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In this challenging and hope-filled message, we explore a startling line from Isaiah 59:16—“He was amazed that there was no one interceding”—and ask what it means for God to be “shocked” that no one is praying. Far from a guilt trip, this sermon is a passionate invitation to step into our priestly calling as intercessors (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:5–6) and partner with God in His mission to our city.Rooted in Isaiah 59 and 62, we look at:The Problem of PrayerlessnessIsaiah's diagnosis of Israel's sin and silence (Isaiah 59:1–2, 12–16)The danger of practical deism—living as if God is distant (Psalm 10:1; Psalm 13:1)Five Core Truths About PrayerGod listens to our prayersOur sins once drowned out our cries (Isaiah 59:1–2), but the blood of Jesus “speaks a better word” (Hebrews 12:24; Romans 5:9; Hebrews 4:14–16).God loves our prayersThe prayer of the upright is His delight (Proverbs 15:8; Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8; 8:3–4).God responds to our prayersJesus' bold promises (Matthew 7:7–11; John 14:13–14; 15:7; 16:23–24)“You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2–3)Persistent, even shameless, intercession (Luke 11:5–10; 18:1–8).God expects our prayersOur priestly role to carry others before God (Exodus 28:29; 1 Timothy 2:1–4)Watchmen on the walls who “give Him no rest” until His promises are fulfilled (Isaiah 62:6–7; Matthew 6:10).God participates in our prayersThe Spirit interceding through our weakness with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26–27)The Son interceding for us at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Luke 23:34).Along the way you'll hear personal stories of answered prayer, honest wrestling with God's apparent silence (Psalm 22:1; Psalm 139:7–12), and a clear call to move from passivity to priesthood—praying for our church, our neighbors, and our city (Jeremiah 29:7; Matthew 9:37–38).If God once looked and “was amazed that there was no one interceding” (Isaiah 59:16), this message urges us to become the kind of people who refuse to let that be said of our generation.
Long after acute infection has resolved, many survivors of severe COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms. Understanding the causes of long COVID and developing effective treatments pose a challenge for clinicians and researchers alike. In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Kyle B. Enfield, MD, speaks with Matthew Baldwin, MD, MS, about his article published in the March 2026 issue of Critical Care Explorations that examines post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors over a three-year period. One of the study's most notable findings is that approximately one in four study patients, many of whom were middle-aged and previously healthy, continued to meet criteria for long COVID three years after infection. This finding emphasizes the burden of chronic illness caused by COVID-19 infection and the need to focus research and treatment efforts on this population of ALI/ARDS survivors. Drs. Baldwin and Enfield discuss the relevance of inflammatory, thromboinflammatory, and endothelial biomarkers in understanding illness due to COVID-19. Surprisingly, the study found no association between long COVID symptoms and these biomarkers. Dr. Baldwin contextualizes this finding and encourages future studies to employ multiomics to better uncover the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms. The discussion emphasizes the patient-centered approach of the study, which examines functional outcomes as well as biomarkers. Dr. Baldwin encourages clinicians to validate the experiences of severe COVID-19 survivors and guide them towards the next step in their recovery as researchers continue to look for better therapies. Resources referenced in this episode: Baldwin M, Jones AE, McGroder CF, et al. Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 persist over three years in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors but are not associated with persistent thromboinflammation or endothelial dysfunction. Crit Care Explor. 2026;8(3):e1390. Hodgson CL, Higgins AM, Bailey MJ, et al. Comparison of 6-month outcomes of survivors of COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 critical illness. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022;205(10):1159-1168. Herridge MS, Tansey CM, Matté A, et al. Functional disability 5 years after acute respiratory distress syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(14):1293-1304. National Institutes of Health RECOVER Initiative. RECOVER: Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery. https://recovercovid.org Leisman DE, Mehta A, Thompson BT, et al. Alveolar, endothelial, and organ injury marker dynamics in severe COVID-19. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022;205(5):507-519. Cervia-Hasler C, Brüningk SC, Hoch T, et al. Persistent complement dysregulation with signs of thromboinflammation in active long COVID. Science. 2024;383(6680). doi:10.1126/science.adg7942 Oelsner EC, Krishnaswamy A, Balte PP, et al. Collaborative cohort of cohorts for COVID-19 Research (C4R) Study: study design. Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191(7):1153-1173.
¿Cansado de perder 15 minutos cada mañana revisando el tiempo, las noticias, las ofertas y el estado de tu servidor? En este episodio te muestro cómo automatizar todo ese proceso con un script en Python, un timer de systemd y un modelo de lenguaje local. Sin n8n, sin agentes, sin servicios externos de pago.Mucha gente piensa que para automatizar cualquier cosa necesitas un agente con montones de herramientas MCP, skills y configuración. Pero la realidad es que para muchas tareas cotidianas, un agente es como usar un lanzamisiles para matar una mosca. Consume demasiado contexto, demasiados recursos y al final no es la solución más eficiente.En este episodio te presento el patrón de las tres capas: un script que hace el trabajo, un timer que lo ejecuta a una hora determinada y un sistema de notificaciones que te envía el resultado. Con esto puedes automatizar cualquier cosa de forma sencilla, eficiente y completamente bajo tu control.Te explico cómo he creado el nightly-runner, un script en Python que cada madrugada recopila información de cuatro fuentes distintas. Primero consulta el tiempo en wttr.in, que te devuelve un JSON con la temperatura, el viento, la humedad y los rayos ultravioleta. Luego hace scraping con IA de tus fuentes de noticias favoritas, extrayendo titulares y valorando su relevancia. Después busca ofertas de zapatillas de running en varias tiendas, comparando los precios con los del día anterior. Y por último recoge información del sistema con df, free, uptime y ps aux para saber si tu disco se está llenando o te estás quedando sin RAM.Toda esa información se guarda en archivos JSON y luego se pasa por un modelo de lenguaje local, Llama 3.2 con Ollama, que genera un resumen en lenguaje natural. El resultado es un mensaje de Telegram con un tono cercano que te da los buenos días, te cuenta el tiempo que va a hacer, te destaca las noticias importantes, te avisa si hay una oferta que no puedes dejar pasar y te informa del estado de tu servidor. Todo en un solo mensaje.El timer de systemd con Persistent=true se asegura de que si tu equipo estaba apagado a las 4 de la mañana, el script se ejecute en cuanto se encienda. Y cada capa es tolerante a fallos: si wttr.in está caído, el script simplemente omite el tiempo y el resumen dice que no hay información meteorológica disponible. Si no hay ofertas nuevas, no las menciona. Si Ollama no responde, envía el resumen sin procesar.Lo mejor de todo es que no necesitas saber Python para montar esto. Puedes usar Open Code o Gemini para que te genere el script con solo explicarle lo que quieres. Y para ejecutarlo, Llama 3.2 en local es más que suficiente. Sin gastar un euro en APIs.Capítulos:0:00 - Crítica a los agentes como solución universal2:00 - El problema: 15 minutos perdidos cada mañana4:00 - La solución: tres capas (script, timer, notificación)5:30 - wttr.in: el tiempo en JSON con un curl7:30 - Noticias: scraping con IA para extraer titulares9:30 - Zapatillas: comparativa de precios contra caché11:00 - Sistema: df, free, uptime y ps aux13:00 - El resumen: todos los JSONs pasan por Llama 3.216:00 - Systemd timer con Persistent=true18:00 - Notificaciones a Telegram y notify-send20:00 - Tolerancia a fallos en cada capa21:30 - Genera el script con IA aunque no sepas Python23:00 - Comparación con Hermes: menos es másEste podcast pertenece a la red de Sospechosos Habituales. Más información en atareao.esMás información y enlaces en las notas del episodio
Some of the hardest prayers to pray are the ones we've prayed a hundred times before. In Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of a persistent widow, not because God is reluctant to answer, but because He wants His people to keep praying and never lose heart. The point of the parable is not that God must be worn down by our persistence. It is that our loving Father is nothing like the unjust judge. He delights in showing mercy, defends the vulnerable, and longs to answer His children with compassion. This message reminds us that delayed answers are not evidence of God's indifference. They are often invitations to deeper trust. Scripture repeatedly calls us to devote ourselves to prayer, to present every request to God with thanksgiving, and to remain faithful even when the answer has not yet come. Persistent prayer is not about convincing God to care. It is about staying connected to the One who has cared all along. When we refuse to let delay define God's character, our faith grows stronger, our hearts become more aligned with His, and we discover that He has been at work even while we were waiting.
