Podcasts about Priority

College prez: "Trayvon Martin of the 1930s."

  Last time we spoke about the Xi'an Incident. In December 1936, tensions in China erupted as Nationalist General Chiang Kai-shek faced a revolt led by his commanders, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng. Disillusioned by Chiang's focus on battling communists instead of the Japanese invaders, the generals swiftly captured him in a coup. Confined in Xi'an, Chiang initially resisted their demands for a united front against Japan but eventually engaged in negotiation with Zhang and the Chinese Communist Party. As public sentiment shifted against him, Chiang's predicament led to urgent discussions, culminating in an unexpected alliance with the communists. This pact aimed to consolidate Chinese resistance against Japanese aggression, marking a critical turning point in the Second Sino-Japanese War. By December 26, Chiang was released, and this uneasy collaboration set the stage for a more unified front against a common enemy, though underlying tensions remained between the factions.   #152 China Prepares for War 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. Before we jump into the Second Sino-Japanese War of 1937-1945, which I honestly have no idea how long will take us, I thought it would be a good idea to dedicate two episodes to how both China and Japan prepared themselves for war.  Going all the way back to the 1910s, Chinese intellectuals began to view an outright conflict between Japan and China was inevitable. In the discussions about China's strategic options, Jiang Fangzhen pioneered a strategy of protracted warfare, a concept that would later shape China's approach during the Sino-Japanese War. Having studied in Japan during his youth, Jiang developed a keen understanding of the Japanese government and military. As early as 1917, he predicted that China and Japan would become embroiled in a long-term conflict, with the battleground likely to be west of the Peiping–Wuhan and Guangzhou–Wuhan railways. In his work titled "Guofang Lun" or “On National Defense”, Jiang reiterated the importance of protracted warfare as a means to thwart Japan's aspirations for a swift victory. He argued that China should leverage its vast population and extensive territory to extend the conflict, gradually wearing down Japanese strength and turning the situation to its advantage. Jiang recommended that China not focus on defending its coastal regions but instead confront the enemy west of the Peking–Wuhan Railway.   Chiang Kai-shek would eventually come to share Jiang's belief that “the longer the war drags on, the more advantageous it will be for China.” Despite significant public criticism, both the Nationalist government and General Zhang Xueliang, decided against military resistance when Japan invaded Manchuria in September 1931 and attacked Shanghai in 1932. Chiang was particularly hesitant to engage Japan directly, as he was also dealing with a Communist insurgency in central China. He feared that Chinese forces would suffer quick defeat, predicting that Japan would capture key coastal areas and critical infrastructure within just three days, crippling China by dismantling its military and economic lifelines. Following the invasion of North China Chiang was forced to adopt a firmer stance. The Nationalist government proposed a dual strategy of pursuing peace and security while simultaneously preparing for war. If peace proved impossible, China would mobilize its resources for ultimate victory through prolonged conflict. This approach was formalized in the National Defense Plan, which China adopted by prioritizing protracted warfare as its core strategy. After the Sino-Japanese clash in Shanghai on January 28, 1932, the Military Affairs Commission devised a plan that divided China into four defense areas along with a preparation area. While some troops were assigned local security, commanders were directed to concentrate their remaining forces for potential confrontations with Japan. That year, the Military Affairs Commission issued General Defense Guidelines that outlined two strategic responses to a potential Japanese invasion. The first, conservative approach focused on maintaining key positions and utilizing protracted warfare to impede the enemy. The second strategy advocated for decisive battles in key regions to thwart Japan's ambitions and protect China's territorial integrity, prioritizing disengagement from Japanese forces along the Yangtze River and coastline. In August 1935, German military adviser General Alexander von Falkenhausen provided recommendations to Chiang Kai-shek based on his predictions of Japanese advance routes into China. He identified three main routes: one from northern Hebei to Zhengzhou, the second from Shandong toward Xuzhou, and the third crossing the Yangtze River to Nanjing and onwards to Wuhan. He suggested treating the Yangtze River as the primary combat zone and highlighted Sichuan as a possible retreat area. Taking all of this into consideration. in 1936, a draft of a new National Defense Plan divided the country into four zones: a war zone, a defense zone, an internal security zone, and a preparation area. The war zone encompassed ten provinces and established strategies for retreating to predetermined defensive positions when necessary, with Sichuan designated as the main base for the war. In January 1937, the Chinese General Staff Department introduced its annual War Plan, outlining three possible military conflict regions between China and Japan. It proposed two main strategies: Proposal A emphasized sustained combat and retreat to fortified positions if the situation became unfavorable, aiming to eventually go on the offensive against Japan. Proposal B focused on repelling Japanese invasions along the coast and from the north, prioritizing counter offensives against Japanese units stationed near key locations. To prepare, the NRA completed several critical projects outlined in its plans, establishing military supply depots in Nanjing, Bengbu, Xinyang, Huayin, Nanchang, and Wuchang to manage logistics for supplies across various strategic railways. These depots were equipped to sustain the military, with ample ammunition and provisions, including 60 million rounds of small-arms ammunition and food for hundreds of thousands. Despite these preparations, not all projects were completed by the time war broke out in July 1937. In contrast to the Japanese military's tactics, Chinese forces prioritized defensive strategies. For example, at the Mount Lushan Military Officer Training Camp in July 1934, Chiang Kai-shek outlined four possible approaches against Japan, favoring a defense-as-offense strategy. Other options included building fortifications, tenaciously defending key positions, and employing guerrilla warfare through irregular forces to constrain enemy advances. Chiang stressed the importance of national mobilization for the war effort.  There was a significant disparity in equipment between the Japanese and Chinese armies. To give you an idea, each Japanese division included a mechanized group featuring thirty-nine light military vehicles and 21 light armored cars, supplemented by 6,000–7,000 horses, 200–300 automobiles, and specialized troops such as poison gas teams. In contrast, Nationalist divisions lacked any of these capabilities, a typical nationalist division theoretically had an armored regiment, but this unit was equipped with fewer than 72 armored vehicles. Another major weakness of the Nationalist forces was their insufficient artillery. In 1936, a division was officially assigned one artillery battalion, which was divided into three batteries totaling twelve guns. It also included a mechanized cannon company with four direct-fire weapons. By comparison, a Japanese division boasted four infantry regiments and one mountain artillery or field artillery regiment, with each artillery regiment comprising three field artillery battalions and one howitzer battalion. The infantry regiment itself included a mountain artillery section with four mountain guns, while the infantry battalion had one Type 70 mountain gun section with two guns. In total, a Japanese division possessed sixty-four artillery pieces of various calibers, four times the number of a Chinese division and of significantly higher quality. In reality, in 1936, twelve of the twenty elite Chinese “reformed divisions” still lacked artillery battalions. The ordnance available in the “reformed divisions” mostly consisted of the outdated Type 60 mountain gun. Nationwide, very few of the 200 divisions were equipped with any artillery, and those that did often used obsolete field artillery pieces or mountain artillery provided to local forces. Some units even relied on trench mortars as a makeshift solution. The artillery weapons came from various countries, but they frequently lacked necessary observation and signal components, and were often low on ammunition. The majority of mountain guns and field artillery were of the Type 75, which, while capable of providing fire support, had limited range and inflicted minimal damage. To give you an idea of the striking inadequacy of the Chinese artillery, during the Shanghai fighting in 1937, the mountain artillery of the Guangxi 21st Army Group could only reach targets within 1,200 yards, while Japanese field artillery had an effective range of 8,000 