Podcasts about Oil

It was announced over the weekend that the United States is taking a 35 percent stake in a private energy company connected to Venezuelan oil rights. Is this “U.S. government in private business” thing getting out of control, or is the United States government a natural business partner in the Venezuelan oil production market? In today's Capital Record, David will unpack the good, bad, and ugly of this deal, and ask us if our first principles endorse these public-private partnerships, or if they should cause us concern. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 31, 2026 – When one spouse manages all the finances, passwords, and key relationships, their sudden death can trigger legal, financial, and operational chaos. Today, we explore the risk posed by the "death of a decision maker" and three...

After a positive August for stocks, Carl Quintanilla, Jim Cramer and David Faber explored the challenges facing the stock market in September, including moves in Treasurys: The 10-year note yield hit highs not seen since January 2025. According to David's sources, Anthropic agreed to a $35 billion computing deal with Nvidia-backed cloud provider Lambda. The anchors discussed the future for Apple on John Ternus' first day as CEO. Hear what Elon Musk told the G20 meetings about AI and robotics. Also in focus: Oil prices jump as military strikes continue in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, we delve into the poignant reflections leading up to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Host John Solomon discusses the recent House Intelligence Committee hearing held in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, which not only commemorates the heroes of Flight 93 but also serves as a call to action for Americans to anticipate and prevent future terrorist threats, including drone and AI attacks.In a significant legal victory for President Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of proceeding with the construction of the ballroom, a decision that has sparked discussions about its implications. Solomon also highlights the investigation led by Congressman James Comer into the DEA's controversial handling of fentanyl, drawing parallels to the Fast and Furious scandal.The episode features an insightful conversation with Chris Ruddy, founder and CEO of Newsmax, as he discusses the network's recent profitability and shares his thoughts on the current political landscape. Following that, Tim Stewart from the U.S. Oil and Gas Association breaks down the historic oil deal with Venezuela and what it means for American consumers in the long run.Lastly, Libby Emmons from the Post Millennial joins to unpack the latest cultural conflicts, shedding light on the growing divide in American society. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with critical insights and expert analysis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Trump says the U.S. strikes on Iran are part of a “very limited” campaign. Oil industry expert John Kilduff explains new U.S. oil deal with Venezuela. The Supreme Court allows the White House ballroom construction to continue. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian woman and members of an NBC News team reporting in the West Bank amid a rise in settler violence in the occupied territory. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last time we spoke about the beginning of the Battle of Hong kong. Japan's rise as a threat to British interests accelerated through the 1920s and intensified after invading China. Britain's response remained contradictory—diplomatically conciliatory yet militarily apprehensive. While Singapore and Malaya received substantial reinforcements, Hong Kong was acknowledged indefensible, yet the 1936 Defence Scheme attempted to fortify it as an island fortress. Governor Northcote urgently advocated evacuation, recognizing the futility of defense. London rejected this, fearing it would demoralize China and forfeit sovereignty claims. Reinforcement requests from commanders like Grasett fell on deaf ears until Grasett independently lobbied Canadian leaders. This persistence finally convinced Churchill to dispatch two additional battalions. On December 8, 1941, Japanese forces attacked across three fronts with overwhelming force. Within hours, the RAF was destroyed on the ground, demolitions proved ineffective, and British units rapidly retreated toward the Gin Drinkers Line, facing an enemy that outnumbered and outmaneuvered them from the opening moments.   #217 The Battle of Hong Kong Part 2: the Island Aflame Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Around 1500 hours on 9 December, Colonel Doi of the 228th Regiment arrived at Needle Hill, just north of the Gin Drinkers Line, ahead of his main force. For two hours he studied the British defensive positions through binoculars, noting trenches and bunkers—and to his surprise, washing lines fluttering with white clothes. The sight spoke volumes about the 2 Royal Scots' lax discipline. Then fog descended, reducing visibility to barely twenty meters, and heavy rain obscured the landscape. Doi sensed a fleeting advantage but lost radio contact with his battalions. Worse still, the Shing Mun Redoubt lay outside his regimental boundary, making an unauthorized attack a serious breach of protocol. When his units finally arrived, supporting artillery remained unavailable, held up by demolished roads. Doi chose to attack anyway. Doi ordered the 2nd Battalion to scout the eastern approach while the 3rd Battalion spearheaded the main assault. Major Nishiyana commanded the 3rd, sending Lieutenant Wakabayashi and Kasugai with 150 volunteers to lead. The Shing Mun Redoubt itself comprised five concrete pillboxes and an artillery observation post, connected by underground tunnels named after London landmarks—Piccadilly, Haymarket, and others. The whole complex sat on small rises above Jubilee Dam, then the British Empire's tallest. Defending the redoubt was A Company, 2 Royal Scots, under Captain Jones—just three officers and 39 men. One platoon of 25 soldiers under 2nd Lieutenant Thompson held the forward positions. Against this stood 150 Japanese attackers, with another 1,500 troops in reserve. Battalion orders forbade using the concrete works as fighting positions; they were meant for the Vickers machine-gun team and artillery protection. No mines could spare the redoubt's perimeter. On the night of the 9th, roughly half the defenders sheltered in the observation post while the remainder manned pillboxes 401b and 402. At 2000 hours, Thompson led a nine-man patrol northward to check Needle Hill and Shing Mun Valley. Despite two and a half hours in the field, the patrol returned at 2220 hours without detecting the Japanese force massing just 500 meters away. By that time, Lieutenant Kasugai's assault group had crossed Jubilee Dam undetected, bypassed unmanned Post X, and assembled below Pillbox 401b. At 2200 hours, Japanese sappers cut through two lines of wire. At 2300—H-Hour—Lance Corporal Laird heard movement in the bushes and opened fire. The Japanese answered with grenades and rushed the pillbox lines. One team entered the tunnel system; another hurled grenades through the air vents. Corporal Campbell swung his Vickers toward Pillbox 401, catching Japanese headquarters personnel in the open. Sergeant Robb mustered a counter-attack force of thirteen men. Five fell as casualties—Laird, Basnett, Coyle, Casey, and Jardine. Casey was killed; only Jardine escaped. The alert triggered gunfire from the observation post's defenders, and Forward Observer Wilcox called down 4.5-inch and 6-inch artillery fire. Without strong reinforcement and leadership, four Royal Scots and an Indian sentry abandoned the northern positions and withdrew to the observation post. Captain Jones received orders from Brigade to counter-attack, but delegated the task to Thompson. As Thompson attempted to leave the observation post, he found the gate locked from outside. This calamity had a backstory: just before the attack, Thompson had admitted a civilian at the request of Force 163 (SOE's sabotage unit in Singapore). Private Wylie had taken the observation post key from Lance Naik Kishan Singh and, upon exit, locked the gate behind him. The three officers were now literally locked out of the battle. Second Lieutenant Mochizuki and his platoon infiltrated through open trenches and began attacking the observation post from above, attempting to breach the hatches. The defenders held for three hours before Japanese sappers forced explosives down the air vents. At 0230 hours, the blast killed two Indian signallers inside. Thompson sustained a severe eye wound from grenade shrapnel; Jones and Warrant Officer Mead were both wounded. The remaining fifteen defenders surrendered; eleven became casualties. Meanwhile, a Rajput patrol engaging Japanese forces in the river valley managed to drive them back toward the redoubt. One final pillbox endured for another eleven hours before suffering the same sapper treatment. By 0400 hours on 10 December, the entire redoubt was lost. For just two killed, the Japanese had achieved a decisive victory—the breakthrough that would shift the entire campaign's trajectory. By dawn, a Japanese flag flew triumphantly from Point 255.   Major-General Maltby's assessment was stark: "This was calamitous, for Shing Mun was the key to the whole of the left position." Yet the Japanese perspective differed sharply. Having achieved a breakthrough, Colonel Doi received astonishing orders to withdraw—his success had transgressed into the 230th Regiment's sector and violated the meticulously prepared war plan. Doi refused. After heated confrontation with Major-General Ito and Lieutenant-General Sakai, his insubordination was later censured, though a divisional staff officer, Oyadomani, bore the scapegoat's burden of rebuke for failing to restrain Doi's initiative. With Shing Mun secured, Doi methodically fed reinforcements into the position. Throughout December 10th, the Japanese remained uncertain of their advantage and adopted a cautious strategy, probing British lines to exploit the evident disorder. Brigadier Wallis ordered the Royal Scots to mount an immediate dawn counterattack supported by the Rajputs and artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel White demurred; his battalion lacked any reasonable prospect of success. The resulting counterattack proved half-hearted at best. At first light on December 11th, the Japanese pressed Golden Hill forcefully, only to be repulsed by Captain Newton's Rajputs and gunfire from HMS Cicala. White positioned D Company in shallow shell scrapes and rusted wire—inadequate defenses against Japanese assault. Captain Pinkerton led a desperate bayonet charge that morning, temporarily clearing the Japanese and enabling the evacuation of wounded. Yet B, C, and D Companies absorbed devastating losses; Captains Rose and Richardson fell commanding their positions. With the Royal Scots collapsing, X Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and armored support rushed westward to seal the widening gap along Castle Peak Road. Meanwhile, Maltby grappled with alarming reports: Japanese landings on Lantau Island southwest of Hong Kong. Heavy artillery drove them back. A second probe at Aberdeen, where Special Naval Landing Forces approached within 300 yards of the naval base, was repelled by Canadian machine-gun fire. In hindsight, these were mere feints—never intended as the primary thrust. The stratagem succeeded. Maltby retained his island reserves—the Middlesex and two Canadian battalions—precisely where they would be needed. Had Wallis executed a forceful counterattack on December 10th with the Royal Scots and brigade reserves, the Rajputs might have retaken Shing Mun while the Japanese remained disorganized. Instead, Colonel Doi faced a furious Sakai, who had flown down from 38th Division headquarters at Taipo for what amounted to a pre-court-martial examination. The moment passed. After only 48 hours of combat, Maltby concluded the mainland was indefensible. The three battalions would withdraw intact to Hong Kong Island to assume their fortress defense roles. The naval commodore objected—demolitions, supply transfers, and troop ferrying required more time. The evacuation order was deferred 24 hours until noon on December 11th. At that hour, the decision was finalized: the mainland would be abandoned under cover of darkness. Further demolitions followed—the China Light and Power Station, the cement works on Tsing Yi Island, the docks. Yet Brigadier Wallis believed this merely a precautionary measure; he anticipated holding the mainland for at least another week. The withdrawal avoided Kowloon's congested streets, where street fighting and fifth columnists might have entrapped the British—a calculation that proved prescient, as an IJA advance column of 350 men from the 3/230th infiltrated Kowloon on the morning of December 12th to cut off the retreating garrison. The Royal Scots and Canadians retired south to Shamshuipo Barracks and Jordan Road Pier in western Kowloon; the Rajputs and supporting gunners withdrew eastward to Ma Lau Tong, which anchored the fortified Devil's Peak Peninsula. Maltby intended to hold this commanding position permanently—it was easily supplied across the narrow Lyemun Strait. The evacuation proceeded largely as planned. The Canadians and Royal Scots embarked on the afternoon and evening of December 11th under Punjabi covering fire. The Punjabis faced a harder journey—a moonlit scramble along steep Kowloon hills laden with supplies but critically short of mules. One group lost its way at a crucial junction, splitting into two columns. One