Fertility Friday Radio | Fertility Awareness for Pregnancy and Hormone-free birth control
New research links persistent organic pollutants to lower ovarian reserve — even when AMH looks normal. Lisa breaks down the study's findings on legacy chemicals, the "cocktail effect," and what this may mean across generations. Follow this link to view the full show notes page! This episode is sponsored by Lisa's new book Real Food for Fertility, co-authored with Lily Nichols! Grab your copy here! Would you prefer to listen to the audiobook version of Real Food for Fertility instead?
What exactly is a model portfolio—and should you trust one with your retirement?Tom and Don explain why professionally designed model portfolios can improve consistency and reduce advisor bias, but also why investors should be wary as firms like Morningstar begin adding private equity, private credit, and other alternative investments to traditional portfolios.00:12 What is a model portfolio?02:11 Why advisors should use investment models03:31 Morningstar's new private market portfolios05:20 Liquidity problems with private investments07:27 The high cost of private equity08:12 “Persistent inflation” claims examined10:49 Why Wall Street wants retirement assets12:23 Listener questions begin14:17 AUM vs flat-fee vs hourly advisors21:22 Do ETF expense ratios add together?23:21 Roth IRA income limits and backdoor strategy27:44 BrokerageLink inside a 401(k)31:00 Costco, avocado oil, and gas pricesQuestions? Comments? Click!
Persistent fatigue in high-performing professionals often has little to do with how much sleep they get. This episode explores why rest alone isn't enough and how naturopathic care targets root causes to restore energy and cognitive performance. To learn more, visit https://www.drderekcook.ca/ Dr. Derek Cook City: Calgary Address: 2204 2 Street, SW Website: http://drderekcook.ca Phone: +1 403 313 4354
July 15, 2026, | Sis. Ernestine Massey To watch the video: https://youtu.be/QJfgiX6oBhU To help support this ministry, donate by texting to the number: 704-445-5353, or online using the "Tithely" App: https://get.tithe.ly/ & give to "First Church Charlotte", or by going to the website link: https://firstchurchclt.com/give Breakthrough on Mondays at 7pm: https://meet.google.com/ppj-surc-zvt Stay Connected Women's Bible Study on Tuesdays at 7pm: https://meet.google.com/zss-cuin-buw Connect on Wednesdays at 7pm: https://meet.google.com/cds-mmwh-tzk?pli=1 House to house On Thursdays at 7pm: https://meet.google.com/vnq-txun-ozr If you are in the Charlotte, NC area, allow us to host you at: 4929 N Sharon Amity Rd. Charlotte, NC 28205 (704) 535-1000
In this podcast, Pastor Justin preaches a message on unpacking how we appropriate the truth that through Jesus, the battle's already won.Support the show
Are you the person everyone relies on?The one who keeps the family together, supports everyone else, says "I'm fine" even when you're exhausted, and rarely asks for help.In this episode of The Total Somatics Show, Heidi Hadley explores the hidden physiological cost of constantly being the strong one. Discover how chronic stress, high-functioning anxiety, perfectionism and years of pushing through can leave the nervous system in a prolonged state of protection, contributing to persistent muscle tension, widespread pain, fatigue and reduced resilience.You'll also learn why conditions such as fibromyalgia, polymyalgia, persistent muscle pain and chronic stiffness deserve more than symptom management alone. By understanding the relationship between your nervous system, brain, fascia and muscles, you'll discover why restoring sensory awareness through Clinical Somatics and pandiculation offers a practical, evidence-informed approach to supporting long-term neuromyofascial health.In This Episode You'll Discover✔ Why always being the "strong one" can take a hidden toll on your body✔ The connection between chronic stress, muscle tension and nervous system regulation✔ What high-functioning anxiety looks like beneath the surface✔ Why constantly pushing through fatigue may keep your body in protective patterns✔ The relationship between persistent muscle guarding, widespread pain and movement quality✔ Why pain isn't always a sign of tissue damage✔ How Clinical Somatics and pandiculation help restore healthy sensory motor control✔ Practical ways to build resilience without sacrificing your healthKey Takeaways• Strength isn't measured by how much you carry—it's also knowing when your body needs support.• Persistent muscle tension often reflects protective neurological patterns rather than simply tight muscles.• Living in a constant state of responsibility can reduce your nervous system's opportunity to recover and regulate.• Improving body awareness through pandiculation helps restore communication between your brain and muscles, reducing unnecessary muscle holding.• Lasting wellbeing comes from balancing resilience with recovery.Continue Your Learning
Could a direct conversation with a prospect or tenant save your next lease from falling apart?In Episode 94 of I Own A Shopping Center Now What, Beth Azor explains why shopping center owners must remain personally involved in the most important parts of their business, even when they have leasing brokers and property managers handling day-to-day operations.Beth shares how direct conversations with hesitant prospects can reveal concerns that brokers may not uncover and create opportunities for flexible lease structures, including percentage rent and sales-based termination rights. She also explains how personal relationships with tenants can improve rent collection, prevent balances from becoming unmanageable, and reduce avoidable vacancies.The lesson is simple: delegate the work, but never delegate all responsibility for your tenants, prospects, and multimillion-dollar asset.
In this episode of EVJ Snippets, we summarise the latest research published in our Equine Veterinary Journal through a quick overview of the paper: Age, embryo donor status, and insemination with chilled semen all predispose to persistent breeding-induced endometritis in warmblood mares.
Prayer is vital to the life of a Believer. We are admonished to pray always, at all times, and for all things. Persistent, pure, and powerful prayer brings us closer to God and comes from a heart filled with loving adoration and worship. That kind of prayer changes people and circumstances as it furthers God's Kingdom. Firefall Talk Radio episodes are archived, allowing you to download them for future listening or to share with others. Feel free to share them with others as the Lord leads. Help us spread The Word. If our teachings are a blessing to you, let us know by using the contact button on our website. If you would like to support what we do, there are ways to do so on the main page for Firefall Talk Radio. We appreciate your support and encouragement. Follow us on YouTube at The Firefall Network. Links for all social media and streaming platforms can be found on the main page at firefalltalkradio.com.
