noting that despite Western support, Moscow retains the upper hand while demanding territorial concessions.1941 UKRAINE
Edmund Fitton Brown and Bill Roggio argue Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow airspace use for strikes on Iran is theatrical to avoid Iranian retaliation, noting Riyadh privately remains a dependable US partner.1890 TEHRAN
Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio describe the war as a slow boil, noting Phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire is stalling because Hamas refuses to disarm or surrender heavy weapons to Israel.1898 GAZA
Jessica Pierce and Mark Bekoff explain that without humans, dogs will likely adopt communal parenting strategies and reduced reproductive cycles to maximize survival, noting dogs already possess latent social skills for conflict resolution with lifespans stabilizing around eight years like wild wolves.1861 DUNDRUM HOUSE. LORD HAWARDEN AND SPRINGER
Jessica Pierce and Mark Bekoff discuss whether dogs will see themselves as apex predators or ecosystem participants, noting pack behavior may mirror wolves if hunting large prey while dogs retain their distinct genetic history, concluding that this experiment teaches humans to view dogs as individuals.1900 ENGLISH SPRINGERS, HUNTING
Guest: Dan Flores. Flores critiques 19th-century explorers, noting how Lewis and Clark needlessly slaughtered grizzlies and how Audubon, though later regretful, killed birds to capture their likenesses.1873 VULTURE BISON
Sean McMeekin discusses Molotov's 1940 Berlin visit, noting Stalin's brazen demands for influence in Bulgaria and Turkey caused talks to collapse, prompting Hitler to plan Operation Barbarossa, while Roosevelt began lifting moral embargoes anticipating a German-Soviet clash.1931 STALIN AND BERIA
February 1, 2026: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard. Amen. Tomorrow there's this pesky groundhog that is supposed to tell us how much winter we have left, and I swear, if that rodent sees his shadow I'm gonna go have a word with him, and it won't be pretty. This has been a rough winter – bitter cold, lots of snow, and darkness that is cutting us to the core. But the groundhog isn't the only thing that happens tomorrow. February 2nd is primarily, for catholics, Roman or Anglican anyway, the Feast of the Presentation, which is the final day of Christmas – for real this time – despite the stores telling you that Valentine's Day goes from December 26th– February 14th. Now, you may have noted that our gospel today is from Luke Chapter 2, and we are clearly still in the birth narrative, as Jesus is all of 40 days old. He isn't even out of onesies or eating solid food yet. It's a bit of whiplash, since he was just walking around as a 30 something calling his disciples in the gospel we heard the last time we were able to be here on January 18th. But as it is such an important moment in his life, the church marks it as a special feast day on February 2nd.. Now, the church expects us to only celebrate this feast on the actual day. But, because so many do not attend special weekday services, this day, like other feasts – of the Magi, for example – will get ignored if we do not celebrate them on a Sunday. So, as we did last year, today we will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation today. It is also a day on which candles are blessed for use at home and the church, so it is called Candlemas. The scriptures of this moment feature so much in our daily lives for those of us who pray what is known in our church as the Daily Office. It also is part of our parish's history, with two prominent stained glass windows associated with it – the center window of the Tiffany triptych in St. Mary's chapel, and this one up there in the main tower. The chapel window shows the scene, and the tower windows have the words of Simeon, which we heard in the gospel reading. Now, let's get to this story, because it is offers something important for us in the context in which we live now. In the verse just before what we heard today, we find that Jesus is going to a bris, and unfortunately for him, he isn't the one bringing a gift. Joseph and Mary have him circumcised and he is named. Then we get to this story today, where 40 days after his birth, they bring Jesus to the temple to be presented to God in accordance with the law for her purification and his redemption that we get in that fabulous book that everyone loves – Leviticus. All this to say that Jesus is raised in the knowledge and adherence to Jewish scripture and law. There's a lot going on in these verses, but I want to focus on two people – Simeon and Anna. Now first we need to set the scene. The temple isn't like the size of our churches today. This place is huge – many times larger than our largest cathedrals. So, you'd think no one would really pay any attention to this little family walking in. And yet, against all odds, two people did notice them – Simeon and Anna. Simeon was, according to the text, a righteous and devout man who had been told by God that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. He is guided by the Holy Spirit to come to the temple that day, and he listens and goes. There he sees the child Jesus, and takes him in his arms and says what is known in the church as the Nunc Dimmitis, Latin for the first words “now depart.” I