proceeded toward Devil's Peak as planned; Battalion Headquarters descended into Kai Tak Airport, threaded through Kowloon City, and was evacuated by Star Ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui, fighting until the final moment as the last man boarded. The Rajputs' commander, unable to reach his Punjabi counterpart, abandoned Ma Lau Tong for the closer Hai Wan line near Devil's Peak. By 0400 hours on December 12th, the Punjabis and one Rajput company, accompanied by the gunners of the 25th Medium Battery, crossed Lyemun Strait to Hong Kong Island. Morning evacuations continued with minimal Japanese interference—a surprising restraint. Naval support proved crucial. The withdrawal completed by the morning of December 13th, though 170 mules were lost to the desertion of Chinese laborers—a deprivation that would haunt the subsequent campaign. During this passage, the IJN attempted shore bombardment. The Japanese cruiser and supporting vessels found themselves outranged by the defenders' 9.2-inch guns. The damage inflicted proved sufficient to discourage future naval adventures; for the remainder of the battle, the IJN maintained a cautious distance and played only a peripheral role. The speed and execution of the withdrawal apparently caught the Japanese unprepared. Their most probable expectation had been a full-scale assault on Devil's Peak accompanied by heavy bombardment—a day earlier, an assault without artillery preparation had been driven back with severe losses. The British appeared stronger than anticipated. The defense of the mainland had lasted only five days. With the mainland secured, the Japanese pivoted toward Hong Kong Island. The first move was diplomatic rather than military. At 0900 hours on December 13th, a small boat bearing a white flag crossed the harbor. It carried Colonel Toda, Lieutenant Mizuno, Mr. Othsu Dak, and two European women—the prominent and heavily pregnant Mrs. Macdonald and Mrs. C. R. Lee, wife of the Governor's secretary, accompanied by her two dachshunds. The surrender terms were flatly rejected. Major Boxer delivered the written refusal personally. Mrs. Macdonald remained in Hong Kong to give birth; Mrs. Lee and her dogs returned to Kowloon. The Japanese commenced systematic shelling of selected targets. On December 13th, a 9.2-inch gun on Mt. Davis was silenced; Belcher's Fort sustained damage. The following day, a 3-inch mount on Mt. Davis was hit, killing Chinese gunners and triggering morale collapse; some deserted. On December 15th, the barrage shifted to the northern shoreline, deliberately targeting pillboxes. At 2100 hours that night, approximately three Japanese companies attempted crossing the harbor in rubber rafts toward Pakshawan but were driven off by machine-gun fire. Fifth columnists intensified their operations—signaling with mirrors, sniping from concealed positions, spreading propaganda to encourage Chinese desertion. Their impact might have been catastrophic had not Rear-Admiral Chan and Colonel Yee, armed with tommy guns and grenades, systematically eliminated many of these saboteurs. By December 16th, half the pillboxes between the racecourse and Lyemun Strait lay destroyed. The intended crossing site was unmistakable. On December 17th, the Japanese dispatched a second peace mission—Colonel Toda's team now accompanied by Mrs. Lee with her dachshunds and a pregnant Russian woman. Again, the overtures were rebuffed. On December 18th, the bombardment reached new intensity. Oil storage tanks ignited, sending dense black smoke cascading across the northeast corner of the island—perfect concealment for what was to come. All signs pointed to imminent assault.  I want to note something here, you sometimes hear about how race played a role in the Pacific War and indeed it did. Racist attitudes were found on both the western and Japanese side of the war. There is a fantastic book dedicated to this by the way called, War without Mercy by John Dower, highly recommend it. What is interesting is how these racial attitudes actually affected decision making during the war. Take General Sakai's night amphibious assault for example. Western soldiers such as the Canadians in Hong Kong reported they were told by their commanders that quote "Don't worry about the Japanese, they can't see at night, they all wear glasses" another Canadian soldier wrote in a diary "They don't see well, especially at night we knew this as a matter of fact." Indeed the week before the outbreak of the battle of Hong Kong, Canadian officers attending a briefing by a British officer were informed that "Japan's aircraft were mostly obsolete, its air force had little practice in night flying, and its pilots were myopic and thus unable to carry out dive-bombing attacks". You might be asking yourself, why did they think the Japanese were myopic? The scientific explanation of the day was this "That the Japanese suffered widespread inner-ear damage. What caused this? Japanese motherhood, the practice of strapping babies to their mothers backs, it was explained caused their heads to bounce about, like when they harvested rice and permanently impaired their sense of balance". I particularly love this quote, one of my professors dedicated an entire class to the bizarre racial attitudes before and after the pacific war. There was a belief the Japanese could not see well at night, many western air force commanders actually believed there were times of day like at dawn or dusk where Japanese pilots would not operate because of this hindrance. American military commentator Fletcher Pratt in 1939 analyzed Japan's military strengths and explained it had four major weaknesses. The first was scarcity of resources such as iron, and steel. The second was that the Japanese "can neither make good airplanes nor fly them well" as a result of " the Japanese as a race have defects of the tubes of the inner ear, just as they are generally myopic. This gives them a defective sense of balance, the one physical sense in which an aviator is not permitted to be deficient.". The third was that the Japanese were short-tempered and were inclined to waste men unnecessarily when operations did not go well. The fourth was that the Japanese would simply never date to provoke a war with the US. Again Mr Pratt was an American military commentator whose information came from multiple accounts given by high ranking military officials! The British military maintained that the Japanese avoided night operations on land because they were simply incapable of caring them out well, while they avoided nighttime aerial attacks, as well as dive-bombing for the same reasons Pratt said quote "their pilots were poor and their aircraft inferior.". So take this all to mind when I talk about how certain ranking officers go about making their decisions. By the evening of 14 December, evacuated mainland units had regrouped on Hong Kong Island. The defensive structure was restructured into two brigades: Brigadier Wallis commanded the East Brigade from Taitam Gap, while Brigadier Lawson headed the West Brigade from Wongneichong Gap. This reorganization placed the 5/7 Rajputs across the north-east perimeter, defending over 3,500 metres of coastline with B Company positioned on the hills behind Taikoo Docks. The Royal Rifles of Canada held the north-east corner from Stanley to points south, with reserve positions at Lyemun. Two HKVDC companies supported from Taitam Valley and Pottinger Gap, while the veteran Hughsiliers manned the North Point power station. British and Canadian artillery provided fire support across the northern approaches. The West Brigade held the north-western and south-western shores. The 2/14 Punjab stretched from Causeway Bay to Belcher's Point, protecting Government House and General Maltby's headquarters, with battalion headquarters at Mid-Level. The Winnipeg Grenadiers covered the south-west from Wanchai Gap, with one company detached to the brigade headquarters at Wongneichong Gap. The 2 Royal Scots, severely mauled at Shing Mun, were held in reserve with fresh replacements from the HKVDC. The Middlesex Regiment's companies were dispersed along 72 pillboxes encircling the entire shoreline, while an improvised Z Company of clerks, musicians and cooks defended battalion headquarters at Leighton Hill. Supporting artillery included 9.2-inch and 6-inch guns on Mt Davis and 4.7-inch guns at Belcher's Point. As darkness fell on 17 December, Japanese reconnaissance swimmers reached Taikoo, confirming the crossing site despite detection. Reinforcements arrived: 18 additional heavy bombers from Guangzhou and 26 fighters from Taiwan joined the aerial assault. The crescendo of artillery fire on the 18th, combined with masses of small craft gathering across the harbour, signalled the imminent invasion. Japanese divisional headquarters shifted to Ma Tau Wei near Kai Tak Airport; the 23rd Army moved to Taipo. The invasion force disposed itself with the right flank embarking from east and west of Kai Tak, the left from Devil's Hill area. At 1800 hours, the invasion order was issued; by 1930 hours Sakai himself arrived in Kowloon to oversee the crossing. At precisely 2000 hours, the 2/228th Regiment silently paddled their collapsible craft toward Taikoo Docks and the nearby sugar factory as artillery support commenced. Colonel Doi embarked with 80 headquarters personnel aboard a large barge, leading the second wave. The conditions favoured the invaders—a moonless night, sporadic showers, and thick black smoke from burning oil tanks obscured their movement. They reached the midpoint undetected before searchlights and machine-gun fire scattered the small boats, separating commanders from their units. Despite this chaos, the assault pressed forward. At 2140 hours the artillery shifted to deeper targets; at 2145 hours the first wave of 3/230th landed at North Point, followed minutes later by 2/228th and then 2/229th. Three red flares signalled a successful landing. All six Japanese battalions were ashore by midnight, though wire fencing delayed their advance and Bren carriers added to the confusion on the beach. General Sano arrived at Taikoo one hour later. The 5/7 Rajputs bore the initial brunt of the assault. Despite days of preliminary shelling, the Rajputs mounted a stubborn defence; Japanese casualties mounted rapidly. The anti-tank company suffered so grievously that only a single gun remained operational. The Japanese plan was tactical rather than frontal—bypass isolated positions for later elimination and push rapidly toward high ground. Overwhelmed by numerical superiority and losing most of their officers, Rajput resistance gradually crumbled. Contradicting all evidence, Maltby remained convinced the main Japanese assault would strike directly at Victoria from Kowloon. He therefore withheld the counter-attack, instead dispatching a platoon of Middlesex troops, Royal Marines, naval personnel, and the Rajputs' reserve company—supported by artillery—to establish a defensive line blocking the Japanese advance toward Central District. Three HKVDC armoured cars were sent to protect East Brigade headquarters; two more reinforced the Middlesex battalion headquarters. It was manifestly inadequate against six Japanese battalions. In post-war dispatches, Maltby conceded his grave miscalculation: he believed he faced at most two battalions, not a full division. As the 3/230th broke through D Company of the 5/7 Rajputs, the 2/230th came ashore nearby and wheeled westward toward Victoria. Their advance halted abruptly at the North Point power station, held by an extraordinary force: four officers and 36 men of the HKVDC Hughsiliers Platoon—alongside 39 civilian volunteers from China Light & Power and Hong Kong Electric, including the station manager Vincent Sorby—plus eight Free French soldiers commanded by Captain Jacques Egal, a Shanghai businessman turned soldier. Without exception, these men were World War I veterans, many aged 55 or older. Some had fought in the Boer War. Major J. J. Patterson, the Hughsiliers' commander, had served with Allenby's Camel Corps and been mentioned in dispatches six times; he was chairman of Jardine Matheson and a legislative councillor. Private Sir Edward Des Voeux, 8th Baronet, a millionaire bullion trader and secretary of the Hong Kong Club, had enlisted as a private when deemed too old for mobilization. Private T. A. Pearce, 67 years old, was chairman of J. D. Hutchison & Company and secretary of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Captain Bruch, the second-in-command, aged 60, chaired a major trading house. The list extended through Hong Kong's business elite, each choosing to fight rather than flee. These old men held an entire regiment at bay. When Patterson called for aid, Maltby dispatched an HKVDC armoured car with a platoon from Z Company, 1 Middlesex, but the reinforcement was ambushed before reaching the station; only nine soldiers, including 2nd Lieutenant Caruthers, broke through. Unable to dislodge the defenders by assault, the Japanese resorted to bombardment. By 0145 hours on 19 December, surrounded and ammunition exhausted, the defenders withdrew to King's Road behind a disabled bus. The Japanese deployed three machine guns, killing or mortally wounding all but Private Geoghan. A Japanese officer, believing all dead, cautiously approached—only to have Geoghan, despite his wounds, surge from cover and charge. He killed the officer and four soldiers before collapsing from wounds. Somehow Geoghan survived. Those old men—civilians and reservists, businessmen and veterans—held the entire western Japanese advance for 18 hours, buying Maltby precious time to withdraw forces and establish a new defensive line. Their stand at North Point became one