yards. Chinese-made mountain artillery suffered due to inferior steel-making technology; the gun shields were constructed from low-quality steel, and the barrels often overheated after firing just a few rounds, increasing the risk of explosions. Additionally, the equipment of local forces varied greatly in quality. In fact, some local units had superior equipment compared to Nationalist units. For example, before the Sino-Japanese War, troops from Yunnan were equipped with French antitank guns and heavy machine guns, which were better than the German water-cooled machine guns used by the Nationalist forces. However, the majority of local troops relied on inferior equipment; the 122nd Division under Wang Mingzhang from Sichuan, noted for its brave defense of Tengxian County during the Xuzhou Battle, was armed with locally produced light and heavy machine guns that frequently malfunctioned, and their Type 79 rifles, also made in Sichuan, were often outdated, with some dating back to the Qing Dynasty. These weapons had limited range and sometimes malfunctioned after fewer than one hundred rounds. Now before the war, both Nationalist and local forces acquired weaponry from diverse foreign and domestic sources. Even domestically produced weapons lacked standardization, with those made in Hanyang and Manchuria differing in design and specifications. Arms manufactured in Germany, France, Russia, Japan, and Italy were similarly inconsistent. Consequently, even within a single unit, the lack of uniformity created significant logistical challenges, undermining combat effectiveness, particularly in the early stages of the war. Despite Nationalist ordnance factories producing over three million rounds of small-arms ammunition daily, the incompatibility of ammunition and weapons diminished the usable quantity of ammunition. Chinese communications infrastructure was inadequate. In the Nationalist army, signal units were integrated into engineering units, leading to low-quality radio communications. In emergencies, telegrams could remain undelivered for days, and orders often had to be dispatched via postal services. By 1937, the entire country boasted only 3,000 military vehicles, necessitating heavy reliance on horses and mules for transport. To effectively equip twenty Nationalist divisions, 10,647 horses and 20,688 mules were needed, but by the end of 1935, only 6,206 horses and 4,351 mules were available. A statistic from 1936 indicated a 5 percent mortality rate among military horses, with some units experiencing a rate as high as 10 percent. The distribution of weaponry led to disputes during army reorganization efforts following the Northern Expedition. Although Chiang Kai-shek's forces were part of the regular army, the quality of their equipment varied significantly. Domestic production of weapons was limited, and imports could not close the gap. Priority was given to small arms; through army reorganization, Chiang aimed to diminish the influence of forces less loyal to him. Nationalist army staff officers observed that troops loyal to Chiang received the best weapons. Northwest and Northeast forces, having cultivated good relations with the KMT, were similarly better equipped, while Shanxi troops received inferior supplies. Troops associated with the Guangxi Clique were given even poorer quality weapons due to their leaders' stronger political ambitions. Troops regarded as “bandit forces,” such as those led by Shi Yousan, Li Hongchang, and Sun Dianying, were naturally assigned the least effective weaponry. This unequal distribution of arms increased some local forces' inclination to align with the KMT while alienating others, which inadvertently led to additional turmoil in the aftermath of the Northern Expedition. Logistical accounting within the Nationalist military was severely lacking. Military expenditures accounted for a significant portion of government spending, roughly 65.48 % in 1937, with personnel costs being the largest component. However, military units prioritized boosting their own resources over accurate accounting. Surpluses were not returned but rather utilized to reward military officers and soldiers for merits in battle, care for the wounded, or to create a reserve. Conversely, if deficits arose, troops would resort to “living off vacancies,” a practice in which they would fail to report desertions promptly and would falsely claim new soldiers had arrived. Military leaders typically appointed their most trusted subordinates to serve as accountants and logistic officers. As the war commenced, these issues became readily apparent. During the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, frontline soldiers sometimes went days without food and went months without pay. Wounded soldiers and civilians had to search tirelessly for medical treatment, and when main forces relocated, they often abandoned grain, ammunition, weapons, and petroleum along the way. General Chen Cheng, the commander in chief during the Battle of Shanghai, noted, “This phenomenon clearly revealed our inability to supply frontline troops, indicating that China remains a backward country with poor management.” Many logistical shortcomings severely impacted troop morale and combat effectiveness. In a 1933 speech, Chiang Kai-shek acknowledged that poor food, inadequate clothing, and ineffective logistics contributed to widespread desertion. Soldiers were further demoralized by reduced or embezzled salaries. A lack of professional medical staff and equipment hampered healthcare efforts, leading to high disease and mortality rates. According to official statistics from 1936, approximately 10 percent of soldiers fell ill annually, with a mortality rate as high as 5 percent. Japanese military authorities reported that one in three wounded Japanese soldiers died, while a Dutch military officer present during the early stages of the Sino-Japanese War observed that one in every two wounded Nationalist soldiers perished. Due to inadequate equipment and limited transport options, Nationalist forces were compelled to recruit farmers and rent vehicles, as they lacked essential facilities such as tents. This reliance on local resources inevitably led to frequent conflicts between military personnel and civilians. China is clearly a vast nation with an extensive coastline, requiring the construction of several significant fortresses during the modern era. These included Wusong, Jiangyin, Zhenjiang, Jiangning, and Wuhan along the Yangtze River, as well as Zhenhai, Humen, and Changzhou along the seacoast. Except for the Wuhan fortress, built in 1929-1930, all other fortifications were established during the late Qing Dynasty and featured uncovered cannon batteries. These fortresses suffered from inadequate maintenance, and many of their components had become outdated and irreplaceable, rendering them militarily negligible. Following the January 1932 Shanghai Incident, the Japanese military destroyed the Wusong forts, leaving the entrance to the Yangtze River completely unfortified. Consequently, there were no defenses along the coastline from Jiangsu to Shandong, allowing the Japanese to land freely. In December 1932, the Military Affairs Commission established a fortress group tasked with constructing fortresses and defensive installations, seeking assistance from German military advisers. After the North China Incident in 1935, the Nationalist government accelerated the construction of defensive structures in line with national war planning, focusing particularly on Nanjing. The Nationalists prioritized building fortifications along the seacoast and the Yellow River, followed by key regions north of the Yellow River. The government also ordered a significant quantity of heavy artillery from Germany. This included several dozen pieces of flat-fire antiaircraft and dual-purpose heavy artillery, which were installed at fortifications in Jiangyin, Zhenjiang, Nanjing, and Wuhan. By the summer of 1937, the construction of nine fortified positions was complete: Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Jiangyin, Ningbo, Humen, Mawei, Xiamen , Nantong, and Lianyungang. In total, China had established 41 forts and equipped them with 273 fortress cannons. Some defensive installations were poorly managed, with many units assigned to their perimeters lacking training and access to proper maps. The barbette positions in the fortresses were not well concealed and could hardly store sufficient ammunition. Troops stationed at these fortresses received little training. Despite these shortcomings, the fortresses and fortifications were not entirely ineffective. They bolstered Chinese positions along the defense line stretching from Cangxian County to Baoding and from Dexian County to Shijiazhuang, as well as in southern Shandong.  