will use the version we say in Evening Prayer, which differs slightly from the wording we heard today: “Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.” He then foretells to Mary the destiny that awaits this child, and that it will pierce her heart. Then Anna, a prophet, sees the baby Jesus, and also proclaims the destiny that awaits him and what it will mean for the people of Israel. Of course, Simeon gets the focus in our prayer book, and Anna is essentially forgotten – what else is new, right? So, what does all this have to say to us? Well, let's go back to our righteous guy Simeon. He says “…these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations…” To be sure, this is about far more than bringing light into the darkness – which, of course, is a powerfully important thing to do. But this is also about that light casting aside ignorance and bringing knowledge to the people – specifically, the knowledge of God. Jesus would do both. His presence among the people was the light that overcame the shadows of darkness, and he taught his followers what it meant to be part of the kingdom of God, rather than of humanity. He did this, not by sitting back in Galilee preaching in the synagogue, but by being out in the world healing the sick, advocating for the vulnerable, and spreading the good news of God's love. We are called to be like Jesus – a light to enlighten the nations. – in what we proclaim, and by our actions in the world. And if there was ever a time to live out our lives in Christ, it is now, because darkness has spread across our country. People are being snatched out of their homes without a warrant, pushed to the ground and beaten, children are grabbed and sent to prison, protestors exercising their first amendment rights are sprayed intentionally up close with chemical irritants or bombed with tear gas, and others are brutally killed. This is a time when all the world hopes for a light to enlighten our nation! And folks, there are a LOT of followers of Jesus being exactly that right here in our country. Clergy and laity are in the streets loving their neighbor, welcoming the stranger, protecting the vulnerable, and crying out for justice for the oppressed. Two days ago, 150 Episcopal bishops signed a letter that put a simple question before us: “Whose dignity matters?” They called “on Americans to trust their moral compass” – “to question rhetoric that trades in fear rather than truth.” Noting that “As Episcopalians, our moral compass is rooted firmly in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Indeed. And I take heart, as I hope you do, that our leadership in the church is witnessing to that gospel of all inclusive love. We must join with them, and so many others, as a witness to the gospel – as lights to enlighten this nation. We must do this both by what we proclaim and by our actions in the world. What that looks like will depend on your own situation. As I said last time we were together, if you are caring for others, are aged or infirm, or are vulnerable yourself – you will need to protect yourself first, and proclaim the gospel in ways that do not put yourselves at risk. The rest of us – we need to be out in the streets. And as your priest, I cannot ask of you what I will not do myself. I am called to set an example in word and deed, even to the cross if necessary. Now, I shared much of what I am about to tell you in an article I wrote for the Diocese of Newark, but I also want to share it with you now, in case some have not read it. When I got home from church two weeks ago, after preaching on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, a call went out from clergy in Minneapolis to clergy across the country. Echoing King's call to clergy to come to Selma, they asked us to come to Minneapolis to stand, march, and pray with them on January 23rd for what was being called A Day of Truth & Freedom. Like many others, I knew in my heart that I had to answer that call. Yes, we were being asked to enter a dangerous situation. Yes, it would be winter in Minnesota, with temperatures predicted to be 30 below with the windchill. Yes, we are exhausted, like so many of you, having shown up again and again for vigils, marches, and protests. And yet, as King's words resounded from our pulpits on the day we celebrated him, I was reminded of something he said that I had just included in my sermon on that very Sunday: that there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but must do it because conscience demands it. How could I preach it, and not live it? And so, on Thursday night, January 22nd, I found myself in Minneapolis during an extreme cold warning. The morning of the march, I woke to a temperature of -21 degrees and layered myself accordingly. I headed to Gethsemane Episcopal Church, a closed parish of the Diocese of Minnesota just a few blocks from The Commons, where the march was to begin. The streets were empty, the shops and schools closed – all part of this act of resistance. When I arrived, clergy and laity were already gathered to pray before joining the thousands who had come to stand against the brutality, cruelty, and lawlessness of the federal occupation of this once-peaceful city. While there, I received a text warning that federal agents might use water cannons on protesters – which, of course, in that type of cold, would be