of the campaign's most improbable acts of defiance. As the 2/229th Regiment advanced southward toward Mt Parker, the 3/229th landed at Aldrich Bay and turned eastward toward Lyemun, where they seized an HKVDC 6-inch gun. Major Bishop of the Royal Rifles of Canada, unaware of the landings, dispatched 15 Platoon under Lieutenant Scott to check on A Company of the Rajputs. Unexpectedly, they encountered armed men in civilian clothes at Lyemun's gate—the first indication of the Japanese presence on the island. Yet senior officers dismissed initial reports of landings and lost positions as exaggerated, a critical miscalculation that proved catastrophic. At Lyemun Fort, the 5th Anti-aircraft Battery of the HKVDC was caught completely unaware and surrendered after minimal resistance. The Japanese then committed one of many atrocities that would characterize the battle, bayoneting 29 survivors. Alerted by 15 Platoon's report, Bishop attempted a counter-attack with two platoons to retake the fort, but the defenders could not scale the six-meter wall and withdrew with nine men killed. As the 2/229th pressed southward toward Mt Parker, they overran the Salesian Mission, which had been converted into an Advance Dressing Station. No. 8 Company of the 2/229th systematized a massacre of medical personnel and the wounded—an atrocity that would later become pivotal evidence at Colonel Tanaka's war crimes trial. Yet amid the chaos, several medical staff and wounded survived to testify: Gunners Y. K. Chan and Martin H. C. Tso of the 5th Battery, Captain Osler Thomas of the HKVDC, Captain Martin Banfill of the Royal Canadian Medical Corps, and Corporal Norman Leath of the Royal Army Medical Corps. C Company of the Royal Rifles, reinforced with captured Japanese machine guns abandoned by fleeing Rajputs, inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with one Japanese company suffering over 65 percent losses. Yet overwhelmed by superior numbers and suffering nearly two platoons worth of casualties themselves, the Canadians were forced to withdraw, leaving only a reinforcement platoon under Lieutenant Blaver on Mt Parker. When Captain Clerke arrived at dawn with 16 Platoon to reinforce the position, he found over 100 Japanese already entrenched. With no artillery support and only two platoons available, Clerke had no choice but to withdraw, abandoning Mt Parker to the enemy. By dawn on the 19th, the East Brigade faced catastrophe. Infantry strength had been halved, and losses of artillery were equally devastating. A series of misunderstandings and misinterpreted orders led coastal gun crews at Capes D'Aguilar and Collinson to destroy their own guns in confusion or lose them to the advancing Japanese. Of the entire artillery complement, only one 18-pounder and two 3.7-inch field guns remained operational. Wongneichong—literally "yellow muddy creek" in Chinese—occupies the center of Hong Kong Island, a valley separating the eastern hills (Mt Parker, Mt Butler, Jardine's Lookout) from the western massif (Mt Nicholson, Mt Cameron, Victoria Peak). This narrow gap formed the critical artery linking northern and southern Hong Kong, making Brigadier Lawson's decision to place West Brigade Headquarters there strategically sound yet tactically vulnerable. Recognizing the exposed position after the landings, Major Lyndon had located an alternative site south of Mt Nicholson, scheduled to open the following day. In response to the Japanese landings, Lawson dispatched three platoons of Winnipeg Grenadiers to block the advance. Lieutenant C. D. French took 18 Platoon to Mt Butler, Lieutenant G. A. Birkett's 17 Platoon moved to Jardine's Lookout, and Lieutenant L. B. Corrigan's platoon took the north-west approach to the Gap. As on Mt Parker, both French and Birkett were killed almost immediately, their small forces overwhelmed by battalion-strength enemy forces with artillery support. By morning on the 19th, two battalions each of the 230th and 228th Regiments were pushing for the high ground. The 2/230th rapidly occupied Jardine's Lookout while the 3/230th moved to Mt Nicholson and the 2/228th advanced toward the Gap itself. No. 3 Company of the HKVDC under Major E. Stewart held pillboxes around Jardine's Lookout, while No. 1 Company under Captain Penn defended Taitam Valley with forward positions at Quarry Gap. The pillboxes, despite heavy bombardment, held longer than anticipated—some for as long as 24 hours. Stewart maintained his company headquarters until the 22nd, four days of continuous fighting without adequate ammunition, food, or water. No. 3 Company suffered 80 percent casualties and ceased to exist as a cohesive unit. Realizing that the enemy had penetrated to Mt Butler, Brigadier Lawson decided counter-attack was essential. Major A. B. Gresham of A Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, was ordered to retake Mt Butler and clear Jardine's Lookout. The Canadians initially succeeded, with Warrant Officer 2 J. R. Osborne leading a bayonet charge, but a strong counter-attack by three Japanese companies drove them back by 2200 hours. The Canadians held firm until 1500 hours, when Gresham attempted surrender despite waving a white flag—the Japanese shot him regardless. In the chaos that followed, a Canadian killed a Japanese officer in response, triggering a grenade barrage. Warrant Officer Osborne caught the grenades and hurled them back as fast as they came, but one landed in an impossible position. Without hesitation, Osborne threw himself on the grenade to save his comrades. This act of supreme self-sacrifice earned him a Victoria Cross—the first Canadian VC of World War II. At dawn on the 19th, Maltby dispatched A Company of the 2 Royal Scots under Captain K. J. Campbell to reinforce the Gap, but they lost all their officers with only 15 men reaching Lawson's headquarters. A group of sailors under Commander A. L. Pears came from the south, but were ambushed en route; only a few reached the Postbridge—a house just south of the Gap—which became an isolated strongpoint. The 3/230th captured the police station perched on a mound at the southern point of the Gap, then swept eastward to seize the anti-aircraft guns of 7th Battery (barely 250 meters from brigade headquarters) and continued uphill toward Taitam Hill to capture additional 6-inch and 3.7-inch guns. Maltby's response was to call down final protective fire from the HKSRA in Happy Valley, inflicting massive casualties on the 3/230th. At 1000 hours on the 19th, Lawson reported that his headquarters was surrounded and he was about to "go outside and shoot it out." Captain H. A. Bush provided covering fire as Lawson and his entire staff, including Middlesex signallers, were cut down by machine-gun fire across the Gap. Lawson's body was discovered two days later halfway up the hill behind his headquarters, dead from a gunshot wound to the thigh. Lieutenant Kerfoot of the 2/14 Punjab with his three Bren carriers arrived minutes too late to save him. IJA who saw the fight made a note stating "he died heroically". At 1330 hours on the 19th, Maltby issued "Operation Order No. 6" calling for a massive counter-attack to commence 90 minutes later. The plan was ambitious: A and D Companies of the 2/14 Punjab were to attack east from Victoria to North Point to relieve the Hughsiliers, while HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the 2 Royal Scots were to attack the Gap and Jardine's Lookout. Eight field guns were promised but never materialized. There was no reconnaissance, no proper orders, and minimal coordination. The Canadians were to rendezvous with the 2 Royal Scots at Middle Gap at 1530 hours, but the Scots were late; the Canadians advanced without them. Captain Pinkerton of D Company, 2 Royal Scots, was ordered at the last minute to attack up Wongneichong Gap Road—the same route A Company had taken only seven hours earlier and been decimated—because it was reported as "lightly held." Captain A. M. S. Slater-Brown led the advance with three Bren carriers and attached engineers, followed by D Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers. Just as the carriers reached the burnt-out trucks of A Company, they too were ambushed. Mortars and machine-gun fire rained down from Jardine's Lookout, where the Japanese occupied captured HKVDC pillboxes. Slater-Brown and 2nd Lieutenant Bell, the battalion intelligence officer, were killed instantly. The Royal Scots waited in the roadside ditches until 0200 hours before launching an attack on the police station, reaching the steps before Pinkerton was severely wounded. Captain Ford's composite company attack at 0300 hours also failed. Simultaneously, C Company under Lieutenant F. L. Stanier attacked Jardine's Lookout—also unsuccessfully. This series of piecemeal assaults cost the Royal Scots eight officers and 68 soldiers. Growing increasingly desperate, Maltby ordered Major Hodkinson, Officer Commanding HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, to attack the Gap and proceed to Mt Parker. Requesting reinforcements from A Company and the Royal Scots, Hodkinson launched his assault with covering fire from Lieutenant Corrigan on Mt Nicholson. The Grenadiers managed to reach Mt Nicholson with only five unwounded men, though Corrigan's group advanced to within 300 meters of the Gap road. Then came an unexpected stroke of fortune: while skirting Mt Nicholson, Hodkinson's group stumbled upon approximately 500 Japanese—probably from the 3/230th—eating lunch without posting sentries. The Winnipeg Grenadiers unleashed devastating fire, inflicting heavy casualties. By 1745 hours, Hodkinson's force was only 100 meters from Repulse Bay Road. With four men and a 2-inch mortar, Hodkinson worked his way to the abandoned brigade headquarters, bringing 20 walking wounded with him. He established a foothold at the Gap, receiving orders to attack the police station at 2200 hours. Two HKVDC armoured cars with Vickers machine guns came in support, but accurate enemy fire disabled both. Like Pinkerton before him, Hodkinson reached near his objective before being severely wounded. For this action of determination and courage, Hodkinson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. By the morning of the 20th, the Japanese had consolidated control of the Gap, but elements of D Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, still held various pillboxes north of the position. Initially, 17 and 18 Platoons occupied forward positions with Company Headquarters and 16 Platoon in reserve, positioned across Wongneichong Road almost directly opposite brigade headquarters. Forward positions were rapidly overrun and cut off from the company. They fought without officers until withdrawal to battalion headquarters became necessary. With Captain A. S. Bowman killed and Captain R. W. Philips wounded, command fell to Lieutenant T. A. Blackwood. An attempt by B Company to relieve D Company on the evening of the 20th failed catastrophically, killing all officers and 29 men. With fewer than 50 men remaining—all wounded—Lieutenant Blackwood continued inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese until 22 December, when exhaustion and the complete absence of ammunition, food, and water forced surrender. D Company killed over 200 Japanese soldiers. Post-war Japanese reports refused to believe that a single company had held the Gap for so long. For their stubborn defense, Philips and Blackwood were awarded the Military Cross, and three enlisted men received the Military Medal. The battle of Wongneichong Gap was characterized by fragmented planning and poor coordination. On the night of the 19th-20th, no fewer than three separate companies attacked the police station, with another company assaulting Jardine's Lookout—all within five hours, all independently organized by local commanders. Had these disparate actions been coordinated into a single simultaneous assault, fortress headquarters' objectives might well have been achieved. By the end of the 20th, the British had lost the vital ground of Wongneichong, though Postbridge House remained as an isolated holdout. For the Japanese, Wongneichong became the single costliest engagement since the invasion began, with over 800 casualties and the regimental commander of the 3/230th seriously wounded. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me.   Japanese landings on 18-19 December overwhelmed the East Brigade. Brigadier Lawson died defending the vital Gap. Desperate, uncoordinated counter-attacks by British and Canadian troops failed to dislodge the enemy. D Company Winnipeg Grenadiers held the position for four days against overwhelming odds before surrendering. The Japanese suffered 800 casualties but secured this critical strategic ground.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we're joined by Kenny Davis of Kenny Davis Hot Rods.Kenny has been around the Roadster Shop crew for a long time, long enough to remember picking up some of the first RS chassis back around 2008/2009, including the one still under his dad's '55 Nomad.We get into Kenny's history with Tri-Fives, growing up around his dad's cars, road-tripping Nomads and '55s all over the country, and why those cars still have such a hold on him.The guys also talk about the evolution of Roadster Shop chassis, Kenny's current builds, Suburban and Blazer projects, the collision side of the business, hot rod shop realities, customers, craftsmanship, and how much the industry has changed over the years.And because it's Kenny, there are plenty of stories: the coma, the steamroller, body shop conferences, Arkansas vs. Yankees, Kenny Davis jeans, American Graffiti, Ferrari 308 dreams, music comparisons, and a whole lot of ball-busting between old friends.