The kernel taketh away, so we bringeth back. We build an AppleTalk LAN, ditch TCP/IP, and give a legendary retro network protocol the send-off it deserves.Sponsored By:Jupiter Party Annual Membership: Put your support on automatic with our annual plan, and get one month of membership for free!Managed Nebula: Meet Managed Nebula from Defined Networking. A decentralized VPN built on the open-source Nebula platform that we love.Support LINUX UnpluggedLinks:AppleTalk 1985-2026 Memorial StickerJupiter Garage SWAGSorry, I only open regular files StickerWeb Boost — Send us a boost via sats or USD
In this podcast, Pastor Justin releases a word on the process of breaking free from the kingdom of this world in order to build & plant God's unshakable kingdom in our lives. Support the show
How to completely kill persistent temptation by Fr. Michael Denk
Persistent prayer is not about convincing God to act. Key Scriptures: Luke 18 Connect with us & let us know you are listening and how we can pray for you... https://www.pursuitnazarene.org/online-connection-card
The extreme heat wave that swept across Europe in late June triggered a public health crisis while sharply increasing the risk of wildfires.6 月下旬席卷欧洲的极端热浪引发了一场公共卫生危机,同时大幅加剧了野火发生风险。Extremely high temperatures contributed to a surge in excess deaths across several countries, particularly among the elderly, while prolonged drought left soil and vegetation tinder-dry, bringing an earlier and destructive wildfire season.极端高温导致多个国家超额死亡人数激增,老年人受影响尤为严重;持续干旱使土壤与植被变得极度干燥,野火季提前到来且破坏力大幅上升。According to preliminary data, France recorded at least 2,025 excess deaths during the week of June 22-28.初步数据显示,法国在 6 月 22 日至 28 日这一周内记录至少 2025 例超额死亡。People aged 65 and older accounted for 85 percent of confirmed heat-related deaths.已确认的高温致死病例中,65 岁及以上人群占比 85%。In Belgium, 1,222 excess deaths were recorded between June 18 and 29, representing a 39 percent increase in excess mortality.比利时 6 月 18 日至 29 日记录 1222 例超额死亡,超额死亡率同比上升 39%。Meanwhile, Spain's daily mortality monitoring system attributed 1,029 excess deaths in June to unusually high temperatures, and the Netherlands reported around 480 excess deaths, most of them among older people.与此同时,西班牙每日死亡监测系统认定,该国 6 月有 1029 例超额死亡由异常高温引发;荷兰上报约 480 例超额死亡,死者大多为老年人。The health impacts were driven not only by extreme daytime temperatures but also by persistently hot nights.高温对健康的危害不仅源于白天极端高温,持续闷热的夜间气温同样带来严重影响。France described the episode as the most intense heatwave ever recorded in mainland France and Corsica, with the national 24-hour average temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for the first time.法国称此次热浪是法国本土及科西嘉岛有记录以来强度最高的一次,全国 24 小时平均气温首次突破 30 摄氏度。Nighttime temperatures remained unusually high, preventing the body from recovering from heat accumulated during the day.夜间气温居高不下,人体无法缓解白天积蓄的高温热量,难以恢复状态。Analysts said several structural factors have amplified the deadly impact of extreme heat across Europe, including an aging population, social isolation, poorly insulated housing, limited access to air conditioning and the urban heat island effect.分析人士表示,多项结构性因素加剧了极端高温在欧洲造成的致命危害:人口老龄化、独居人群增多、房屋隔热性能差、空调普及率低以及城市热岛效应。In Northern Europe, many buildings were designed to retain heat rather than dissipate it.北欧多数建筑在建造时以保温为设计目标,散热能力较差。Persistent heat and scarce rainfall also dried out vegetation and soil, making landscapes highly combustible and bringing an unusually early start to the wildfire season in several countries.持续高温、降雨稀少致使植被和土壤彻底干涸,地表可燃物极易引燃,多个国家的野火季异常提前。France has recorded approximately 7,000 fires since the start of summer, burning nearly 8,700 hectares, with the worst blazes concentrated in the south.入夏以来法国已记录约 7000 起火情,过火面积近 8700 公顷,灾情最严重的区域集中在南部。Authorities said the fire season began about two to three weeks earlier than in previous years.当地政府表示,今年野火季比往年提前了两至三周。In Germany, wildfires also exposed specific challenges related to geography and history.德国的野火也暴露出该国受地理与历史因素制约的特殊救灾难题。In Rotenfels, near Traisen in Western Germany, about 650 people were evacuated as flames spread through a difficult-to-access forest.德国西部特赖森附近的罗滕费尔斯地区,火势蔓延至一片交通闭塞的林区,约 650 名居民紧急疏散。The presence of unexploded World War II-era munitions prevented firefighters from intervening directly, forcing them to rely on roadblocks, sprinkler systems, firebreaks, and firefighting robots.林区留存大量二战未爆炸弹药,消防员无法直接进场灭火,只能依靠道路封锁、喷淋系统、防火隔离带及消防机器人开展作业。On Croatia's Adriatic coast, high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds fueled the flames.克罗地亚亚得里亚海岸,高温、干燥植被与强风共同助长火势蔓延。During the first half of the year, approximately 2,800 wildfires destroyed more than 6,300 hectares, a sharp increase from the same period last year.该国上半年共发生约 2800 起野火,烧毁土地超 6300 公顷,较去年同期大幅上涨。Greece, where summer wildfires are common, has been battling dozens of forest and wildland fires almost daily.希腊常年夏季频发野火,今年几乎每日都要应对数十起山林火情。In Italy, persistent heat and drought have placed certain southern regions, as well as Sicily and Sardinia, at "extreme" or "very extreme" fire risk.持续高温干旱让意大利南部部分地区、西西里岛与撒丁岛处于 “极高” 或 “极端” 火灾风险等级。In central Portugal, a wildfire in Vouzela injured seven people, forced the evacuation of two villages, and burned more than 7,000 hectares.葡萄牙中部沃泽拉地区爆发野火,造成 7 人受伤,两个村庄居民被迫撤离,过火面积超 7000 公顷。With both the number of fires and the area burned more than doubling from the same period in 2025, Portugal has raised its rural firefighting response system to its highest operational level.葡萄牙今年火情数量、过火面积均较 2025 年同期翻番,该国已将乡村消防应急体系提升至最高响应等级。Governments across Europe have responded by tightening prevention rules and strengthening emergency preparedness.欧洲各国政府纷纷出台应对举措,收紧防火管控条例、强化应急筹备工作。France has expanded the use of drones and artificial intelligence (AI) and reinforced firefighter training.法国扩大无人机与人工智能在防火救灾中的应用,并加强消防员专业培训。Greece has intensified early-warning systems, restricted access to forests, mandated vegetation clearance and expanded drone- and AI-assisted satellite monitoring.希腊升级高温火情预警系统、限制民众进入林区、强制清理易燃植被,并拓展无人机与人工智能卫星监测覆盖范围。Portugal has banned the use of machinery in forests, brush clearing with metal blades and fireworks during high-risk periods.葡萄牙规定高火险时段禁止在林区使用机械设备、金属刀具清理灌木以及燃放烟花。Italy has activated its national heatwave plan, issued regular heat alerts, and stepped up monitoring of heat-related deaths and emergency hospital admissions.意大利启动全国高温应急方案,常态化发布高温预警,并加强高温致死病例与高温急诊入院人数监测。The latest heatwave showed how Europe is entering an era in which extreme summer weather is arriving earlier, lasting longer and becoming increasingly difficult to manage.此次热浪充分表明,欧洲已进入夏季极端天气频发的新阶段:极端高温来得更早、持续时间更长,管控难度持续加大。As heat, drought and wildfires reinforce one another, they are placing mounting pressure on healthcare systems, critical infrastructure and emergency services, posing a growing challenge for governments across Europe.高温、干旱与野火形成恶性循环,给医疗体系、关键基础设施和应急救援部门带来持续加重的压力,成为欧洲各国政府日益严峻的治理难题。heatwave /ˈhiːtweɪv/n. 热浪wildfire /ˈwaɪldfaɪə(r)/n. 野火,山林大火drought /draʊt/n. 干旱,旱灾mortality /mɔːˈtæləti/n. 死亡人数;死亡率
World Series of Poker PodcastFIVE PRIMARY POINTS of the PODCAST* Discipline is one of the strongest predictors of longevity.Large population studies involving more than 560,000 people show that conscientiousness—defined as discipline, reliability, and self-control—is associated with about a 10% lower risk of premature death, independent of age, health status, and other personality traits. Discipline is presented not as an innate talent, but as a daily practice that compounds over time.* Discipline improves biology by lowering chronic inflammation.The podcast explains the biologic mechanism linking discipline to longer life. More disciplined individuals tend to exercise consistently, eat more wisely, and sleep more regularly, leading to lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key inflammatory marker. Lower inflammation appears to account for a meaningful portion of the survival benefit associated with conscientiousness.* Chronic stress accelerates aging through multiple cellular mechanisms.Stress does far more than affect mood. Persistent stress increases inflammation, damages DNA, impairs mitochondrial function, shortens telomeres, promotes cellular aging, and alters gene regulation. While some stress is necessary for growth, chronic unmanaged stress speeds biologic aging and increases the risk of disease and premature death.* Five evidence-based habits help counter the harmful effects of stress.The podcast recommends practical strategies supported by scientific literature:* Stay physically active.* Improve nutrition (including moderate coffee consumption for its anti-inflammatory polyphenols).* Prioritize sleep.* Strengthen meaningful social connections.* Use cognitive behavioral strategies to identify and reduce unnecessary stressors.The central message is that even 20 focused minutes per day can meaningfully improve vitality.* Transform stress from a threat into a challenge.The week's practical takeaway is to consciously shift from “threat mode” to “challenge mode.” Rather than reacting emotionally, pause, take a few deep breaths, remain calm, and focus on the next constructive action. Developing the habit of demonstrating calm during everyday frustrations builds resilience for life's larger challenges and ultimately enhances both vitality and performance.Copyright VyVerse, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vitalityexplorers.substack.com/subscribe