deadly. I put my phone away, donned my make-shift tear-gas mask, and joined my colleagues as we headed out the door. Singing “This Little Light of Mine,” we left the church and merged with thousands entering from every direction. The crowd was so massive that it took nearly an hour for those of us gathered at the starting point to fully enter the march. We moved slowly, navigating ice-covered streets before surging forward into the march itself. Despite the bitter cold, which with windchill was about -35, nothing could dampen the fervor of the protesters or quiet our voices. We called for ICE to leave Minnesota. We spoke aloud the name of Renee Good, killed by an ICE agent. We named Liam Ramos, a five-year-old child used as bait by ICE to lure out his family before being sent with his father to a prison in Texas. We demanded justice, accountability, and an end to the occupation. It is impossible to describe the joy I felt seeing so many people there – 50,000, we were told. For most, this was not a single day of action. They were living this resistance daily: patrolling neighborhoods to warn of federal agents, distributing food to those unable to leave their homes, and caring for one another. Clergy tended their people, preaching the gospel in both word and deed. I was surrounded by prophets – exhausted, unwavering, and deeply inspiring. When I could no longer feel my feet with a quarter mile left to go, their courage carried me forward. People passed out hand warmers and tissues. Two marchers ahead of me wore backpacks reading, “If you are hungry, tap my shoulder,” and “If you need hand warmers, tap my shoulder.” Even in anger and pain, Minnesotans chose to meet hate and violence with compassion, grace, and love. At the rally, which thankfully had been moved inside, faith leaders proclaimed that God's love is greater than any hate this government can unleash. And, indigenous leaders reminded us that no one is illegal on stolen land. Walking back through deserted streets, I passed the statue of Mary Tyler Moore tossing her hat into the air in an iconic moment of liberation. It is from a TV show that some of a certain age remember well. The theme song's title came to my mind: “Love Is All Around,” and I thought – it sure was that day. I went back to my hotel believing, as the song says, that we're “gonna make it after all.” I flew out the next morning, later learning that as I traveled above the city, below Alex Pretti was being beaten and killed by Federal agents. Does that mean it was all for nothing? Not at all. It means the struggle continues, and those of us who are able must keep answering the call of Christ – to be the light that enlightens the nations – our nation – even to the cross. To bring the knowledge of the gospel to those who need it most. The ones who govern – that they may turn from their evil acts against our neighbors, and live the law of God – to love one another, and to care for the least of these. And the ones being oppressed – that they may know that they are loved, and they are not alone or forgotten – not by God, and not by any of us. That is our faith and it will change the world, but it will not be easy, and it will pierce our own hearts too. It was reported yesterday that an ICE agent told a protestor “If you raise your voice, I will erase your voice.” I kid you not. But let me be perfectly clear – they can try to erase our voice – but we will only grow louder, because no ICE agent, or anyone else, can ever erase the voice of Jesus. Lord knows, and he does, the Romans tried that long ago in the most brutal way. It didn't work then, and it won't work now. Christ showed the world that God's love is stronger than human hate, and Christ's light will always overcome the darkest of humanity in the end. So, in the days ahead, we will with our voices and our actions show the world that God's love is all around, and I promise you, that if we do that – we will make it after all. Amen. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sermon-February-1-2026-1.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge February 1, 2026 Feast of the Presentation (trans.) 1st Reading – Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm 84 2nd Reading – Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel – Luke 2:22-40
5. Jim McTague McTague reports on Lancaster County's frozen yet resilient economy, noting full factory order books and labor shortages despite the cold weather currently suppressing human activity,,.1900 Erie Railroad
Cleo Paskal details Chinese influence patterns, including weaponized healthcare in the Solomons and casinos in Saipan, while noting new US efforts to support Palau's sovereignty against destabilization.1870 COOK MONUMENT
Cleo Paskal reports from Yap on China constructing a strategic runway on the island of Woleai to gain influence, noting the United States lacks a necessary physical presence in Micronesia.1888 Cook monument
Everitt and Ashworth review primary sources shaping Nero's legacy, distinguishing gossip-laden Suetonius from hostile but reliable Tacitus, while noting Petronius of the Satyricon and Pliny the Elder's anecdotal encyclopedia.NERO
Jeff Bliss reports heavy Sierra snowpack is quenching California's thirst, also noting the seventy-fifth anniversary of Nevada atomic tests and new Las Vegas rail options connecting the desert city.