Before the war, China's political and economic center was situated along the seacoast and the Yangtze River. As Japanese influence expanded, the Nationalist government was compelled to establish bases in China's inner regions, very similar to how the USSR pulled back its industry further west after Operation barbarossa.The Japanese attack on Shanghai in 1932 prompted the Nationalists to relocate their capital to Luoyang. On March 5, during the Second Plenary Session of the KMT's Fourth Congress, the Western Capital Preparation Committee was formed to plan for the potential relocation of all governmental bodies to Xi'an in the event of full-scale war. In February 1933, the Central Political Conference approved the Northwest Development Bill, and in February 1934, the National Economic Commission set up a northwestern branch to oversee development projects in the region. On October 18, 1934, Chiang Kai-shek traveled to Lanzhou, recording in his diary that “Northwest China has abundant resources. Japan and Russia are poised to bully us. Yet, if we strengthen ourselves and develop northwest China to the fullest extent, we can turn it into a base for China's revival.” Interestingly, it was Sichuan, rather than the northwest, that became China's rear base during the 2nd Sino-Japanese War. In October 1934, the Communist army evacuated its Soviet base in southern China, initiating the Long March that would ultimately end in the northwest. By this time, Chiang Kai-shek had decided to designate Sichuan as the last stronghold for China. In January 1935, the Nanchang Field Headquarters of the Military Affairs Commission, responsible for combatting the Communists and serving as the supreme military and political authority over most provinces along the Yangtze River and central China, dispatched a special advisory group to Chongqing. Following this, the Nationalist army advanced into Sichuan. On February 10, the Nationalists appointed a new provincial government in Sichuan, effectively ending the province's long-standing regionalism. On March 2, Chiang traveled to Chongqing, where he delivered a speech underscoring that “Sichuan should serve as the base for China's revival.” He stated that he was in Sichuan to oversee efforts against the Communist army and to unify the provincial administration.  After the Xinhai revolution, the Republic of China was still suing the Qing Dynasty's conscription system. However, once in power, the Nationalist government sought to establish a national military service program. In 1933, it enacted a military service law, which began implementation in 1936. This law categorized military service into two branches: service in the Nationalist army and in territorial citizen army units. Men aged eighteen to forty-five were expected to serve in the territorial units if they did not enlist in the Nationalist army. The territorial service was structured into three phases: active service lasting two to three years, first reserves for six years, and second reserves until the age of forty-five. The Ministry of Military Affairs divided China into sixty divisional conscription headquarters, initially establishing these headquarters in the six provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, and Hubei. By December 1936, approximately 50,000 new soldiers had been drafted. The military service law disproportionately favored the middle and upper classes. Government personnel were exempt from enlistment, allowing privileged families to register their children with government agencies. Similarly, students in middle and higher education were excused from service, while youth from poorer backgrounds often felt compelled to enlist due to financial constraints that limited their educational opportunities. Village and town leaders were responsible for executing the recruitment process and frequently conspired with army recruiters. Recruitment principles often favored wealthier families, with guidelines stating that one son should be drafted for every three sons, two for five sons, but no drafts if there was only one son. Wealthy families could secure exemptions for all their male children, while poor families might see their only son conscripted if they were unable to provide the requisite bribe. Town and village heads wielded significant power in recruitment. This new recruitment system also created numerous money-making opportunities. Military personnel assigned to escort draftees to their units would often allow draftees to escape for a fee. Additionally, draftees could monetize their service by agreeing to serve as substitutes for others. For some, being drafted became an occupation. For example, in 1936, 600 individuals were drafted in the Wuhu area of Anhui province, and accounts from regional administrators indicated that every draftee had either been traded, replaced, or seized. Beginning in 1929, the Nationalist government also instituted military training for high school students and older individuals. Students were required to participate in one theoretical class and one practical class each week, totaling three hours. Starting in 1934, students had to complete a three-month military training program before graduating. Graduates of military academies were employed as military instructors. By the end of 1936, over 237,000 high school students had undergone military training. This student military training was overseen by the Society for the Implementation of the Three People's Principles of Sun Yat-sen, which also provided political education and sometimes gathered information on students' political beliefs.  Although the Nationalists made significant efforts to improve the military training of both officers and troops, they inherited deep-seated challenges that they were unable to completely overcome. A lack of facilities, outdated training manuals, low regard for military instructors, and the ongoing influence of regionalism and warlordism hindered progress. The Japanese would also later exploit these shortcomings of the Nationalist army. The Central Military Academy, which evolved from the Whampoa Military Academy established in 1923 in Guangzhou to train officers for the Northern Expedition, became the primary training institution for junior military officers. The academy offered a basic course, lasting eighteen months, which included general education, specialized training in various subjects, and field practice. This was followed by a two-year cadet training program focused on developing the skills necessary for junior military officers. Seventeen classes were admitted before the outbreak of war. Admission to the academy was highly competitive, with military officers receiving attractive salaries. For instance, in 1935, the academy received 10,000 applications for the twelfth class, but only 7% were accepted. Upon graduation, cadets were typically assigned to divisions within the Nationalist army loyal to Chiang Kai-shek. Their training, influenced by German advisors, resulted in a high-quality cadre. In modern China, most sergeants were veterans. While some units provided training for sergeants, a lack of formal education led to their diminished status. Truly qualified sergeants were rare. During his tenure as Minister of Military Training, General Bai Chongxi proposed establishing a sergeant school and creating a professional noncommissioned officer system; however, the Ministry of Military Affairs opposed this on financial grounds. While commanding officers enjoyed rapid promotions, military instructors did not. Furthermore, there was no system for transferring instructors to field commands or assigning commanders to military academies for extended periods. Despite minor updates to cover modern warfare concepts such as tank warfare and machine guns, Qing Dynasty military manuals were still in use at the Central Military Academy at the start of the war. Yeah, 1937 they were still rocking the old Qing books. Following the establishment of the Ministry of Military Training, a bureau for military translation was set up to evaluate existing course materials and translate military manuals, but its contributions were limited. Another significant shortcoming of military instruction focused on theory at the expense of practical application.  To enhance the quality of military officers, the Nationalist army instituted specialized schools for artillery, infantry, transport, engineering, and signals starting in 1931. These institutions were considered to have high-quality administrators and facilities. The Nationalists adopted German military training models, replacing the previously used Japanese models. They appointed German advisors to oversee instructor training at military academies and established three instructional divisions. By the onset of the Sino-Japanese War, 15,000 students had graduated from programs with a German military influence, resulting in the creation of about fifty combat divisions from these instructional units. However, the progress of other Nationalist army units was limited because their training was not aligned with contemporary battlefield realities. Before World War I, troops operated in close formations due to limited firepower. The widespread introduction of machine guns after World War I necessitated a shift to dispersed formations. Although a new drill manual issued by the Ministry of Military Training in 1935 introduced small-group tactics, few units adopted these methods. General Chen Cheng highlighted another underlying issue in 1938, commenting on the outmoded focus on parade ground drills and formal military manners. He noted, “We have paid too much attention to stereotypical formality and procedures of no practical use. Sometimes, even though soldiers could not get a haircut or take a bath for several months, their camps had to be in order. They underwent intensive training in close-order drill but learned little about gun handling, marksmanship, or maneuvering. This was inappropriate in peacetime, yet we continued this