A revised FAR proposal now out for comment aims to unify how civilian agencies define and safeguard controlled unclassified information in contracts, reflecting industry pushback on earlier drafts while addressing long‑standing gaps that left contractors navigating a patchwork of policies. Here to walk us through the details is Zach Prince, a partner at Haynes Boone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Some people on HIV treatment have a viral load that won't fully suppress. In this episode, we speak with Annemarie Wensing (University Medical Center Utrecht in The Netherlands and Witwatersrand University in South Africa), Aryen Stam (University Medical Center Utrecht) and Tomasso Clemente (IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Itally); authors of an international consensus published in The Lancet HIV, bringing together nearly 100 experts across six continents to tackle one of the least standardized challenges in HIV care: low-level viremia. What does the evidence actually say about risk? When should a clinician act? How to communicate a low-level viremia diagnosis to a patient? And what does this guidance mean for the people being treated in settings where resistance testing and second-line options are out of reach? Click here to read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhiv/article/PIIS2352-3018(26)00107-4/fulltext
It starts with one surprising fact that changes how you think about erectile dysfunction.In this episode, discover why low testosterone is often not the real cause of ED and learn which everyday habits may be affecting your sexual health more than you realize. Also, discover why persistent testicle pain should never be ignored and when it's time to seek medical care. The science behind these common men's health concerns is simpler than you may think, and understanding it could help you avoid costly mistakes.Tune in now to learn what your body may really be trying to tell you.--------------Key TakeawaysErectile dysfunction usually has multiple causes.Low testosterone is rarely the primary cause of ED.Excessive alcohol is a leading contributor to erectile dysfunction.Smoking, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure increase ED risk.Lifestyle changes may help reverse erectile dysfunction.Age alone does not cause erectile dysfunction.Persistent testicle pain requires prompt medical evaluation.A scrotal ultrasound can identify many causes of testicle pain.Do not self-diagnose ongoing testicle discomfort.Treating the root cause leads to better long-term outcomes.--------------Resources mentioned:Modern Man CribMediterranean DietGood Morning Wood SmoothieRenew with Dr. Anne--------------Curious about how you can boost your bedroom game and build lasting confidence? Check out the course at getwoodnow.com and start your journey to feeling like yourself again!--------------If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more and get more tips, subscribe to The Modern Man newsletter for exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox! https://dranne.co/themodernman--------------Follow Me On:InstagramTwitterFacebookTikTokYouTube--------------For all links and resources mentioned on the show and where to subscribe to the podcast, please visit https://truongrehab.com/real-erectile-dysfunction-causes-explained--------------Want to regain control of your sex life? It's time to reverse the effects of ED on your life. Join the Modern Man Club and embark on your journey to complete recovery and community.--------------Reveal the FREE treatment most men ignore that solves thousands of erectile dysfunction cases every year, plus the 5 biggest mistakes you must avoid if you want to say goodbye to your ED. Uncover it all in my free eBook, available to download now.https://dranne.co/ebook
In this podcast, Pastor Justin preaches into how we must always build & maintain a fortress of prayer and then choose to live and fight from that place. Support the show
Paul Hamilton joins Schopp and Bulldog to have a conversation that centers on the Buffalo Sabres' recent draft acquisitions, specifically analyzing the potential of top picks Daxon Rudolph and Ilia Morozov. They also weigh the risks and rewards of a potential trade for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck following reports of ongoing interest. Additional analysis covers the defensive depth chart and the impact of Olen Zellweger joining the lineup.
In this podcast, Amy Austin brings the Word on how we can and must live as children of God.Support the show
In this podcast, Kim Smith delivers a message on the importance of standing firm and fighting on the front lines of revival. Support the show
In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, platform companies including Swiggy, Zepto and Urban Company challenge Karnataka's Gig Workers Act in the High Court. We also unpack Persistent Systems' EUR 1.27 billion acquisition of Nagarro, Zerodha's move into investment banking, the government's warning on the use of AI tools in official work, and how Prosus' India business grew in FY26 with PayU turning EBITDA positive.
Persistent FaithFile Size: 73858 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]
Mary O'Grady. Mary O'Grady discusses Cuba's persistent electricity crisis, explaining that chronic blackouts result from decades of infrastructure deterioration in the power grid and heavy oil plants, rather than solely being caused by losing Venezuelan oil supplies.1969
fWotD Episode 3338: Augustus Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Thursday, 25 June 2026, is Augustus.Augustus (born Gaius Octavius; 23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14), also known as Octavian (Latin: Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. The reign of Augustus initiated an imperial cult and an era of imperial peace (the Pax Romana or Pax Augusta) in which the Roman world was largely free of armed conflict. The principate, a style of government where the emperor showed nominal deference to the Senate, was established during his reign and lasted until the Crisis of the Third Century.Octavian was born into an equestrian branch of the gens Octavia. Octavian's great-uncle, the dictator Julius Caesar, named him as his primary heir in his will, and after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Octavian inherited his estate and assumed his name. He fought for the loyalty of Caesar's legions. He was made a senator during a state emergency and seized power by marching on Rome in 43 BC, becoming its youngest elected consul. He, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus formed a triumvirate regime with legally sanctioned powers to outlaw and oppose Caesar's assassins and their allies. Following their victory at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, the triumvirate divided the Roman Republic among themselves and ruled as de facto oligarchs. Competing ambitions eventually tore their alliance apart; Octavian had Lepidus exiled in 36 BC for opposing him in Sicily, while Marcus Agrippa, Octavian's naval commander, defeated Antony in Greece at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Antony and his wife Cleopatra, the Ptolemaic queen of Egypt, killed themselves during Octavian's invasion of Egypt, which then became Octavian's personal property.After the demise of the triumvirate, Augustus reached an accord with the remaining Roman elite: he would restore the facade of a free republic, centered around the Senate, the executive magistrates and the legislative assemblies. But his control of the military and half of Rome's provinces meant he maintained autocratic power legitimized by his appointment as commander-in-chief of most Roman armies. To avoid the appearance of monarchy or dictatorship, he eventually refused to stand for reelection to the consulship, but the Senate granted him the powers of the tribunate and censorship and the titles princeps ('first citizen'), augustus ('the revered'), and pater patriae (lit. 'father of the country'), and named the month of August after him. After the death of Lepidus, Augustus also assumed the title of pontifex maximus ('supreme pontiff').Augustus dramatically enlarged the Empire, annexing Egypt, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Noricum, and Raetia, expanding possessions in Africa, and completing the conquest of Hispania. His expansionism, however, suffered a major setback in Germania. Beyond the frontiers, he secured the empire with a buffer region of client states and negotiated peace treaties with the Parthian Empire and Kingdom of Kush. He reformed the Roman system of taxation and currency, developed networks of roads with an official courier system, established a standing professional army, established the Praetorian Guard as well as official police and fire-fighting services for Rome, and renovated much of the city during his reign. Augustus was a writer and patron of poets such as Virgil, and has been featured in various works of art from ancient to modern times. He died in AD 14 at age 75 from natural causes, and the Senate posthumously deified him. Persistent rumors have claimed his wife Livia poisoned him. He was succeeded as emperor by his stepson and adoptive son Tiberius.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:20 UTC on Thursday, 25 June 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Augustus on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Kendra.