Oil prices jumped after the hostilities resumed, The major averages were still pacing to close out August with gains, Saturday September 12th at 10am is the Taxes in Retirement seminar with EP Wealth Advisors and CFP's Ryan Ignacio and Julie Chan-O'Rourke at the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library

August is officially in the books! And after another month of AI enthusiasm, strong corporate earnings, stubborn inflation, rising oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty, Fed drama and some major market breakouts, it's time to step back from the daily noise and see where the money actually went. On today's episode of TraderMerlin, we're pulling up the charts and reviewing the performance of our Top 8 Market Segments for August. Because sometimes the best way to understand what's happening in the financial markets isn't another headline... It's simply looking at which assets are actually going UP—and which ones aren't. We'll compare the performance of the major markets and see where traders and investors were putting their money throughout August. We'll discuss: U.S. Equities – The S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow and Russell 2000 all finished August higher despite plenty of volatility along the way. Technology – AI remained one of the dominant market themes, with another massive Nvidia earnings report helping reinforce enthusiasm for the AI trade. Small Caps – Are smaller companies finally participating more meaningfully in the bull market? Gold – Precious metals delivered another powerful month as inflation, geopolitical risk and concerns about the dollar drove demand. Bitcoin & Crypto – Bitcoin was one of August's standout performers as digital assets attracted another wave of capital. Energy & Crude Oil – Middle East tensions and disruptions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz kept energy markets firmly in focus. Bonds & Interest Rates – Treasury yields remained a major source of volatility as investors digested inflation data and Kevin Warsh's message from Jackson Hole. The U.S. Dollar – What currency markets are telling us about inflation, monetary policy and global capital flows. But we're not just ranking winners and losers. We're asking the much more important question: What is August's performance telling us about September? The S&P 500 gained roughly 2.5% in August, continuing an earnings-driven bull market. Semiconductor stocks remained strong, with Nvidia gaining nearly 9% for the month, while software stocks continued their impressive recovery. But some of the biggest moves weren't in stocks at all. Bitcoin gained more than 20% during August, while gold also posted a powerful monthly advance as investors increasingly looked toward scarce assets amid concerns about inflation, government debt and monetary policy. Meanwhile, crude oil remains one of the market's biggest wild cards as renewed tensions in the Middle East pushed Brent back above $90 per barrel to close out the month. That's a very interesting combination: Stocks rising. Gold rising. Bitcoin rising. Oil rising. Bond yields remaining elevated. Normally, those assets aren't all telling us the same story. So what exactly is the market pricing in? That's what we'll try to figure out today. And the timing couldn't be better because tomorrow we turn the calendar to September—historically one of the most difficult months of the year for U.S. equities. For additional market research, check out CME Group Markets, Federal Reserve Economic Data, and Nvidia Investor Relations. Listen now:

Trump's decision to hike Canada auto tariffs to 50% after trade talks collapsed marks one of the most aggressive moves yet in the ongoing US-Canada trade war. We explain how this reshapes auto supply chains, raises car prices for American consumers, and what the broader tariff escalation signals for North American economic integration.Today's Stocks & Topics: The Hershey Company (HSY), Market Wrap, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. (DKS), Memory Squeeze, Gold, Trade War 2.0: Canada Auto Tariffs Hit 50% and What It Means for Your Wallet, Target Corporation (TGT), Blue Bird Corporation (BLBD), Key Benchmark Numbers: Treasury Yields, Gold, Silver, Oil and Gasoline, KPP Newsletter, Long Term Care in Retirement.Our Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic and use my code Claude.ai/invest for a great deal: https://www.anthropic.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/INVEST for a great deal: https://www.quince.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Crystal Hughes. Shared her journey as a licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur, and founder of the Wig Capital Foundation. The conversation focused on her innovative wig donation and recycling program, which supports individuals experiencing medical hair loss while also promoting environmental sustainability through hair and wig recycling. Drawing from more than two decades in the beauty industry, Hughes explained how a childhood dream evolved into a mission-driven organization that restores confidence to people facing hair loss and creates opportunities for education, community involvement, and environmental impact. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Raise awareness about the Wig Capital Foundation. Educate the public about wig donation and recycling programs. Encourage salons, barber shops, cosmetology schools, and community organizations to participate. Support individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. Highlight the environmental benefits of recycling wigs and hair products. Inspire listeners through Crystal's entrepreneurial and philanthropic journey. Key Takeaways 1. Wigs Can Be Recycled and Repurposed Many people are unaware that wigs can have a second life. Crystal's organization collects: Human-hair wigs Synthetic wigs Hair extensions Donated hair products Usable wigs are refurbished and redistributed, while damaged wigs are recycled into materials used for environmental cleanup and research. 2. Medical Hair Loss Impacts Quality of Life A major focus of the foundation is supporting individuals experiencing hair loss due to: Cancer treatments Medical conditions Health-related challenges By providing donated wigs, the organization helps restore confidence, dignity, and self-esteem. 3. Community Partnerships Drive Impact Crystal built her program through partnerships with: Cosmetology schools Hospitals Cancer organizations Beauty supply stores Community volunteers These partnerships allow the foundation to process, repair, and distribute large volumes of donated wigs. 4. Education Creates Opportunity Cosmetology students participate in refurbishing wigs as part of their training. The program provides students with: Hands-on experience Community service hours Technical training Exposure to real-world client needs This creates a win-win situation for both students and recipients. 5. Sustainability Is Part of the Mission One of the interview's most unique themes was environmental stewardship. Unused or damaged wigs are broken down and recycled into products that can assist with: Environmental cleanup Oil-spill recovery efforts Sustainability research Crystal sees beauty and environmental responsibility as connected causes. 6. Small Ideas Can Become Large Movements What began as a personal vision expanded into a network that attracted support from multiple states and organizations. The foundation received donated wigs from: Individual donors Beauty supply stores Community members Organizations across the country The response demonstrated the widespread demand for programs that combine social impact and sustainability. 7. Entrepreneurship Begins with Passion Crystal traced her inspiration back to childhood visits to beauty supply stores with her grandmother. What started as an eight-year-old girl's dream eventually became a career, a nonprofit initiative, and a growing social-impact enterprise. 8. Don't Wait for Perfect Conditions Crystal repeatedly emphasized that she started with limited resources and often funded projects herself. Her story demonstrates that taking action, even without complete certainty or financial backing, can lead to meaningful results. 9. Innovation Comes from Solving Problems In addition to the Wig Capital Foundation, Crystal discussed creating "hat wigs," combining a hat and hairpiece into a practical solution for women dealing with hair challenges. Her approach reflects a broader entrepreneurial mindset of identifying problems and developing creative solutions. 10. Service Is the Foundation of Success Throughout the conversation, Crystal emphasized helping others first. Whether through wig donations, student training, environmental initiatives, or community partnerships, her work is built around creating positive change. Key Themes Beauty With Purpose The interview highlights how the beauty industry can be used as a force for social good. Entrepreneurship Through Service Crystal's success grew from solving real problems rather than simply pursuing profit. Community Collaboration Partnerships with schools, hospitals, and volunteers make the organization's impact possible. Confidence and Dignity Providing wigs to individuals experiencing hair loss is about more than appearance. It is about restoring confidence and improving quality of life. Notable Quotes On Her Childhood Dream "When I get older, I want to own one of these." On the Program's Mission "Helping our environment." On Taking Action "You got to start somewhere." On Entrepreneurship "You can't let circumstances and people and places stop you from living your dream." On Innovation "Maybe other women might need a hat wig." On Community Involvement "Everybody wants to get involved with wigs. Wigs is fun." On Program Growth "People started to reach out to be members as well as start chapters in their states." On Her Vision "Just get involved. Spread the word." Success Highlights Founder of the Wig Capital Foundation. Created a large-scale wig donation and refurbishment initiative. Developed partnerships with cosmetology schools and healthcare organizations. Collected thousands of wigs through donation campaigns. Introduced environmentally conscious hair and wig recycling efforts. Expanded outreach beyond local communities through chapters and partnerships. Created innovative hair products such as custom hat wigs. Bottom Line Crystal Hughes' interview is a powerful example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. By combining her cosmetology expertise with a passion for helping others, she created a program that supports individuals facing medical hair loss while promoting environmental sustainability. Her story demonstrates how a simple childhood dream can evolve into a mission that restores confidence, creates educational opportunities, and positively impacts communities across the country. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Crystal Hughes. Shared her journey as a licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur, and founder of the Wig Capital Foundation. The conversation focused on her innovative wig donation and recycling program, which supports individuals experiencing medical hair loss while also promoting environmental sustainability through hair and wig recycling. Drawing from more than two decades in the beauty industry, Hughes explained how a childhood dream evolved into a mission-driven organization that restores confidence to people facing hair loss and creates opportunities for education, community involvement, and environmental impact. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Raise awareness about the Wig Capital Foundation. Educate the public about wig donation and recycling programs. Encourage salons, barber shops, cosmetology schools, and community organizations to participate. Support individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. Highlight the environmental benefits of recycling wigs and hair products. Inspire listeners through Crystal's entrepreneurial and philanthropic journey. Key Takeaways 1. Wigs Can Be Recycled and Repurposed Many people are unaware that wigs can have a second life. Crystal's organization collects: Human-hair wigs Synthetic wigs Hair extensions Donated hair products Usable wigs are refurbished and redistributed, while damaged wigs are recycled into materials used for environmental cleanup and research. 2. Medical Hair Loss Impacts Quality of Life A major focus of the foundation is supporting individuals experiencing hair loss due to: Cancer treatments Medical conditions Health-related challenges By providing donated wigs, the organization helps restore confidence, dignity, and self-esteem. 3. Community Partnerships Drive Impact Crystal built her program through partnerships with: Cosmetology schools Hospitals Cancer organizations Beauty supply stores Community volunteers These partnerships allow the foundation to process, repair, and distribute large volumes of donated wigs. 4. Education Creates Opportunity Cosmetology students participate in refurbishing wigs as part of their training. The program provides students with: Hands-on experience Community service hours Technical training Exposure to real-world client needs This creates a win-win situation for both students and recipients. 5. Sustainability Is Part of the Mission One of the interview's most unique themes was environmental stewardship. Unused or damaged wigs are broken down and recycled into products that can assist with: Environmental cleanup Oil-spill recovery efforts Sustainability research Crystal sees beauty and environmental responsibility as connected causes. 6. Small Ideas Can Become Large Movements What began as a personal vision expanded into a network that attracted support from multiple states and organizations. The foundation received donated wigs from: Individual donors Beauty supply stores Community members Organizations across the country The response demonstrated the widespread demand for programs that combine social impact and sustainability. 7. Entrepreneurship Begins with Passion Crystal traced her inspiration back to childhood visits to beauty supply stores with her grandmother. What started as an eight-year-old girl's dream eventually became a career, a nonprofit initiative, and a growing social-impact enterprise. 8. Don't Wait for Perfect Conditions Crystal repeatedly emphasized that she started with limited resources and often funded projects herself. Her story demonstrates that taking action, even without complete certainty or financial backing, can lead to meaningful results. 9. Innovation Comes from Solving Problems In addition to the Wig Capital Foundation, Crystal discussed creating "hat wigs," combining a hat and hairpiece into a practical solution for women dealing with hair challenges. Her approach reflects a broader entrepreneurial mindset of identifying problems and developing creative solutions. 10. Service Is the Foundation of Success Throughout the conversation, Crystal emphasized helping others first. Whether through wig donations, student training, environmental initiatives, or community partnerships, her work is built around creating positive change. Key Themes Beauty With Purpose The interview highlights how the beauty industry can be used as a force for social good. Entrepreneurship Through Service Crystal's success grew from solving real problems rather than simply pursuing profit. Community Collaboration Partnerships with schools, hospitals, and volunteers make the organization's impact possible. Confidence and Dignity Providing wigs to individuals experiencing hair loss is about more than appearance. It is about restoring confidence and improving quality of life. Notable Quotes On Her Childhood Dream "When I get older, I want to own one of these." On the Program's Mission "Helping our environment." On Taking Action "You got to start somewhere." On Entrepreneurship "You can't let circumstances and people and places stop you from living your dream." On Innovation "Maybe other women might need a hat wig." On Community Involvement "Everybody wants to get involved with wigs. Wigs is fun." On Program Growth "People started to reach out to be members as well as start chapters in their states." On Her Vision "Just get involved. Spread the word." Success Highlights Founder of the Wig Capital Foundation. Created a large-scale wig donation and refurbishment initiative. Developed partnerships with cosmetology schools and healthcare organizations. Collected thousands of wigs through donation campaigns. Introduced environmentally conscious hair and wig recycling efforts. Expanded outreach beyond local communities through chapters and partnerships. Created innovative hair products such as custom hat wigs. Bottom Line Crystal Hughes' interview is a powerful example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. By combining her cosmetology expertise with a passion for helping others, she created a program that supports individuals facing medical hair loss while promoting environmental sustainability. Her story demonstrates how a simple childhood dream can evolve into a mission that restores confidence, creates educational opportunities, and positively impacts communities across the country. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Oil for the light.” — Exodus 25:6 My soul, how much thou needest this, for thy lamp will not long continue to burn without it. Thy snuff will smoke and become an offence if light be gone, and gone it will be if oil be absent. Thou hast no oil well springing up in thy […]