practice even after the Sino-Japanese War started, even using it on highly educated youth.” In contrast, the Communist army simplified training, emphasizing two essential skills: live-fire exercises and physical endurance, which significantly enhanced troop effectiveness in the challenging terrain characteristic of the Sino-Japanese War. Ultimately, the Nationalist army's training did not reach all soldiers. Only about half of all combat soldiers received adequate training, while the rest were neglected. According to statistics from the time, there were approximately five million military personnel during the Sino-Japanese War, with three million serving in logistics. Most of these logistics personnel had received little training, leading to disastrous consequences for overall combat effectiveness. As warfare has become more complex, the role of highly trained staff officers has become increasingly important. Napoleon developed operational plans close to the front and communicated orders via courier. During World War I, military commanders collected information at their headquarters and utilized telephones and automobiles to relay orders to the front lines. In World War II, with the battlefield expanding to include land, sea, and air, senior commanders often made decisions from headquarters far from the action, relying on a significant number of staff officers with specialized skills to keep them informed. In China, however, the staff officer system was underdeveloped. By 1937, only about 2,000 commanders and staff officers had received training. Prior to the Sino-Japanese War, most commanders managed staff work themselves, with staff officers serving primarily as military secretaries who drafted orders, reports, and maps. Many staff officers had no formal military training, and as a whole, the branch lacked respect, causing the most talented officers to avoid serving in it. The situation was even more dire for staff officer departments within local forces. For example, in March 1937, Liu Ziqing, a graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy, was appointed as the director of political instruction in the Forty-fourth Army, a unit under Sichuan warlord Liu Xiang. Liu Ziqing's account illustrates the dysfunction within the ranks: “The commander in chief was not supposed to manage the army and even did not know its whereabouts... But he could appoint relatives and former subordinates—who were officials and businessmen as well—to the army. Each month they would receive a small stipend. At headquarters, there was a long table and two rows of chairs. Around ten o'clock in the morning, senior officers signed in to indicate their presence. Those with other business would leave, while the remaining officers sat down to leisurely discuss star actresses, fortune-telling, business projects, mah-jongg, and opium. Occasionally they would touch on national affairs, chat about news articles, or share local gossip. In the afternoons, they primarily played mah-jongg, held banquets, and visited madams. Most mornings, the commander usually presided over these activities, and at first, I reported for duty as well. But I soon realized it was a waste of time and came very rarely. At headquarters, most staff members wore long gowns or Western-style suits, while military uniforms were a rare sight.” Most senior military personnel were trained at the Baoding Military Academy during the early republic. 2/3rds of commanders in chief, 37 %of army commanders, and 20 % of division commanders were Baoding graduates. Higher-ranking officers were more likely to have launched their careers there. In contrast, only 10 % of division commanders and a few army commanders were graduates of the Whampoa Military Academy. Additionally, commanders trained in local military schools and those with combat experience accounted for 1/3rd of all commanders. While the prevalence of civil war provided opportunities for rapid promotion, it also hindered officers' ability to update their training or gain experience in different military branches. German advisors expressed their concerns to Chiang Kai-shek, emphasizing that officers should first serve in junior roles before taking command. During one battle in 1938, Chiang noted, “Our commanders in chief are equivalent only to our enemy's regiment commanders, and our army and division commanders are only as competent as our enemy's battalion and company commanders.” Despite not viewing high-ranking Japanese officers as great strategists, Nationalist officers respected them as highly competent, diligent, and professional commanders who rarely made critical errors. The infantry was the primary component of the Nationalist army, with middle and junior infantry officers constituting over 80 %of all army officers. A 1936 registry of military officers listed 1,105 colonels and 2,159 lieutenant colonels within the infantry, demonstrating a significant outnumbering of Baoding graduates at ranks below lieutenant colonel. However, the quality of middle and junior infantry officers declined during the Sino-Japanese War; by 1944, only 27.3 % of these officers were from formal military academies, while those promoted from the ranks increased to 28.1 %. In 1937, 80 % of officers in an ordinary infantry battalion were military academy graduates, but this percentage dropped to 20 % during the war. Its hard to tell how educated soldiers were before the war, but it is generally believed that most were illiterate. In 1929, sociologist Tao Menghe surveyed 946 soldiers from a Shanxi garrison brigade and found that only 13 percent could compose a letter independently, while the rest had either never learned to read or were unable to write. In contrast, in August 1938, General Feng Yuxiang found that 80 percent of a regiment in Hunan were literate. Regardless, during the Sino-Japanese War, the quality of recruits steadily declined. More than 90 percent of soldiers were illiterate, and few possessed any basic scientific knowledge, which hindered their ability to master their weapons. On the battlefield, they heavily relied on middle and junior officers for guidance.  In autumn 1933, General Hans von Seeckt, the architect of the post World War I German army, visited China at the personal invitation of Chiang Kai-shek. In his recommendations for military reform, he identified China's greatest problem as its excessively large forces drawn from diverse backgrounds. He stated, “At present, the most pressing goal is to... establish a small, well-equipped army with high morale and combat effectiveness to replace the numerous poorly armed and trained forces.” He suggested forming an army of sixty divisions and recommended the establishment of a training regiment for military officers to equip them with the skills needed for modern warfare. Chiang Kai-shek accepted von Seeckt's proposals, and on January 26, 1935, he convened a National Military Reorganization Conference in Nanjing. On March 1, the Army Reorganization Bureau was established in Wuchang, under the leadership of General Chen Cheng. In the same month, General Alexander von Falkenhausen took charge of the German Military Advisors Group. Before war broke out, around nineteen divisions, roughly 300,000 troops received training from German advisors and were equipped with German-style weapons. At the onset of the Sino-Japanese War, the forces stemming from the First Army of the National Revolutionary Army and the Whampoa cadets, who had fought in the Northern Expedition, held the highest reputation and were referred to as the “core central forces” by the Japanese. Other notable forces included the Guangxi Army, Northwestern Army, Northeastern Army, some Uyghur units, the Guangdong Army, and the Shanxi Army. In contrast, provincial forces such as the Yunnan Army and Sichuan Army were viewed less favorably. Nationalist forces were generally far inferior to those of the Japanese enemy. In 1937, General He Yingqin noted that Nationalist forces had failed to prevail in 1932 and 1933, even when outnumbering the Japanese by 4-1.  In November 1937, during a national defense conference, Chiang Kai-shek stated, "In recent years we have worked hard, prepared actively, and achieved national unification. By the time of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, we were in a better domestic situation and had improved military preparedness compared to before. Since 1935, our strength has doubled. It increased by more than two to three times since January 1932 or September 1931 [when Japan attacked Shanghai and Mukden]. If peace had been achievable, we should have delayed the war for two or three years. Given an additional three years, our defensive capabilities would have been drastically different... Now, if we merely compare the military strength of China and Japan, we are certainly inferior." However, such assessments were overly optimistic, as Chiang failed to recognize that Japan's military capabilities would not have stagnated. 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. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek certainly was dealt a difficult hand of cards for the upcoming poker match he was to play. Yet the Chinese were resilient and they had to be for the absolute horror that would be inflicted upon them from 1937-1945. Until this point, their enemies had been far more lenient, the Empire of Japan would show no mercy.