Period poverty often goes unseen, but its impact on women and teens is significant in the Commonwealth and beyond. Governor Andy Beshear signed a proclamation last month declaring May 11 through 17 as Period Poverty Awareness Week in the Commonwealth. Dr. Greg recently got an update on the mission of the non-profit Period Y'all and its founder Skylar Davis.
Your pool pH isn't “random” or “stubborn” and once you understand what's actually driving the rise, you can finally stop the endless acid cycle. We dig into the real reason pH climbs week after week: CO2 off gassing. Total alkalinity controls how much carbon dioxide wants to escape, and when alkalinity is too high, the water is essentially overcarbonated. As CO2 leaves the water to reach equilibrium with the air, pH rises, and the problem repeats.We also get honest about the pools that fight you the hardest: feature pools with negative edges, spillways, waterfalls, scuppers, rock cascades, spa jets, and blowers. All that aeration and turbulence accelerates CO2 loss, which means faster pH drift no matter how “perfect” your numbers look on paper. You'll hear a simple spa-style experiment that makes the aeration effect impossible to ignore, plus the hard truth that some extreme designs may require a CO2 injection system if you want truly stable pH.Saltwater chlorine generator pools add their own twist. We explain how SWGs raise pH through hydroxide production and continuous aeration inside the cell, then talk through practical ways to reduce generator runtime by cutting chlorine demand. That leads into borates, cyanuric acid strategy, and why dialing in free chlorine as a percentage of CYA can work better than a one-size-fits-all target. We also clear up a long-running pool chemistry myth: liquid chlorine and calcium hypochlorite don't create a lasting pH rise after chlorine is consumed.If you want fewer corrections, steadier readings, and a repeatable method for controlling rising pool pH, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool pro who's fighting pH, and leave a review with your biggest pH question.We break down why pool pH keeps rising and why the real driver is often CO2 off gassing tied to total alkalinity and aeration. We share practical targets and field-tested fixes for salt pools, feature pools, and new plaster so you can stop chasing pH every week. • total alkalinity controlling CO2 off gassing and pH drift • why high TA makes pH rise faster and more often • setting realistic TA targets and lowering TA to stabilize pH • how waterfalls, spillways, negative edges, jets, and turbulence push pH up • when a CO2 injector becomes the only realistic path • saltwater chlorine generator effects including hydroxide production and aeration in the cell • using borates to reduce chlorine demand and slow pH rise • balancing cyanuric acid and free chlorine as a percentage strategy • plaster hydration in new pools raising pH for months • why liquid chlorine and cal hypo do not cause lasting pH rise after chlorine is spent Learn more at SwimmingPoollearning.com. If you're interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at pullguycoaching.com. Send us Fan MailSupport the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors! HASA https://bit.ly/HASAThe Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100https://store.thebottomfeeder.com/Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:https://getskimmer.com/poolguy Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBAPool Guy Coaching: https://bit.ly/40wFE6y
Are you stubborn or persistent? At first glance, the two words seem closely related. They can describe similar behaviors and actions. But one usually feels negative, while the other feels positive. Most of us would rather be called persistent than stubborn. And as leaders, that distinction matters. In this episode, Kevin Eikenberry explains why the labels we use shape the way we see people, interact with them, and lead them. If we label someone as stubborn, we may approach them with frustration or resistance. If we label them as persistent, we may respond with more curiosity, patience, and respect. The reminder is simple but important: how you label people influences how you treat them. Take your labels seriously. In This Episode Why "stubborn" and "persistent" are similar but not the same How labels influence our expectations and interactions Why leaders should be careful about the words they use for others How choosing a different label can change your leadership approach The organizational value of assuming benign intent Remarkable Reminder How you label people influences how you treat them. Take your labels seriously. Resources Mentioned Subscribe to Kevin's free weekly newsletter, Your Remarkable Day: https://kevineikenberry.com/newsletters
Are You Listening to God? Zechariah 7:8-14 “And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: ‘This is what the Lord Almighty said: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'” This is more verses than I usually cover in one day, but I wanted to include the whole passage because the context is important. What stood out to me most was the beginning: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.” There are two reasons this struck me. The first is because of a retirement ceremony I attended for my husband Tony's boss. Several people spoke about him, and one phrase came up repeatedly: “Sometimes you just need to give a little grace.” That phrase has stayed with Tony for years. I think we need more of that today. We are often quick to become offended, angry, or frustrated. Someone cuts us off in traffic, speaks sharply to us, or has a bad day, and we let it affect us for hours. I'm not saying bad behavior is okay. I'm saying that we all have bad moments. We all need grace sometimes. Think about the last time you got upset. If you had stopped and given that person a little grace, would it have changed the situation? The second reason this passage stood out to me is because of what God specifically tells us: “Show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.” This is not a political statement. It is a biblical one. No matter where we stand politically, we should ask ourselves: Am I being compassionate? Am I showing mercy? Am I treating others the way God asks me to treat them? God does not tell us to show compassion only to people who think like us, vote like us, look like us, or agree with us. He tells us to show compassion to those who need it. One phrase that stands out to me is “the foreigner.” We don't know people's stories. We don't know what they have escaped, what they have endured, or what burdens they carry. It can be frustrating when communication is difficult, but imagine living every day struggling to understand and be understood. God calls us to compassion. The passage then continues: “But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and covered their ears. They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen.” That part convicted me. Are we listening to God? Or are we allowing social media, news, culture, and our own opinions to shape us more than Scripture? God's Word has not changed. Yet sometimes we harden our hearts little by little until we stop hearing what He is saying. I think many of us struggle to make time for God and then wonder why we feel distant from Him. The people in this passage refused to listen to the Lord. As a result, the passage says: “When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen.” That verse stopped me in my tracks. Does this mean God sometimes ignores our prayers? I wanted to be careful before answering that question, so I did some research. The answer I found was essentially this: Persistent, willful rejection of God's voice creates a barrier in our relationship with Him. Not because God stops loving us, but because we are turning away from Him. The barrier is built by us, not by Him. This passage is not meant to create fear. It is meant to invite conversion. God is constantly calling us back to Himself. The Catechism teaches that authentic prayer flows from a converted heart. The saints repeatedly taught that how we live affects how we pray and whether our prayers bear fruit. This does not mean that every time we sin, God stops listening to us. If that were true, none of us would have hope. I believe this passage is talking about a persistent hardening of the heart—a repeated refusal to listen to God and live according to His ways. That should cause all of us to pause and ask: How am I treating the widow? How am I treating the fatherless? How am I treating the foreigner? How am I treating the poor? Am I listening when God calls me to show compassion? I want to leave you with one final question: In what area of your life might God be calling you to listen—and are you giving Him the silence He needs to speak? Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless each person listening to this episode today. Lord, help us recognize anything that may be creating a barrier between us and you. Help us show compassion to the widow, the fatherless, the foreigner, and the poor. Help us give people a little grace. Help us listen when you speak. Soften our hearts and make them more like yours. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you've been feeling distant from God lately, but you're not sure why, I created a free quiz called "What's Quietly Blocking Your Connection With God?" In just a few minutes, you'll discover one of four common obstacles that may be affecting your relationship with God. CLICK HERE. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you, just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in November 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Look at them, I say to you, my father. See them, father? They try hard, Father. They see them all through their obstacles. They put their own needs on the shelf to be there for others. I am so proud.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
learn more at https://ThePrayerOfFreedom.com Why do some faithful Christians pray for healing for years while others experience breakthrough? In this live presentation from Costa Rica, Beatty Carmichael explores what the Bible says about the connection between sin, sickness, suffering, and healing. Walking through ten key passages of Scripture from the Old Testament and New Testament, he addresses a question that has challenged believers for generations: Can unresolved spiritual issues contribute to physical, emotional, or relational struggles? You'll discover what the Bible teaches about confession, repentance, forgiveness, spiritual oppression, and the role they may play in persistent conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, addiction, and relationship conflicts. Drawing on James 5:16 and other biblical passages, Beatty explains how hidden spiritual roots can sometimes keep people stuck—even after years of prayer, counseling, and medical treatment. This episode also includes a live demonstration with a man who had struggled with anxiety and bipolar disorder for most of his life and experienced immediate relief after applying these biblical principles. If you've ever wondered why healing prayer sometimes seems ineffective—or whether there may be a missing piece you've never considered—this teaching offers a practical, Scripture-based framework for pursuing healing and freedom. Topics covered: biblical healing, Christian healing, healing prayer, spiritual warfare, repentance, confession, forgiveness, deliverance ministry, James 5:16, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, trauma, addiction, bipolar disorder, spiritual roots of illness, emotional healing, and freedom in Christ.