Aug 28, 2026 – Nvidia and Marvell reveal AI's next phase, software stages a comeback after the "SaaS apocalypse," and a hawkish Warsh puts a Fed hike back on the table. Ryan Puplava breaks down where growth, value, and rate risk collide for investors...

Aug 27, 2026 – As frontier AI models converge on near-identical performance, Coeus Institute's Michai Morin argues the industry's defining battle is shifting from intelligence to economics—and the West may be losing. In a wide-ranging interview...

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Crystal Hughes. Shared her journey as a licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur, and founder of the Wig Capital Foundation. The conversation focused on her innovative wig donation and recycling program, which supports individuals experiencing medical hair loss while also promoting environmental sustainability through hair and wig recycling. Drawing from more than two decades in the beauty industry, Hughes explained how a childhood dream evolved into a mission-driven organization that restores confidence to people facing hair loss and creates opportunities for education, community involvement, and environmental impact. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Raise awareness about the Wig Capital Foundation. Educate the public about wig donation and recycling programs. Encourage salons, barber shops, cosmetology schools, and community organizations to participate. Support individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. Highlight the environmental benefits of recycling wigs and hair products. Inspire listeners through Crystal's entrepreneurial and philanthropic journey. Key Takeaways 1. Wigs Can Be Recycled and Repurposed Many people are unaware that wigs can have a second life. Crystal's organization collects: Human-hair wigs Synthetic wigs Hair extensions Donated hair products Usable wigs are refurbished and redistributed, while damaged wigs are recycled into materials used for environmental cleanup and research. 2. Medical Hair Loss Impacts Quality of Life A major focus of the foundation is supporting individuals experiencing hair loss due to: Cancer treatments Medical conditions Health-related challenges By providing donated wigs, the organization helps restore confidence, dignity, and self-esteem. 3. Community Partnerships Drive Impact Crystal built her program through partnerships with: Cosmetology schools Hospitals Cancer organizations Beauty supply stores Community volunteers These partnerships allow the foundation to process, repair, and distribute large volumes of donated wigs. 4. Education Creates Opportunity Cosmetology students participate in refurbishing wigs as part of their training. The program provides students with: Hands-on experience Community service hours Technical training Exposure to real-world client needs This creates a win-win situation for both students and recipients. 5. Sustainability Is Part of the Mission One of the interview's most unique themes was environmental stewardship. Unused or damaged wigs are broken down and recycled into products that can assist with: Environmental cleanup Oil-spill recovery efforts Sustainability research Crystal sees beauty and environmental responsibility as connected causes. 6. Small Ideas Can Become Large Movements What began as a personal vision expanded into a network that attracted support from multiple states and organizations. The foundation received donated wigs from: Individual donors Beauty supply stores Community members Organizations across the country The response demonstrated the widespread demand for programs that combine social impact and sustainability. 7. Entrepreneurship Begins with Passion Crystal traced her inspiration back to childhood visits to beauty supply stores with her grandmother. What started as an eight-year-old girl's dream eventually became a career, a nonprofit initiative, and a growing social-impact enterprise. 8. Don't Wait for Perfect Conditions Crystal repeatedly emphasized that she started with limited resources and often funded projects herself. Her story demonstrates that taking action, even without complete certainty or financial backing, can lead to meaningful results. 9. Innovation Comes from Solving Problems In addition to the Wig Capital Foundation, Crystal discussed creating "hat wigs," combining a hat and hairpiece into a practical solution for women dealing with hair challenges. Her approach reflects a broader entrepreneurial mindset of identifying problems and developing creative solutions. 10. Service Is the Foundation of Success Throughout the conversation, Crystal emphasized helping others first. Whether through wig donations, student training, environmental initiatives, or community partnerships, her work is built around creating positive change. Key Themes Beauty With Purpose The interview highlights how the beauty industry can be used as a force for social good. Entrepreneurship Through Service Crystal's success grew from solving real problems rather than simply pursuing profit. Community Collaboration Partnerships with schools, hospitals, and volunteers make the organization's impact possible. Confidence and Dignity Providing wigs to individuals experiencing hair loss is about more than appearance. It is about restoring confidence and improving quality of life. Notable Quotes On Her Childhood Dream "When I get older, I want to own one of these." On the Program's Mission "Helping our environment." On Taking Action "You got to start somewhere." On Entrepreneurship "You can't let circumstances and people and places stop you from living your dream." On Innovation "Maybe other women might need a hat wig." On Community Involvement "Everybody wants to get involved with wigs. Wigs is fun." On Program Growth "People started to reach out to be members as well as start chapters in their states." On Her Vision "Just get involved. Spread the word." Success Highlights Founder of the Wig Capital Foundation. Created a large-scale wig donation and refurbishment initiative. Developed partnerships with cosmetology schools and healthcare organizations. Collected thousands of wigs through donation campaigns. Introduced environmentally conscious hair and wig recycling efforts. Expanded outreach beyond local communities through chapters and partnerships. Created innovative hair products such as custom hat wigs. Bottom Line Crystal Hughes' interview is a powerful example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. By combining her cosmetology expertise with a passion for helping others, she created a program that supports individuals facing medical hair loss while promoting environmental sustainability. Her story demonstrates how a simple childhood dream can evolve into a mission that restores confidence, creates educational opportunities, and positively impacts communities across the country. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NOTE: This interview was conducted in Russian. The English audio was created with AI dubbing software and reviewed by native speakers of both languages for accuracy.  Maria Snegovaya sits down with Pavel Talankin –– a Russian schoolteacher who became an unlikely lens into the Russian propaganda machine. His documentary, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, captured two years of footage from inside a provincial Russian classroom as Putin's war transformed his students into instruments of the state. The film won the 2026 Oscar for Best Documentary. Talankin joins Russian Roulette to discuss what he witnessed, the process of making the film, and what his story reveals about the depths of propaganda in Russia's education system today.  Mentioned:  Mr. Nobody Against Putin | Documentary film directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin  Feedback? Suggestions? Ideas to help us improve? Email us at erep@csis.org.  If you love Russian Roulette, let us know by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts.   Listen to our sister podcast, covering all things Europe through a Washington lens: CSIS Podcasts | The Eurofile 

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson was in Texas yesterday campaigning for Republican Congressional nominees and said that the Trump Agenda is on the ballot. But that may indeed be the problem with the redistricted seats where Trump won big two years ago, today Trump's approval rating is terrible in these areas. Link to poll.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Lubbock ISD trustees vote to raise property taxes on citizens instead of cutting spending.Wildfire update. Ross Fire scorches 85,000+ acres, second-largest in North Texas history (we haven't been able to accurately track the size of these things for very long.)Oil and gas rig count rises this week in Texas but only by one.The famed Texas Rangers, oldest profession law enforcement force in North America, get a new chief.Federal judge dismisses Fort Worth Muslim's lawsuit over principal reassignment.PUC approves routes for first 765-kV power lines in Texas despite much objection.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Jon Turek is the founder and CEO of JST Advisors, a hedge fund advisory service that publishes a weekly research note with global macro trade ideas. JST Advisors works closely with hedge funds on developing asymmetric macro trade ideas and market themes. Outside of JST Advisors, Jon worked as a portfolio manager at Brevan Howard and as an analyst at Moore Capital. In this podcast, we discuss: The Substack Divide of Equities vs. Macro The Buy-Side Paradox of PM Asymmetry and Pod Reality The "Owl" Fed and Political Optimisation over Conviction The Trillion-Dollar AI Fiscal Program The Death of the 2010s Savings Glut Treasury Buybacks and "Whack-A-Mole" Markets Europe's Impending China Tariff Shock The Simmering Geopolitical In-Between for Oil 

Personalised vaccines could offer a breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Our correspondent analyses the latest trial. Canada's oil market is flourishing, despite the trade war. And, why we will always love Dolly Parton.Guests and host:Natasha Loder, health editorSarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence”Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Cancer, immunotherapy, vaccines, mRNAOil, Canada, trade war, tariffsDolly Parton, country musicListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Personalised vaccines could offer a breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Our correspondent analyses the latest trial. Canada's oil market is flourishing, despite the trade war. And, why we will always love Dolly Parton.Guests and host:Natasha Loder, health editorSarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence”Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Cancer, immunotherapy, vaccines, mRNAOil, Canada, trade war, tariffsDolly Parton, country musicListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For sheer brazenness, the January 2026 kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, ranks near the top in the long history of U.S. interventions in Latin America. They were taken to New York and jailed to await trial in June 2027. Trump's policies aside, U.S. sanctions on Venezuela were imposed under President Obama, who declared that country of 30 million people an “unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.” From Cuba to Chile and from Nicaragua to Brazil, few countries in Latin America have escaped U.S. invasions, bombings, assassinations, coups, kidnappings, rigged elections, boycotts, blockades or sanctions. Oil-rich Venezuela has long been on Washington's hit list. Today, it has ceded its sovereignty to the U.S.

Aug 26, 2026 – Futurist Garry Golden returns to discuss why the backlash against AI data centers has gone bipartisan—from blue states to Texas's new moratorium. He explains why slowing AI is unlikely, how humanoid robotics could reshape the global economy

Traders and analysts are warning oil prices could soon hit $100 a barrel again, Germany is becoming a magnet for international defence groups, and Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50 per cent on US imports. Plus, Wall Street is stretching itself to finance massive investment in data centres, and European heatwaves have prompted the continent to look to the Gulf for air-conditioning inspiration. Mentioned in this podcast:Oil crunch threatens to send prices back above $100 a barrel, investors sayThe multiplying risks of investing in data centresCanada announces $20bn retaliatory tariffs as US trade war escalatesBerlin's defence push draws global groups to set up shop in GermanyGulf's outdoor air-con catches eye of EuropeansWant to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.comNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Victoria Craig, Sonja Hutson, and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT's global head of audio. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 25, 2026 – Legendary gold investor Pierre Lassonde joins Jim Puplava to reveal why gold's current bull market may only be the beginning of a much larger advance throughout the remainder of this decade. Lassonde exposes striking historical...

Aug 24, 2026 – Wealth advisors Crystal Colbert and Nick Kile break down the four best ways to build long-term wealth for your children in 2026—including 529 plans, UTMAs, custodial Roth IRAs, and the brand-new Trump Account. Discover expanded K-12...