Everitt and Ashworth cover Nero's first five years under Seneca and Burrus, noting how Agrippina's death liberated his artistic pursuits while paranoia drove the elimination of rivals including his wife Octavia and stoic aristocrats.
Peter Stansky attributes the pessimism in 1984 to Orwell's belief that leaders prioritize power over revolutionary goals, though he remained optimistic about the English people, noting the novel's enduring relevance regarding modern technology, political disinformation, and its historical use as a Cold War cultural document.1899 LITTLE RUSSIA
Peter Stansky attributes the pessimism in 1984 to Orwell's belief that leaders prioritize power over revolutionary goals, though he remained optimistic about the English people, noting the novel's enduring relevance regarding modern technology and political disinformation.1951
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY Guest: Henry Sokolski. Sokolski explains a three-stage strategy to disable enemies via information warfare and alliance disruption, noting U.S. military containment strategies remain outdated.1930
Guest: Veronique de Rugy. De Rugy of the Mercatus Center examines the failure of Georgia's film tax credits, noting that productions eventually moved to cheaper locations despite billions in subsidies. She compares this to federal industrial policies like tariffs and Intel subsidies, arguing that government attempts to "pick winners" rarely produce sustainable economic results.1951 JACK DEMPSEY AND MAMIE VAN DOREN
Guest: Michael Toth. The segment focuses on California's strategy to empower the Attorney General to sue fossil fuel companies for rising insurance premiums. Toth argues these lawsuits are politically motivated and legally weak, noting that even insurance companies refuse to sue because attributing specific damages or deaths to corporate emissions is factually difficult.UNDATED
Simon Constable reports from temperate France with commodities analysis, noting copper and gold trading dear as industrial demand and safe-haven buying drive precious and base metals prices higher.
Bill Roggio Roggio characterizes Western policy as an "absolute mess," arguing the US has conceded safe havens to jihadists in both Afghanistan and Syria. He criticizes the normalization of Ahmed al-Shara, noting that al-Shara never denounced his oath of allegiance to Al-Qaeda, yet is being treated as a potential partner. Roggio warns that while the US focuses on the Islamic State, jihadists are on a rampage across Africa and Syria, capitalizing on the strategic failures of multiple US administrations.1935 Abyssinians
Leila Philip describes observing a local beaver pond, noting how these animals create wetlands that act as the "coral reefs of North America" by supporting immense biodiversity. She also recounts the Algonquin legend of the Great Beaver, a story that explains geological formations while serving as an environmental parable against resource hoarding and greed.
FILE 5. OPERATION BARBAROSSA AND THE DEFENSE OF MOSCOW. GUEST AUTHOR SEAN MCMEEKIN. McMeekin challenges the narrative that Stalin suffered a nervous breakdown during the 1941 German invasion, noting the dictator remained active despite the shock. The segment details how Stalin's decision to stay in Moscow stiffened morale and reveals that Stalin possessed, but did not share, intelligence regarding Japan's impending attacks on Western powers,.
An interesting immigration statistical comparison between Trump in 2025 and Obama in 2012.Citing the limited resources available for immigration enforcement and the impossibility of deporting 11 million undocumented people, the Obama administration sought to prioritize the use of the agency's enforcement personnel, detention space, and removal assets. Noting that ICE could only remove an estimated 400,000 undocumented immigrants a year at most, representing less than 4% of the undocumented population in the U.S. during that time, the administration sought to channel limited resources towards more urgent threats. In a set of 2010 and 2011 memoranda from then-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton, the Obama administration created three categories of undocumented immigrants that would be prioritized for arrest and deportation. The first priority consisted of undocumented immigrants who posed a threat to national security or public safety, including those engaged in or suspected of terrorism or espionage, those convicted of a crime or possessing outstanding criminal warrants, or those who participated in organized criminal gang activity. Within this priority category, ICE would draw distinctions based on the severity of convictions: level 1 offenders were convicted of aggravated felonies, level 2 offenders were convicted of any felony, and level 3 offenders were convicted of a misdemeanor.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.