God is using Frankie Taylor to help us grow closer to Him through worship. In this episode, Frankie shares practical ways to help you make worship priority in your youth group. Find all your youth ministry resources at ⁠⁠EducateandEngage.com.⁠

"Top Priority (Numbers 28-30)", Will DuVal | 5/25/25 by West Hills Church

Hierarchy in non-monogamous relationships can be one of the most divisive topics in our community. Some people proudly claim they want a hierarchy in their relationships, while others see the word as an immediate red flag. But what's really going on beneath the surface? What are we actually trying to communicate when we talk about relationship hierarchies?In this episode, we dive deep into the nuances of hierarchy, exploring not just what the word means, but what people are truly seeking when they use it. We unpack how power dynamics inevitably enter the conversation, whether explicitly mentioned or not, and how our childhood wounds and need for safety often drive our desire for relationship structures that feel secure and predictable.This week, we're unpacking:— The split in the non-monogamy community around hierarchical relationship structures— How dictionary definitions of hierarchy often include power dynamics that many people overlook— The difference between wanting to feel important versus having power over others' decisions— Why we often default to hierarchical thinking when we're feeling confused or unsafe— How our desire for safety and predictability drives us toward simplified relationship structures— The painful reality that we can never truly know what tomorrow will bring, regardless of our agreements— Personal stories of how hierarchical dynamics played out in real-life emergency situations— How our inner child parts influence our desire for certainty and safety in relationships— The importance of examining what's actually underneath our desire for hierarchy or primacy— Why the language we choose matters, and how to be more intentional about the words we use to describe our relationships— The value of understanding our own relationship to power when designing our relationship structuresJOIN The Year of Opening community for a full year of learning & support. Registration is open now at ⁠⁠www.TheYearOfOpening.com⁠⁠Learn the 5 secrets to open your relationship the smart wayAre you ready to open your relationship happily? Find out at www.JoliQuiz.comGet the answers you want to create the open relationship of your dreams! Sign up for an Ask Me Anything hereMusic: Dance of Felt by ⁠Blue Dot Sessions

This podcast features the songs "Almighty God" (The Clark Family) and "He Will Carry You"(The Carr Family) as well as part 2 of the message called "The Priority of the Presence of God" given by Pastor Stephen Pope from the pulpit of Calvary Baptist Church (Union Grove, NC)

Read the full show notes: https://www.draimee.org/how-to-make-sure-your-fertility-journey-is-your-doctors-priority-with-dr-rahi-victory Today on The Egg Whisperer Show, I'm joined by Dr. Rahi Victory. Dr. Victory is an OBGYN in Canada, where he has two clinics. I'm excited to have him on the show today to talk about how to become an advocate for yourself, and how to make sure that your care is your doctor's priority.⁠ ⁠ Dr. Victory and I are both very like-minded in the way that we approach patient care: we want you to be an active part of your care and we want you to be a part of our decision making when it comes to deciding on a treatment plan. It's a joy to talk to Dr. Victory about transparency and honesty and how patients can become their own advocates and make sure they get the kind of care they deserve on their journey.⁠ Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website Visit Dr. Rahi Victory's website.   Do you have questions about IVF? Join Dr. Aimee for The IVF Class at The Egg Whisperer School. The next live class call is on Monday, June 16th, 2025 at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and there will be time to ask her your questions live on Zoom.   Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Join Egg Whisperer School  Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

2482 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.comClick the icon below to listen.         Related PodcastsRevelation and Personal Holiness #1Justified Through Faith Alone #2Justified Through Faith Alone #1 

2481 - https://www.thetruthpulpit.comClick the icon below to listen.         Related PodcastsRevelation and Personal Holiness #1Justified Through Faith Alone #2Justified Through Faith Alone #1 

We've all been there—bending over backward for people who barely show up for us, while sidelining the relationships that are actually solid. In this episode, we dive into the difference between high priority and high quality connections. Why do we chase status, mystery, or validation from people we barely know, while neglecting the consistent, genuine folks already in our lives? Let's talk about how this pattern forms, what it says about our self-worth, and how to start choosing substance over spectacle.Accepting 101 clients: ⁠⁠www.birdbrainwellness.com

The Power of Persistent Prayer in Church Revitalization with Darren Sullivan In this episode of the Replant Bootcamp podcast, host Jimbo welcomes Darren Sullivan, a missional strategist for First Coast Churches, to discuss the importance of prayer in church revitalization. Darren shares his ministry journey, including his time as a church planting catalyst in New […]

It's been a dizzying few months since Melanie Lauridsen, the AICPA's vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy, last appeared on the Journal of Accountancy podcast. In fact, just the past week has been chock full of tax-related developments, mainly in Washington. Reflecting the news, this episode is publishing the same day it was recorded. In the Wednesday morning conversation, Lauridsen details the AICPA perspective on several aspects of the budget bill that could be voted on soon by the full House of Representatives. She goes into detail about the passthrough entity tax/state and local tax deduction, also known as the PTET SALT deduction, and why the AICPA is urging that deduction be preserved. What you'll learn from this episode: ·         The status of the House budget bill. ·         An explanation of the PTET SALT deduction — what it stands for, why it's complex, and why it's the AICPA's “No. 1 priority.” ·         Some of the “wins” in Lauridsen's mind related to Sec. 529 accounts and the Form 1099-K reporting threshold. ·         The top concern from a survey of members just after tax filing season. ·         What Lauridsen means by “fractures.”

Mark Carney won the Canadian election on a promise to deal with Donald Trump – to quash his tariffs and threats about the 51st state. But with big domestic issues rearing their heads, from a looming Canada Post strike to threats of an Alberta succession referendum and growing demands from premiers – should Trump still top the PM's to-do list? Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault debate what issues Carney should tackle first.

If you've ever looked at another mom and thought, “How on earth does she work full-time, chase kids, and stay fit?”—this chat is for you. I'm sitting down with my friend Courtney Hendricks, mom of two high-energy boys, 9-to-5 HR professional, and self-proclaimed gym lover who somehow makes space for strength training without letting anything (or anyone) fall through the cracks. Here's what we unpack: Micro-workouts that actually add up Sneaky protein tricks even picky eaters don't notice Why she ditched perfect and started aiming for done—and the mindset shift that freed her from mom-guilt How she flexes her workout split in every season Food tracking: when a quick log helps, and when it's one more plate you don't need to spin The magic of strength training for women   

Cits and Civs, Captains and Commanders, you’re tuned to episode 520 of Guard Frequency — the best damn space game podcast ever! This episode was recorded on Friday, May 16 and released for streaming and download on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at GuardFrequency.com [Download this episode](Right click, Save As…) This Week’s Schedule Links & The […]