Before we read this story Jesus told, I want you to do something. I want you to see it. Don’t just read the words on the page. Step into the story. Picture the wedding. Picture the bride. Picture the bridesmaids. Picture the anticipation of the groom’s arrival. To really understand what Jesus is saying, we need to understand a little about Jewish weddings in His day. There were several important stages in the Jewish wedding process. First came the arrangement. The families were involved in establishing the marriage, and there were formal agreements and financial arrangements that made the commitment serious and binding. Then came the betrothal. This was far more significant than what we think of as an engagement today. The couple was legally committed to one another. Promises were made. A covenant was established. And then came the waiting. This is where I want you to really picture the scene. The groom would leave and return to his father’s household because he had work to do. He was preparing a place for his bride. He was getting everything ready for the day they would finally be together. But the bride wasn’t sitting around doing nothing. She had work to do, too. She was preparing herself. Preparing her clothing. Preparing for the celebration. Preparing for her new life as a wife. And here’s the part that makes this story so beautiful: She didn’t know exactly when he was coming back. She knew he was coming. She just didn’t know when. So imagine waking up every morning thinking, Could it be today? Imagine hearing a noise outside and wondering, Is that him? Imagine living in a constant state of anticipation because you know the one you’ve been promised to is coming for you—but you don’t know the day or the hour. And then, one night… The announcement comes. The groom is coming! The bridesmaids grab their lamps and rush out to meet him. Their job is to join the procession, light the way, and lead the groom back to the wedding celebration where the bride is waiting. This wasn’t a quiet little ceremony. It was a celebration. A procession. A moment everyone had been waiting for. And Jesus begins His story with ten bridesmaids who are all waiting for the exact same thing: The groom is coming. But here’s the problem… Not all ten of them are ready. And that’s where Jesus wants us to lean in. Matthew 25: 1-14: (A few terms to know – bridesmaids are as they are today, the bride’s attendants. The bridedroom is the groom, the man getting married.) Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!' All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' But the others replied, ‘We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don't know you!' So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Oh dang. What happened here? What is this warning for us today? The bridesmaids had a job to do. They were supposed to be ready for the groom. But half of them weren’t prepared. And here’s what gets me: they were all there. They were in the right place. They were waiting for the right person. They knew the groom was coming. They even had lamps. But half of them didn’t have what they needed when the moment came. And when the groom finally arrived, there was no time left to get ready. The moment they had been preparing for this entire time was suddenly here—and they weren’t ready for it. Because they weren’t prepared, they missed the celebration. They weren’t rejected because they didn’t know about the groom. They weren’t left out because they weren’t invited. They were left out because they weren’t ready. PEOPLE, GET READY! So who is Jesus talking about? Who is the groom? Who is the bride? Who are the bridesmaids? And what is this wedding feast? The groom is Jesus. Earlier in Matthew, Jesus refers to Himself as the bridegroom. When people ask Jesus why His disciples aren’t fasting, Jesus answers: “Can the wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom?” (9:15) Jesus is telling them, The Groom is here. But He also tells them that there will be a time when the groom will be taken away. He will leave. And that’s exactly what happens. Jesus is crucified, resurrected, and then ascends to the Father. The Groom leaves—but He has promised to come back. And that puts us right into the story. The bride is the Church—the people who belong to Jesus. Jesus is preparing a place. Jesus will return. And Scripture ultimately describes His return as a wedding celebration—the great wedding feast of the Lamb. Revelation 19:7, “Let us be glad and rejoice… for the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.” So where does that leave the bridesmaids? That’s us. In this story Jesus is telling, ten bridesmaids represent people who are waiting for Jesus. And notice something important: All ten were waiting. All ten had lamps. All ten knew the groom was coming. All ten expected to be part of the celebration. But only five were prepared. That’s the warning Jesus is giving us. You can be around the things of God and still not be ready for God. You can know the stories. You can go to church. You can carry a Bible. You can sing the songs. You can call yourself a Christian. You can even be waiting for Jesus. But Jesus isn’t asking, “Are you around Me?” He’s asking, “Are you ready for Me?” Because eventually, the waiting will end. The Groom is coming. And when He comes, there will be no more time to prepare. So Jesus says: “Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” People, get ready. The question wasn’t “Do you believe in the one who is coming?” The question was, “Are you ready for him when he comes?” Jesus wants us to LIVE READY FOR HIM! Here’s what this is really about – THE OIL. The 5 bridesmaids without oil weren’t invited to the wedding feast. The 5 bridesmaids with oil couldn’t give them their own oil, each had to have oil for themselves. You need your own oil. What is this oil – this is your relationship with Jesus. Others can do many things for you, but no one can have your relationship with Jesus for you. You can’t live on someone else’s faith. When it’s wedding time, your own faith will be required. This faith relationship will be required when Jesus returns for us – and you simply don’t know when that day will be. It could be today! So how do we live ready? Because Jesus isn’t telling us this story so we can become obsessed with predicting when He’s coming. He’s telling us so that we’ll be ready whenever He comes. And that’s a very different thing. Living ready doesn’t mean living scared. It means living surrendered. It means waking up every morning and saying, “Jesus, if You have something for me today, I’m available.” If You say go, I’ll go. If You say stay, I’ll stay. If You say forgive, I’ll forgive. If You say surrender, I’ll surrender. If You say speak, I’ll speak. If You say be quiet, I’ll be quiet. Readiness isn’t perfection. Readiness is responsiveness. The wise bridesmaids prepared before they needed to be prepared. They didn’t wait until midnight to go looking for oil. They had been preparing while they were waiting. And that’s what our relationship with Jesus is supposed to look like. You don’t wait for the crisis to learn how to trust Him. You don’t wait for the heartbreak to learn how to surrender. You don’t wait for the temptation to decide what you believe. You don’t wait until you’re desperate to start praying. You fill your lamp while there’s still daylight. You spend time with Jesus now. You learn His Word now. You practice obedience now. You surrender the little things now. You deal with the unforgiveness now. You say yes to His invitations now. Because you don’t know when Jesus is returning – but you need to be ready. And here’s the beautiful thing: The wise bridesmaids weren’t ready because they were afraid the groom might come. They were ready because they were excited that he might come. That’s how I want to live. Not terrified that Jesus might return. Thrilled that He will. I don’t want to spend my life hoping Jesus doesn’t come back until I’ve had a chance to do everything I want to do. I want to live so close to Jesus that when I hear the announcement: “The groom is here!”, I don’t want to run and hide. I want to run toward Him. The question for God’s girls today is, “Am I living like someone who expects Jesus?” If Jesus walked through that door today, would you be excited to see Him? Or would you immediately think of the things you’d wish you had made right? Why are you waiting? The goal isn’t to spend your whole life trying to figure out when Jesus is coming. The goal is to live every day as though you would be thrilled if He came today. PEOPLE, GET READY. Keep your lamp burning. Keep your heart soft. Keep saying yes. Keep walking with Jesus. Keep your relationship with Him alive and growing. Because the groom is coming. And when He comes, I don’t want to be scrambling to get ready. I want to already be ready. I want to be able to lift my head, see Jesus, and say: “I’ve been waiting for You.” Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

The best call-in car talk show in America! Under The Hood. We take your live calls and get you answers to all your car repair problems fast. Give us a call today. 866-594-4150 Here are today's callers! My Mustang overheated during the Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise Oil Oil and more Oil weight. This is heavy 06 Mercedes 230 fix it or drive till it blows? Replacing Ram exhaust manifolds

The cease-fire in the Iran war expires as Pres. Trump threatens an "economic D-Day" in an effort to gain leverage in the conflict.  On Today's Show:Yeganeh Torbati, the Iran correspondent for The New York Times based in Istanbul and co-author (with Bozorgmehr Sharafedin) of Stolen Revolution: Betrayal and Hope in Modern Iran (Doubleday, 2026), reports on the latest developments.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we're joined by Josh Wallace of Reviving Relics.Josh made the trip from Lebanon, Tennessee to talk about how he went from diesel trucks, Peterbilt quality control, and working on Matt Hagan's NHRA crew to starting Reviving Relics and figuring out what it actually takes to run a hot rod shop that can survive.We get into the early days of taking on service work, learning how to quote jobs, tracking time, finding the right customers, building relationships with vendors, and why making a business profitable in this industry is a lot harder than just working harder.Of course, we also dig into Terry's '59 truck, the SEMA push, the Roadster Shop booth, the custom tailgate, the big-window conversion, the thrash to get it done, and why that build became Reviving Relics' first real business card.Josh also talks about building for repeat customers, the importance of the experience, current shop projects like the '70 Challenger, the LT4/T-56 Camaro, the Viper-powered Power Wagon, and what's next for the shop.Add in a '72 F100 first car story, Eagles Greatest Hits, Wild Turkey, work ethic debates, Lebanon pronunciation lessons, and the normal amount of Oil & Whiskey nonsense.

Oil falls, the Dow rises, all on the news of Scott Bessent's announcement about Iran. Apparently the markets like the move.

The Kansas City Fed set this year's Jackson Hole theme as financial innovation and its implications for payments and policy, arriving alongside a stablecoin float above $307 billion. We will break down what tokenized money and instant payments actually change about the plumbing of the financial system, and what investors should and should not read into it.Today's Stocks & Topics: VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX), Market Wrap, Sandisk Corporation (SNDK), How to Identify Winning Stocks?, Nucor Corporation (NUE), Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD), Financial innovation is now a Fed problem, Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA), Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund (VEU), Key Benchmark Numbers: Treasury Yields, Gold, Silver, Oil and Gasoline, Sonos, Inc. (SONO), IMAX Corporation (IMAX), State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE), Taxable Account.Our Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic and use my code Claude.ai/invest for a great deal: https://www.anthropic.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/INVEST for a great deal: https://www.quince.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Niels Kaastrup-Larsen and Mark Rzepczynski examine the warning signs emerging beneath seemingly calm markets, from extreme single-stock moves and commodity shortages to growing strains in the U.S. Treasury market. They explore how leveraged hedge funds and basis trades have become increasingly important to Treasury liquidity, and why market plumbing can matter as much as price signals. The conversation then turns to the evolution of trend following, comparing different approaches to signals and position sizing, the benefits of combining methodologies, and why short-term trend strategies face structural challenges. Finally, Mark reflects on the legacy of quantitative trading pioneer Victor Niederhoffer.-----50 YEARS OF TREND FOLLOWING BOOK AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO FOR ACCREDITED INVESTORS - CLICK HERE-----Follow Niels on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube or via the TTU website.IT's TRUE ? – most CIO's read 50+ books each year – get your FREE copy of the Ultimate Guide to the Best Investment Books ever written here.And you can get a free copy of my latest book “Ten Reasons to Add Trend Following to Your Portfolio” here.Learn more about the Trend Barometer here.Send your questions to info@toptradersunplugged.comAnd please share this episode with a like-minded friend and leave an honest Rating & Review on iTunes or Spotify so more people can discover the podcast.Follow Mark on Twitter.Episode TimeStamps:00:00 - Introduction and summer reflections01:42 - Warning signs and rumblings beneath the markets07:06 - Extreme single-stock moves and hidden risk10:09 - Copper, inventories and commodity squeezes13:08 - Oil markets and the danger of disappearing buffer stocks14:51 - August trend following performance16:01 - Why market uncertainty could create new trends20:37 - The Treasury buyback program and bond market liquidity27:10 - Is the Treasury quietly stabilizing long-term yields?31:56 - The plumbing problem inside the U.S. Treasury market36:28 - Hedge funds, basis trades and leverage41:40 - Can Treasuries still be considered a safe asset?47:17 - Three different approaches to trend following52:25 - How investors should diversify across trend managers56:49 - The “podification” of trend following59:29 - Why short-term trend following struggles01:03:19 - Victor Niederhoffer and the foundations of quantitative tradingCopyright © 2025 – CMC AG – All Rights Reserved----PLUS: Whenever you're ready... here are 3 ways I can help you in your investment Journey:1. eBooks that cover key topics that you need to know about In my eBooks, I put together some key discoveries and things I have learnt during the more than 3 decades I have worked in the Trend Following industry, which I hope you will find useful. Click Here2. Daily Trend Barometer and Market Score One of the things I'm really proud of, is the fact that I have managed to published the Trend Barometer and Market Score each day for more than a decade...as these tools are really good at describing the environment for trend following managers as well as giving insights into the general positioning of a trend following strategy! Click Here3. Other Resources that can help youAnd if you are hungry for more useful resources from the trend following world...check out some precious resources that I have found over the years to be really valuable. Click HerePrivacy PolicyDisclaimer

Aug 21, 2026 – Chris Puplava explains why Treasury Secretary Bessent's buyback announcement was a pivotal "whatever it takes" moment—and what it could mean for your portfolio. He reveals how the US may now be sacrificing the dollar to cap...