Join us as we enjoy Him together! The Table Fellowship's Sermon of the Week for June 21st 2026.
Have you been told to strengthen your core to fix your back pain, yet despite doing countless planks, crunches, and core workouts, your discomfort keeps returning?You're not alone.In this episode of the Somatic Movement & Mindset Podcast, Heidi Hadley explores a hidden reason why traditional core exercises may not be delivering the results you expected.While core strength has become one of the most common recommendations for back pain, many people are unknowingly developing chronic muscular bracing and co-contraction—a state where muscles remain excessively contracted, limiting mobility, reducing shock absorbency, and increasing tension throughout the body.Discover why stability and rigidity are not the same thing, and how true movement health depends on your ability to both contract and release.In This Episode You'll Discover:✅ Why strengthening your core isn't always the answer to back pain✅ What co-contraction is and how it develops✅ How excessive abdominal bracing can reduce mobility and movement efficiency✅ Why chronic muscle tension increases compressive forces on the spine✅ The relationship between breathing, posture, and back pain✅ How reduced shock absorbency affects your body from head to toe✅ Why stiffness is often mistaken for stability✅ The role of the nervous system in chronic tension and recurring pain✅ Why flexibility alone isn't the solution✅ How pandiculation helps retrain the brain and release chronic muscular holding patternsUnderstanding Co-ContractionYour body is designed to move with adaptability, efficiency, and ease.However, when muscles around a joint contract simultaneously and remain partially engaged for prolonged periods, movement becomes restricted. This phenomenon, known as co-contraction, is often driven by stress, injury, fear of movement, repetitive habits, or well-intentioned advice to constantly "engage your core."Over time, this can lead to: Increased muscle fatigue Reduced mobility Restricted breathing Increased spinal compression Poor shock absorption Persistent pain and stiffness The result? A body that feels tight, guarded, and less capable of moving naturally.Why More Tension Isn't More StabilityMany people associate a strong core with a healthy back.But true stability comes from adaptability—not rigidity.A healthy neuromuscular system allows muscles to contract when needed and release when they're not.When muscles remain switched on unnecessarily, the nervous system loses efficiency, movement becomes less fluid, and pain often persists.A Different Approach: PandiculationPandiculation is a natural process that works directly with the brain and nervous system to help restore voluntary control of muscles.Rather than forcing muscles to lengthen temporarily, pandiculation helps reset chronic tension patterns by improving communication between the brain and body.This can help: Reduce chronic muscle tension Improve mobility Enhance posture Support better breathing mechanics Improve shock absorbency Create more efficient movement patterns Reduce recurring pain and discomfort Key TakeawayThe goal isn't simply to build a stronger core.The goal is to create a body that can respond appropriately to the demands placed upon it—contracting when necessary and releasing when possible.When we learn to reduce unnecessary muscular bracing and improve nervous system regulation, we create the conditions for more comfortable, efficient movement.Ready to Learn More?Inside the Total Somatics Membership, you'll find an extensive library of guided Clinical Somatic Movement lessons, pandiculation practices, nervous system regulation techniques, mindfulness sessions, and educational resources designed to help you:✨ Reduce chronic pain ✨ Improve posture and mobility ✨ Release persistent muscle tension ✨ Enhance body awareness ✨ Move with greater comfort and confidenceJoin a supportive global community of members from over 45 countries and discover a smarter way to care for your body.
Concussions are often treated as short-term injuries, but what if the real issue is how the brain recovers afterward? In this episode, Dr. Rob Silverman sits down with Dr. Brett Jarosz, an ACA endorsed Fellow Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, to explore the evolving science of concussion recovery and brain health. Together, they challenge outdated approaches that rely on complete rest and discuss why modern rehabilitation focuses on restoring function through targeted movement, individualized therapy, and metabolic support. Dr. Jarosz explains why a concussion is more than just a structural injury, how persistent symptoms can stem from dysfunction across multiple systems, and why factors such as autonomic regulation, inflammation, and brain energy production play critical roles in recovery. The conversation also dives into emerging therapies like photobiomodulation, the science behind red light therapy, and why personalized rehabilitation may be the future of concussion care. Whether you're a clinician, athlete, coach, or someone recovering from a brain injury, this episode offers practical insights into helping the brain heal and perform at its best. Key takeaways: Concussion is an energy crisis in the brain, affecting metabolism, blood flow, and neurological function. New models of concussion treatment emphasize controlled exercise and targeted rehabilitation over complete rest. Photobiomodulation, especially low-level laser therapy, shows promising results in improving brain recovery post-concussion. Persistent post-concussion symptoms could be multi-faceted, involving neuroinflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and autonomic nervous systems. Female athletes experience different concussion recovery processes due to biological and structural differences. More About Dr. Brett Jarosz: Dr. Brett Jarosz is an ACA endorsed Fellow Sports & Exercise Chiropractor (AICE 2019), Neurorehabilitation Chiropractor (AICE 2022), researcher and international lecturer. He has worked with the World Surf League, as a part of the medical team at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, as well as Surfing Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He consults with the Melbourne Storm NRL Team, along with several AFL teams, Olympic and elite athletes on neurotrauma, with his work being featured on 60 Minutes Australia, Apple TV, The Age, Herald Sun, and more. For the past decade, Dr. Brett lectured within the Chiropractic degrees at RMIT University in Melbourne, and currently maintains a role as a lecturer for a number of post-graduate education programs. Website Instagram Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube
National security scholar Herbert S. Lin joins us to discuss his latest TNSR article, "On Optimism About New Military Technologies." Lin argues that political incentives and cognitive traps like the "fallacy of the last move" often blind planners to the complex, systemic realities of new capabilities. He also maps out the crucial distinction between artifactual hardware and architectural technologies like AI. Hosts: Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Ryan Vest, PhD Producer: Jordan Morning
In the halls of our Venice, Italy retreat house are priceless paintings and works of art. Clearly, the owner is a serious collector. But one piece stopped me. It hangs in a second-story hallway—gold-framed, almost sculpted into the canvas itself. It's not just a painting; it has depth, dimension, movement. Figures seem to step forward out of the frame and cast real shadows on the wall. And it tells a story. A man is kneeling in prayer, hands lifted, eyes fixed on a crucifix of Jesus on the wall before him. His posture is steady. His focus is anchored. But beside him stands another figure—dark, winged, intent. Not attacking violently, but persistently present. Watching. Pressing. Distracting. And yet the man does not turn. He stays fixed on Jesus. That image is not just art—it is a spiritual reality. We live in that scene. There is always a battle for the mind. Not always loud. Not always dramatic. Often subtle. Persistent. Relentless. The enemy does not need to destroy you if he can distract you. Because where your attention goes, your life follows. My friends, this is a real picture of what is continually going on around us. The spiritual battle of Satan's demons forever against us, flying around, shooting flaming arrows, throwing threats and insults – all while Jesus is strong and steady above it all. The question is, where are we looking? What are we focusing on? What gets our mind? If your mind isn't saved by Jesus, then it is completely vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. If you're not focused on Jesus, you are continually distracted by the forces of darkness, acts of evil, and threats of terror. Your mind is the battlefield of this spiritual war. If the enemy captures your thoughts, he doesn't just influence your mood—he distorts your vision. If he gets your thoughts, you spiral in fear. If he gets your focus, you lose peace. If he gets your attention, you forget truth. This is why Scripture is so direct: The battle is not first in your circumstances—it is in your mind. For this battle, God offers a very specific piece of armor over your mind – the helmet of salvation. Ephesians 6:17, “Put on salvation as your helmet.” It's the final piece of your defensive armor. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, and finally the helmet of salvation. “Put on salvation as your helmet.” This is not decorative language. It is defensive language. A helmet exists for one reason: to protect what cannot afford to be struck. Your head. Your mind. Your thoughts. In Roman warfare, the helmet marked identity and provided protection. It told others who you belonged to—and it guarded what could end the fight instantly. Because a blow to the head ends everything. So Paul is saying something deeply practical and deeply spiritual: God is not only saving your soul—He is guarding your mind. The phrase translated “take” or “put on” carries the idea of receiving what is being handed to you. This matters. Because salvation is not self-produced. It is not achieved through willpower or positive thinking. It is received. You don't fabricate salvation. You accept it. You don't defend yourself from the enemy by willpower alone. You stand under what God has already given. The word “salvation” here is not abstract. It means rescue. Deliverance. Being pulled out of danger you could not escape on your own. So the “helmet of salvation” is not just: “I am forgiven.” It is also: “My mind belongs to the One who rescued me.” It is the assurance that “I am saved, I am held, I am not defenseless in my mind.” The enemy rarely begins with destruction. He begins with intrusion. The crafty enemy of our is soul doing everything he can to distract us, torment us, fill us with doubts and fears. He says, “take off that helmet and let me get in your head!” That's the battle. If he can saturate your thoughts, he doesn't need to change your circumstances. He simply convinces you that darkness is all there is. But the helmet of salvation interrupts that lie. Girl, did you take off your helmet? Did you let the devil get in your head? Are you filled with doubts, worries and fears? Oh, my sister, your eyes aren't on Jesus because your head isn't protected. God is offering you a helmet to protect your mind, but it's always up to you to accept it and put it on. The helmet of salvation reminds us of this: WE ARE SAVED, WE ARE REDEEMED and WE ARE PROMISED A FUTURE. When your mind knows that full well, it changes the way you live. You're no longer distracted by the wispers of Hell. You're no longer fearful of the pokes of Satan. You're locked in to Jesus. There is an old story often told of two wolves—one feeding darkness, one feeding life. It goes like this: An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life: “A fight is going on inside of me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between 2 wolves. One wolf is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, jealousy, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.” He continued, “The other wolf is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The same fight is going on inside of you – and inside of every other person too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.” Whatever you feed grows stronger. And the truth is simple: Your thoughts are your daily feeding ground. What are you feeding? Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose THOUGHTS ARE FIXED ON YOU.” This is not for those who are partially focused. Not for those who are occasionally focused. This is for those who have a FIXED FOCUS on God. That's what the helmet does. It fixes our focus. The helmet of salvation is not just protection from attack—it is alignment of attention. It brings your mind back into place. Back to truth. Back to Christ. Back to peace. Not shallow peace. Not temporary peace. But perfect peace. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose THOUGHTS ARE FIXED ON YOU.” Remember the art work in the Venice retreat house – the man kneeling in prayer with his eyes fixed on Jesus even while Satan's demon is present and making his attack. The protected mind that knows it is saved by Jesus is unbothered, held in perfect peace. And so the works of God grows in his life while the works of Satan diminish. Have you been giving the enemy daily food with your thoughts? Has he been growing stronger and stronger in your life because you've allowed your mind to be attacked by him? Girl, put on your helmet. Your helmet reminds you who God is and who you are in him. You are saved. You are redeemed. You are promised a future with him. A soldier's helmet includes a marking identifying who they are fighting with and for. A crest or emblem on their helmet would signify their allegiance. When you put on the helmet of salvation, you're taking a stand in this spiritual battle of whose side you're on. But when your identity is unclear, your thoughts become vulnerable. You gotta know your identity in Jesus – then you know who you are saved, redeemed, held, secured, and the accusations from Hell lose their power. The enemy cannot easily dominate a mind anchored in identity. You're standing with Jesus in victory. Your enemy has already been defeated – he fights from a place of defeat, settling for the spoils of your wandering thoughts and dark corners of your mind left unprotected. Give him NOTHING. The bad wolf gets NOTHING from you. Starve him out! Satan doesn't even get the crumbs of your thoughts today. Nothing. Give him no space in your mind. Billy Graham said this, “If you get your mind off Christ and you get it on some things you shouldn't be thinking about, then you pray, ‘Lord, forgive me and help me to get my mind back on Christ.’ I do many times.” This is the action of putting the helmet of salvation on. The moment you recognize your mind is wandering, you get it back under the protection of your salvation offered in Jesus! This is the discipline of the helmet. Not striving. Not panic. Just returning. Again and again. To Jesus. That painting in Venice shows it clearly: A man kneeling in prayer. Darkness present—but not dominant. Eyes fixed on Christ. That is the helmet of salvation. A protected mind is not a mind that never sees darkness. It is a mind that refuses to be ruled by it. So keep your focus. Keep your identity. Keep your helmet on. Because you are not fighting for victory. You are standing in it. 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A guide to diagnosing, imaging, and managing acute renal colic and nephrolithiasis in the ED. Hosts: Brian Gilberti, MD Avir Mitra, MD https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Nephrolithiasis.mp3 Download Leave a Comment Tags: Kidney Stones, Urology Show Notes 1. CLINICAL CORE & PHYSIOLOGIC FRAMEWORK Epidemiologic Risk Profiles Lifetime incidence parameters hover around 1 in 11, presenting with a prominent male sex skew. Peak demographic manifestation concentrated within the 30–60 age band. High-yield temporal parameter: 50% recurrence vector within a 5-year post-initial-insult window. Mineralogical Composition Vectors Calcium oxalate crystals represent the predominant structural matrix. Struvite configurations (magnesium ammonium phosphate matrix) account for 1–2% of cohorts. Struvite stones function explicitly as infection-driven configurations secondary to upper tract proliferation; higher distribution index noted in female cohorts. Etiological & Modifiable Relational Dynamics Profound systemic dehydration or low baseline fluid throughput states. High-sodium diet structures and heavy animal-protein consumption loads. Positive genetic/familial history variables. Relative risk modulation: Each variable independently operates to expand baseline risk by a factor of 2x to 3x. Pathophysiologic Symptom Complexes Acute, sudden-onset, maximum-intensity (10/10) unilateral flank pain. Classic structural radiation vector tracking downward toward the ipsilateral groin/genitourinary dermatomes. Distinctive behavioral marker: Renal colic pacing/writhing behavior with zero antalgic position availability. Concomitant autonomic triggers: Nausea and emesis manifest in 50% of acute presentations. Physical Exam Discordance Metrics Severe subjective distress contrasted with a characteristically soft, completely non-tender abdominal palpation exam. CVA tenderness is completely variable and lacks reliable negative predictive value. Atypical Presentation Classifications Vague, poorly localized abdominal pain presentations occurring in up to 20% of active cases. Isolated lower urinary tract irritative signs including acute frequency or severe urgency. Incidental & Asymptomatic Dynamics Silent intrarenal or ureteral stones found incidentally. Longitudinal tracking demonstrates up to 33.3% of initially asymptomatic cohorts convert to fully symptomatic renal colic within a multi-year tracking window. 2. EXCLUSION DIAGNOSES & CRITICAL PATHWAY RED FLAGS Vascular Mimics: AAA rupture/expansion. This is a mandatory exclusion pathway in elderly cohorts presenting with acute flank or back pain. Physical tracking requires active exploration for an expansile, pulsatile abdominal mass. Gynecologic Emergencies: Ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Demands universal screening protocols via rapid beta-hCG testing in all female patients of childbearing potential presenting with lower abdominal/pelvic localization. Infectious Upper Tract Decompensation: Acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis. Differentiated via persistent high spikes, high fevers, systemic shaking chills, and profound pyuria. Genitourinary Structural Crises: Acute testicular torsion. Mandates a thorough, explicit scrotal/testicular structural exam if the flank pain radiates into the scrotum. Gastrointestinal and Adnexal Torsional Confounds: Acute appendicitis variants, acute mesenteric/bowel ischemia, and ovarian torsion syndromes. 3. LABORATORY TESTING & PHYSIOLOGIC EVALUATION Urinalysis Interpretation Nuances Microscopic or gross hematuria presents in approximately 66% to 90% of acute cases. Critical Pathological Caveat: Complete absence of hematuria documented in 20% to 33.3% of confirmed, acute obstructing ureteral stones. Diagnostic rule: A pristine urinalysis with zero red blood cells is entirely insufficient to exclude acute ureterolithiasis. Urinary pH as a Composition Clue Consistently low urinary pH parameters (pH < 5.5) point strongly toward a uric acid crystalline composition. Elevated urinary pH parameters (pH > 7.5) indicate the presence of urease-producing microbial pathogens, pointing toward a struvite infection stone. Infectious Screening Metrics Active tracking for marked pyuria, positive leukocyte esterase, and bacterial nitrites to rule out an obstructed, infected upper urinary tract system. BMP Immediate quantification of baseline serum creatinine to establish accurate eGFR values. Targeting detection of post-renal AKI from bilateral obstruction, unilateral obstruction in a single functioning kidney, or severe volume depletion. CBC Evaluation for marked leukocytosis. Physiologic Nuance: Mild-to-moderate white blood cell count elevations frequently represent non-specific stress demargination driven by severe pain and repetitive vomiting. High-grade white blood cell shifts demand immediate exclusion of systemic bacteremia or an infected, obstructed urinary system. Adjunctive Lab Pathways Rapid qualitative urine hCG testing. Reflex urine culture execution whenever urinalysis metrics display significant inflammatory profiles or clinical suspicion of UTI is high. 4. IMAGING MODALITIES & ALGORITHMIC CLINICAL SELECTION Non-Contrast CT Diagnostics Gold standard; diagnostic sensitivity and specificity parameters exceed 95% for stones >2 mm. Provides precise quantification of stone diameter (mm), exact localization (proximal, mid, or distal ureter), and degree of secondary hydronephrosis. Excellent structural visualization for detecting or ruling out alternate retroperitoneal, vascular, or intra-abdominal pathologies. Contrast-Enhanced CT Protocols Indicated when alternative intra-abdominal surgical pathology is highly suspected over isolated renal colic. Retains diagnostic capability to identify urinary tract stones >3 mm even within contrast-enhanced phases. NCCT Structural Architecture Limitations Standard stone protocol CT scans are executed in a prone position without IV contrast enhancement. It does not opacify the ureteral lumen. Presents a cumulative radiation exposure penalty when utilized serially across recurrent ED presentations. POCUS / Radiology Ultrasound Direct stone visualization capabilities are modest, operating at approximately 50% to 60% sensitivity, and is highly dependent on anatomical positioning at the extreme proximal ureter or the UVJ. Secondary obstruction tracking: Demonstration of hydronephrosis operates at a high sensitivity of approximately 80%. POCUS Clinical Utility Metrics Eliminates ionizing radiation exposure and allows immediate, rapid real-time execution directly at the patient’s bedside. Confirmation of significant hydronephrosis within a classic clinical presentation yields high post-test probability for stone presence while lowering suspicion for vascular catastrophes like a AAA. KUB Radiography Extremely poor overall diagnostic sensitivity, hovering around 57%. Fails to image radiolucent configurations (pure uric acid matrices) or small stones measuring
(10) Ahmed Sharawi highlights Iran's persistent ambition to re-establish its supply highway through Syria to Lebanonfollowing the fall of the Assad regime. Sharawi reports that Iran continues to target Kurdish groups in Iraq, making Iraqi Kurdistan the second most targeted area by Iran after the UAE. In Syria, the government's recent local elections are described as a "selection" process aimed at showcasing a false political process to the West. This centralization of power under President Al-Shara is criticized for failing to represent the actual needs of the Syrian people and refugees.1914
Preview for Later Today: Ahmed Sharawi discusses Iran's persistent ambition to dominate Syria and rebuild the strategic highway to Beirut. He emphasizes that Iran continues exploiting Syrian territory to empower and rearm its regional proxies, specifically the Hezbollah militia.1909
Joseph Sternberg details the political melodrama in London, focusing on Keir Starmer's leadership crisis and Labour's poor performance. He highlights the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform Party and the persistent Brexit debate. (14)1919
1. Local Government Infiltration Case A former Arcadia, California mayor (Wang) allegedly: Admitted to acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government. Faces a felony charge with potential prison time. Prosecutors claim she: Worked with Chinese officials for years before and during her time in office. Helped spread pro‑Beijing propaganda. 2. Use of Media for Influence Wang allegedly operated a Chinese-language website (“US News Center”) that: Posed as independent news. Was actually used to publish content directed by Chinese officials. The platform: Targeted Chinese-American audiences. Distributed messaging favorable to the Chinese Communist Party. 3. Direct Coordination with Chinese Officials Communication reportedly occurred via WeChat. Chinese officials: Sent prewritten propaganda articles. Requested edits and monitored engagement. Wang allegedly: Published content quickly. Sent analytics and performance data back to officials. 4. Narrative Control Example One cited article denied: Forced labor and human rights abuses in China. This illustrates: Efforts to shape U.S. perceptions of sensitive geopolitical issues. 5. Escalation to Political Power Concern heightened because: Wang rose into elected office while allegedly maintaining these ties. Suggests potential for policy influence at municipal level. 6. Federal Espionage Recruitment Attempt A second case involves: A House committee staffer being approached by a suspected Chinese operative. The offer: Up to $10,000+ for policy insights. Included advance payment to build trust. Targeted information: U.S. foreign policy, trade, and national security issues. 7. Spy Recruitment Tactics Alleged methods include: Financial incentives (“easy money” offers). Gradual relationship-building (“trial period”). Persistent communication and probing questions. Reflects a strategy of incremental access to sensitive information. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.