2025-05-20 - News - Episode 233Watch the video version on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/qLpNGduUCIY?feature=shareHosts: Eric Peterson - Senior Developer at Ortus SolutionsDaniel Garcia - Senior Developer at Ortus SolutionsOrtus News- qb 12 & 12.1    - Query param shape checking    - Removing settings that have been defaulted to true for 3 major versions    - Derby Grammar    - Queries without a table    - orderByRandom    - createAs and truncate in SchemaBuilder    - FOR clauses in SQL Server    - convertEmptyStringsToNull setting    - And more bug fixes and performance improvements- ITB 2025 videos coming to CFCasts in June- Passkeys are available as an option to log in on ForgeBox    - Go secure your account today!    - You can add this to your ColdBox app as well with cbSecurity PasskeysSPONSOR — ORTUS SOLUTIONSOrtus Cloud Servers- BoxLang and CommandBox servers available on AWS and Azure- Choose Ubuntu or Windows-based server- Serverless deployments available for BoxLang- Website: https://www.ortussolutions.com/products/cloud-serversIf you want to get your product or service in front of our wonderful BoxLang and CFML audience, reach out to us on our website.BoxLang News- Parsing Markdown in BoxLang - Take 3 by Raymond Camden    - https://www.raymondcamden.com/2025/05/14/parsing-markdown-in-boxlang-take-3- BoxLang added to CFDocs    - Example: https://cfdocs.org/serializejson- bx-sqlite module    - Mentioned at the webinar last week - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P631fwZPjBg    - https://github.com/ortus-boxlang/bx-sqlite- A Sneak Peek at BoxLang's Module Feature by Raymond Camden    - https://www.raymondcamden.com/2025/05/07/a-sneak-peek-at-boxlangs-module-feature- BoxLang 1.1.0 released!    - https://www.ortussolutions.com/blog/boxlang-v110-released- BoxLang FAQs - Is BoxLang a paid engine like Adobe ColdFusion?    - BoxLang is FREE and OPEN SOURCE        - There are plans for additional features, but you do not need to pay to use BoxLang.    - And before you say it's paid because of the modules:        - Anyone can build a BoxLang module using the same tooling and extension points we use.  You can create your own version of our premium modules and use that.    - BoxLang+ and BoxLang++ are optional plans for people who see the value of:        - Premium modules            - Redis            - Couchbase            - MongoDB            - ElasticSearch            - bx-ai+ (more providers and features)            - PDF Forms            - Spreadsheet Functionality        - Business-level SLA        - Custom patches        - Priority support        - And more!Send us your BoxLang questions at podcast@ortussolutions.comCFML News- Security updates available for Adobe ColdFusion | APSB25-52    - https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/coldfusion/apsb25-52.html     - https://www.carehart.org/blog/2025/5/14/coldfusion_updates_released_may_13_2025     - This hosed remote function calls, even if not calling remotely- Spring 2025 Galaxie Blog Update and Roadmap (Gregory Alexander)    - https://www.gregoryalexander.com/blog/2025/5/14/spring-2025-galaxie-blog-update-and-roadmap     - Among other things, providing BoxLang compatibility and potentially writing a new BoxLang edition is on the radar. 

Encouragement to run the race set before us, in order to win. Travis challenges us to examine our life's focus. In order to excel at something, we have to focus and put effort into the tasks required. Same with our spiritual life and our walk with the Lord. God did not give us salvation and want us to sit back and grow.… The post Run to Win, Part 2 | Living for the Highest Priority appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

Cory Evans shares his favorite 2025 undrafted free agents (UDFAs) to roster in dynasty fantasy football leagues! Xaiver Restrepo Raheim Sanders Donovan Edwards Corey Kiner Nick NashJoshua Simon Jake Briningstool Join PatreonService Price Menu 30 Minute Roster Call - $301 Hour Roster Call - $50

We've all been there—bending over backward for people who barely show up for us, while sidelining the relationships that are actually solid. In this episode, we dive into the difference between high priority and high quality connections. Why do we chase status, mystery, or validation from people we barely know, while neglecting the consistent, genuine folks already in our lives? Let's talk about how this pattern forms, what it says about our self-worth, and how to start choosing substance over spectacle.Accepting 101 clients: ⁠www.birdbrainwellness.com

Conduct yourself as Jesus did. Do you consider other peoples' maturity in the faith when you speak with them? Do you consider what you might be doing or talking about that will cause another Christian to stumble in their walk with the Lord? Paul wrote a letter of rebuke to the Corinthian church because some of the members were manifesting deep-seated pride… The post Run to Win, Part 1 | Living for the Highest Priority appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

Episode: 1375 Leibniz, Newton, and the great calculus dispute.  Today, we throw Leibniz's cat into the super collider.

Discussion Questions:Sermon Overview Align your life with the real Jesus.#1: Align your trust with the astonishing power of Jesus (vv. 37-43a)#2: Align your priorities with the perplexing priority of Jesus (vv. 43b-45)#3: Align your relationships with the unconventional people of Jesus. (vv. 46-50)Digging Deeper    Read Luke 9:37-501. What circumstances make it challenging for you to trust in Jesus? (e.g., work, family, parenting, health, future, money, etc).2. What would it look like to deeply trust in Jesus' astonishing power for that circumstance? As a group, consider if there are passages that relate.3. Since exploring or following Jesus, what has surprised you about who he is?4. Jesus was compassionate with the needs in front of him without losing sight of his primary mission to save sinners through his death and resurrection. What needs are in the world around you that God may be calling you to address?5. The priority of Jesus' life was to go to the cross and die. What priority does the gospel of Jesus have in your life? How does it show up?6. Are there other things in your life that you find can, at times, replace the gospel of Jesus as your first priority? Please share.7. How can we help one another guard against this?8. The disciples were seeking greatness by comparing themselves to one another. Jesus offers greatness by means of a relationship with him. Why is the latter avenue for greatness far better?9. True greatness involves humble service to all out of obedience to Jesus. Does this characterize your life? If so, how? If not, what would it look like to grow?10. The disciples were hesitant about other people joining their tribe (see vv. 49-50). Are there ways you can feel territorial as you look at other Christians?11. Do you look at other Christians or ministries or churches with a prideful eye of skepticism? If so, don't name anyone in particular, but share how Jesus' words in verse 50 can be a help to you. Prayer

Kian Heiat serves as a Community Development Manager at Movember overseeing university and sports participation at the organization. He has been with the team for almost 5 years and currently works out of our New York office.Movember WebsiteSupport the show

This podcast features the songs "Hallelujah Our Lord is Risen" (Jeff Tolbert and Primitive Road) and "I Want to Live for Him"(Jeff Tolbert and Primitive Road) as well as part 1 of the message called "The Priority of the Presence of God" given by Pastor Stephen Pope from the pulpit of Calvary Baptist Church (Union Grove, NC)

//The Wire//2300Z May 17, 2025////PRIORITY////BLUF: IED DETONATES AT IVF CLINIC IN PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------HomeFront-California: This afternoon a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) was detonated at the American Reproductive Centers clinic in Palm Springs. Local authorities and eyewitness testimony indicates that a vehicle parked in the parking lot to rear of the structure contained an explosive device which detonated, causing severe damage to the clinic.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: As this is a developing situation, it's too soon to tell what the motive might be with any certainty; there are many different reasons as to why a terrorist may wish to conduct an attack at an IVF clinic. At least one individual was killed in the blast, and several more were wounded. However it's not clear as to if the victims were inside the clinic at the time, or were random passersby.Though further technical analysis will be required, the initial characteristics of the extremely severe damage indicates that this was a substantial and properly constructed IED. This was very likely not the result of a simple pipe bomb, but rather much more explosive material.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground//END REPORT//

Do you love God more than the world. Paul had to rebuke the Colossian church because it had lost focus on Godly pursuits and wisdom. Do you know the path to the right focus of your life; the right path to joyful, fruitful living? Travis advised us in the last broadcast that the first condition is that you must be raised with… The post On Heavenly Mindedness, Part 2 | Living for the Highest Priority appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

Lucas Matheson is the CEO of Coinbase Canada. He is committed to helping create a more equitable financial system in Canada through the power of blockchain.Lucas has always believed in Coinbase's mission. He opened his Coinbase account back in 2014, long before joining the company. In his role, he ensures Coinbase is built for Canadians and with their interests in mind. Working with partners, government and regulators, he is making crypto more accessible to Canadians.Prior to Coinbase, he was the founder and CEO of Pinshape (exit Formlabs), and Senior Director at Shopify leading various operational and finance teams.Lucas is passionate about entrepreneurship. He spends his spare time advising entrepreneurs and founders on how they can grow and scale, and actively invests in web3 projects and infrastructure.In this conversation, we discuss:- Why Stablecoin Regulation Must Be a National Priority- Canadian stablecoin- How do you define a stablecoin?- To update the system, we need to change the rules- Stand With Crypto- How to get governments to adopt crypto- The power of Stripe and how they adopted stablecoins- Educating institutional partners in Canada- Coinbase introducing EFTs in Canada- Building a trust battery with regulatorsCoinbaseWebsite: www.coinbase.comX: @coinbaseFacebook: www.facebook.com/CoinbaseLucas MathesonX: @lucmathesonLinkedIn: Lucas Matheson, MBA, CFA  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------  This episode is brought to you by PrimeXBT.  PrimeXBT offers a robust trading system for both beginners and professional traders that demand highly reliable market data and performance. Traders of all experience levels can easily design and customize layouts and widgets to best fit their trading style. PrimeXBT is always offering innovative products and professional trading conditions to all customers.   PrimeXBT is running an exclusive promotion for listeners of the podcast. After making your first deposit, 50% of that first deposit will be credited to your account as a bonus that can be used as additional collateral to open positions.  Code: CRYPTONEWS50  This promotion is available for a month after activation. Click the link below:  PrimeXBT x CRYPTONEWS50

Don't be distracted by worldly pursuits, seek the kingdom of God. Do you find yourself so busy with daily chores and worldly desires that you have little or no time for reading and meditating on God's word.  Paul sent this letter to the Colossian church because they were being distracted by the world. They were putting their desires and what they thought… The post On Heavenly Mindedness, Part 1| Living for the Highest Priority appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

The HUD OIG says 31 outstanding recommendations warrant "priority" status in 2025 because they would have the most significant impact on HUD programs. To explain how, and what happens next, the Acting Inspector General for HUD, Stephen Begg, joins me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People are missing the obvious! If whites left, what would happen? Isn't being frustrating "mama"? Is Hake inconsistent?The Hake Report, Wednesday, May 14, 2025 ADCLIP: You'd be speaking Swahili eating grandma!

How to focus on the important things. Are you distracted by all the daily activities of your week? Are you distracted or worried about things happening in the world that could end up affecting your life? It is easy to find ourselves focused on getting our ‘to do' list accomplished for the day and not taking time to read and study the… The post One Necessary Thing, Part 2 | Living for the Highest Priority appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

The Democratic Party continues to prioritize illegal migrants over law abiding legal American citizens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Tyler Tech Podcast, Andrew Kahl, chief client officer at Tyler Technologies, joins us to explore why trust, transparency, and responsiveness are more critical than ever in the public sector. He shares how his decades of experience in technology shaped his approach to client relationships, and how his "infinity loop" philosophy helps agencies create stronger connections and deliver lasting value.Throughout the conversation, Andrew discusses how public expectations are evolving, why simplifying engagement is essential, and how agencies can move beyond transactional interactions to build trusted, long-term partnerships. He also offers insights into the role of technology — from usability to AI and automation — in helping government leaders modernize services and meet rising constituent demands.Tune in to learn how thoughtful client experience strategies can help agencies deliver with greater ease, strengthen resident trust, and shape a more responsive future for public service.This episode also highlights Digital Access and Accessibility in the Resident Experience, a new white paper exploring how public sector organizations can remove barriers and create more inclusive digital services. As governments continue to expand digital offerings, ensuring a seamless, user-friendly experience is more important than ever.Download: Digital Access and Accessibility: Creating a Better Resident ExperienceAnd learn more about the topics discussed in this episode with these resources:Download: A Digital Guide to Modernizing the Resident ExperienceBlog: Partnering With Communities to Build ResilienceBlog: Increase Community Resilience With Modern Payment SystemsBlog: Using Cloud-Based Solutions to Improve Access in CountiesBlog: Tyler Excellence Awards for the Public SectorBlog: Excellence 2024: Performance & Innovation SolutionsBlog: Excellence 2024: Connected Community SolutionsBlog: Excellence 2024: Operational Efficiency SolutionsBlog: Excellence 2024: Data & Transparency SolutionsVideo: Arkansas Enhances Residents' ExperienceVideo: How an Ohio County Boosts Assessment Fairness & TransparencyVideo: How a City Sparked Civic EngagementListen to other episodes of the podcast.Let us know what you think about the Tyler Tech Podcast in this survey!

“What's your #1 tip for building a personal brand?” That's the exact question I asked 10 powerhouse branding photographers during my latest retreat in Orlando! These talented creatives traveled in from across the U.S. and London, and they each specialize in helping entrepreneurs elevate their brand presence through strategic, eye-catching imagery. In this episode, I'm sharing their golden tips—perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to stand out, attract aligned clients, and grow their business with confidence!

It is all about how you listen. When we get to the very end of this life, we want to look back believing we will hear Jesus say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But to hear this, we need to have lived a life that has the right priorities in place. Do you seek God every day? Are your… The post One Necessary Thing, Part1 | Living for the Highest Priority appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

Subscribe to the ECB newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ ---In this episode, we dive into a genius solution for handling open box returns. Brad Sorock, e-commerce veteran and creator of the Shopify app "Returns for Sale," shares how his app helps merchants easily sell returned items at discounted prices. Learn how his unique tool transforms a common e-commerce headache into a revenue opportunity while supporting sustainability by keeping returned products out of landfills.Topics discussed in this episode: Why efficient open box returns matter.How drip pricing optimizes product sales.Why different industries struggle with returns.How seamless Shopify integration simplifies processes.Why customer service is a top priority.How location independence shapes business strategy.Why eco-consciousness drives app development.What challenges exist in marketing the app.Links & Resources Website: https://returnsforsale.com/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/returnsforsaleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-sorock-7054a02/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/27n38ef9SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Ahrefs — the all-in-one marketing intelligence platform trusted by SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers around the world. Whether you're doing keyword research, checking backlinks, or analyzing competitors, Ahrefs gives you the tools to make smarter marketing decisions.

We delve deep into the big questions around that Spurs defeat to Aston Villa. However we break it up into three parts for a more rounded view rather than just looking at the performance in isolation. - Was it right to rotate - How did the players who were picked perform - What were the tactics We discuss the challenges of managing injuries and the depth of the squad, while also addressing fan engagement and the value of season tickets. The conversation highlights the need for improvements in the squad and the potential for future success, particularly if Spurs can secure a win in the Europa League. The conversation delves into the impact of injuries on team performance, the balance of luck and skill in tournament progression, and the future of the current manager. The panel discusses the importance of winning trophies, evaluating managerial performance, and the challenges of consistency in play. They also explore the philosophy of scoring versus defending, the significance of a strong defense, and the upcoming Europa League final, balancing optimism with realism in fan expectations. Chapters 00:00 - Analyzing the Recent Defeat 03:11 - Performance Evaluation of the Players 06:00 - Tactical Decisions and Their Impact 09:02 - Individual Player Critiques 11:49 - Squad Depth and Injury Concerns 14:57 - Future Prospects and Team Strategy 18:14 - Fan Reactions and Expectations 20:59 - Addressing Listener Questions 30:22 - Assessing Spurs' Squad Needs 34:06 - Investment and Future Aspirations 39:39 - Judging Player Performances 44:41 - Managerial Decisions and Future Direction 55:01 - The Dichotomy of League and Cup Games 58:00 - The Philosophy of Scoring and Defense 01:00:01 - Injuries and Their Impact on Team Performance 01:02:02 - Anticipation for the Europa League Final 01:05:09 - The Future of the Manager and Team Dynamics 01:15:32 - Introduction to Oh So Spurs Podcast 01:16:59 - The Value of Membership and Community Engagement #tottenhamnews #spursnews Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyOVS9_WQa0KaoSU06CaFQ/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  The Parsons Pad Website: https://parsonspad.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 274 Mallory Station Rd, Franklin TN 37967 (Aspen Grove Christian Church)Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving 

Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote listened and reacted to Bears head coach Ben Johnson's media session as rookie minicamp got underway Friday.

Guests - Joey Ortolani and listener submissions Hosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 226 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, we invited our listeners to share their experiences with toxic behaviors they've encountered at dance studios. We hear (anonymously!) from dance teachers, dance parents, and dance studio owners the things to look out for that may make your dance experience less than satisfactory. Also joining us is IDA judge and studio owner Joey Ortolani to give his varied perspectives as an industry professional who has worn many hats over the years!*THIS IS A 2 PART EPISODE! Tune in to Part 2 of this episode on Platinum Premium!*Topics Include: Studios not following their own rules Preferential treatment for some Lack of transparency from leadershipHelp support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:Monthly Q&A episodes released to members only!Priority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Season 4, 5 & 6. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceJoey Ortolani - @joeyortoThis episode is sponsored by:Squirrel Trench AudioStage-ready soundtracks for choreographersExplore hundreds of clean, stage-ready song edits, mixes, and production mixes. Custom song editing for Competition!Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo. This summer - July 22nd-25th in Las Vegas, NV! 140+ master classes, seminars, events, & more for continuing education and networking in the dance community! Use code: IMPACT50 for $50 off! Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comSupport the show

've learned that when I put God first, everything else seems to fall into place. I'm confident, less stressed, and more creative. Prioritizing God brings a blessing that wouldn't have been there otherwise. And what a blessing it is to have a Father take care of us our entire life!Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn moreScripture Used in Today's MessageMatthew 6:24-33If you've not read my book, Takin' it to Their Turf. request a copy on my website, www.CampusAmerica.com.You'll be inspired, encouraged, and learn plenty about evangelism and spiritual warfare through the 70+ stories I share of my campus evangelism experiences.We send a copy to anyone who donates to our ministry, but if you can't do so, simply request a copy by sending us an email. Who do you know that needs to hear today's message? Go ahead and forward this to them, along with a prayer that God will use it in their life.To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher To support Tom Short Campus Ministries, click herehttps://www.tomthepreacher.com/support************ Do you want to have all your sins forgiven and know God personally? *********Check out my video "The Bridge Diagram" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Kjwrlind8&t=1sCheck out my website, www.TomthePreacher.com, to learn more about my ministry and sign up for my daily email. And make sure to request a copy of my book, Takin' it to Their Turf, when you visit my website.Check out my videos on this channel to learn how to answer tough questions challenging our faith.

A decade after warning about rare earth dependencies, David Abraham joins Leslie Palti-Guzman to unpack why #minerals now shape global power, how the US is racing to catch up, and what it'll take to finance a resilient #supplychain.David Abraham, is the author of The Elements of Power and a leading voice on the intersection of natural resources and #geopolitics. David warned about the strategic risks of overreliance on foreign minerals and #China's dominance—warnings that have now become front-page news.Together, they explore:

//The Wire//2300Z May 6, 2025////PRIORITY////BLUF: INDIA CONDUCTS MISSILE STRIKES IN PAKISTAN.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-India: This afternoon India carried out multiple missile strikes in eastern Pakistan. India announced the launch and subsequent completion of "Operation Sindoor", which involved 9x missile strikes at varying sites throughout eastern Pakistan. Most of these strike locations are comparatively remote sites right along the border.Pakistan: Officials have claimed to have shot down at total of 5x Indian military aircraft (including two fighters and one helicopter), though this remains unconfirmed at this time. Shortly after the airstrikes, Pakistan announced their counterattack had begun. Pakistani officials/sources claimed that around a dozen sites were struck by Pakistani aircraft in Kashmir. Again, this remains largely unconfirmed.Artillery units in the border regions of both nations have begun various bombardment efforts, with locals reporting significant explosions throughout the region, though without any hard evidence to indicate how successful these cross border fires are.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Reports are numerous, but many are contradictory or otherwise unreliable. Right now (and as with any similar crisis) the word "confirmed" is being thrown around without much consideration for what confirmation of an event actually means. At least 90% of the content on social media right now is fake and/or old footage of conflicts not even in India or Pakistan, so the manipulation of the information space is exceptionally high at the moment.In about an hour the sun will be up, and a more reliable Battle Damage Assessment can be conducted. Right now it's still dark throughout the region, so daylight will provide much more evidence of whatever aircraft were shot down, if any. It is possible that what appeared to be an aircraft shootdown incident to locals on the ground, was actually Pakistan shooting down unmanned reconnaissance drones. These are exceptionally easy to shoot down, and at night would look very similar to untrained civilians who didn't get close to the various debris fields.India claims to have only struck "terrorist" camps, and not specifically Pakistani military sites. If true, this is probably to avoid too much escalation since India very well knows that Pakistan will be forced to respond in kind, even if it's just to save face. Of note, Pakistani sources refute this claim and state that Pakistani military sites were hit, though which ones remains unclear at the moment. It is a bit of a stretch, but it's possible that an old outpost at the Muzaffarabad Airport was hit, which could mean that both sides are partially correct. Old, defunct military outposts are frequently occupied by everyone from local street vendors to insurgent groups in this part of the world, so this will probably add to the confusion as to what targets India actually struck.Considering that India immediately announced their entire plan seconds after the strikes hit, India probably isn't looking for the global thermonuclear war that many people are expecting. Pakistan is not looking for such a conflict either, and though they will have to retaliate in kind, how this retaliation manifests will be an indication of how concerned to be. If India's actions were a one-and-done strike, and Pakistan responds with a similar one-and-done strike, tensions may ease a bit. If not, this may become a rather concerning and serious event.More strategically however, the overall concerns remain rather important in the context of two nuclear powers engaging each other in a land war in Asia. The concern is not necessarily that one nation will pull the pin and conduct a nuclear first strike...the main concern is that one of these parties may accidentally stumble into such. Either way, it's a dan

On this episode of The Sick Podcast, Eric Engels joins Tony Marinaro to discuss Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton's end of season press conference, the importance of balancing the youth with experience, the ideal profile for the Habs' 2nd line center, the possibility of Mathew Barzal becoming available for trade, Kirby Dach's role next season, the potential of offer sheets and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money leaks or blocks? Bathroom Feng Shui is a priority. Discover how to stop energy (and cash) from going down the drain—and balance your emotions in the process. CLICK HERE to join me for The Feng Shui Essentials Experience!

David Smoak & Craig Smoak discuss their thoughts on Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark receiving an extension through 2030, their thoughts on what the Big 12's major concern is going forward under Brett Yormark, their thoughts on the potential for realignment and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You don't need more time — you need fewer false fires. If you constantly feel like there's just not enough time, this episode will change the way you see your life — and your to-do list — forever. Inside the Consistency Course, I hear it every day: “Life got busy. I meant to do XYZ. But the day got away from me.” And the problem isn't laziness or lack of motivation — it's the fact that we've confused pressure for priority. We've been taught to answer to what's loud, urgent, and externally expected. But that kind of pressure has nothing to do with what actually matters to us. In today's episode, I'll show you exactly how to stop working in your life — and start working on it. You'll walk away with tools to clarify your true priorities, protect your time, and reset your habits so they actually reflect what matters most to you.