Emily, Griffin, and Mac break down Treasury Sec Scott Bessent's latest comments about Oil prices and bleak job numbers, a bizarre letter to Trump penned by his unusually close aide Natalie Harp, Van Jones teaming up with Noah Tishby for Israeli propaganda, and finally we speak to FL candidate Aaron Baker who came in third place running against Randy Fine. We ask him why Randy won and what he thinks about the racist comments from other Florida candidates James Fishback and Dan Bilzerian. Emily: https://www.youtube.com/@AfterPartyEmily Mac: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodPoliticGuy Griffin: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpdavis/ To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.com Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Original Air Date: April 9th, 2026 During the Pentagon press briefing alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the two-week ceasefire with Iran as the result of a decisive U.S. military campaign. He stated, “Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield — a capital-V military victory,” claiming it decimated Iran's missile program, navy, and defense industry, rendering its military “combat-ineffective for years to come.” Hegseth added that “Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it,” asserting the regime was “out of options and out of time.” He emphasized that U.S. forces are “not going anywhere,” saying “we'll be hanging around” in the region to monitor compliance, ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, and remain “prepared to defend, prepared to go on offense,” and “restart at a moment's notice” if the truce fails. Hegseth noted that “it takes time sometimes for ceasefires to take hold” and framed the pause as giving “a chance at real peace and a real deal,” while praising President Trump for choosing “mercy” instead of further crippling Iran's economy. We also cover: • RFK Jr. is joining the podcasting world. • Jennifer Newsom is trying to be first lady. • New LGBT acronym drops in Canada. • Is the Strait of Hormuz really open? • Buddy the alligator is DEAD! 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 00:14 U.S. / Iran Ceasefire 00:36 Strait of Hormuz Closed 01:39 Jeffy Promotes Renewable Energy 03:18 Belgian Foreign Minister in Lebanon 04:31 Pete Hegseth Yesterday 05:55 JD Vance on 10-Point Plan 08:33 JD Vance on Strait of Hormuz 09:26 Price of Oil 12:05 Chuck Schumer Doesn't Like U.S. / Iran Deal 15:47 Karoline Leavitt on U.S. / Iran Deal 17:38 Trump & Karoline Leavitt on NATO 19:00 Do We Need NATO? 20:50 Lawrence O'Donnell is Upset with Pete Hegseth 28:02 Germany Taking Steps with Strait of Hormuz 32:22 Fat Five 43:16 Minnesota Bathhouses 49:14 Blue State Wealth & Exit Taxes 54:24 Jennifer Newsom on Talking to Prisoners 58:20 New Acronym to Memorize 1:07:10 Big Announcement from RFK Jr. 1:10:40 Mike Pence's New Book 1:12:12 Allegations against Eric Swalwell? 1:15:02 Warehouse Fire in California 1:19:46 Evaluation of Iryna Zarutska's Killer 1:21:46 List of Pam Bondi Replacements 1:29:08 Caller Tessa (Pat Gray BINGO! Winner) 1:30:20 "Exspecially" 1:32:07 RFK Jr., Whales, and Bears (Oh My!) 1:32:57 Hasan Piker Feels No Sympathy for U.S. Pilots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Nelson, and Kevin Williamson to discuss President Donald Trump's decision to scale back military exercises with South Korea, his “good relationship with Kim Jong Un,” and the U.S. munitions crisis. The Agenda: —Scaling back South Korea exercises —Trump's “relationship” with Kim Jong Un —Abandoning Japan —The U.S. munitions crisis —Southern lane of the strait —NWYT: The end of Colombia House mail-order club Show notes: —North Korea missile barrage —Oil drilling in Greenland The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠click here⁠. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21, 2026 – How strong is the current bull market and which sectors are outperforming? Vincent Randazzo of ViewRight Advisors joins Jim Puplava to reveal why strong market breadth is leading the S&P 500 higher despite rising rates, oil, and...

Aug 21, 2026 – The biggest move this week wasn't semis or Iran—it was bonds. 30-year Treasury yields hit 5.3%, a two-decade high. Investors are demanding more compensation for duration amid $40T debt, AI financing needs, and rising oil...

Aug 20, 2026 – Is official inflation telling the full story? Economist John Williams of ShadowStats joins Jim Puplava to examine how methodological changes to the CPI since 1980 have reshaped reported inflation, and what his alternate measure...

This episode is presented by Create A Video – Calling it "Economic D-Day," President Donald Trump announced new crippling sanctions on countries and businesses that have been helping Iran skirt international financial sanctions. Along with the UAE announcement of a halt to trading with Iran, US officials hope the Iranian regime will collapse economically and end the war.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-kaliner-show--6946691/support.Subscribe to the podcast My preferred podcast platform: SpreakerAll the links to Pete's Prep are free!Get exclusive content here!Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code!Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com  

Book a call: https://remnantfinance.com/calendarEmail us at info@remnantfinance.com or visit https://remnantfinance.com for more informationFOLLOW REMNANT FINANCEYoutube: @RemnantFinance (https://www.youtube.com/@RemnantFinance)Facebook: @remnantfinance (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560694316588)Twitter: @remnantfinance (https://x.com/remnantfinance)TikTok: @RemnantFinanceDon't forget to hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBEHans opens this episode with a correction to the original recording, the SECURE 2.0 Act dropped that penalty from 50 percent to 25 percent, and then makes the case that the only incentive that explains the rule at all is that they do not want you leaving it to your children.From there, a macro roundup on the three stories driving the tape right now: the 30-year Treasury clearing above 5.3 percent for the first time since 2007, oil sitting stubbornly in the eighties while the Strategic Petroleum Reserve hits its lowest level since 1982, and the Fed holding its range at 3.5 to 3.75 while the betting markets start pricing a hike rather than a cut. Then a replay of what was, for most of this show's run, its most popular episode. Hans and Brian take apart the conventional financial planning model, starting with the assumption buried underneath all of it: that anyone can predict the future. When you retire, what taxes will be, what inflation does, how long you live, how the market performs. Every one of those has to break your way for the plan to work. Only one has to break against you for it to fall apart.Chapters 00:00 – Opening segment 01:05 – Why part two of the interest rate breakdown is delayed a week 04:55 – Correction: SECURE 2.0 took the RMD penalty from 50 percent to 25 percent 06:45 – The one piece of the tax code Hans cannot steel man 07:00 – How the two gates work: 59 and a half, then 73 08:15 – Reducing the penalty to 10 percent, and why the barrier never really left 10:20 – Tax on the seed versus tax on the harvest 11:55 – Macro roundup: how a Treasury auction actually clears 14:05 – The 30-year breaks 5.3 percent, highest since 2007 14:55 – Heavy federal issuance and the approaching 40 trillion mark 15:50 – AI data center CapEx enters the rate story 16:35 – Three straight down sessions in the S&P 17:00 – Oil, Hormuz, and the lowest SPR level since 1982 20:20 – Why "cooling inflation" is still inflation 22:10 – Replay begins: the airline gig and stop being a passenger 25:50 – What the institutions want, and the four things they are optimizing for 26:40 – Pond money versus river money 27:45 – The blackjack cheat sheet the dealer hands you for free 28:50 – The conventional model in one paragraph 30:50 – Where did 65 come from, and why is it a goal at all 32:25 – The Social Security incentive trap 33:35 – The generation that struck gold on the timeline of history 36:10 – Asset price inflation is not value creation 37:10 – A proposal: let our generation take the hit 40:40 – On spending it all and leaving nothing behind 44:15 – The Waiting List, and what you would actually trade for your children 48:55 – Back to the model: predict the future 50:20 – What will tax rates be in thirty years 53:40 – If taxes double, does your plan survive 53:55 – The family budget slide and what it actually is 59:35 – 1988 prices and the case against linear inflation 1:02:50 – How long will you live, and the barrel of water on the island 1:05:35 – Market performance as a load-bearing assumption 1:06:45 – Closing segmentKey TakeawaysThe conventional plan is a stack of predictions dressed as a strategy. When you retire, what tax brackets look like decades out, what inflation does to the cost of a car or a house, how long you live, and what the market returns over the accumulation window.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Villain-Venice-Steampunk-Adventure-Expanded/dp/B0GYVW1ZM3?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE Late in his life, the Seventh Doctor has reunited with an old friend. Someone to help him fix the problems of the universe - if he can avoid repeating mistakes of the past. Ray is capable, clever and seems the perfect foil for the Doctor - but she will still be put to the test... The Executor by Chris Chapman (2 parts) In a muddy field stands an old stone dovecot. Only it's a TARDIS - with a recently deceased owner. The Doctor is named Executor of the Last Will and Testament of an old friend - Pegroninagall, 'Peg'. He has a monumental task: clearing her TARDIS of keepsakes and mementos. But this Ship may also contain whatever killed Peg... Oil and Water by James McDermott (2 parts) Visiting the Norfolk coast, the Doctor and Ray discover something very wrong with Blakeney's seals: they're bloated, mutated, and killing people! With grieving boater Anne, they investigate the cause... Is there something in the water? What does it want with the sea life? And what are its plans for humanity? Much Ado About Racing by Fio Tretheway (2 parts) When the TARDIS arrives at the start of the Intergalactic Championship Rally, the Doctor and Ray are caught between two rival racers. And for Ray, long-buried feelings resurface. Something is at work here: something feeding on heartache and regret. And love among the race-crafts isn't all that's at stake... This release will have a limited CD pressing of 1500 copies.

Are you building wealth on a foundation of sand or rock? In Episode 206 of Trappin' Tuesdays, Wallstreet Trapper breaks down the critical relationship between financial freedom and personal discipline. Without a strategy, your gains can quickly lead to destruction. Key Market Insights Covered: Bond yields and the 10-year Treasury's impact on your portfolio. Why active managers are failing to beat the S&P 500. The "Picks and Shovels" of the AI boom: Cooling, power, and memory. Oil reserves hitting 40-year lows and what it means for inflation. FREEDOM WITHOUT DISCIPLINE EQUALS DESTRUCTION | Wallstreet Trapper (Episode 206)Join our Exclusive Patreon!!! Creating Financial Empowerment for those who've never had it.

Trump explains why he pulled U.S.-South Korea military exercises as tensions surrounding Iran, global oil supplies, tariffs and the Strait of Hormuz continue to dominate the geopolitical conversation. We break down the potential strategy behind the administration's moves, the economic consequences of an Iran blockade and reports surrounding U.S. shipping operations.Back home, the show dives into the latest political and cultural stories, including a Fairfax County murder case involving an illegal immigrant defendant, controversy surrounding DSA figures and foreign influence claims, AOC's political messaging, Florida's latest primary upset and the growing attention surrounding Angie Nixon.Plus: reactions to immigration debates in Europe and the U.S., Tucker Carlson's Israel/Spain migration claim, a fiery Dearborn City Council speech, James Comey's latest legal developments, Lindsey Clancy's trial, viral parenting trends, Sophie Cunningham's response to boos and Sophia Hunt's TPUSA confrontation.And yes, we revisit a hilariously chaotic clip from election night 2012.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS TO SUPPORT OUR SHOW!Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://Quince.com/Chicksfree Get free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK.Don't change your dog's food—just add Ruff Greens. Get your FREE jumpstart trial bag (just cover shipping) with code CHICKS at https://RuffChicks.comRight now, Trees.com has up to half off select plants. And you get an additional 20% off any purchase. Go to https://Trees.com and use code CHICKS at checkout.Lose meaningful weight and keep it off with LEAN  Get started with 20% Off and Free Rush Shipping at https://TakeLean.com with promo code CHICKSSubscribe and stay tuned for new episodes every weekday!Follow us here for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:YoutubeFacebookInstagramTikTokXLocalsMore InfoWebsite

Donald Trump is declaring an "economic D-Day" on Iran—and the immediate fallout could hit Americans directly at the pump. Oil prices are surging as tensions escalate, raising new fears about inflation, gas prices and the wider global economy. We've got all the latest updates, plus Republican politicians continue ducking debate challenges while hoping voters won't notice. It's all happening on the afternoon edition of The Rush Hour!

Helena Horton on why the government may decide to allow more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Carl Quintanilla, Jim Cramer and David Faber led off the show with Jim live from Micron headquarters in Boise, Idaho. The chipmaker announced a $10 billion investment in a new AI and memory research lab. Cramer spoke exclusively with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra about how the company is capitalizing on the AI boom. The anchors discussed a number of stories weighing on stocks: Walmart shares tumbled after the company missed on raised guidance and posted its weakest same-store sales growth in more than six years; Yields rebounded one day after the Treasury Department announced an increase in bond buybacks; Oil prices jumped after President Trump threatened "unprecedented" economic war against Iran. Also in focus: Strategy, Coinbase and Bitcoin extend their big rally sparked by Trump's White House meeting with crypto executives. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The White House Press secretary, Karoline Levitt, is resigning so she can spend more time with family.  President Trump is working hard to make sure the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.  There have been some irregularities in the recent primaries including Wisconsin, and NBC got embarressed on the air.  The DSA, (far Left radical wing of the Democratic party), are winning primaries but not doing so well witht he swing voters.  Democrats are still having a fit that President Trump is building the ballroom.  There is now evidence that the big oil companies are price gouging us and keeping gas prices high.  -Thank you for listening!- Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brian-wallenberg-show--3256416/support.

Oil Reserves taking a hit. Finally getting to the recent high profile earnings. Market Top Calls (again). ALL TIME HIGHS – Then some consolidation (then highs again). Situational Awareness Update. SpaceX Bounces… PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? PayPal.Donation.Button({ env:'production', hosted_button_id:'JJJHP2GDEJC7J', image: { src:'https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif', alt:'Donate with PayPal button', title:'PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!', } }).render('#donate-button'); Follow John S. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - Oil Reserves taking a hit - Getting to the recent high profile earnings - Market Top Calls (again) Markets - ALL TIME HIGHS - Then some consolidation - Lets round out earnings - Situational Awareness Update - SpaceX Bounces... Etsy - Layoffs With Better Numbers - Etsy is cutting about 220 jobs, or 12% of its workforce. - Management said the cuts were not primarily about cost savings or AI. ----- CEO Kruti Patel Goyal stated the restructuring aims to simplify the organization, remove management layers, and speed up decision-making to better compete against massive rivals like Amazon, Temu, and TikTok Shop - Q2 revenue was about $668 million and core marketplace sales improved. - Etsy also authorized another $2 billion share buyback. - Comes after selling Depop to eBay for about $1.4 billion. Polysilicon - Tariffs Plus Price Floors - U.S. policy adds a 15% tariff and minimum import prices on polysilicon and solar products. - Goal is to protect domestic production from low-cost foreign competition. - U.S. share of global polysilicon capacity fell from about 50% in 2005 to under 2% in 2024. - First Solar and T1 Energy jumped on the announcement. ---- The same playbook - rinse and repeat Chipotle - Salmonella Returns - Minnesota officials linked a salmonella outbreak to jalapenos served at Chipotle. - Chipotle removed the affected pepper supply and switched growers. - Shares fell roughly 8%-10% as investors remembered the company's earlier food-safety problems. - This is on top of the lettuce situation with Sweetgreen- look at  STOCK CHART FOR SG Michael Burry - Calling a Major Top - Michael Burry says the market may be near a "major top." - Warned of the possibility of a 1987-style market drop. - He is short names including Nvidia, Palantir, Tesla and semiconductor stocks. - Main concern is stretched valuations and crowded trades unwinding quickly. - This may be the 100th top he has called since the GFC ---- NVIDIA TURNS GPUs INTO AN ASSET CLASS - Nvidia signed preliminary agreements with Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs and KKR to mobilize more than $500 billion for AI infrastructure. - The Wall Street firms would create dedicated pools of capital to finance Nvidia-based data centers and compute infrastructure at what Nvidia calls attractive rates for customers. - Jensen Huang: “This is really the first time that technology chips have become an investable asset class.” Nvidia says the compute assets now generate revenue and can increasingly be financed like infrastructure. - Nvidia could backstop as much as 25% of individual investments on a case-by-case basis - potentially up to about $125 billion if applied across the full program. STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE BREAKS 300 MILLION - The Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell by 6.1 million barrels to 298.7 million barrels for the week ended Aug. 7 - below 300 million for the first time since January 1983. - The SPR started 2026 around 415 million barrels, meaning more than 100 million barrels have already come out this year as releases were used to offset disruptions from the Iran conflict. - The reserve's authorized storage capacity is roughly 714 million barrels, leaving current inventories at about 42% of capacity. - Oil on the rise last week Earnings and such Toyota - Big Buyback, Better Outlook - Toyota raised its annual operating-profit forecast 13%, helped by the weaker yen. - Announced a share buyback worth up to $6.3 billion. - Quarterly operating profit still fell 9%, hurt by China weakness and higher Middle East-related costs. McDonald's - Value Problem - U.S. same-store sales rose just 0.8%, below expectations and well below last year's 2.5% growth. - Management blamed weak execution of value promotions and fewer digital deals. (and probably because everyone is taking weight loss drugs - see above) - Lower-income customer traffic remains a major pressure point. - McDonald's is bringing back more digital offers and loyalty promotions to drive traffic. Eli Lilly - Weight-Loss Machine - Lilly crushed Q2 expectations as Mounjaro and Zepbound drove most of the growth. - Mounjaro sales hit $9.94 billion; Zepbound brought in $4.93 billion. - Raised 2026 revenue guidance to $85-$87 billion. - Verzenio, its major breast-cancer drug, remains one of Lilly's biggest non-obesity products. - Lilly continues widening its lead over Novo Nordisk in the obesity-drug market. Disney - Parks Keep Printing Money - Quarterly adjusted EPS rose 28% to $2.06, beating the $1.86 estimate. - Parks and experiences revenue increased 10% to nearly $10 billion. - Global park attendance grew 4%. - Disney is selling its 50% stake in A+E Networks to Hearst for an estimated $1.2 billion. Oil - OPEC Adds Barrels, Maybe - OPEC+ agreed to raise September production targets by another 188,000 barrels per day. - The increase completes the rollback of a 1.65 million-barrel-per-day supply cut dating back to 2023. (In other words - planned so not a surprise) - Actual supply remains constrained because several producers are already pumping below quota. - Any normalization around the Strait of Hormuz could suddenly make OPEC+'s additional barrels much more important. Berkshire Hathaway - Greg Abel Starts Spending - Q2 operating earnings rose 16% to about $13 billion. - Berkshire bought $23.5 billion of stocks and sold just $3.7 billion - its first quarter as a net stock buyer in 14 quarters. - Bought back $4.5 billion of Berkshire shares, versus only $235 million in Q1. - Cash dropped from roughly $380 billion to $365 billion as Abel starts putting the massive cash pile to work. - Important shift: Buffett is still chairman, but this is one of the clearest signs yet of how Greg Abel may allocate capital differently as CEO. Situational Awareness - Nearly Blows Up, Investors Want Back In - The fund lost 67% in July after leveraged AI bets collapsed and forced a major stock sale to Citadel. - Despite the blowup, Situational Awareness was still up about 80% for 2026 because of huge earlier gains. - Bloomberg says Silicon Valley investors are already asking to put more money into the fund. - Situational Awareness is currently telling prospective investors it is not accepting new capital. - The fund has also continued making large private investments even after the near-collapse. --- Most recent was a $400B ---- There is some talk that Citadel made out like a bandit on the rescue Mercedes AMG - The Car Literally Brands You - Two Mercedes AMG owners filed a class-action lawsuit claiming the metal AMG logo embedded in the seat becomes dangerously hot in the sun. - One driver says he suffered first- and second-degree burns, with a dermatologist describing the injury as "AMG inscribed." - The lawsuit wants Mercedes to cover damages and remove the metal logos from affected vehicles. - Hard to beat this one: pay AMG money and get the logo branded into your back. Europe's Drought - History Starts Popping Out - Extreme drought and low river levels are exposing things that have been underwater or hidden for decades or centuries. - In Serbia, sunken German World War II warships have reappeared in the Danube. - In Britain, dry ground revealed outlines of medieval buildings; mammoth remains and ancient structures have also surfaced elsewhere. - Serious drought story, but visually one of the strangest side effects of the summer. Golden Toilet - $6 Million Flush - The 18-carat gold toilet was ripped out of Blenheim Palace in a five-minute raid and has never been recovered - but there is a conviction. - Prosecutors used phone data, forensic evidence and planning activity to link the gang to the theft. - One defendant had cased the palace beforehand and photographed entry points; another man had already pleaded guilty and admitted helping move the stolen gold. - Prosecutors believe the 98-kilo toilet was quickly cut up or melted down and sold as gold. - So the conviction was based on evidence of the robbery and disposal - not on recovering the actual toilet. Final Follow Up SpaceX - Space Junk Smashes Into the Moon - A dead SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage crashed into the moon at about 5,400 mph after drifting through space since January 2025. - The roughly 4-ton, school-bus-size object kicked up a lunar dust plume that astronomers detected from Chile. - The impact was accidental - solar activity and gravity gradually pushed the abandoned rocket stage onto a collision course. - NASA and SpaceX are now discussing ways to prevent future lunar crashes as more hardware heads toward the moon. - NEED Space garbage Trucks - something we have discussed on show for years (see next) Space Garbage Trucks - This Is Becoming a Business - Astroscale is building spacecraft designed to inspect, capture and remove dead satellites and other orbital debris. - Its ADRAS-J mission demonstrated close approach and inspection of a large piece of existing space junk - a key step before actually grabbing and removing debris. - ClearSpace is developing similar debris-removal spacecraft, including missions designed to rendezvous with and capture abandoned rocket hardware. - The business model is basically orbital towing: governments and satellite operators pay to remove dangerous junk or service aging spacecraft. - With tens of thousands of tracked objects already in orbit, "space sanitation" could become a real infrastructure business.   Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? PayPal.Donation.Button({ env: 'production', hosted_button_id: 'JJJHP2GDEJC7J', image: { src: 'https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif', alt: 'Donate with PayPal button', title: 'PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!' } }).render('#donate-button-2'); THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for SpaceX (SPCX) Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!   FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter