Podcasts about regrettably

 Protecting our environmentThe blue skies and warm weather of recent days is a reminder that spring will soon give way to summer. Everywhere the trees and flowers are coming into bloom and the dark evenings are retreating as our daylight hours increase. Regrettably, this change in weather also brings with it acts of vandalism, in particular the setting of wildfires that present a real danger to hill walkers, animals, local wildlife and the natural fauna.  Build Casement NowThe delay in building the new Casement Park is totally unacceptable. Like many Gaels of my age I grew up with Casement. I played there for our school teams and enjoyed sports days as well. I have watched umpteen games over the decades. Until 2013. That was the last time Casement Park hosted a game. On 10 June 2013. International Palestinian Child DayFirst, let me congratulate Francesca Albanese who despite a despicable campaign by Israel and its allies to have her sacked, will continue in her role as UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories until 2028. She has been a champion for the people of Palestine as Israel's genocide continues to kill and wound hundreds every day.  Trade War Demands United responseThe U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated the most dangerous trade war of modern times. His widespread imposition of tariffs threatens untold damage to the world's economies. In the USA the stock market has declined sharply and senior economists are warning of a deep recession. These too will adversely impact world economies. There is no indication that President Trump intends to change direction. On the contrary he appears to be digging in. Campaign for Moore Street Continues.

Val Kilmer was an excellent actor who could do it all. Whether he was the lead, a supporting character, or Batman himself, Kilmer always left his mark. Most people know him from Tombstone - and rightfully so! We talk about our fondest memories of one of the best actors of this generation.People already know there is no way a whole year will go by without a Stephen King adaptation. 2025 is testing how many King works movie going audiences will go out and see. We already talked about The Monkey, so what is next? We also do something different this week. Anyone up for a speed run?Demonoid from 1981 has an awesome poster. Why there are scantily clad babes clinging to a demon a la Conan the Barbarian is something the film never answers. The vampire in the background also remains a mystery. Still, it is an awesome poster that horror movie fans should check out.Regrettably, the film is nowhere near as good. It is a confusing mess that does not bother to explain much. No one has any definable motivation and the twist ending seems to go against what seems to be the hand's ultimate plan. It seems like the filmmakers did not know whether Demonoid was heading to theaters or network television and the score is straight out of the 1970s. There is a weird charm to it, but is it enough?The Hell House LLC franchise is a cult favorite that often gets overlooked. When it was announced the writer/director Stephen Cognetti would be releasing a straight forward haunted house story, we were excited. His work in found footage was excellent and we wanted to see how it would translate to a more narrative form of storytelling.Unsurprisingly, the scares were the best part of 825 Forest Road. It is in the actual storytelling where the film loses a little of its luster. While there is nothing that is outright bad, there are some very noticeable flaws. The attempts at family drama fall flat and there is very little character development. The ending would have been fine for found footage, but for an actuall movie…? Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com

Shockwaves were sent through the Kansas City and American Soccer Universe on Monday morning as Sam McDowell broke the news no one expected we would ever hear:  Sporting Kansas City and Peter Vermes had parted ways.  It was an unceremonious end to an almost two decade run on the technical staff of the club that included 4 trophies, as well as his playing career in KC that included the MLS Cup/Supporters Shield double in 2000.  He will widely be remembered as a key component to the immense growth of soccer we've seen in Kansas City and the United States the last 30+ years, and his name will continue to hang proudly on the wall in Children's Mercy Park.It was an unfortunate end to Peter's time leading the club, but a necessary one for the team to start on a new journey towards meeting the high standards Peter created during his time here.  Regrettably the team had fallen from that caliber in recent years, and ownership agreed that it was time to make a change to attempt to start a process to recapture that level of success.Mike Illig met with a large cadre of local and national media at Compass Minerals National Performance Center to discuss the decision and the plans to move forward.  He spoke with a significant amount of candor regarding the amount of work ahead of him and the organization as they look to replace a head coach for literally the first time.  Peter's fingerprints are on every inch of the facilities in which he worked, and it will take quite a bit of time to unravel the vast responsibilities he took on his shoulders and place them on both current and incoming personnel.In the meantime, Kerry Zagavnin, Peter's longtime assistant, and someone who has been at the club for even longer than Peter when you combine his playing and coaching career, will take the reins on the sidelines coaching the team.  Illig was very clear that Kerry had been promised this opportunity for some time, and that there was no other choice for who would step in as the interim manager while they both evaluate his performance as well as the potential candidate pool.  It will now be Kerry's charge to build and implement a tactical plan to address the significant needs of this team on the field, both offensively and defensively, and we will try to dig into some ideas of what adjustments we think could be made to help improve the on-field success of the team and build meaningful progress.And if you hadn't forgotten, our rivals from across the state come into Kansas City this weekend to try to keep that winless streak going.  They are a staunchly defensive team that Zavagnin and the staff will have their work cut out for trying to break down and get a result against on Saturday.

It's a bad time for official Washington to be consumed with a Signal group chat involving top national security officials and a highly partisan journalist. After all, Russia and China appear poised for military aggression that, if not deterred, could prove catastrophic. Reportedly, there are multiple divisions worth of Russian troops massing in Belarus near its borders with NATO members Poland and the Baltic States.  And the Chinese Communists are now exercising – without prior notice – the use of air and sea forces against Taiwan, the latest incremental step towards surprise attacks there, and perhaps far beyond.  Regrettably, our ability to dissuade these “no limits” partners from engaging, presumably jointly, in aggression is largely locked in for the short-term – and probably seriously discounted. Therefore, we must ensure our adversaries are not further encouraged to strike by our perceived internal divisions and distractions.    This is Frank Gaffney.

In this week's episode of Born to Watch, Whitey and Damo tackle one of the most polarising blockbusters in cinematic history—Star Wars: The Last Jedi. You've heard it before: The Last Jedi either reignited the saga with bold creativity or sent it careening off a cliff into a galaxy far, far away from anything recognisable. For Whitey and Damo, it's the latter, and they aren't afraid to say it. If you're tuning in for a spirited debate, prepare for a critical breakdown of what went wrong in the eighth chapter of this iconic franchise in they're The Last Jedi Review.A Bold Direction, But At What Cost?There's no denying that director Rian Johnson set out to craft something new. From the opening moments, it's clear that The Last Jedi wants to subvert expectations. But sometimes, as Whitey and Damo point out, subversion isn't enough. It's one thing to challenge the audience and twist the familiar beats of a beloved saga, but The Last Jedi feels like it's actively rebelling against its own DNA.Despite its criticisms, The Force Awakens almost worked because it carefully balanced nostalgia with new storylines. It honoured the past while paving the way for new heroes; if honouring is completely copying the original movie, then it did an exceptional job. Johnson, however, appears to toss all of that aside in The Last Jedi. Characters you thought would be key players are sidelined. Moments that seem set up for major payoffs are ignored or reinterpreted in ways that feel detached from the series' core.Whitey and Damo's frustration comes down to one fundamental gripe: legacy. The Last Jedi isn't just telling a new story—it feels like it's actively undoing everything that came before it. The legacy characters—Luke, Leia, and even Han, by extension—are treated in ways that left fans scratching their heads. “Why bother bringing them back at all if you're just going to dismantle their arcs?” asks Whitey, echoing a sentiment that has been brewing since the film's release.The Luke Skywalker DilemmaOne of the biggest sore spots for fans (and for Whitey and Damo) is the treatment of Luke Skywalker. Mark Hamill famously voiced his concerns over Johnson's interpretation of Luke, and many fans, including our podcast duo, couldn't agree more. Gone is the hopeful, idealistic Jedi we last saw in Return of the Jedi, replaced by a brooding hermit who has cut himself off from the Force.Character evolution is important, and no one expects Luke to remain static. But The Last Jedi doesn't show us how Luke got to this point—it simply drops us into a version of him that feels unfamiliar and alien. Whitey and Damo argue that there's a difference between developing a character and fundamentally altering them. The Luke in The Last Jedi is so far removed from the original trilogy's hero that it's hard to connect with him on an emotional level.Wasted PotentialAnother major issue that Whitey and Damo have with The Last Jedi is its handling of certain story arcs set up in The Force Awakens. Love or hate J.J. Abrams' mystery box approach established several intriguing threads: Who are Rey's parents? What's the deal with Supreme Leader Snoke? Will Finn's stormtrooper past play a bigger role? Instead of building on these mysteries, Johnson seems to sweep them aside entirely.Without diving too deeply into spoiler territory, let's say that the answers (or lack thereof) are underwhelming at best. Rey's parentage? A twist that feels less like a revelation and more like a dismissal of everything The Force Awakens set up. Snoke? Well, let's just say his story ends abruptly, leaving many wondering why he was even introduced in the first place. Finn? Regrettably reduced to a side plot that feels more like filler than a meaningful continuation of his arc.Whitey and Damo can't help but feel that The Last Jedi wastes its potential. It introduces interesting ideas—new Force powers, morally grey dilemmas—but fails to develop them satisfactorily. Instead, we're left with a film that feels disjointed, unsure of whether it wants to be a part of the larger Star Wars saga or stand apart as something entirely different.The Bright Spots - The VisualsIt's not all doom and gloom, though. Even Whitey and Damo admit that The Last Jedi excels in some areas. Visually, the film is stunning. Johnson and his cinematographer, Steve Yedlin, deliver breathtaking set pieces from the salt plains of Crait to the lush greenery of Ahch-To. The film's colour palette is rich and vibrant, and the space battles are as thrilling as ever.A Divided FanbasePerhaps the most lasting impact of The Last Jedi is the rift it created within the Star Wars community. Fans are still arguing about it to this day, and while some appreciate Johnson's bold approach, others—like Whitey and Damo—see it as a betrayal of what made Star Wars special in the first place.The guys make an interesting point: The Last Jedi isn't a bad movie in a vacuum. It's well-directed, well-acted, and technically impressive. But as a chapter in the Star Wars saga, it falls short. It disconnects from the past in ways that feel disrespectful rather than innovative. And that's where the disappointment lies.Final ThoughtsIn the end, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a film that tries to do something different. For some, that boldness was refreshing. For Whitey and Damo, it was a misstep—a film that lost sight of what makes Star Wars timeless. As always, they bring their trademark humour and honesty to the discussion, making for an entertaining listen whether you agree with them or not.So, if you're a fan of heated debates and unapologetic opinions, don't miss this week's episode of Born to Watch. Whether you loved or loathed The Last Jedi, one thing's for sure: Whitey and Damo aren't afraid to tell it like it is.Please follow the Podcast and join our community at https://linktr.ee/borntowatchpodcasthttps://www.borntowatch.com.au/#BornToWatch #TheLastJedi #StarWarsDebate #WhiteyAndDamoUnfiltered #LegacyMatters #SubversionGoneWrong #LetThePastDie #BornToCritique #PodcastLife #SciFiFrustration

Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? … We'll drink a cup of kindness yet for the sake of auld lang syne. Happy New Year's Eve 2024 — and happy new year from Jay of the Dead's New Horror Movies, The Gold Standard of Horror Movie Podcasts! Episode 133 is a historic release for us! First of all, it is the three-year anniversary of our first release of Episode 001, on New Year's Eve of 2021. Second, this episode marks the highest number of hosts that we have live on the call at the same time — count 'em, nine: Behold, this episode features Jay of the Dead, Dave “Dr. Shock” Becker, The Gillman Joel Robertson, Mister Watson, the Southern Gentleman GregaMortis, Count Mackula (intermittently), the Persuasive One Dave Zee, Spawn of the Dead, and our Official Contributor and resident Horror maestro Kagan “The Fruit Brute” Breitenbach! Regrettably, Dr. Walking Dead Kyle Bishop and Ron Martin could not attend this recording; however, rest assured they were otherwise occupied in well-meaning and worthy pursuits! During this show, we host an auditory New Year's Eve party for you! In fact, the end of the episode even has a countdown for the ball-drop to 2025, so if you start playing this episode at exactly 9:56 p.m. (and 36 seconds) — in your time zone, then the runtime of this show coordinates with the 10-count down to 12 a.m. on January 1, 2025! Wooohoooo! So, if you don't have other New Year's plans, we hope you'll party with us. But most importantly, we are here to bring you our in-depth Feature Review of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu (2024) remake. We begin with SPOILER-FREE general thoughts. Then we give you our Ratings and Recommendations. And finally, we have a full-blown SPOILER discussion. All of these segments are indicated by the helpful time stamps below. Oh, and of course, we have our usual jackass antics throughout the show, but especially at the beginning and the end (so be sure to listen all the way to the end for a special surprise)! And Jay of the Dead even sneaks in a little Micro Horror Movie Review of the David Lee Fisher “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” remake from 2023, starring Doug Jones! “Succumb to the DORKness,” and ring in the new year with us! Be sure to subscribe to Jay of the Dead's new Horror movie podcast on: Apple PodcastsSpotifyDeezer   You are welcome to email our show at HauntingYourHeadphones@gmail.com, or call and leave us a voicemail at our new number: (801) 980-1375. You can also follow Jay of the Dead's New Horror Movies on Twitter: @HorrorAvengers Jay of the Dead's New Horror Movies is an audio podcast. Our nine experienced Horror hosts (and a 10th, new guy in training) review new Horror movies and deliver specialty Horror segments. Your hosts are Jay of the Dead, Dr. Shock, Gillman Joel, Mister Watson, Dr. Walking Dead, GregaMortis, Mackula, Ron Martin, Dave Zee and Spawn of the Dead! Due to the large number and busy schedule of its 10 Horror hosts, Jay of the Dead's New Horror Movies will typically be recorded in segments, piecemeal, at various times and recording sessions. However, the majority of this episode was recorded in one sitting. Therefore, as you listen to our episodes, you will typically notice a variety of revolving door hosts and segments, all sewn together and reanimated like the powerful Monster of Dr. Frankenstein!

  The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina is rightfully provoking calls for more action than has been forthcoming from state and federal lawmakers, and one area in which one hopes such demands will bear fruit is in planning and prevention. Regrettably, state Republican legislative leaders have repeatedly blocked legislation and rules, […]

This is the second of two episodes talking about the people in the north of the Japanese archipelago:  The Emishi and the Mishihase.  Last episode we covered things from an archaeological overview, looking at the traces of the Epi-Jomon, Satsumon, and Okhotsk Sea cultures.  This episode focuses more on what was actually written in the Nihon Shoki, including a journey to introduce Emishi to the Tang Emperor himself! For more information, check out our podcast blog at: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-117   Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua and this is episode 117: The People of the North, Part 2 Abe no Hirafu gazed out at the sea, waiting for his opponents to appear.  He had traveled with a fleet to the far north, into a land that was unlike anything that most of his men had ever seen.  They were far away from the rice fields of their home villages.  Up here, the people made their way by hunting and fishing, and the land was much more wild.  Besides the people, the land was also home to giant bears, much larger than anything back in the Home Provinces.  Giant beasts with paws the size of a man's head.  They were truly incredible, but they were not his target this time. As he watched the waves, he saw his prey emerge.  They rowed their ships around the cape, coming out from the defensive position they had previously established.  Where Hirafu's men flew banners made of silk, his opponents had created flags made of feathers, which they hoisted high in their boats.  They were small in number, but they knew this land and these waters.  They were comfortable traveling in the cold and unforgiving seas, and they no doubt had reinforcements.  Hirafu may have had the upper hand, but he knew he couldn't get too cocky. It was probably too much to hope for that the size of his fleet alone would cause them to submit.  If they could be bought off, then perhaps that was best, but Hirafu knew that was probably unlikely.  This was going to be a fight, and Hirafu and his men were ready for it. Before we jump into the episode proper, a quick thank you to Hakucho for donating to support Sengoku Daimyo.  We always appreciate any support, and there is information at the end of each episode on how to help out if you would like to join them. Last episode we introduced the Emishi and the Mishihase and talked about them and their connections to the Yamato and Japanese state, as well as to the modern Ainu people.  We went over a lot of the archaeological findings, and talked about how the Jomon period, uninterrupted in northern Honshu and Hokkaido, eventually gave way to the Epi-Jomon and Satsumon cultures, while the Ohokotsk Sea Culture is observed from around the 5th to 9th centuries, and we talked about how these existed in the lands we know as being connected to the Emishi and the Mishihase people mentioned in the Chronicles. This episode we are going to rely a lot more on the narrative found in the Nihon Shoki, but I wanted to make sure that we had that discussion about the archaeology, first, so that people would have a background.  If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend going back and giving Part 1 a listen. So let's back up a bit, and let's set the scene on the peninsula and the archipelago, and see what led up to this moment. In 654, the sovereign of Yamato, Karu, aka Kotoku Tennou, had passed away in his palace in Naniwa.  His sister, Takara Hime, and other members of the royal family had gathered once more in Naniwa when they caught word of his illness, but their visit was brief.  Karu passed away on the 1st day of the 10th month, and a little over two months later he was buried.  After that, rather than taking up residence again in Naniwa, the court moved back to the old capital of Asuka, where Takara Hime re-ascended the throne.  It was now the year 655, almost a decade since Crown Prince Naka no Oe had orchestrated the murderous coup that had seen the powerful scions of the Soga family cut down in front of Takara Hime and others, causing her to abdicate.  And now, well, perhaps Naka no Oe was comfortable controlling things from behind the scenes, because Takara Hime was once again the one in power—or at least the one sitting on the throne.  And there's a LOT that would go on during this reign according to the chronicles. On the peninsula at this point, the Tang-Goguryeo war was in full swing, with the Tang dynasty regularly harassing Goguryeo.  Goguryeo was at least nominally allied with Baekje, whose ruling family also claimed descent from a shared Buyeo ancestor, and Baekje was, of course, a long time ally of Yamato.  Meanwhile, Silla had thrown their lot in with the Tang dynasty, though as alliances went it was not exactly an alliance of equals – and most alliances came and went as the political winds changed throughout the peninsula. Over time, we'll see some resolution coming to the situation on the peninsula.  But overall, one of the biggest trends is that during Takara Hime's second reign, Yamato was reaching out to a much wider world than it had in the past.  This included connections to the south—to those on the Ryukyu islands, and possibly beyond.  And there were continued efforts to reach out to the Tang empire, with varying degrees of success.  Those that did go would sit and learn at the feet of some of the most famous scholars in the world, including the Buddhist priest, scholar, and traveler, Xuanzang, someone I cannot wait to get into in a future episode, as he really demonstrates just how connected the world had become at this time in a way that is often hard for us to comprehend, today. But there is also plenty happening in the archipelago, and even just in Asuka.  In fact, regardless of what the Chronicles say, there are a lot of ancient monuments and archaeological finds in the Asuka region that aren't directly mentioned in any historical record, but can be generally traced to this era - reminders of this period that are literally carved in stone.  We still have plenty of questions as to just what was going on, but we're starting to see more and more lasting physical traces. Our first relevant entry in the Nihon Shoki for the topic of this episode comes from the 7th month of 655, the year that Takara Hime had taken the throne.  We are told that 99 Northern Emishi and 99 Eastern Emishi were entertained at the court of Naniwa—presumably using the government facilities built during Karu's time.  At the same time, there were 150 envoys from Baekje who were likewise feted.  Caps of honor, of two grades in each case, were bestowed on nine Emishi of Kikafu and six Emishi of Tsugaru.  This is an interesting record, and let's explore what it means for Yamato's view of itself and its own authority.  First, the Baekje and the Emishi are being streated similarly—they both appear to be groups that are from *outside* Yamato conducting some kind of diplomacy with the court.  That said, it is quite clear from the way that the Chronicles deal with them that Yamato viewed each group as distinctly different.  Baekje was Yamato's continental ally, and their primary means through which they could access the continent and all that it had to offer.  They had helped bring Buddhism to the archipelago, and were clearly seen as a civilized country.  The Emishi, on the other hand, were Yamato's own “barbarians”.  They were outside and Yamato clearly saw them as less civilized.  In many ways Yamato viewed the Emishi similar to how the Tang court likely viewed Yamato.  After all, just as Tang literature talked about the differences between the quote-unquote “civilized” center of the empire and the so-called “barbaric” lands beyond their borders, Yamato could place itself in a similar position, simply by placing the Nara Basin at the “Center” and with the Emishi helping define that which was outside.  So in an odd way, this may have been uplifting for Yamato's own self-image. And just as the Tang court enticed border states into their sphere of influence with the promise of imperial titles, the Yamato court similarly was bestowing rank upon the Emishi, making themselves the granter of prestige and recognition.  By being a part of the system, you were rewarded with recognition of your status, something that likely appealed to many. As to the places referenced – Kikafu and Tsugaru – Aston isn't certain about Kikafu, but Tsugaru seems quite obvious as the northernmost tip of Honshu, in modern Aomori prefecture, where the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido are separated by none other than the Tsugaru strait. The fact that the Chroniclers differentiated between the Eastern and Northern Emishi likewise suggests that this was not a monolithic state.  Yamato saw a difference between the Emishi in one part of the archipelago versus the other. Three years later, in the 4th month of 658, Yamato sent one of the largest expeditions against the northeast.  Abe no Omi—other entries name him as Abe no Omi no Hirafu—took 180 ships up north on an expedition to the Emishi.  We are told that he met with the Emishi in the districts of Aita and Nushiro, believed to be in modern Akita prefecture.  Akita prefecture is on the western side of Tohoku, towards the very northern tip.  It is opposite Iwate prefecture on the east, and just below Aomori prefecture, which, at the time, was known as Tsugaru.  This was on the extreme end of Honshu. Both Aita and Nushiro quickly submitted to the Yamato mission.  Still, Abe drew up his ships in order of battle in the bay of Aita, where an envoy from the Emishi named Omuka came forward and made an oath.  He swore that they had no ill-intentions.  The fact that the Emishi were armed with bows and arrows was not because they were at war, but because up in that area of Tohoku, they were all hunters, and so it was their regular tool.  They swore to the gods of Aita bay that they had not raised arms against Yamato, but they were willing to submit to Yamato rule. For his part, Omuka was granted court rank, and local governors were established at Nushiro and Tsugaru—likely meaning they recognized local chieftains and made them responsible for representing the others.  Finally, they summoned the Emishi of Watari no Shima to the shores of Arima, and a great feast was provided.  After that, they all returned home. The  term “Watari no Shima” seems to almost undoubtedly refer to the island of Hokkaido.  “Watari” means to cross, so referring to the “Emishi of Watari no Shima” likely referred to the Emishi on Hokkaido vice those in the Tohoku region. The entire entry seems a bit suspect.  Abe no Hirafu takes an armed party up north and then they all… just sit down and have tea together?  There seems to be a lot of missing context.  Of course, from Yamato's perspective, they were the civilized center.  Does that mean that any violence they committed was simply swept under the rug of history?  Or did they truly meet with such quick submission that only a show of force was necessary? There is one other entry for 658, relative to all of this. It isn't given a specific date, so it is unclear when, exactly it occurred, but it may shed some light.  That entry states that Abe no Hikida no Omi no Hirafu, warden of the land of Koshi, went on an expedition not against the Emishi, but against the Mishihase, or Su-shen.  He is said to have brought back from this trip two live “white bears”, or “shiguma”. So was his expedition really against the Emishi, or was his actual goal to fight the Mishihase, which means he didn't just stop at the end of Honshu, but he continued on to Hokkaido—Watari no Shima—and up at least to Central Hokkaido, where he would have met with the people of the Okhotsk Sea culture—likely the Mishihase of the Chronicle?  Or was he sailing against both? This also leads to numerous other theories as to just what was going on.  While Yamato was pushing on the Emishi from the south, were these Mishihase likewise encroaching on the Emishi in the north?  Were they pushing them south or absorbing those in the farthest north?  There seems to have clearly been a difference and some conflict between them, as evidenced by later entries, which we'll cover in a bit. Quickly, though, I do want to touch on the idea that they brought back two “white bears”.  “Shiguma” appears to refer to a “white bear”, and at its most simplistic understanding, this would seem to refer to a polar bear, but that seems quite a stretch.  Today, polar bears largely live in the arctic regions, out on the permanent sea ice, where they are able to hunt.  They are considered an aquatic animal, living mainly in the ocean, though they will come ashore to hunt, on occasion.  Still, they are mostly adapted to life on the sea ice. While the climate of the 700s was different, I don't know that the sea ice extended that far south.  It is possible that polar bears had been captured much further north, and then sold to people further south, through the extensive trade networks that ran up through Kamchatka, Siberia, and even across the Aleutian chain, but as far as I can tell, polar bears would not have been living in Hokkaido or even in the Kuril or Sakhalin islands at that time. It is much more likely that the “Shiguma” was one of the Hokkaido brown bears.   They may have been albino, but more likely it was simply an easy designation to distinguish them from the bears of the rest of the archipelago—the Asian black bear.  These are clearly black bears, though their fur can appear lighter in some instances.  Meanwhile, although brown bears can be a very dark brown, their fur can vary to almost a blond, and if you look at many photos you can see how they might be considered “white”, especially compared to the black bear that was the norm in Yamato.  I suspect that this is actually the species that Hirafu brought back, and which would be referenced in later entries, where “shiguma” furs appear to be have been quite plentiful, suggesting it wasn't just a rare mutation. In addition, I can't help but note that the presence of bears, here, seems to also further connect with modern traditions of the Ainu of Hokkaido.  Most notably in their reverence for bears, including the traditional Iyomante ceremony.  There is also evidence of the importance of bears in what we see of the Okhotsk Sea Culture.  It is hard to tell if there is more from this interaction, but it still raises some questions. But I digress.  While there are still a lot of gaps, we can see that the Emishi were being brought into the fold, as it were, while the Mishihase were apparently the threat that Yamato would be fighting.  In fact, I can't help but wonder if the threat posed by the Mishihase didn't help encourage the Emishi to ally themselves with Yamato in an attempt to protect themselves. Whatever happened, the relationship with the Emishi, from that point, seems to place them as subjects of Yamato.  We are told that three months later, over 200 Emishi visited the Yamato court, bringing presents for the sovereign.  These were not just the Emishi of the far reaches of Tohoku, but seems to have included Emishi from several different regions.  We are also told that the entertainment and largess provided by the court was even greater than any time before, no doubt presenting the carrot in contrast to Abe no Hirafu's stick. One of the carrots handed out was court rank,  We are told that two Emishi of the enigmatic Kikafu region each received one grade of rank while Saniguma, the Senior governor of Nushiro, was granted two steps in rank, making him Lower Shou-otsu in the rank system of the time, and he was given the superintendence of the population register—likely meaning he had a charge similar to the other governors dispatched to take a census and let the court know just how many people there were in the region.  His junior governor, Ubasa, received the rank of Kembu, the lowest rank in the system. Meanwhile, Mamu, the Senior governor of Tsugaru was granted the rank of Upper Dai-otsu and Awohiru, the Junior governor of Tsugaru, was granted the rank of Lower Shou-out. At the same time, two ranks were granted on the Miyatsuko of the Tsukisara Barrier and one rank was granted to Inadzumi Ohotomo no Kimi, Miyatsuko of the Nutari Barrier.  These last two appear to have been members of Yamato rather than Emishi, but clearly all related to the issue of the borders and beyond. And so we are given three different locations.  We are not told the names of the Emishi from Kikafu, but we are given the names of the senior and junior governors—likely local chieftains co-opted into the Yamato polity—of Nushiro and Tsugaru.  Together with the name “Omuka” we have some of our earliest attestations to possible Emishi names—though whether these were names, titles, or something else I could not say.  We have Saniguma, Ubasa, Mamu, and Awohiru.  None of these are given with family names, which seems to track with the fact that formal “family” names appear to have been an innovation of the Kofun culture, rather than an indigenous phenomenon. I would also note that I am not sure if these ranks came with any kind of stipend: after all, much of that region wasn't exactly suited to rice-land, so where would the stipend come from?  That said, there were certainly more practical gifts that were laid out for them as well.  The governors of Nushiro and the governors of Tsugaru were each given 20 cuttle-fish flags—likely a banner similar to the koi nobori, or carp banners, in use today—as well as two drums, two sets of bows and arrows, and two suits of armor.  This seems to be one for the Senior and one for the Junior governor.  In addition, Saniguma was commanded to “investigate” the Emishi population as well as what Aston translates as the “captive” population—by which I suspect they mean those living in bondage within the Emishi communities.   It is interesting to me that even though the senior governor of Tsugaru was given a higher rank, this last duty was only given to the governor of Nushiro. And there you have it.  With all of that the Emishi were at least nominally subject to the Yamato court.  They were still, however, cultural outsiders.  It is quite likely that they spoke a different language, and given the number of placenames in Tohoku that seem to correspond with the modern Ainu language, it is quite likely that a language at least related to modern Ainu was spoken in the Emishi controlled areas. A similar pattern to the year 658 took place in the entries for the following year.  Once again, Abe no Hirafu went north with 180 ships on what we are told, at least in Aston's translation, was an expedition against the Emishi.  He assembled a selection of the Emishi of Akita and Nushiro, totaling 241 people, with 31 of their captives, as well as 112 Emishi of Tsugaru with 4 of their captives, and 20 Emishi of Ifurisahe.  Once he had them all at his mercy he then… feasted them and gave them presents.  Is this really what an expedition *against* the Emishi looked like?  It almost sounds more like a diplomatic mission. We are told that after feasting and giving the assembled Emishi presents, Abe no Hirafu made an offering to the local gods of a boat and silk of various colors. He then proceeded to a place called “Shishiriko”, where two Emishi from a place called Tohiu, named Ikashima and Uhona, came forward and told him that Yamato should create an outpost at Shiribeshi, on the west coast of Hokkaido, which would be the seat of local Yamato government.  This sounds not entirely dissimilar from the idea of the Dazai in Kyushu.  Abe no Hirafu agreed and established a district governor there. Relevant to this, between the 7th and 8th centuries, we see clusters of pit dwellings in Hokkaido largely in the areas corresponding to the modern sub-prefectures of Sorachi, Ishikari, and Iburi, with many of them clustered near modern Sapporo, and a very small number near Rumoi, further north along the western coast. Once more it is another account, not the main narrative of the Nihon Shoki, where we might see what was really going on.  That entry claims that Abe no Hirafu went north to fight with the Mishihase and, on his return, he brought back some 49 captives.  So was this what all of this was really about?  Was he going up there to fight the Emishi, or was he perhaps fighting with the Emishi against the Mishihase? When Abe no Hirafu finally returned, it seems that the provincial governors of Michinoku—pretty much the whole of Touhoku—and Koshi, which was also a land known for being home to Emishi, were granted two grades of rank.  Their subordinates, the district governors and administrators, each received one grade of rank. We are also told that on the 17th day of the 3rd month of 659, that a copy of Mt. Meru was constructed on the riverbank east of Amakashi no Oka and that Emishi of Michonoku and Koshi were both entertained there.  Little more is given, and, again, it isn't clear if this is before or after Hirafu's expedition of that year. Mt. Meru—read as Shumisen, today—is the mountain at the center of the world, according to some Buddhist traditions.  Building a copy would have been a statement, creating a copy of the mountain and bringing the center of the universe to you.  This was probably a feature in a garden—at least that is how it was conceived of during the reign of Kashikiya Hime.  This second one may have been made with a pile of stones, and there have even been found some features in Asuka that some think could be remnants of this ancient model of the universe, but they aren't without controversy. In any case, that same year that the Emishi were brought to Asuka to view this Buddhist monument, in 659, a mission was sent to the Tang court.  We'll talk about the mission at some other time, but for now I want to focus on the fact that they brought with them an Emishi man and a woman to show the Tang emperor.  Regrettably, we don't know their names, and we don't know their status in Emishi society.  Were these captives, possibly enslaved?  Or were these volunteers, who had gone willingly with the envoys to see the lands beyond their home.  They likely had heard of the Tang empire from Yamato, and so it wouldn't be so surprising if they decided to go see it for themselves. Where it is of particular interest to us right now is that we have an apparent eyewitness account of the description given to the Tang Emperor about the Emishi by the Yamato envoys.  Be aware that the envoys were not necessarily experts in Emishi culture, and may not have met any other than their travel companions, but the description, given by none other than Yuki no Hakatoko, who was apparently there, at the Tang court, when it happened, gives us invaluable insight into how Yamato viewed the Emishi. The entire thing is a bit of a question and answer session as the Tang Emperor, Tang Gaozong, inquired about the Emishi and who they were.  In response to his questions, the envoys assured him that Yamato and the Emishi were at peace with each other.  They further noted that there were three different groups of Emishi.  Those farthest from Yamato were the Tsugaru Emishi.  Next, slightly closer to Yamato, were the Ara-Emishi.  “Ara” in this case means “soft”, and was probably a reference to the fact that those Emishi closer to Yamato were seen as more compliant.  Finally ,there are the “Nigi-Emishi”, living right on the borders.  “Nigi” in this case seems to refer to them being the “Gentle” or even “Civilized” Emishi.  I suspect that those living closest to Yamato were also the ones doing things like farming, and possibly building burial mounds.  They may have even mixed with some of the border communities, and may have included Wa communities that were outside of Yamato's influence.  After all, it isn't entirely obvious that “Emishi” referred to a single ethnic identity. In providing further answers to the emperor's questioning, we are told that the Emishi, at least according to the Yamato envoys, didn't farm, but instead they sustained themselves through hunting and fishing.  Furthermore, we are told that they didn't live in houses, but instead they dwelt under trees and in the recesses of the mountains.  This one is a little more questionable, after all, we have evidence of pit houses and villages all the way up to Aomori and back to Jomon times.  However, it is quite possible that Yamato was often encountering hunting parties, which very likely may have been using makeshift shelters or utilizing natural features like caves when they were out traveling.  Some of this, though, may have been built around ideas and concepts of how quote-unquote “barbaric” people lived, focusing on the exceptional, exotic, and sensationalist instances rather than on the more mundane day-to-day details.  Finally, the emperor himself commented on the “unusual appearance” of the Emishi.  We know that the Japanese terms for the Emishi refer to them as hairy barbarians, and if they were anything like modern Ainu, they were likely a good deal more hirsute than their Yamato neighbors.  This was no doubt a stereotype, as, again, Emishi may have also included some members of the Wa in their numbers, but they also appear to have included groups of people that were quite physically distinct.  Some DNA evidence also bears this out, and even today many people with deep ancestral ties to the Tohoku region demonstrate closer ties to ancient Jomon populations than to the succeeding Yayoi population that came over from the continent with their rice farming techniques. And so that gives us mostly what we know about the Emishi, except that they seem to have left out the Emishi of Watari no Shima—the Emishi of Hokkaido.  They would have been beyond the Tsugaru Emishi, unless they were considered similar, and painted with the same brush. And speaking of Watari no Shima, we have one more entry before we bring things to a close, and that is from the third month of the year 660.  Once more, Abe no Omi, who must have been getting his frequent sailor miles in by this point—or at least one hopes he had been invited to the Captain's circle at least.  Anyway, Abe no Omi was sent on yet another expedition, this time with 200 ships, and this time quite specifically against the Mishihase.  He made a stop in Michinoku on the way up where he brought some of the Emishi on his own boat—possibly as translators and guides.  They then continued northern until they reached a large river—Aston suggests that it was possibly the Ishikari river, north of modern Sapporo.  There they found a thousand Emishi of Watari no Shima encamped. Upon seeing the Yamato forces, two men came out from the camp to let Hirafu and his men know that the Mishihase had arrived in their own fleet, threatening to kill all of them.  And so they asked permission to cross the river over to Hirafu and join him.  Specifically we are told they asked to “serve the government” suggesting that they were willing to suborn themselves if Hirafu would assist with driving off the Mishihase. Hirafu had the two spokespersons come aboard his ship and then show him where the enemy was concealed.  They showed him where, telling him that the Mishihase had some 20 ships. Hirafu sent for the Mishihase to come and face him, but they refused.  And so instead he tried a different tactic.  He piled up colored silk cloth, weapons, iron, etc., in sight of the Mishihase, hoping that their curiosity and greed would get the better of them.  Sure enough, they drew up in their boats, which were decorated with feathers tied on poles like a flag.  Their vessels were powered with oars, and they brought them to the shallows.  From there, they sent two older men out to inspect the pile.  The men came out, and when they saw what was there, they exchanged their clothes for some from the pile and took some of the silk cloth and then returned to their ship.  After some time, they came back out, took off the exchanged garments and laid them down with the silk.  With that, they then boarded their ship and departed. Aston suggests that this behavior mimics an aspect of something called an “unseen trade” which he claims had been common in the region of Hokkaido until recently.  I hadn't found anything specifically about that, but it does make a kind of sense, especially if groups are possibly hostile and perhaps don't speak the same language. So does that mean that, for all of his military might, Hirafu was basically just buying off the Mishihase? In any case, it seems they did not take it.  They left the garments and the silk, which seems to have indicated that they had no deal, and they departed.  Hirafu pursued the Mishihase, and tried to get them to come out again—presumably looking for a stand up fight between his 200 ships and the MIshihase's 20, but instead the Mishihase headed to the island of Herobe, in another part of Watari no Shima.  After a while of being holed up, the Mishihase did sue for peace, but by that point, Abe no Hirafu was having none of it.  So they took themselves to their palisades and there they tried to hold out against Abe no Hirafu's forces.  Noto no Omi no Mamukatsu was slain in the fighting, as we can only suspect that others were as well, but over time the Yamato forces began to wear them down. Finally, when it seemed there was no way they could win or escape, the MIshihase took the drastic step of killing their own women and children, perhaps fearing what the Yamato soldiers would do to them if they were caught. And with that, it was over.  There are only a few mentions of the Mishihase, or even the Emishi, in the rest of the Nihon Shoki.  Granted, as we will eventually see, the people of Yamato were no doubt pre-occupied with what was going on to the west, where the Baekje-Tang war would be soon coming to a close.  Abe no Hirafu would be called on, once more, in that famous conflict, but we are going to save that for another day. For now, I think we can end things here.  Or just about.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there is a theory that many of these expeditions were actually the same thing, but recorded slightly differently in different ways, with some confusion about the actual dates.  Even if that was the case, it doesn't necessarily discount the overall information provided, and that information seems to at least somewhat conform to what we know about the archaeological record, as far as I can tell.  Granted, this is still the story as told by outsiders.  Since the people labeled “Emishi” didn't leave us with any records of this time, themselves, we don't exactly have their side of things, which is something we should keep in mind. This isn't the last time the Emishi will pop up in Japanese history.  Even if they were being granted rank, the Emishi remained a group apart.  Succeeding generations of Japanese would settle in the Tohoku region, eventually absorbing or pushing out the Emishi, or Ezo, while on Hokkaido, the people we know as the Ainu, who were likely an amalgamation of both Okhotsk Sea people and Epi-Jomon and Satsumon cultures, would eventually become dominant across the island of Hokkaido—at least until the 19th century. But that is for much later episodes.  For now, we'll continue to stick with our small, but active corner of the 7th century.  There is still a lot more to explore in this reign.  Next episode will be our annual New Year's recap, and then we will continue on with more from this episode in the following year. Until then thank you for listening and for all of your support. If you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website,  SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  Thank you, also, to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.

What do we humans spend most of our time on? They say how you choose to spend your time is a reflection of how you choose to live your life. Every decision, every moment invested, contributes to the tapestry of your existence. Regrettably, some realize the things that matter most when it is too late and the opportunities have already slipped away. During his final days, Steve Jobs yearned to develop a genuine connection with his family. Recognizing the value of these precious bonds, he sought to bridge the gaps and delve into the depths of familial relationships, cherishing the opportunity to know and be known by those closest to his heart.  Jim Sheils, a renowned advocate for strong family relationships, has introduced a transformative concept known as the “Family Board Meeting.” This innovative approach emphasizes dedicated quality time with loved ones, allowing families to connect deeply and create lasting memories.  Through the Family Board Meeting, Jim guides families in setting aside intentional moments to foster understanding, communication, and growth. By implementing this powerful practice, families can strengthen their bonds and cultivate a harmonious and fulfilling family life. In this episode, Darius and Jim engage in a captivating discussion about the profound influence Steve Jobs had on Jim's perspective on family and the subsequent impact on his own relationships. They explore the value of applying core principles from business success to family life. They also discuss the crucial role of positive anticipation in generating excitement within the family dynamic, as well as the need for intermittent tech fasting to foster meaningful interactions. Topics include: What Jim learned from Steve Jobs and how it affected his relationship with his family Recognizing the value of applying core principles from business success to family life How Jim started holding family board meetings every 90 days  The benefits of starting with simple and realistic goals The value of regular one-on-one time with children The importance of carving out time from mornings, nights, and weekends to spend with family The crucial role of positive anticipation in creating excitement Why it is important to have intermittent tech fasting to allow meaningful interactions And other topics… Connect with Jim: Website: https://www.18summers.com/  Website: https://jimsheils.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_sheils/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Legal Zoom: Get everything from setup to success at LEGALZOOM.com with promo code DARIUS. Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. NPR - Code Switch: Listen now to Code Switch from NPR - wherever you get your podcasts.  Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Timeline: Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's say, you're setting off on a long-awaited cruise; you're on cloud nine, and nothing could be further from your mind than paying attention to the safety precautions. But however unwilling you might be to waste precious vacation time on listening to safety instructions, you should remember that chances are, it could save your life. Yes, the odds of being trapped on a sinking ship nowadays are quite low. But there are things you can do to survive if the near-impossible does happen. Hopefully, it'll never happen to you, but just in case, it's vitally important to know how to react. SUMMARY: Take part in the first-day safety drill 0:51 What you should do first 1:44 Follow the crew's directions 2:42 How you can help others 3:21 Try to get to a lifeboat as quickly as possible 3:58 What if you have to jump off the ship 5:50

“Regrettably, I don't think we're very good, to be honest, at collaborating with FinTechs, or collaborating with the private sector more broadly on solving for policy issues.” It's a podcast double feature this week, with two conversations offering a pulse check on financial innovation in Canada. First: Koho's Daniel Eberhard (CEO) and Peter Aceto (Chief Banking Officer) detail the process of becoming a licensed bank along with the benefits and risks. Second: leaders from Manzil (Mohamad Sawwaf) and Borrowell (Eva Wong) join the Department of Finance Canada's Julien Brazeau to discuss innovations focused on greater inclusion for Canada's underbanked. Recorded live at Elevate Festival. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Uber Canada. Uber's driving positive change for riders, drivers, and communities across Toronto. Learn more about how Uber is moving Toronto forward. The BetaKit Podcast is also brought to you by The BetaKit Quiz, a new weekly challenge testing your knowledge of Canadian tech. Head to BetaKit.com/quiz every Friday, take the quiz, and see how well you score!

On Friday, October 25th, 2024, we traveled to The Eastern in Atlanta, Georgia for the Saint Lucifer's Hospital 1920 Tour to see KING DIAMOND & OVERKILL (LIVE!) in concert, and it was everything we wanted and expected it to be: A perfect venue without a bad spot in the house, incredibly killer bands with album perfect production and sound, and absolutely ZERO traces of “party gravy” to be found anywhere on the premises.   Regrettably, we missed show opener NIGHT DEMON because we had to drive “from South Carolina” through Atlanta traffic to get to the venue and the start time of the show was far earlier than we expected, as opposed to back in the day when it was “doors open at 8, show starts at 2:30 am”.    We have an “UPDATE” from a previous episode regarding “every married man's fantasy”. It's time to give some serious thought to the “health trade-off /upgrade dilemma”, because “you know what they say about the 39-year-olds” (“the younger they are, the better they taste”), which is exactly why “you've gotta work out and stay in shape” as you get older and JOIN US for a review of KING DIAMOND's Saint Lucifer's Hospital 1920 promotional tour (in support of the upcoming new studio album, “The Institute”), featuring OVERKILL and NIGHT DEMON, and find out why it will be worth every penny.   Visit www.metalnerdery.com/podcast for more on this episode Help Support Metal Nerdery https://www.patreon.com/metalnerderypodcast   Leave us a Voicemail to be played on a future episode: 980-666-8182   Metal Nerdery Tees and Hoodies – metalnerdery.com/merch and kindly leave us a review and/or rating on the iTunes/Apple Podcasts - Spotify or your favorite Podcast app Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, or wherever you get your Podcasts. Follow us on the Socials: Facebook - Instagram - Twitter   Email: metalnerdery@gmail.com Can't be LOUD Enough Playlist on Spotify Metal Nerdery Munchies on YouTube @metalnerderypodcast Show Notes: (00:01): “…as a lube.” / #lasttangoinparis #butterbutthole / “He buttered her butthole…and then he buttered her butthole…”/ “Why get new fans when you can just run ‘em out?” / ***WARNING: #listenerdiscretionisadvised *** / “A little rambly and a little burpy as well…”/ #franklytiresome / ***WELCOME BACK TO THE METAL NERDERY PODCAST AT BEAUTIFUL BUNKERPOON INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS!!!*** / #nosoundtrack #taketwo #fixitinpost / “Thanks to Billiam…”/ “I'm not a #shittipper …#shittipperalright …”/ #thisepisodesbeeroftheepisode / “I grabbed this #GraveyardShiftIPA …”/ “It's all shaft…that's the best part…”/ #theverdict / #sevenpercentABV #daydrinkingASMR / “Fruity carpet… a little green.”/ ***IF YOU WANNA SKIP THE NONSENSE, GO TO #THEDOCKET OR SKIP TO THE 20 MINUTE MARK…***   (05:16): “Dude, you're like a mirror that goes on forever…”/ “I feel like I need to bring over some #Ascension music for the #PatreonShoutout …” / ***PATREON SHOUT OUT!!!*** / “You can do whatever you want…he beat me to it.”/ #blessing / “That's a lot of M-F'in's…”/ “How about the correspondences…” / “If you feed it, it grows…”/ #healthtradeoff #testosterone / “I don't want to…but I seem to finish sooner than necessary…”/ “I saw him doing the knee lifts last night…”/ “Yeah, it's number 4…”/ #angrymattpodcast / “That's gold…”/ #angrytaintler / #voicemailsegment / ***YOU CAN CHECK US OUT AT #INSTAGRAM & #FACEBOOK & #YOUTUBE AT #METALNERDERYPODCAST & YOU CAN EMAIL US AT METALNERDERY@GMAIL.COM & YOU CAN GIVE US A CALL AND LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL AT 980-666-8182!!!*** / “I hope your dream comes true…”/ #hornsup / ***UPDATE TO THE STORY*** / #breakingnews #TheBunkerpoonReport / “Let's do another one…”/ #whatsitcalled / #whitetails / “That's a good thing…”/ “You think they're into #BDSM?” / “The cuter/younger they are, the better they taste…”/ #markthetime / #okiedokie / #milfdream / “You've gotta work out and stay in shape…”/ #BunkerpoonHealthCorner / WE'LL PLAY YOUR SHIT-TAH!!! / #DemonHunter DEFENSE MECHANISM (feat. Max Cavalera) / “It was like 3 a.m. and EVERYTHING is loud…”   (20:00): #TheDocket / “So last night…”/ METAL NERDERY PODCAST PRESENTS:  KING DIAMOND & OVERKILL CONCERT REVIEW / #TheEastern / “Very nice… #freeparking…”/ Reflecting on past #Overkill shows / “The whole #FuckYou thing was great…”/ #DontBeAPussy / NOTE:  They've got 40 years of shit… / “The sound was perfect…”/ “The bathrooms are clean and nice…” / #partygravy / #insertvomitnoisehere / “What was the place that had a trough?” / “Is this where all the dicks hang out?”/ NOTE:  Actually, it was $18…AND we got shorted a beer / “You know what though…out of fairness…”/ “That's a far cry from the old days…”/ #NightDemon OUTSIDER (Outsider - 2023) / “That's like a heavy #KISS…”/ “You wanna grab one more?” / WELCOME TO THE NIGHT (Darkness Remains – 2017) / #softintro / “It's almost like #victorymetal kinda…but not…”/ “It's like a weird cross between Paul Stanley and 80's power metal…”/ “It's like wearing dirty cowboy boots with a tuxedo…”/ #cowboyboyts   (32:50): #Overkill THE SURGEON (Scorched – 2023) / “His voice still has so much power…he sounded so good…”/ “There was one part…he kept getting higher…”/ ROTTEN TO THE CORE (Feel The Fire – 1985) / #allthecokelines / “I think his voice even sounds better now…”/ #fistfulofsteel #vulgardisplayofmetal / “What was the song that sounded like #GarageDays?” / BRING ME THE NIGHT (Ironbound – 2010) / “It's almost the same riff…same phrasing…”/ “That's 80's metal all day, in your face, in your balls, on your stomach, on your cheeks, on your back…everywhere…”/ “That does sound like Helpless though…”/ FUCK YOU (Fuck You And Then Some – 1996) / “We don't care what you say…”/ “Is your daughter home?” / #fuckyou / “They need to make that a tour shirt…that should be the name of the next album…” (41:55): “Did that light just turn on by magic?” / “It comes on whenever you say fuck you…”/ #KingDiamond / #TheKing / “Pardon me…”/ “They were playing some cool in between set songs…”/ NOTE: It's a thousand kings, not years (re: The Wizard) / “I got every penny's worth of my money out of that show…”/ #SaintLucifersHospital #TheInstitute / “It's like #DisneyOnIce…PLUS”/ #Myrkur / ***Check out our recent #KingDiamond episode!!!*** / “What's the name of the female vocalist?”/ “Yeah…39…you know what they say about the 39 year olds…”/ “What if podcasters get her absolutely drenched down there?”/ “And the dude is 68 years old!!!”/ “They were loud as shit!” / “I knew going to see it live was going to be killer…and it was.”/ “It's a metal #shockopera is what it is…”/ #musicianship / ***GO SEE KING DIAMOND ON THIS TOUR!!!*** / #willcall #ticketbastard / “He's only like 40 years older…”/ “Elvis meets Conway Twitty meets King Diamond hair…”/ #RussellsReflectionsBathroomEdition / “He played everything I wanted to hear…”/ “Oh…behind us…(NOT a part of the show…)” / “She hit the stairs hard…”/ “Nobody wants help…when you're hammered…”/ “What about the drive through the 3rd world country to get there?” / “NOW you're gonna do the accent…”/ “That's Mexico…that's also Mexico…”/ #fullblownracist / “Oh wait, I've got some more…gimme a minute…”/ “We're still alive and there's still metal…”/ “OMG there was more than just one…”/ #hotmetalgirl #noundies / SHRINE (The Dark Sides – 1988) / “And it sounded just like that…”/ ***Go to kingdiamondcoven.com for tour dates!!!*** / “You might get one for free…”/ “It's not funny, it's called passion…”/ “You DO understand there's a difference…”/ ***THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!!!*** / #untilthenext #outroreel

Forgive me as I rant about veterinary care. This week, I experienced or heard of four events between veterinarians and their owners that have me asking: Are the schools teaching integrity along with veterinary medicine? There are 13 new vet schools in America, spawning 55,000 more veterinarians in the next decade. Most will go into small animal practice. Driving this growth is a demand for pet owners to access care everywhere and corporate strategies to use more veterinarians at higher salaries to remain competitive. In essence, the forecast is for ample demand for services and a need for more veterinarians to meet this need. Stepping away from this "supply and demand" model, I now see evidence that integrity is being replaced with a "fix-it" mentality. New veterinary graduates are well-trained in the science of "fixing" an animal's problem; however, are they also advocating for the animal and, importantly, the owner? Regrettably, the era of the "country vet," who took the time to educate, advise, and console the owner, seems to be fading. The high cost of training and the standardization of care have led to a "cookie-cutter" approach to animal care. This approach, while efficient, may seem superficial to older vets who, though impressed with the knowledge young vets bring to the practice, miss the days of explaining how to prevent problems and advocating for the animal above all else. ********** TheHorsesAdvocate.com is a website for learning about horses, horse barns, and farms. Its membership side allows horse owners to attend live meetings to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of what they have learned on the site. Membership helps support this message and spread it to everyone worldwide working with horses. HorsemanshipDentistry.com is a website that discusses how and why I perform equine dentistry without immobilization or the automatic use of drugs. I only accept new clients in Florida. TheEquinePractice.com/appointment HorsemanshipDentistrySchool.com is a website for those interested in learning how to perform equine dentistry without drugs on 97% of horses. There are eight spots a year for interested students PLUS, there is a separate online course for those wanting to learn how to do this but can never get to South Florida for hands-on training. Show support for The Horse's Advocate by wearing a hat or shirt or drinking from a cup, all with the official logo. For our swag, go to this link: (https://the-horses-advocate.creator-spring.com/). Please give a thumbs up or 5-star review and share these everywhere. I know horse owners worldwide listen, and the horses need every one of you in "Helping Horses Thrive In A Human World."

Link to the event in Budapest: https://budapestidemografiaicsucs2023.hu/en #evolutionarypsychology #evolution #family #fertility #demography Note: My wife recorded the lecture on her phone. Unfortunately, the phone ran out of memory so the last few minutes are missing. Regrettably, I never received the file of my entire lecture from my hosts. _______________________________________ If you appreciate my work and would like to support it: https://subscribestar.com/the-saad-truth https://patreon.com/GadSaad https://paypal.me/GadSaad To subscribe to my exclusive content on Twitter, please visit my bio at https://twitter.com/GadSaad _______________________________________ This clip was posted on October 24, 2024 on my YouTube channel as THE SAAD TRUTH_1743: https://youtu.be/PJboLlvTYKo _______________________________________ Please visit my website gadsaad.com, and sign up for alerts. If you appreciate my content, click on the "Support My Work" button. I count on my fans to support my efforts. You can donate via Patreon, PayPal, and/or SubscribeStar. _______________________________________ Dr. Gad Saad is a professor, evolutionary behavioral scientist, and author who pioneered the use of evolutionary psychology in marketing and consumer behavior. In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Saad is a leading public intellectual who often writes and speaks about idea pathogens that are destroying logic, science, reason, and common sense.  _______________________________________  

WIN. This year's Sinn Féin Ard Fheis last weekend was full of enthusiasm and passion with great speeches covering every issue imaginable and the delegates voting through policy motions that will help shape Sinn Féin politics in the time ahead. The speeches, particularly from Michelle O'Neill and other national leaders demonstrated the strength and relevance of the party across our island. South Africa Supports Irish Unity.Irish Republicans have had a long and enduring relationship with the African National Congress. In 1995 I travelled to South Africa to meet its senior team of negotiators who successfully achieved an end to apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela as President. In the midst of the negotiations around the Good Friday Agreement some of those senior figures travelled to Ireland to hold public meetings and go into the prisons to talk about their experience of negotiations. That relationship has remained strong over the years thanks in part to the hard work of Declan Kearney, Sinn Fein Party Chairperson.Irish government must take a stand against IsraelLast week most of the governments of the world turned their back on Israel as Benjamin Netanyahu took to the rostrum at the 79th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York. Netanyahu claimed that “no army has done what Israel is doing to minimise civilian casualties” and as he described the United Nations as an “anti-semitic swamp” and an “anti-Israel Flat Earth Society,” scores of UN delegates got up and walked out. Regrettably, the Irish government representatives stayed.

Barbie Lynn's GeneticsIn 30 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the podcast at Explicit Novels.  “Nymphomania, while enticing to consider, is still utter madness when experienced.”"Why Mr. Zane, my Barbie Lynn has told us so many wonderful things about you," she sounded so sugary that the honeyed words flowed off her tongue in a manner that was barely coherent. Also, her eyes flickered to the shower where I'd nailed Barbie Lynn repeatedly for forty minutes not all that long ago. Next to me Thomas grunted something that sounded like 'hello'."I'm sure she's exaggerated to my betterment," I pulled that banter out of my tush, my brain was suffering catastrophic blood loss."I can't wait to live in this dorm next year," Laramie came across with a nearly a molasses like drawl as well. "Zane, will you let me use this room next year?""Dude! This is your room?" Jefferson perked up. "Mom, I have to come here next year!""Um, yes Laramie, I'm going to hold this room open to every girl, and perhaps guy, in the dorm. I don't need much space," I said, "so keep out of the way of housekeeping and we are good. Also, you are immune from Handmaiden's Duty while here.""Oh, I was thinking about the game stations, satellite dishes and cable hook-ups," Jefferson added. Jefferson Davis, that name rang a bell."Come on now Honey, a man can't go to a women's," Savannah let that sentence die unfinished. For me, it was keep the lone male status quo; or to get a good night's sleep'."Mrs. Masters, I offer a thin hope for your son; if your daughter could line up some upstanding seniors and juniors, he might slip in under the Zane Exception to the enrollment policy," I told her."You'd do that for Jeff?" Savannah took off her sunglasses and bit one of its arms."Ma'am, I'd wrestle an alligator blindfolded for your daughter. I would certainly put in a good word for her brother," I smiled. I had no idea how tough alligators could be but I knew about crocodiles and those were some mean mothers in their own right. Still, faced with alligator wrestling or no anal-sex with Barbie Lynn, I was getting a belt, handbag and new shoes, damn it.The odds of getting Jeff in were long, Victoria barely suffered Heaven being around, and it would take an act of the Southern Baptist Convention to bring in a male to replace me when I was gone."It would give your Father another option for Jefferson if you could do this Barbie Lynn," Savannah politely replied."That would be great," the kid rejoiced. Yes, he was a fully functioning teenage male."Zane can move mountains when he sets his mind to it," Barbie Lynn winked at me. Thomas saw it but was caught off-guard."Let me show you my bedroom," Barbie offered her kin. They turned and the women sashayed away while Jeff had an almost run-in with Raven and 'company'. Each woman shot a look over their shoulder and smiled at me at some point along their journey which boded trouble."I apologize, Zane," Thomas mumbled. "I thought, deep down, you were weak for submitting to your lusts. Now, I don't, I don't think that anymore.""Don't sweat it," I smiled. "It is only another day for me ending in y.""And don't you be forgetting about me, and how tough it has been resisting Zane," Vivian warned the man she was hoping to marry."A wife should obey her husband," he started, "and a husband should know when to shut up."Lunch and what comes afterI dropped Ms. Reveal's lunch off with just enough sassiness to make her smile and believe that our bad episode was behind us. She sent me to the Vice Chancellor's office a minute later, and while Doctor Victoria Scarlett was conversing over the phone, I felt comfortable to set her meal up in front of her and mine across her desk.Victoria only had this canned ice tea in her mini-frig so I swiped two and set one before her and opened mine. I wasn't exactly sure what it was, it was pretending to be Southern Ice Tea and I pretended to like it. The best thing I could say about it was it was cold. This was our fourth "working" lunch where she would insidiously fill my head with her philosophy and I'd causally remind her that women ran this government, not me; I was a figurehead."What are you doing for New Year's Eve?" she inquired as she daintily cleaned off some crouton crumbs on her cheek. Her look was very intense. I wasn't getting 'quite' sexual signs from her but something, somehow this was personal. That could only mean one thing."I'm spending it with Ms. Rio Talen but no set location has been chosen," I replied."Oh," she paused then, "There is a Science Fiction convention in Seattle that runs from December 29th to through the 1st. My friends and I are attending and Hical asked about you.""Deal but we have to fit Rio in," I agreed."I can send some Universe, TV and movie series and well as costuming information for her to look over," Victoria agreed tentatively."No need, she's a Klingon, a small craft captain whose Father betrayed the Empire and whose survival is a stain on her honor," I told her. "With that barely constrained fury, she's a natural. You teach her how to use that bat-a-rang and,""Batleth," Victoria interjected."Wicked-curved-bladey thing," I continued, "and you'll see. Oh, I'll need an Orion Slave Girl outfit and some green body paint for Mercy and all of her stuff by October 30th, cost is not an object.""I'll call my outfitter when you leave and I must say you are taking this rather well," Doctor Scarlet noted."Why? I had a blast in your office that time," I admitted. "As long as I'm not crawling in, screaming fur-balls, I'm okay. I'll be a human Starfleet Doctor Xeno-biologist who has done surgery on multiple species. A "Doctors Without Borders" kind of guy. I'll get Cordelia to build me an actual tricorder, trust me."We ate, she asked for my sizes, I gave her Rio's and Mercy's sizes; at the Con we were all 'Next Gen' except Mercy who would be Old School for Halloween. She offered me a chance to be a Borg but since they all looked to be in desperate need of a sun tan, I declined. All in all, it barely took twenty minutes."You did a very good job as Mediator this morning," the Vice Chancellor added as I made to leave."It is not so rough," I grinned. "WWKSD?""Wha, oh," she smiled warmly. "What would King Solomon do, clever.""Hell, the Bible has a whole book called Judges. This shit ain't so hard," I laughed as I breezed out the door. Ms. Reveal was waiting, as was Heaven.Heaven had to exert some will to not kiss me on the spot. Christina had lectured us on P D A, public displays of affection, during Homecoming. The more people who knew about us, the more the outcry and the stronger Chancellor's radical decision to keep Heaven on as part as the student body, would be challenged. As it was, our hands would casually brush one another until we got inside my dorm where I chased Heaven up the stairs, pinching her ass every time I caught up.After entering my code, I gauged Heaven's mood deciding we needed some quiet time; there would be too much traffic over most of the floor, and Heaven being too vocal, to get away with sex; and cuddling would be fine anyway. I caught sight of Rio with one of my Marksmanship team mates, Genesis."Hey Zane," Genesis stood up. She was a weird one, going from borderline contempt to grudging respect over the last two weeks. If I didn't know the impossibilities, I'd think she had a boyfriend. "Hope wants everyone at the Amory for an equipment check at seven. We leave at 8:15."Heaven held my hand tightly."Boudoir occopodo," Rio snickered as Genesis made her exit.Heaven's grip nearly crushed my hand, ouch."Babe," I whispered to Heaven, "let me check this out."I disentangled myself and went for the wall of screens that separated my bedroom area from the rest of the floor."Get some popcorn and get ready to sit a spell," Rio joked to Heaven who grumbled. I went around to see who, or whom, were using my room.Inside was not what I expected. Savannah Belafonte Masters had taken off her top (which was peach) and was rummaging with growing frustration through Barbie Lynn's bra drawer. I saw some grape juice splashed on her beige skirt. She saw me, pulled up her shirt to cover her bra-covered assets while looking a bit fearful and upset."What are you doing in here?" she asked softly."It is my bedroom," I replied. "What are you doing in my bedroom?""But, but Barbie Lynn's stuff is in here," she gasped."That would because it is her room too, we sleep together," I answered. That slowed her up for a second. "Can I help you with something?""I, I, I spilled juice on my shirt," she began."And your skirt," I pointed out.""Oh no," she choked back a sob. "What am I going to do? I'm a mess and none of Barbie Lynn's bras, shirts, or skirts are going to fit me." I mused over that for a second."I've stashed some bra extensions around here somewhere and that should allow for the difference is sizes between you and Barbie," I said. "Now give me your skirt and I'll find a replacement." She hesitated so I added. "I'm not going to molest one of my best friends' mom, Savannah. Give me your skirt and I'll take care of everything." This time she did it, though I had to turn my back.I padded back out to Rio and Heaven who had just returned with the popcorn."Rio, Heaven, I need you to break into Chancellor Bazz' residence and steal a skirt like this," I offered up Savannah's."Hell yeah," Rio exulted. "Time for a little Breaking  Entry.""Oh, what the fuck," Heaven shrugged. "Count me in." She gave me a quick kiss and the two miscreants headed out on their nefarious mission. I went back to the bedroom and stumbled into Savannah, now with her bra off, eyeing two of Barbie Lynn's double barreled slingshots. Our eyes locked."Right," I spun away. "Bra extensions.""Zane, do you think I'm attractive?" Barbie Lynn's Mom asked.When women say that, they can mean three things;·         the truth,·         the lure, or·         the lie.Some women want to know if you find them attractive. Others want you to find them attractive for nefarious means. Lastly, a few woman want to be reminded that they are beautiful. Savannah was the latter."If you are asking me if you are as good looking as Barbie Lynn, Mrs. Masters, I'll have to say no but that's because you are a lady who is fully a woman and Barbie Lynn is still leaving some of the girl behind. There is no comparison. You are both hot," I affirmed."I don't know," she sighed. "It is with my husband, then seeing you and Barbie Lynn, in the shower,”What's wrong with you and your husband, if I may intrude?" I asked."He had an accident at work, one of his factories, and he hasn't been the same," she sniffed."Do you love him?" I questioned. "Honestly.""Yes, yes I do," she sighed. "But he's just not there.""Do me a favor; come over and sit next to me and I promise to be as well behaved as a Montana Miner (hey, it is where my family comes from)," I said as I sat at the foot of the bed. Savannah very, very reluctantly came over and sat at my bed, but I said nothing."Yes?" she broke down and inquired finally."I want you to laugh," I related to her softly. "Laugh, laugh like you do with small kids.""But, I'm not sure," she began then I poked her in the ribs. "What?" So I tickled her under her arms. Savannah covered her breasts by mistake so I got some finger in and began making her giggle and squirm."Stop it," she gasped for breath, so I rolled onto my side and tickled her other underarm until she finally flailed in surrender."See Savannah, I'm not the bad guy," I grinned. "I'm not seducing you because I think you love Barbie Lynn's Dad and you simple need to worry a little bit less, and love yourself a little bit more.""How do I do that?" she panted."I want you to try on some of Barbie Lynn's new clothes and see what you like, and what your husband might like," I suggested. "I'm not asking you to dress like a teenager; but not every day is Sunday school either." Oh God, I was talking clothes therapy to someone's Mother."But," she stammered."There is a screen right over there," I pointed out, "that you can change behind and the armoire over here has a mirror.""But I'll be parading around here, in my bra and panties," she worried."Well, that's a bonus for me," I shrugged, "but a lady with a body like yours should be wearing bikini's with less material. Look at it that way.""Well, don't ogle, alright?""Sure," I lied. What was I going to say? 'I'll pluck out my eyes?'After several tentative steps walking to the dresser and looking over her shoulder at me with real worry that I might find her either too attractive or not attractive enough, I gave up. I covered my eyes because they gravitated toward her backside like a plant seeking the sun. A minute later she finally spoke up.

James Earl Jones will forever have a place in film history based on his voice alone. From Darth Vader to CNN commercials, he is known the world over. But there is much more to him. Our memories include Conan, baseball, and Mystery Science Theater.The Goonies is one of the most important movies of the 1980s. It is the perfect movie filled with adventure, humor, and a satisfying ending. There was never a sequel because there was not a need for one. But we are getting one anyway.There is no point in complaining about how there are too many remakes and sequels.The question is, are we excited to see it?Where does gross out end and body horror begin? That is just one of the questions Booger had us pondering. The indie film recently made its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival. Unlike other movies in the genre, it covers deep themes such as grief, loss, and friendship. Just when it looked like it was going to be something really special, it falls apart, So, what happened?Quinn Armstrong has not made it easy on us. His trilogy seemed like a lot of fun. Stories of exorcisms, doom metal, and death sound like a great combination for a couple of horror fans. While there was some good looking stuff in the first two films, they ended up leaving a bad taste in our mouths.But there was no way Dead Teenagers could fail. It was about a group of friends hanging out at a cabin in the woods. Before long, their fun is interrupted by a masked killer. Yes, we had seen it before, but that was part of the fun. We could not wait to see what Armstrong did with a more straightforward horror story.Regrettably, we never got that movie. Things start off normal enough. There is even a cool Big Bad that is the stuff of franchises. The archetypes are a little different and there is a slight tweak along the way, but Dead Teenagers is definitely a slasher. Until it gets a little too clever for its own good. Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com

In this episode we gently debate subspecies, and then dive into several snake papers, from their anomalously extensive and rapid diversification, to a recent taxonomic change. Regrettably the audio on this episode was affected by a technical error, so it is far less than our usual quality (Ethan and Hiral are a little quiet, sorry!).… Read more The post SquaMates Ep. 26: Let's talk about snakes, baby first appeared on SquaMates.

Regrettably, not everything can be included in our podcast episodes initially. However we have delved into the treasure trove of interviews to bring you a compilation of additional conversational gems that Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy had with some of our guests including Dermot Kennedy, Daniel O'Donnell, Kathryn Thomas and Phil Coulter. We hope you enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consider this episode—one of last year's favorites!—an ode to your embrace of the term “regrettably worth it” aka RWI aka something we get asked to define as least weekly

In recent times, there has been a resurgence of interest in the study of narcissistic sociopaths and psychopaths. However, it seems that society has lost sight of how these individuals can wreak havoc on the foundation of a civilization or nation. It is all too easy to fixate on collectivist ideologies as the root of our problems, while overlooking the fact that these ideologies do not operate in a vacuum. They require the guiding hand of psychopathic individuals to cause real damage.Collectivism, with its emphasis on coercion rather than voluntary participation, has a peculiar tendency to foster projection and hypocrisy. When political ideologies become akin to religious fervor, it is all too easy for individuals to become blinded by their zealotry. These individuals find power in their unwavering devotion and cult-like behavior, but they often lack self-awareness and the ability to critically evaluate their own cause. Their behavior becomes increasingly erratic and disjointed, and they view anyone who does not share their views as a heretical enemy to be exposed or destroyed.To those observing from the outside, the antics of these zealots can be a source of endless amusement. Their tics and outbursts are often nonsensical and absurd, providing a reminder of what happens when human beings abandon reason in favor of madness. However, they can also be frightening, and their potential to gain real power is no laughing matter. When zealots gain power, the situation quickly escalates from amusing to alarming.A Lily Bit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The scourge of extremism has plagued societies since time immemorial, yet the true menace lurks elsewhere. The insidious infiltration of narcissists and psychopaths into positions of power poses a far greater threat, as they sow the seeds of fanaticism among the populace.Psychopaths, often perceived as aberrations, are not as scarce as one might imagine. In fact, they constitute approximately 1% of any given population, while sociopaths account for another 1% and narcissists make up a staggering 5%. These individuals are characterized by their inflated egos, entitlement, and a chilling lack of empathy for others.Narcissists, in their insatiable quest for admiration and control, manipulate those around them, fostering an environment conducive to the rise of zealotry. Sociopaths, on the other hand, are incapable of experiencing empathy, rendering them unfit to lead. However, psychopaths present an even more sinister profile, combining a lack of empathy with a proclivity for emotional or physical violence. They derive pleasure from the suffering of others and are responsible for a significant portion of violent crimes.The impact of psychopaths on society is nothing short of devastating. Despite comprising a mere 1% of the population, they account for 15% to 25% of the prison population. Their malign influence on society cannot be overstated.While there may be some overlap among these categories, the fact remains that nearly 10% of the human population exhibits deeply ingrained psychological dysfunctions that are often intractable. To put it bluntly, almost one in every ten individuals is a ticking time bomb, poised to wreak havoc on the lives of the rest of us. While some psychopaths and sociopaths manage to navigate society without causing immediate harm, their potential for destruction remains a constant threat. Their ability to function in certain professions, such as surgery, emergency medical services, and military service, is often attributed to their detachment from emotional stimuli. However, their lack of empathy can also prove advantageous in high-pressure situations that demand ruthless efficiency.Despite their potential utility, the historical record reveals the perils of entrusting power to such individuals. Monarchies and empires of yore often relied on hereditary succession, inadvertently providing a breeding ground for psychopaths and narcissists. The absence of a rigorous vetting process allowed these dysfunctional individuals to ascend to the throne, wreaking havoc on their subjects.The advent of democracy and republics aimed to rectify this issue by subjecting political candidates to public scrutiny and the voting process. In theory, this system empowers the populace to identify and exclude unstable individuals from positions of power. Regrettably, this approach falters when every candidate exhibits psychopathic tendencies, leaving the electorate with no viable alternative.Moreover, psychopaths have devised alternative methods to manipulate the political landscape from behind the scenes. By infiltrating the corporate world and financial institutions, they exert influence over politicians through covert means, such as buying off candidates or handpicking those with sociopathic, narcissistic, or psychopathic traits for political office. This form of control undermines democratic institutions, rendering them impotent in the face of ruthless, self-serving manipulation.In the context of tribal and smaller, low-tech societies, the capacity to detect and expel psychologically damaged individuals from positions of authority was far less arduous. However, within the labyrinthine structures of vast empires and technologically advanced civilizations, psychopaths effortlessly infiltrate and assimilate into the general population, evading detection and suspicion.In this light, the analogy of vampires from mythological stories seems to be particularly fitting. Much like these fictional creatures, psychopaths insert themselves into communities, securing influential positions that shield them from scrutiny. Their true nature gradually emerges as they systematically exploit and drain their unsuspecting victims, perpetuating a cycle of devastation.These malevolent forces pose the most significant threat to any civilization, orchestrating chaos and subverting free society. I refer to them as primary organized psychopaths, a ruthless elite representing the 1% of the 1% – the globalists. Their extensive network of influence has been meticulously cultivated over time, ensuring their continued dominance and exploitation of the masses.However, the challenge extends beyond this select group. What of the countless others afflicted with psychopathic tendencies? In the past, they were largely confined to the periphery of society, their impact limited. Yet, the advent of modern society and the proliferation of social media have inadvertently facilitated their congregation and organization.The once isolated 1% has now evolved into aggressive mobs of hundreds of thousands, mobilizing millions of lesser sociopaths and narcissists. This phenomenon has given rise to a subculture of communal insanity, a chilling inversion of the adage, “the patients are taking over the asylum.”The political left has become a fertile breeding ground for the unabashed promotion of narcissism as a legitimate lifestyle, in stark contrast to the more cautious approach of conservative circles. While psychopaths infiltrate both political spectrums, the left has proven to be significantly more receptive to their manipulations.These individuals, once ostracized for their inability to cope with power, now find themselves in positions of authority, driven by a thirst for vengeance against those who once shunned them. Their self-perception as underdogs and revolutionaries is a mere facade, concealing their emotionally stunted and handicapped nature. In reality, they were relegated to the sidelines to safeguard society from their predatory instincts.Addressing this looming threat necessitates a fundamental transformation of our culture, taking into account the profound impact of psychopathy and related traits. Ignoring this issue is no longer tenable; we must confront the consequences of these individuals on humanity as a whole.The initial step involves disassociating from movements and institutions that actively endorse psychopathic and narcissistic behaviors. In other words, we must revert to a model of isolation for those afflicted with these traits, rather than indulging their perceived status as a victim group requiring special attention and nurturing.It is important to recognize that, in many instances, these characteristics are innate and intractable, akin to a distinct psychological structure rather than a treatable illness. The notion of coexisting harmoniously with them is a fallacy; they view us as a mere source of sustenance, a predatory relationship that cannot be reconciled.The selection of candidates for positions of authority must involve stringent screening for psychopathy, narcissism, and sociopathy. Those exhibiting an abundance of warning signs should be ineligible for such roles, a measure that could serve as an interim solution while contemplating more substantial reforms to our election system.Even implementing a lottery system for government jobs, complemented by stringent term limits for both political and bureaucratic positions, would be a marked improvement over the current state of affairs. While this approach may increase the likelihood of less qualified individuals assuming government roles, it would also diminish the allure of public service for malevolent parasites.The true power to shape this world has always lain in your hands. Choose well! The prospect of curtailed tenure in government would not only disrupt the influence of corporate elitists but also compel them to repeatedly invest in new officials, thereby diluting their power. Although critics may argue that altering the system requires first removing the psychopaths currently in control, I concede that this presents a formidable challenge.The historical record reveals that once psychopaths become organized and entrenched, they rarely relinquish power without resorting to violence. Their indifference to protests, reason, and the suffering of the masses, coupled with their unwavering belief in their divine right to rule, renders them impervious to appeals for change.These individuals derive their authority from the collective of emotionally stunted individuals they manipulate and exploit – a fervent mob comprising nearly 10% of the population. While it remains crucial to distance ourselves from the collectivist mentality and the zealots, it is equally important to recognize that all psychopaths perceive separation as an act of defiance, prompting them to interfere.Ultimately, a confrontation may be inevitable, and perhaps such a conflict is necessary to dismantle the oppressive regime they have established.How you can support my writing: • Restack, like and share this post via email, text, and social media• Tip me a bug-free meal with Ko-Fi• Buy a discount subscriptionThank you; your support keeps me writing and helps me pay the bills.

About Kay Chan I grew up in a pretty tough environment after my family escaped a war. That, in itself, can be a segment of its own. I'll spare you the details for now. I grew up with a pretty remarkable talent of being able to see things a little more creatively than others around me. I was heavily into poetry and illustration throughout my adolescent years. Despite growing up poor, and to my parents' chagrin, I stuck with my passion for the arts. Regrettably (sort of), I never went to college. Straight out of high school, I picked up menial desk jobs doing entry level design that I had absolutely no experience in. I spent years accepting daily office projects and would take them home to learn better ways to do them on my own time. This went on for several years. It was a struggle to land better paying jobs as they were near impossible without a college degree (I have so much to say about this!). Ones I did find did not pay well, but I always considered them to be great opportunities to be a better designer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/khimeric/ https://khimeric.com/ ------------------------------------------------------ When It Worked Podcast https://getoffthedamnphone.com/podcast 00:00:00 Kay Chan Joins For Game Of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire 00:00:40 Kinetic Sculpture Artist Pioneered Kid Friendly Art Form 00:02:13 Test Round Fly, Tokens, Trees, Presentations 00:04:38 Graduated From High School With Diverse Design Career 00:05:18 Corporate Companies Cvs, Hasbro, Consigli, Intro Designer 00:06:27 Problem Solved, Helpful, Efficient 00:11:09 Pricing For Um Presentations Fair, Insane 00:12:18 Creating Templates For Presentations 00:12:57 Avoid Templates That Are Difficult To Use, Userfriendly 00:13:42 Google Slides Inefficient, Shareable, Dumb 00:16:04 Cost Of Online Presentations 85 Bucks, Reviews

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), this year's Independence Day festivities will bear the weight of the swelling inflation, making them pricier than usual for our fellow Americans. The specter of inflation has been a constant ordeal for our citizens during President Joe Biden's first term. It's a sobering reality evident in the consumer price index (CPI), which has skyrocketed by an astonishing 20% since 2021. Regrettably, the grip of inflation has not loosened on the commodities that Americans traditionally enjoy on our beloved Fourth of July. AFBF recently released its analysis, and the findings may indeed paint our national holiday in less vibrant colors. The cherished pastime of grilling succulent meals is now a more expensive endeavor. On average, the simple pleasure of savoring two pounds of ground beef at your family barbeque will set us back about $12.77. We have observed an 11% increase from last year's prices. Moreover, the humble, yet necessary, hamburger buns have climbed by 7% in the last year. Likewise, the refreshing tang of a 2.5 quart bottle of lemonade, a traditional accompaniment to our grand feast, now costs around $4.19, marking a 12% surge. The joy of enjoying a juicy portion of pork chops, a staple of the American barbeque, has escalated by nearly 8% to almost $15.50.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent episode of the Wild For Change podcast, I had a conversation with Ellie Laks, the founder of the Gentle Barn, about her new book, "Cow Hug Therapy." The book is a touching account of how the animals at the Gentle Barn have taught her valuable lessons about life and death and everything in between. I have always found solace in the company of animals. Being around them brings me a deep sense of peace and a feeling of unconditional love. I also believe that animals possess great wisdom and insight that they can share with us. Reading Ellie's book "Cow Hug Therapy" is a wonderful way to deepen our connection with animals. It can expand our awareness of the remarkable capabilities of animals, revealing them as sharp observers of life, guiding figures, and fur-clad angels who can impart valuable wisdom on how to live and love, if only we take the time to quietly listen and open our hearts. Ellie's stories about the lessons she's learned from her rescued animals go beyond the surface. These creatures bring profound soul lessons and messages that are meant to help us grow, evolve, and shine. Regrettably, the podcast ends abruptly. We recorded it in person, and unfortunately, the recording stopped about 10 minutes before our interview concluded.You can find Ellie's new book “Cow Hug Therapy” on the Gentle Barn's website, as well as on Amazon and Target.  Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange

During a recent press briefing in Italy, US President was seen on a narrow line with the press over a query that unsettled him. This incident happened during his combined press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Angered by the question's departure from the intended topic, Biden urged the reporters to adhere more strictly to the proceedings. Preferring to focus on the urging Ukrainian matters, the President appeared frustrated at the deviation from the agenda. Biden rebuked, 'You're sidelining the issue at hand. I'll get around to your query in depth later.' It was apparent that Biden's priority was the situation in Ukraine and not elaborating on other topics. We have set forth an agreement. Our plan has garnered backing from the United Nations Security Council, the G7 nations, Israel, underlining its credibility,” he emphasized. Most notably, he addressed the resistance from Hamas, failing to approve even though they have proposed a similar solution. The actualization of this problematic scenario is yet to be seen. We are persistently pushing for progress. Regrettably, I don't have a final verdict yet,' concluded the President. Interestingly, these firm remarks were not taken lightly by the journalists present at the venue. Kelly O'Donnell, the president of the White House Correspondents' Association, retorted to the President, addressing the fundamental tenets of a free press. She maintained that it's essential to underline the public's right to information and clear knowledge about proceedings, regardless of the setting of the press interview. No leader has the authority to dictate the nature or number of questions asked at a press address. While it is within the White House's powers to control the count of reporters that the President answers, the question's subject matter falls within the ethical judgment of professional journalists, O'Donnell underscored. Despite any leader's preferences, the questions posed by reporters should not be constrained to a single topic. A truly independent press should enjoy the ability to ask questions across a spectrum of topics, she stated. O'Donnell expressed the need for more such inclusive interactions with the President, instead of narrow, monothematic proceedings. Biden's strain with the press isn't news. An occasion in December underlines his tendency to lose his composure amidst a flurry of questions. During another press session with Zelensky, cable news journalists threw barrage questions, taken aback; the president couldn't hold his peace. After having an extensive dialogue with Zelensky, the journalists present began posing their inquiries to both leaders. Biden, taken off guard by the volume and the range of questions, asked them to quiet down. Varied questions perturbed him, prompting him to say, 'Hold on! Slow down! I have something else to say.' The President, while juggling a stack of papers, added, 'I have another point to make.' He announced a substantial defense budget allocation for Ukraine while sharing a quiet moment with Zelensky, 'An additional $200 million has been allocated from the Department of Defense for Ukraine,' he stated. Biden communicated the urgency of this budget allocation by adding, 'This will be enacted promptly.' Ever so enthusiastic to support Ukraine, he exchanged nods with Zelensky. Once Zelensky uttered his gratitude, reporters once again bombarded them with questions, a testament to the feverish nature of these press conferences. On another occasion after a short campaign event in Philadelphia where he was rallying the black voters, the President found himself at odds with another reporter who posed an unsettling question about potential power transition. 'President Biden, do you intend to complete your term, or will you be passing the baton to VP Harris?' a journalist asked. As he engaged with his audience on a runway in Philadelphia, the question struck him as absurd, leading to a sarcastic, dismissive response, 'Are you okay? Have you injured yourself? Have you fallen and hurt your head?' he asked in disbelief. Recently, Biden and Harris initiated an outreach endeavor to attract black voters who are seemingly leaning towards former President Donald Trump, as suggested by some polls. It is noteworthy that a number of these voters have voiced their frustrations with the Biden-Harris leadership, citing financial strain. These voters argue their financial conditions have worsened under Biden and Harris's watch. Furthermore, they express discontent with the lax immigration policies and weaker border security under the current administration. This has been met with stiff criticism from local Democratic leaders as resources are being reallocated away from citizen-centric programs towards the support of illegal immigrants. After seeing these series of events, it indicates that Biden's rapport with reporters needs mending, keeping in mind preserving the independence of our free press. While his focus on pressing matters is appreciated, an understanding of the complex and critical role of journalists at these press conferences is of paramount importance as well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We were not the only ones who loved Late Night With the Devil. It has set box office records for all independent film and has been critically praised. We talk about what its immediate future holds. Plus, David Lynch made his big announcement and we called it. (Spoiler alert: it's not the second GTA VI trailer.)You can pinpoint the exact moment What Keeps You Alive peaks. Everything up to the moment is tension filled and exciting. The film is beautifully shot and presents an interesting set of characters. It is familiar, but still does its own thing. Regrettably, it falls right off a cliff soon after.Things go on for too long, the writing gives away way too much, and the ending is unsatisfying. It is a classic case of going out with a whimper instead of a bang. And it ruins all the good will that had been built up over the course of the previous hour plus. Tack on the strange addition of 1990s Australian rock band Silverchair, and you have a head scratching finale.We were really looking forward to The Curse II: The Bite. It is B-horror, stars scream queen Jill Schoelen, and is part of a franchise. The fact that it was filmed and takes place in Las Cruces only added to our anticipation. Little did we know the movie would also have Jaime Farr of MAS*H fame in one of the most ridiculously awesome subplots ever, some unironically awesome special effects, and a look at late 80s trucker culture. Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com

In the previous message, we learned that God's plan for remodeling a house into a home calls for some specific behaviors and attitudes which serve as bricks or building blocks for the relationship. Some of these bricks are contributed by the wife and some by the husband. Regrettably, both sets of bricks can be substituted with cheap imitations. These may seem to be adequate and acceptable at first, but over the long haul, they cause great damage. Download Message Mates To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1118/29

AI vs. The Poets! Can you tell which poem was created by humans from those generated by AI? Join us as two poets face off against chatbots in a battle worthy of the WWF Smackdown! As a performer, Mari Riddle co-founded two music groups. The first, SABIÁ, in 1977 while at Brown University with fellow students. The second was Desborde. She toured North America and recorded four albums. As a performing arts organization professional, she was the Executive Director of the First Traditional Latin American Music Festival in Los Angeles and Executive Director of the Friends of the Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park. Paul Garza, Jr. was born in Los Angeles at Queen of the Angels Hospital. He grew in the San Gabriel Valley. He now lives in Ft. Bragg, California to be near his grandchildren. He began writing poetry when he was 13, has published three volumes of poetry and has had several poems published in literary journals. Regrettably, he has not found an audience in the US - his poetry has been published almost exclusively in India. He holds a Masters in Indian Religion and Mythology from CSU Fullerton. Paul has lived in India and Saudi Arabia, and has done consulting in El Salvador, Mexico and Oman. He continues his life time study of spirituality and mythology in Qabalah, Alchemy, Arthurian and Grail Studies, and is deeply fascinating with the wisdom of the ancient world along with a lifetime participation in the Shakti-Shiva traditions of India. He also teaches these regularly. The Quill and the Quantum is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #authorsontheair #poetry #chatgpt #ClaudeAI

Blade Runner is one of the most revered science fiction films of all time. It has spawned video games, books, a sequel, and an upcoming Prime series. People LOVE the movie. We talk about a major casting decision for the show and how the original movie is overrated.The Strangers is one of the best home invasion movies of all time. Surprisingly, it did not lead to a larger franchise. As a matter of fact, there will be more installments this year than there have been in the previous decade and a half. That includes a potential four and half hour long cut of all three movies that will be coming out this year. Some horror is all about making audiences feel uncomfortable, but that may be a little too much.Haunted house movies is one of the most popular sub-genres in horror and will will never go away. People love to hear stories about homes with violent pasts. This sub-genre has gone beyond just scaring people as more comedy horror movies may be about haunted houses than any other subject. For Sale has a lot going for it. Its use of effects proves there is more that the practical vs CGI argument does not always matter. Essentially, it does more with less. It also has two great leads that have tremendous chemistry. There is an overall charm to the entire film.Regrettably, it does not manage to close the deal. There are some genuinely funny moments and some really creepy ones, but the whole thing never settles on a tone. For Sale also never recovers from a major decision leading into the third act. Things grind to a halt leading to an ending that is more confusing than anything else.As we head into the home stretch of Bruceploitation Month, we finally get to Dragon Lee. A few shows back, Blake talked about how much he was looking forward to covering the actor. Kung Fu Fever is a revelation and a disappointment. Dragon Lee is even more awesome than either of us could have imagined, but the print is of very poor quality.Blake also presents a theory that is as zany as any of the films we have covered. It may be too far out there for some listeners to accept, but after watching Kung Fu Fever, some listeners may not think it is so ridiculous. One thing everyone will agree on; this is one of the most tasteless Bruceploitation movies ever made. Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com

*Just a little trigger warning, this episode mentions miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. If today is a day you're not feeling too strong, perhaps leave this episode for another day. We have a HUGE back catalog to dive into, so there may be something else you fancy instead. *Joining Kate on The Fertility Podcast this week is Jade. In this episode, Jade talks about her traumatic and life-changing experiences with ectopic pregnancy. For those who don't know, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that is outside of the uterus. Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy isn't viable and is not able to continue. Jade's story begins back in January 2022, when she first became pregnant. Unfortunately, this first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. Later on, Jade fell pregnant again, however, this time, it was an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can cause pain and in some circumstances, bleeding, however, Jade didn't have any symptoms. It wasn't until after a few trips to the doctor, that she was told she had an ectopic pregnancy. Jade eventually had surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy. She was advised by her doctor that she had an increased risk of having another ectopic, and unfortunately, this happened to Jade again in 2023. However, this time around, Jade knew something was wrong. Jade talks about how hard it was to advocate for herself. Regrettably, this pregnancy ruptured her fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical condition which can become a medical emergency. Jade talks about how her experiences have left both her and her body scarred. She explains she is scared to get pregnant and risk going through it all again. However Jade is a fabulous example of the importance of being your own fertility advocate and being persistent if you think something is wrong. In Jade's words “We do always have more strength than we think we have”.Socials Follow @YourFertilityNurse on InstagramFollow @TheFertilityPodcast on InstagramFind The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust - Support For You And Your Loved Ones for more informationFind Request a baby loss certificate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Find The Premature Menocast podcastRead Endometriosis time to diagnosis report

Once celebrated as the West Coast's radiant gem, the city of San Francisco is now seemingly on the verge of an unfortunate descent. Yet, astonishingly, it appears few are heeding the urgent distress signals. The most striking impact has been seen in the housing market, where in the space of a year, property values have sharply declined and residents have been departing in large numbers. The CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon, drew a parallel between the dire situations of San Francisco and New York City, expressing that the condition of the Bay Area is considerably worse. During his interview on Fox Business, he succinctly outlined what creates a desirable city. Parks, arts, security, productive employment, and accessible housing all play crucial roles. A city that fails to adequately provide these essentials is likely to experience a population decline. Regrettably, San Francisco is faltering on all these parameters. Consequently, the property market is experiencing a silent yet significant crash. Luxury properties, once the emblem of opulence, are now being discounted heavily to lure potential buyers. As an instance, a penthouse at the San Francisco Four Seasons Residential, which was initially listed for $9.9 million in November 2020, has reluctantly lowered its asking price to a mere $3.75 million, a staggering 62% drop. The property, having no takers, is still on the market. A sense of urgency looms among homeowners, who, in their eagerness to avoid a sinking situation, are selling their properties at a loss. In some cases, homeowners have seen their investments contract by several hundred thousand dollars within months. A property on Fourth Ave., boasting five bedrooms, was sold for $1.1 million recently, after it was purchased for $1.6 million less than a year ago. A two-bedroom condominium overlooking a ballpark on King St., which was purchased for $1.12 million in 2014, recently changed hands last month for $1.08 million. Another condo on Market St. was sold for $1.25 million in 2019, but was recently bought for just $675,000 after a price reduction. The overall pattern, as per recent analysis from Redfin, is quite clear: about one in five homeowners in San Francisco are selling their homes at a loss. A distinct example includes a picturesque home with direct views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. The property, ostensibly a rare find, was listed for the first time in almost 35 years last March, carrying a price tag of $12.8 million. However, following multiple price slashes over the year, it traded hands for only $7.85 million. Nor is the commercial real estate scene faring any better. Post-pandemic, there has been a surge in the number of vacant office spaces. And the desperation is becoming increasingly visible. A property on Market Street was recently sold at a staggering 90% discount in a public auction. This building at 995 Market St. was acquired for a lean $6.5 million, a far cry from the $62 million it was purchased for in 2018. Retail industry giants have also begun to withdraw from the city. Early this year, Macy's announced its intention to close its enormous flagship store located in San Francisco's Union Square. The preceding year had seen Nordstrom announcing the shutdown of two of their stores citing the worsening conditions in the vicinity. Craig Ackerman, a seasoned real estate veteran, having witnessed the dynamics of San Francisco over three decades, expressed his dismay over the wasted potential caused by ineffective leadership. He anticipates several more years of regression if substantial changes aren't made promptly. Yet, with the current city administration's inclination towards symbolic gestures over pragmatic solutions, the future continues to look decidedly bleak. According to Ackerman, he believes the city may face another five to eight years of misguided governance. He sadly notes that the situation is disarrayed and there's no requirement for such a mess. He firmly believes that with a swoop of policy reformations, these prevailing issues could easily be mitigated. Ackerman believes the city's leadership is resistant to such evolutions, choosing to maintain the current state of affairs. 'It's simply preposterous, but they choose to let it continue,' Ackerman told The Post. His assertion is that the officials are content to champion ideological symbols and search for an utopic state that remains elusive in reality. He added, 'I don't foresee change coming anytime soon. They seem elated with their ideologically charged banners, aiming for an ideal world that doesn't exist. It's a quest that could prove costly if left unchecked.' San Francisco's future hangs in a delicate balance, much like many other cities challenged by economic downturns, shifting social dynamics, and a rapidly changing world. It remains to be seen whether its leadership will heed the lessons of its past, adapt, and find creative, effective solutions for the city's many issues. Real News Now Website Connect with Real News Now on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealNewsNowApp/ X Twitter: https://twitter.com/realnewsapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realnews/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realnewsnowapp Threads: https://www.threads.net/@realnews/ Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/realnewsnow Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@RealNews YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@realnewsnowapp End Wokeness: https://endthewokeness.com #realnewsnowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI vs. The Poets! April is National Poetry Month. Can you tell which poem was created by humans from those generated by AI? Join us as two poets face off against chatbots in a battle worthy of the WWF Smackdown! Mari Riddle is the retired President/CEO of Grand Performances, a nationally recognized 30+ year performing arts organization located in California Plaza, a DTLA office building complex built with an onsite outdoor performing arts venue. Grand Performances mission is to inspire community, celebrate diversity and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts. As a performer Mari co-founded two music groups. The first, SABIÁ, in 1977 while at Brown University with fellow students. The second was Desborde. She toured North America and recorded four albums. As a performing arts organization professional, she was the Executive Director of the First Traditional Latin American Music Festival in Los Angeles and Executive Director of the Friends of the Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park. Paul Garza, Jr. was born in Los Angeles at Queen of the Angels Hospital. He grew in the San Gabriel Valley. He now lives in Ft. Bragg, California to be near his grandchildren. He began writing poetry when he was 13, has published three volumes of poetry and has had several poems published in literary journals. Regrettably, he has not found an audience in the US - his poetry has been published almost exclusively in India. He holds a Masters in Indian Religion and Mythology from CSU Fullerton. Paul has lived in India and Saudi Arabia, and has done consulting in El Salvador, Mexico and Oman. He continues his life time study of spirituality and mythology in Qabalah, Alchemy, Arthurian and Grail Studies, and is deeply fascinating with the wisdom of the ancient world along with a lifetime participation in the Shakti-Shiva traditions of India. He also teaches these regularly. The Quill and the Quantum is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #authorsontheair #poetry #chatgpt

Programming note: TB and Clare make a major LWW announcement right before getting to the episode's topic. In fantastic news, TB and Miranda's latest book is with the editor. What a relief! They're already plotting the next story and TB loves the shiny and new stage before getting words on the page. In surprising news, TB's in a fantastic mood, despite being exhausted, but for an exciting reason. Big announcement, folks! Clare's upcoming book is titled Just Kiss Her. On the flip side, Clare's experience with setting up her Shopify store has been anything but smooth sailing. It seems she's been encountering quite a few frustrations, possibly leading to some colorful language. Before getting to the topic, they rank their top 5 books in their series (Lizzie for TB and London for Clare). They crash on to the topic: how to write the perfect book. Have they kept a secret magic formula hidden throughout five years of this podcast? Regrettably not. However, they do offer valuable advice on crafting the best book possible. Tune in for some golden insights you won't want to overlook. Please send in your comments and questions for the duo to discuss on the next episode. Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com and leave us a comment. Happy listening! Clare & TB

What is driving the concern over online gambling? The lawyer who took on Big Tobacco, Richard Daynard, says it is an addictive product. The Public Health Advocacy Institute, which he heads up, is suing the sports betting platform DraftKings for deceptive advertising. Audie talks with Daynard, who's made a career of bringing lawsuits in pursuit of public health, a strategy he calls “wholesale” rather than “retail.” We also hear from NBA star Rex Chapman, author of the memoir, “It's Hard For Me To Live With Me.” Chapman gives us insight into both the world of sports and the world of gambling. While he's never participated in sports betting himself, he reflects on his experiences gambling millions on horse racing and blackjack. -------  Read DraftKings' statement in response to Daynard's Public Health Advocacy Institute's lawsuit:  "As a customer-first organization, DraftKings takes consumer protection and responsible gaming seriously. DraftKings respectfully disagrees with the claims and allegations made by the Public Health Advocacy Institute. The disclosures and explanations provided to customers before they make an initial deposit are detailed, clear, conspicuous and informative. Multiple examples are provided. Regrettably, the Institute ignored our multiple attempts to engage in an in-person dialogue to carefully examine their concerns in light of these disclosures and, instead, filed suit.”   The company also said in a statement:  “DraftKings is committed to educating consumers about the importance of playing responsibly. We have created tools like “My Stat Sheet” an innovative feature that gives players the ability to assess, track and interact with their personal stats through intuitive charts and information that can help empower players to make data-driven decisions on their own play, as well as offer customers the ability to control how they engage with our app through cool-off periods, deposit and wager limits. Furthermore, we collaborate with organizations such as the National Council for Problem Gaming, Responsible Online Gaming Association, Kindbridge Behavioral Health and the American Gaming Association. A core priority for DraftKings is ensuring that customers are using our products as intended, for safe and responsible entertainment.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us on a walk and talk as we play a little game of Would You Rather, artist edition! We would love for you to check out Amie's fiction. Her witchy tudor novel, Regrettably, I Am About to Cause Trouble, and her Sexy medieval romp, The Rules Upheld by No One are available in audio, e-book, and print on most major platforms. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amie-mcnee/message

The persistent question echoing through countless weight loss journeys: "Why is weight loss not working?" Strap in as we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the myriad challenges individuals face when striving to shed pounds, and more importantly, the strategic solutions that pave the way to success. Dr. Amy Brenner and Nutrition Coach Amanda Treon, decode the enigma of stalled weight loss, shining a spotlight on critical factors that often lurk beneath the surface. First and foremost, they confront the common yet insidious issue of improper food tracking. From underestimating portion sizes to disregarding hidden calories, they uncover how inaccuracies in monitoring dietary intake can sabotage even the most diligent efforts. Regrettably, despite meticulous tracking and efforts to maintain a calorie deficit, certain individuals may find themselves unable to shed weight on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Brenner and Amanda delve deeper to unearth the role of underlying medical conditions that may thwart weight loss endeavors. From hormonal imbalances to metabolic disorders, these silent saboteurs demand recognition and targeted intervention for meaningful progress to occur. So, if you've ever found yourself perplexed by the question, "Why is weight loss not working?" rest assured, you're not alone. Unravel the mysteries, dispel the myths, and equip you with the tools needed to navigate the twists and turns of your own weight loss odyssey. Start your weight loss journey with AB Modern Day Warrior Semaglutide Program in Cincinnati like and subscribe!  Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/amybrennermd/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/DoctorAmyBrenner YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyBrennerMD Special thanks to our guest, Amanda Treon! Amanda Treon, CNM is a wellness coach at Amy Brenner MD and Associates. Previous to coaching our weight loss patients, she saw our medical patients maneuver through hormone and gynecological issues everyday. She found her passion, after experiencing her own weight loss journey. Through tests and trials she uncovered what worked best for her & this experience helps drive her strength in helping others find their way to healthier lifestyles.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Yesterday I interviewed Melissa Kearney, the author of a book called “The Two Parent Privilege.” Regrettably, my sound engineers were unable to create usable audio for the episode. But I've recreated the conversation, with a summary of the key facts, data, and analysis. I do hope you enjoy it. Let me know if you have follow up questions. I'd love to answer them and relay what Ms. Kearney had to share. I might even sneak in my analysis and opinion! Have a wonderful weekend. See you Monday! — Bryan

It's the first of a series if The Guys remember to finish: it's time to  “Get to Know the Guys.”  Art is out this week taking care of his executive producer, so Jay takes a few minutes to interview Robbie. To figure out where he came from, how he got all his irons into all his fires, what makes him the vibrant media personality all listeners know and love.  Or it could be called, “What Robbie does when he's not making this podcast, and why.”  Who knew The Guys had other lives?   Robbie also brings news of a kickstarter with significant figures, and Jay is ready to go to the theater (even if it's his surround-sound-enhanced living room version) to see a little ungentlemanly warfare.  Regrettably, this week's regrettable superhero is just a part of a hero, despite it's excellent vision.  Be the first to listen to this inaugural episode!

In 1942, many Americans feared a Japanese invasion of the West Coast of the US or Canada was imminent. Regrettably, these fears led to the belief--unsupported by facts--that the ethnic Japanese population on the West Coast represented a dangerous fifth column of potential spies and saboteurs.

After Dark with Hosts Rob & Andrew – Democrats have been promising to make the lives of black people better since the Civil Rights movement. Yet nothing has been done. It has all been an empty promise without fulfillment. Regrettably, in return, blacks have delivered their votes to Democrats every election. Bebe Diamond, the host of Our Urban Story, explained, "Democrats have used blacks to gain power...

First off, friends, audio continues to betray us at every turn. We had multiple glitches again this week so, if James suddenly starts talking about the Patriarchy seemingly mid-sentence, we apologise for the non sequitur. I think things mostly make sense though? Let us know. So, what's the episode about? Amie has an arch nemesis, and that arch nemesis is a man called Hubs who goes by the social media handle @Hubs.life (not normalise the 9-5 as we mistakenly say in the ep). Hubs doe not know Amie. Amie has never met Hubs. But Hubs made the mistake of making a series of reels and tiktoks urging his followers to "normalise the 9-5". We talk about why we in fact do not need to do this (spoiler, because it is already incredibly normalised). If you soldier through the "life update" section at the 2/3s mark, we go on to discuss our tips for those of you trying to create around your job (which we also have a full podcast episode on). Xoxo Amie and James P.s. Amie's novels are going gangbusters at the moment! Regrettably, I am About to Cause Trouble is flying off the proverbial shelf largely thanks to a massive shoutout from Emmi.Reads. If you've read Regrettably, we'd love if you could review it on goodreads, to get it higher in that sweet book nerd algo, or on the non-Amazon affiliated Story Graph. Remember it is both free on Youtube, and included in a Spotify Premium membership. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amie-mcnee/message

TCW Podcast Episode 205 - Shepherd's Mass Effect 2 & 3   In our examination of the second and third installments of the Mass Effect trilogy, we delve into the development of each game and the transformative impact of BioWare's acquisition by EA. Mass Effect 2 marked a notable departure, shifting away from RPG elements towards a more structured shooter, with a renewed emphasis on narrative, albeit sidelining the original game's crew and downplaying choices made in its predecessor. Regrettably, Mass Effect 3 faced challenges, including the departure of its head writer and a departure from the hard sci-fi roots. The third game disappointed fans as high aspirations fell short, particularly in the lack of meaningful impact from player choices on the ending, which itself was criticized for adopting a Deus Ex Machina style conclusion. Despite these setbacks, the series retains a devoted fan base, attesting to its enduring appeal.   Want to get Alex's book? Want to save some cash doing so? Want more books, and help charities? We got you! https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-architecture-worldbuilding-and-ai-taylor-francis-books   Mass Effect Storyline in 3 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WfTN57dOVg KOTOR Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8F-qqxGPNQ MASS Effect Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vSGwx0zvek Mass Effect Lore - The Asari: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb20dR_X1E0 The Dirty Dozen Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff1V6ywnWcY ME2 - Mordin Performing Scientist Salarian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj0iJtgHOCI Mass Effect - Cerberus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_et4nN7LtAA ME3 Endings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ1O_w0ksgw   New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

February 9: Matthew (@MatthewBerryTMR), Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) and Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) kickoff their final show in Las Vegas with Matthew and Jay sitting down with Saquon Barkley, who gets a lesson from the guys in playing fantasy football. Chargers WR Quentin Johnston follows and explains his eagerness to play for Jim Harbaugh. After ruing a lost bet from Jay Thursday night, actor and comedian Rob Riggle stops by to breakdown the roots of his Chiefs fandom. Chris Johnson also jumps on the set to detail where he would like to see Derrick Henry play in 2024 before the guys highlighting their favorite prop from DraftKings Super Bowl LVIII prop sheet.(00:45) – Saquon Barkley Interview: Playing through “Tommy Cutlets” mania, figuring out how to play fantasy football and engaging with fans(12:30) – Quentin Johnston Interview: Excitement playing for Jim Harbaugh, learning from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and his chemistry with Justin Herbert(23:15) – Regrettably reflecting on Jay's losing bet on Comeback Player of the Year(25:00) – Rob Riggle Interview: Where he ranks among Chiefs “superfans”, thoughts on Taylor Swift joining Chiefs Kingdom and his Hollywood star fantasy leagues(36:30) – Chris Johnson Interview: Highlighting his success playing fantasy, why a track background helps RBs and where he wants to see Derrick Henry play in 2024(46:30) – Last Call: The crew picks their favorite prop from DraftKings Super Bowl LVIII prop sheet  

Tom welcomes back Justin Huhn, founder of the Uranium Insider Newsletter, to discuss the unusual dynamics of today's uranium market. Huhn points out the current lack of secondary supplies which has led to a significant deficit expected to last until large projects become operational in three to five years. These multiple buyers vying for limited supplies should keep prices high for some time. In Kazakhstan, Kazatomprom continually drills to maintain crucial uranium production levels. However, the industry faces a notable shortage of skilled workers, a problem not confined to Kazakhstan, but also affecting the United States and Canada. The potential ban on imports of Russian uranium into the US, currently awaiting Senate approval, could lead to further price increases if passed. Huhn also discusses China's considerable impact on the uranium market. Despite having a large geographic area, China lacks substantial uranium resources. With 55 gigawatts of nuclear capacity and 26 reactors under construction, the country's domestic demand far surpasses supply. Therefore, China seeks international contracts, recently signing substantial deals with KazAtomProm, the world's leading uranium producer. Unlike Western strategies, China aims for a stable long-term supply strategy, making it unlikely they will become uranium sellers, despite owning the world's largest uranium inventory. Huhn notes that while nuclear utilities might not like escalating uranium prices, they can transfer these costs to rate payers as uranium is a minor faction of their operating budgets. High uranium prices are beneficial to the industry and are expected to continue due to growing demand and supply constraints. The chance of the current market creating overheating on underlying assets remains uncertain. However, Huhn expects profit-taking after gains. The discussion concludes with predictions of a continuing bullish market and rising prices due to looming demand. The belief is that despite potential roadblocks, the industry must address the increasing demand for nuclear energy, underscoring the robust health and growth of the nuclear industry. Time Stamp References:0:00 - Introduction0:39 - Unprecedented Dynamics3:22 - Inflation Adjusted Chart7:30 - New Uranium Projects10:42 - Mine Development Time15:00 - KazAtomProm Production17:30 - Risks Both Left/Right19:10 - Russia Imports/Sanctions22:40 - Financial Mkt. Impacts26:10 - Price Stability Importance31:00 - Nuclear Plant Restarts31:53 - Contracts & Deliveries36:26 - Chinese Market Impacts41:03 - Current Equity Conditions46:42 - Thoughts on Cameco48:28 - Wrap Up Guest Links:Website: https://www.uraniuminsider.com/Newsletter: https://www.uraniuminsider.com/newsletterTwitter: https://twitter.com/UraniumInsiderYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UraniumInsider Justin is the Founder and Publisher of the Uranium Insider Pro Newsletter. Through the combination of rigorous fundamental analysis and Justin's thorough understanding of technical analysis, determinations are made for select companies to be included on Uranium Insider Pro's "Focus List," as well as the most opportune times for entry or exit. Justin is frequently asked to offer his commentary on various media forums, including Crux Investor, Smith Weekly, Palisades Gold Radio, Mining Stock Education, and Mining Stock Daily. He also regularly participates in the post-earnings commentary that is broadcast immediately after industry majors release quarterly earnings. Justin is devoted to bringing value to those that are taking their first look at the uranium sector. Until July 2020, he distributed a complimentary newsletter as an educational tool to those investors seeking to familiarize themselves with the complexities and opportunities offered by the uranium sector and the uranium shares. Regrettably, the Uranium Insider Pro subscription letter's subscriber growth and breadth no longer allow him to provide this tool.

By Jorge de Campos in Fort Worth, TX - January 20, 2024 - God is warning mankind to repent while there is time. Regrettably we know human beings will not repent but will get worse and worse. What hope is there for us as members of God's Church, our children and grandchildren? What must we do?

Nurses Out Loud with Nurse Michele, RN – No doubt, the post-Covid era failing medical system has played its part in contributing to delayed diagnosis and care for both Michelle and her mother. Regrettably, patients like Michele's mother have borne the weight of the failing medical system with the loss of health and quality of life. For the sake of generations to come, a great reform of the American medical system is long overdue...

Nurses Out Loud with Nurse Michele, RN – No doubt, the post-Covid era failing medical system has played its part in contributing to delayed diagnosis and care for both Michelle and her mother. Regrettably, patients like Michele's mother have borne the weight of the failing medical system with the loss of health and quality of life. For the sake of generations to come, a great reform of the American medical system is long overdue...

David is in heaven when he meets Tony Guyan who was the floor manager of Fawlty Towers from many years ago. When Joe and David find out it was Tony's job to rearrange the letters on the Fawlty Towers sign at the start of each ep to ‘Flowery Twats' they freak out. Tony tells them about one of the shows most iconic scenes and how it was his job to give John Cleese a choice of branches to whack the broken down car with, standing just off camera to hand them to him. This blows their mind even further. Regrettably, Tony tells them he turned down an offer to work on the second series for a tv show none of them can remember. He also once forgot Bernard Cribbins name at a very crucial moment. If you're a fan of TV nostalgia and old sitcoms you'll love this ep as much as David and Joe. For Merch: https://chatabixshop.com/ Follow us Twitter: https://twitter.com/chatabix1 Follow us Insta: www.instagram.com/chatabixpodcast Join us Patreon: www.patreon.com/chatabix Watch us You Tube: www.youtube.com/@chatabixpodcast Contact us: chatabix@yahoo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we delve into the tragic story of Victoria Martens, a 10-year-old whose life took a devastating turn. Michelle, Victoria's mother, encountered an individual on a dating app and invited them into their home. Regrettably, this decision on August 24, 2016, ultimately resulted in the untimely death of Victoria. Esta semana nos adentramos en la trágica historia de Victoria Martens, una niña de 10 años cuya vida dio un giro devastador. Michelle, la madre de Victoria, se encontró con una persona en una aplicación de citas y la invitó a su casa. Lamentablemente, esta decisión del 24 de agosto de 2016 finalmente resultó en la muerte prematura de Victoria. — Support Us: Get your Merch here! : https://www.cuentocrimenpodcast.com/category/all-products Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cuentocrimenpodcast — Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuentocrimenpodcast/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cuentocrimenpodcast?lang=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb-xq8FGsgxqDOyT4CsCfHA Twitter: https://twitter.com/CuentoCrimenPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550192066426 — Email us a personal true crime encounter at: cuentocrimenpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Bios Show Transcript Third-party investigations have become increasingly common as churches and Christian institutions continue to be rocked by scandal. But how can you tell if an investigation is truly independent—or just another attempt to cover up?   In this edition of The Roys Report, experts address the red flags and key features to look for in any so-called “independent” investigation. And they answer questions like: Can a third-party investigation by a law firm ever be truly independent? What advantages are there to hiring an investigative team that's familiar with church culture to conduct investigations involving Christian institutions? And what are the hallmarks of a “trauma-informed” investigation? The answers to these questions are especially relevant due to the current controversy over the third-party investigation announced by the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, or IHOPKC. Mike Bickle, IHOPKC's founder, has been accused of abusing multiple women and IHOPKC leaders have been accused of mishandling reports of abuse. After announcing it had hired a national law firm to conduct the investigation, IHOPKC changed course and dismissed the law firm. Then, it hired another law firm, but is refusing to divulge the name of the new firm.  Joining us on the podcast is a top American litigator and former GoDaddy general counsel, who's also a Christian with a passion to protect victims. That litigator is Christine Jones, who also serves on the board of The Roys Report. She has considerable expertise in this area and her insights on this issue are incredibly helpful. Two other experts joining me, Pete Singer and Robert Peters, are known for the organization they lead—Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment, or GRACE. GRACE has become the gold standard in the Christian survivor community because of the quality of its investigations and its commitment to protect survivor interests.  Listen now for a lively, and eye-opening discussion that will help you discern whether to trust a third-party investigation—or to cry foul. Guests Christine N. Jones Christine N. Jones is a top American litigator, business executive, and civic leader who has a passion to protect the vulnerable. Until 2012, she served as general counsel for GoDaddy. During her time there, she helped drive federal Internet-related legislation, including laws to keep the internet safe from child predators like the Protect Our Children Act and the Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act. Christine also practiced law at Beus Gilbert, which has been ranked as one of the top law firms in the country. She also served several years as the COO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Christine recently launched her own firm, Newman Jones, a private law firm in Arizona, which specializes in representing victims of abuse in churches and Christian organizations. Pete Singer Pete Singer is Executive Director at GRACE, which focuses on abuse prevention and response in faith communities. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years' experience across settings. He received his MSW and certificate in Trauma-Effective Leadership from the University of Minnesota. He trains and writes on trauma-informed practice and his counseling practice focuses on children and adults who have experienced trauma. He has published and contributed to a number of articles and book chapters including Wounded Souls: The Need for Child Protection Professionals and Faith Leaders to Recognize and Respond to the Spiritual Impact of Child Abuse and forthcoming work Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church: Equipping Faith Communities to Prevent and Respond to Abuse. Robert Peters Robert Peters has been with GRACE over 10 years and is currently the Director of Institutional Response, where he oversees all investigations and assessments. He served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Special Prosecutor in multiple West Virginia jurisdictions, where he specialized in the prosecution of sexual offenses, civil child abuse and neglect, and online child exploitation. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals. Visit netgrace.org Show Transcript SPEAKERSCHRISTINE JONES, PETER SINGER, Julie Roys, ROBERT PETERS Julie Roys  00:05Third party investigations have become increasingly common as churches and Christian institutions continue to be rocked by scandal. But how can you tell if an investigation is truly independent, or just another attempt to cover up? Welcome to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And our topic today has become a big issue because an organization facing a major scandal just hired a law firm to conduct its third-party investigation. That organization is the International House of Prayer in Kansas City or IHOP. And if you’ve been following this story, you know that IHOP founder, Mike Bickle, has been accused of abusing multiple women and IHOP itself has been accused in mishandling multiple reports of abuse. The Roys Report has published several articles about this scandal. So, if you need some background on the story, I encourage you to go to JULIEROYS.COM, and then click on the investigations tab, and you can find all those stories on IHOP.**   Julie Roys  01:05 But joining me today to discuss these issues is a top American litigator who’s also a Christian with a passion to protect victims. That litigator is Christine Jones, who also serves on the board of The Roys Report. And she has so much expertise in this area. So, I’m very excited to pick her brain on this issue. But also joining me are Pete Singer and Robert Peters of Godly Repose to Abuse in a Christian Environment or GRACE. GRACE has become the gold standard in the Christian survivor community because of the quality of its investigations and its commitment to protect survivor interests. So, I’m very excited about today’s podcast.**   Julie Roys  01:45 But before we dive in, I’d like to thank the sponsors of this podcast, Judson University, and Marquardt of Barrington. If you’re looking for a top ranked Christian University, providing a caring community and an excellent college experience, Judson University is for you. Judson is located on 90 acres just 40 miles west of Chicago in Elgin, Illinois. The school offers more than 60 majors, great leadership opportunities and strong financial aid. Plus, you can take classes online as well as in person. Judson University is shaping lives that shaped the world. For more information, just go to JUDSONU.EDU. Also, if you’re looking for a quality new or used car, I highly recommend my friends at Marquardt of Barrington. Marquardt is a Buick GMC dealership where you can expect honesty, integrity, and transparency. That’s because the owners there Dan and Kurt Marquardt are men of integrity. To check them out just go to BUYACAR123.COM.**   Julie Roys  02:49 Well again joining me today are Pete Singer and Robert Peters from GRACE which stands for  Godly Repose to Abuse in a Christian Environment  And GRACE is one of the most respected organizations in the Christian survivor community when it comes to independent investigations. And I’m really looking forward to talking with them and getting a behind the scenes look about how these investigations are done. But first, I’d like to introduce Christine Jones. Christine is a top litigator, business executive, and civic leader who has a passion to protect the vulnerable. Until 2012. she served as general counsel for GoDaddy. She also practice law at BS Gilbert, which has been ranked as one of the top law firms in the country. And she recently launched her own firm Newman Jones, a private law firm in Phoenix, Arizona. But her greatest claim to fame by far is serving as a board member for The Roys Report. So, Christine, welcome. I’m so glad you could join us.   CHRISTINE JONES  03:43 Thank you, Julie. So great to be here. And that is by far my best claim to fame for the record.   Julie Roys  03:48 Absolutely. I’m glad that you clarified that. So, Christine, I wanted to talk to you first because there’s been a lot of buzz lately about law firms conducting third party investigations. And this is nothing new, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. For example, when they did their investigation, they brought in a law firm Miller Martin, there was a law firm Husch Blackwell, that investigated Cedarville University after it hired a known sexual predator that was a couple of years ago. But right now, the International House of Prayer in Kansas City IHOP is facing a major crisis. So IHOP has just announced that they’re going to do a third-party investigation, and they initially hired a law firm Stinson LLP, to conduct this investigation, but there’s been a lot of pushback because there are a lot of people saying that no investigation by a law firm is truly independent. Well, then last Friday evening, IHOP announced that it had decided not to proceed with Stinson. And the reason that IHOP gave was that third parties claiming to represent the victims had communicated a lack of trust in Stinson. So now IHOP is said that it’s hired a local law firm to investigate, but when I asked IHOP to identify the law firm Lenny LaGuardia, a member of IHOP’s executive team replied, and I quote, We will not be publishing her name out of respect for her privacy. When I asked an additional clarifying question about the attorney, LaGuardia responded, IHOP, KC will not be providing any personal information about its attorneys, they are not the story and you should know better, unquote. So, Christine, say hypothetically, that one of the alleged victims of Mike Bickle is your client. Would you advise your client to cooperate with this investigation?   CHRISTINE JONES  05:35 So setting aside the attorney independence for one moment, I would say , all else being equal, if you have some information that’s germane to the discussion, then you know, and you’re not being re traumatized or re victimized and you have the capacity to do it, probably, I would advise them to go ahead and give the information because that is going to be helpful to the outcome, the recommendations or you know, whatever the third party investigator is doing. Now, I have to say that with a caveat, as always, these people may be bound by preexisting contractual relationships that limit what they can say. And in that case, they should probably seek the counsel of an attorney before they do that.   Julie Roys  06:14 So, the fact that the attorney isn’t being named to the public, do you see that as a major problem?   CHRISTINE JONES  06:21 Well, this entire scene has unfolded in such an unusual way. And I have followed a little bit of the back and forth on social media. Stinson, a well-respected law firm being named actually probably was positive, because they do have such a good reputation in the legal community, I don’t know that they had a previous attorney client relationship with IHOP. So that could have at least set a path for them to have independence in this scenario. But here’s the thing, not disclosing who the lawyer is for the sake of protecting the lawyer’s privacy is a very unusual suggestion. And the answer that you got on that inquiry is puzzling to me, because the attorney’s privacy is not the issue here. So, I hate to use the word excuse, Julie. But it does sound to me like they’re just using that as a cover up for their own lack of transparency in this process.   Julie Roys  07:16 Well, the lawyer is the professional, I mean, this is their job, their public, it does seem like a very odd response. development that happened over the weekend is that Ben Anderson, who I guess is a former IHOP staff member, posted on Facebook, the name of the person he believes is the attorney that’s been hired by IHOP. I have tried to confirm it again, went to IHOP. And they will not confirm or deny that this person is the person but the person that he has named publicly on Facebook is friends, apparently with IHOP executive leadership. And apparently, after he posted some social media posts showing this relationship, this attorney deleted her Facebook account and some social media. So, it does seem to be a little fishy, what’s going on. But let’s say that this person is the person but again, we’re not able to determine for sure whether or not that’s true. If somebody is friends with the executive leadership, if perhaps and I guess there’s some indications that she may actually attend IHOP’s church Forerunner, essentially, if that’s the case, correct me if I’m wrong, has it moved from being a third party independent or some semblance of independent investigation? Now we’re really looking at an internal investigation?   CHRISTINE JONES  08:39 Well, let’s talk about the investigation itself before we get to the crux of that question. An attorney could conceivably conduct an independent investigation. Here’s the rub; any attorney client relationship comes with the fiduciary duty that the attorney owes to the client. And look, if this attorney doesn’t want to disclose the fact of the engagement because the attorney feels like in their ethical opinion, that would violate some kind of fiduciary responsibility that they have, that’s their decision. The client certainly can disclose it. But getting back to the independence. The issue here is I was gonna say it’s twofold. It’s actually three-fold. Here, if you have a relationship that’s existing with the executives, it’d be very difficult to claim you have independence on this particular issue. You may even be a percipient witness, you may even be a fact witness, which is a huge red flag for any attorney going into any kind of engagement.   The second thing is if you have this existing attorney client relationship, it’s almost impossible to conduct an independent investigation because you are already required to demonstrate a duty of loyalty to the client, which is the antithesis of independence. It is the exact opposite of independence. No client wants their attorney to be independent of them. That’s why you hire an attorney, right? So, let’s just say it’s a generic person, we don’t know who they are, any lawyer out there, pick a name. If they had that existing relationship, and they have a hope of a relationship in the future, they’re already making money from this client, and they hope to make money from the client in the future, it would be virtually impossible under the ethical rules for them to be considered independent in this investigation.   Now, if it’s a huge law firm, they have hundreds of lawyers in different cities, you know, could one department do the investigation, another department do the advising? Possibly, but that certainly doesn’t seem to be the case here. And it strikes me that IHOP getting rid of Stinson is them backtracking. They’re getting themselves dug into a deeper hole here that they were even in before. They’re not improving their situation, they’re making it worse,   Julie Roys  10:59 Good points that you brought up. I mean, the fiduciary responsibility the lawyer has to its client, and then the possibility of, you know, some sort of relationship in the future, obviously complicating things, and this is why in the very beginning, people were like, Oh, my goodness, they hired a law firm. And what a lot of people were asking for was an organization like GRACE, Godly Repose to Abuse in a Christian Environment, who plays by very different rules. And again, they’re going to be joining us in just a bit and we’ll hear about what they do that is different. But is there ever a situation in which we can say this is truly an independent investigation when you’re being hired by the organization that you’re investigating?   CHRISTINE JONES  10:59 I guess it’s possible. If you had an engagement that had a well-defined set of terms, and your role was only to determine a set of facts. Issue a report that said, here’s the timeline on this date, at this time, in this place, this proper noun did the following. And you just gave the report with no recommendation, no observation, no characterization, no coloring of the facts, you could conceivably be independent. It would always be the client’s decision about whether those findings would be released. It’s a really tricky situation for the finest law firm in the best circumstances. Somebody who has a preexisting relationship, which I understand if the lawyer is who we think it is, is in a really precarious position, claiming that they’re independent, and that their findings are going to be completely objective.   Julie Roys  12:34 So, a little over a week ago, Michael Brown, Dr. Michael Brown spoke at IHOP. And he announced that there was going to be this independent investigation. And Michael is someone who’s very well respected within the charismatic community. And again, IHOP-KC is a charismatic organization. So, I think they were bringing in someone who would be a trusted voice. And so, he argued that the Christian community could trust this investigation, because IHOP had pledged to make these findings public. And again, I know with RZIM, when they were doing the Miller Martin investigation that was the crux right for them was whether or not they were going to make these findings public. I don’t know if that’s still on the table, to be honest, given that things have changed. But let’s assume that it is and IHOP is going to make the findings public. I guess the question is, even when they make the findings public are we talking the complete findings? Is this a redacted finding? Is this the part of the findings you want us to know? I mean, is this really much of an assurance that the findings are going to be public? Or would we still say, you know, as the public looking to get some assurance that this is really been investigated, that we can trust what they’re reporting?   CHRISTINE JONES  13:46 It’s tricky, right? Unless you had actual recordings of conversations, and maybe you had a third-party observer sitting in on those conversations and hearing the results of the investigatory process, it would be almost impossible to say, Now, I don’t want to bad mouth Mr. Brown, you know, reputationally, he’s an upstanding guy. But we’re not judging his statement here. What we’re saying is, lawyers are humans, and humans have bias. And if I’m a victim, I’m a survivor, or I come forward or even I’m a close associate of one or I’ve been part of this community for a long time., and I know somebody who is, I’m still going to have to question, did that human who is a lawyer, conduct this in a way that I can rely on the findings? I will never know because I will never know what the process was that they used. And I already know, particularly if this lawyer is part of the church, but I will already know that they have gone into it with a preset bias that will make it very difficult for them not to filter their conversations and their findings through their preexisting relationship.   Julie Roys  14:59 And one thing I didn’t mention I mean, which you’ve hinted at, I mean, there is an engagement and a letter of engagement that’s signed between the client and the law firm. Is it ever okay to release that letter of engagement? And also, I know, for example, the Southern Baptist Convention when the executive committee was being investigated, they actually waived under a great deal of pressure, their attorney client privilege. Is that something that we could expect or should expect in a situation like this?   CHRISTINE JONES  15:30 That’s a really interesting question. And here, it’s probably not going to be the same outcome as what we saw on the SBC, which as you said was exceptional. The client owns that privilege, the client gets to pick whether the privilege is waived. Here, the motivation for IHOP to give more information is probably well, I mean, it’s going to be tricky for them, right? Because anything that they find that’s derogatory, they’re gonna be less inclined to disclose it, right? We don’t have the power, sort of as third parties who don’t have privity to this contract, to require them to disclose it. Could there be some community pressure, either by survivors or by members of the community, like what we saw in the SBC? I suppose it’s possible. But even let’s say that they produce the engagement letter. Let’s say they sent it to you, and you published it. Let’s say they gave us the entire report, right? It’s still gonna come with the names of minors redacted, it’s probably still going to have some information that’s viewed as relevant to a criminal investigation or, you know, somehow protective of victims' rights redacted. So, will you ever see the entirety of it? You know, as I sit here today, I would say probably not.   Julie Roys  16:46 Yeah. Well, we will see as the story continues to unfold, but Christine really appreciate you being willing to come on and lend your expertise, which has just been such a blessing to The Roys. Report, and to our listeners today, as well. So, thank you so much.   CHRISTINE JONES  17:01 My pleasure. And can we say one last thing in conclusion? Just in case anybody from IHOP-KC is listening to this podcast? IHOP, hire an independent third party to do this investigation. Let them find out what the facts were and hire a separate counsel to give you the advice on what to do with it. Why cloud the perception of what’s going on here? If you want to clean your house, clean your house and do it well.   Julie Roys  17:25 Thank you. And I would second those thoughts. Appreciate that so much.   CHRISTINE JONES  17:29 Thanks for having me, Julie.   Julie Roys  17:31 Absolutely. Well, now, Peter Singer, and Robert Peters are going to join us from GRACE. And Pete is the executive director of GRACE and a licensed clinical social worker with about 30 years of experience. He also has a master’s degree in social work and a certificate in trauma effective leadership from the University of Minnesota. So, Pete, such a privilege to have you join me. Thanks so much.   PETER SINGER  17:55 Thank you. It’s great to be here. Really appreciate the chance, Julie.   Julie Roys  17:59 And also joining me is Robert Peters, who oversees all investigations and assessments at GRACE. He formerly served as an assistant prosecuting attorney and special prosecutor in several jurisdictions in West Virginia. And in that capacity, he specialized in the prosecution of sexual offences, child abuse and neglect, and online child exploitation. So, Robert, so glad to have you on The Roys Report podcast. And I think, as I mentioned earlier, that I think this is the first time we’ve had two lawyers on our podcast. So welcome.   ROBERT PETERS  18:32 Great to be here. And I hope we don’t break any podcast length records unless you’re going for that. In which case, you’re welcome.   Julie Roys  18:39 So, GRACE has become, and I mentioned this before, sort of the gold standard when it comes to investigations. And that’s quite a badge of honor for you guys. And I know, it’s not just the investigations, but also the manner in which you treat victims. And that has given you a distinction among the survivor community. Right now, there is a petition circulating and I know you don’t want to comment on this, but there is a petition circulating urging IHOP hire GRACE to conduct its investigation because of, I think, the respect that you have within this community. What is unique with what you do? And let’s start with your expertise, because you focus specifically on investigations involving churches and Christian organizations. Pete talk about that, and how that perspective is perhaps different from a lot of organizations like a law firm, but even some other organizations that do similar type investigations, but not in this kind of space, but more normally in more of a corporate space.   PETER SINGER  19:42 Sure, really, really important things that come into play here. A big piece of that is an understanding the criteria that we’re looking at, isn’t just what does the law say? Yes, that is a very, very significant piece of criteria. But beyond that, we’re also looking at what is God saying? And at times, it can be very difficult for a law firm or other private investigative agency as part of the investigation to also do a theological review. And to say, Okay, let’s look at what happened here. And now we’ll examine that in light of Scripture. And one of the things that I think is unique about the way that GRACE does an investigation, is that GRACE brings in an incredible, incredible experience. Our investigators come from a background similar to what Robert is bringing in his background or from extensive law enforcement experience. They’re also bringing in that theological experience. They’re also bringing the understanding and the familiarity with church culture, church governance. For example, when we do a report associated with, let’s just say, a Presbyterian Church that might be governed by the Book of Church Order, we’ve got people on staff who are experts in the Book of Church Order, and we can specifically craft recommendations that fit within the Book of Church Order. And so being able to pull in that experience, as well as an understanding of what Scripture says about this. Because scripture is not silent on this; Scripture speaks so often of the Scripture sayings., In First Samuel, that Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli who was the high priest of the tent. Hasni and Phineas were acting as priests in Israel. Scripture calls them worthless men. Why? Because they used their position of spiritual authority to have sex with people. Scripture is calling out clergy sexual abuse.**   PETER SINGER  21:53 And then we’ll fast forward to the New Testament, and we’ve got Jesus calling out against child sexual abuse, anything that would harm a child, against elder abuse, against financial exploitation, against spiritual abuse. So a GRACE team brings in both that incredible legal background, similar to what Robert has, or many of the people who have been in law enforcement on our team have. But then an ability to blend that with what does scripture say? And what do we know about trauma? We have many, many published articles from people at GRACE, whether they’re our investigators, people on our leadership team, people on our board of directors that help explain the very nature of trauma and trauma informed practice. And we’ve got an article coming out at the end of the year that will be published in Currents in Theology and Mission, theology journal, that will be taking six key principles of trauma informed practice and saying, what does that look like when it’s applied in a church? When GRACE or an organization like GRACE comes in to do an investigation, that is all automatically a part of the analysis of this situation. And for an organization that does not have that deep embedded background within the Christian culture within churches, how are they going to be able to bring in and analyze the situation in light of Scripture? How are they going to be able to blend trauma informed practice and Scripture? And how are they going to bring those excellent qualifications like Robert has and the members of his team,   Julie Roys  23:44 Great points that you’re making, and I can relate as a journalist who works exclusively in the Christian space. And I’ve also worked in secular newsrooms. And it’s interesting when I did work in secular newsrooms, how much they misunderstood the language, or they misunderstood the culture, and they just weren’t able to report properly. And frankly, Christians didn’t trust them, because they didn’t know, they didn’t understand, they would misinterpret things. For me as a reporter, it’s hugely important that I understand spiritual abuse, for example, to understand how these communities work, as far as you know, a lot of these folks, it’s not like a work environment where you go, and then you come home, and you have your family and your community. This is their family and their community often. There is no leaving in many ways, and it encompasses all areas of their life. And so, I do think that having we call it a beat in journalism, I mean, you know, your beat, you know, really, really well and you understand the culture, you understand the people. I think the same thing sounds like what you’re saying is what GRACE is doing with investigations in this space.**   Julie Roys  24:48 Let’s talk about the independence and objectivity because Christine was talking a lot about that. You know, law firms obviously have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients, but you’re hired by clients. And again, I’m looking at this as a journalist. I can’t even have you buy me lunch; I can take no money from you. I’ve been offered numerous times, hey, we’ll fly you out to interview or flight. And I’m like, well, if I’m going to do the story, you can’t fly me out, you can’t do anything for me, and you can’t put me up, I need to come on my own dime, which is hard to say, because we have such a limited budget and stories we’d like to cover, right? But for us, if we take money, we’re not objective, right? I mean, that’s how strict it is for journalists in this space. So, I mean, talk about that, because you’re obviously being hired by organizations that you do investigations on,. How does that not make you beholden to your client?   ROBERT PETERS  25:38 The two-word answer would be structural independence. And that’s really critical of the contractual phase,. You know, in the discussions that we have with churches, where those discussions either prove to be fruitful or not, that’s the crucible. That’s where these things tend to either solidify, either grudgingly or smoothly to an independent investigation, or where they tend to flame out spectacularly. So, it really varies. And what I mean by structural independence, you know, and these are good questions that the perhaps survivors should be asking, before participating in any investigation, frankly, not just those that are undertaken by law firms. But yeah, what sort of is going into that? Is there some sort of those fiduciary pieces is there an attorney client relationship. We are not a law firm; we don’t provide legal services. So, we’re not coming into some of the same ethical obligations. I am an attorney, but I don’t function as an attorney within GRACE, or anything related to GRACE. So, there’s that piece of it, where we’re just sort of structurally ethically different and legally different.**   ROBERT PETERS  26:40 But then there’s contractual independence and the nature of the contract itself. No one sets a limit on the amount of interviews that we have. We may have estimates based on the facts that are presented to us by churches we’re having discussions with, but we’re very clear and the contracts provide for it. That’s ultimately an investigative determination of even the number of interviews. And so that becomes complicated right financially. Because certainly, we do need to pay our employees and contractors for the work, we want to continue equipping the church and equipping survivors, that takes resources. But we also want to make sure that we have maximum discretion in order that we don’t have those sort of perverse incentives and threads, bold and leveraged in ways that are unproductive to justice, that are unproductive to transparency. So, things like disclaiming those pieces expressly, but also ensuring that we have that type of discretion. Additionally, also at the risk of being inflammatory, GRACE is not a mud flap. And there are entities that sometimes unfortunately operate as mud flaps, meaning they direct the dirt into particular locations. They put emphasis of culpability on particular locations. And isn’t it interesting how that tends to align with the priorities of the individuals that are paying the bills? GRACE is not a mud flap. And so, when it comes to the other report drafting process itself, we do accept feedback, both from designated members of church leadership, as well as reporting victims. They always receive a copy of this report during the embargo period where we’re accepting feedback,. That feedback is limited to a few specific areas, that feedback is limited to is there something that’s factually inaccurate, not something I don’t like, we do get that feedback. But the feedback we’ll consider is limited to something that’s factually inaccurate, something that’s inconsistent with the church theology or polity, because we want to be culturally informed as we’re conducting these investigations. And then is there something that’s overly Identifying in the reporting victim? Those are things that we want flagged in the event that this report is elected to be made public, either by the church or by reporting victims who also have discretion to make public. There’s sort of those structural pieces where the church is no longer in control of that piece. And there have been cases where we simply don’t get contracts because some cultures that unfortunately, don’t have that healthy view of power dynamics, and aren’t really understanding the importance of engaging in that hard work. And it is hard work. And it is vulnerable work. Sometimes churches don’t see that necessity or correctly see the risks of that approach, and ultimately get the client to move forward with this. On the other hand, some do bravely step into that. And it is a difficult process, but it’s ultimately a necessary process for survivors, and ultimately, for the well-being of the church.   Julie Roys  29:20 Let’s talk about the report because this is a really, really key part of GRACE. So often the report as for example, we mentioned Ravi Zacharias International Ministries when they employed Miller, Martin, there were a couple things. And one is the scope of the investigation, which initially was very narrow, but because there was a lot of media pressure, and I know we published a story the minute I got some documentation saying this was limited, very narrowly we published on it, and then it broadened right? And that’s the beauty of the pressure of the publicity. But also with Miller Martin, that report was given to RZIM and there, I know from talking to people, there was a battle as to whether or not to release that to the public. And ultimately, it was the board’s decision. But I know there was so much public pressure and that was released publicly the full report, which was I mean, like a bomb went off, right? I mean, that was huge. So, let’s talk about that with what you’re doing. There have been reports that you’ve done that haven’t been released to the public. But what you do is unique in that you don’t just release it to the organizations that’s paying you. But you release it to somebody else, as well. Talk about that.   PETER SINGER  30:38 It’s absolutely essential that that happens. It can’t just be the church, or ministry, that was the Sikh of the abuse. That can’t be the only person that holds the power of the report. Because that report is power. We specifically have in the contract that we do not assign the copyright of the report to anybody, which means that nobody has the ability to say you can’t publish that. And then often, there is a recommendation something to the effect of church leadership work with survivors to figure out the best way to distribute this.**   PETER SINGER  31:21 Now, GRACE used to have a relatively standard recommendation of distribute this. But then, several years ago, what happened was a survivor said, What are you doing? Now, everybody will know who I am. I, the survivor did not want that distributed. And so, once that situation occurred, we changed how we address that. So that we tell the church generally, work with the survivor to figure out how to distribute this because sometimes survivors don’t want it more public. And then it’s that balance between empowerment and safety.   Julie Roys  32:04 Yeah. And that that always is the attention; it’s definitely attention in what I do as well. You want to always have a survivor centered approach in the way that you move forward with these things. And here’s something that, again, would be what we’ve heard recently, and we reported recently with IHOP, is people coming forward reporting, and then being traumatized when they report. Being interrogated, being gaslit, being grilled from very much an, aren’t you lying? kind of perspective or doubting what they’re saying, very skeptical. How do you keep from being re traumatized as somebody who comes forward? And what assurance do they have that they’re not going to be re traumatized? Because a lot of these people have been burned multiple times. And do you see what you do as uniquely protective of survivors?   ROBERT PETERS  32:58 Yeah, that’s such a critical question, Julie, and there’s a lot of different layers, I think, to what it means to provide a safe environment for witnesses, particularly survivors of abuse. I think it’s worth noting, tragically, how rare it is, for professionals in the field of sexual abuse investigation itself, let alone what I would consider ancillary professionals, which is most attorneys to engage well in this context in a way that does not inflict further harm. And let me double down on that a little bit. So prior to coming on board at GRACE, I spent the past four years at Zero Abuse Project before that at the National White Collar Crime Center, training law enforcement and child abuse prosecutors in all 50 states. Regrettably, some of them are virtual, like Hawaii. I’m not bitter about that at all. But pandemics were great. But one thing I learned, first of all, there are some incredibly gifted professionals that work in these spaces. And so, I don’t want my next statement to undercut the fact that they’re absolute heroes working for very low wages, extremely hard work, giving themselves, expanding themselves sacrificially. So, this is not a statement about those individuals. But the other reality is that many, possibly most individuals in law enforcement and prosecution are not competent to handle these cases. That’s just the reality. I’m talking criminal context. They’re simply not. There is a high level of specialization, there’s a high level of training, a high level of skill in achieving competence, let alone excellence in conducting sexual assault and child abuse investigations. And that’s true in the civil context as well. There are so many moving parts when it comes to the complexity of trauma. When it comes to how do you question, when it comes to accurately identifying grooming behaviors, when it comes to even your posture with witnesses? How do you build rapport? There’s just a whole host of pieces. But the reality is that specialization breeds excellence. We know that’s true in medicine. We know that’s true in every other context. It's true in investigations as well. If you’re not constantly building up those skills, staying current on literature, staying current on tactics, you’re not going to be competent, you’re going to inflict further harm. And simply having a PhD or a JD doesn’t make that any less likely; it might make it more likely. And so, it really just depends. And again, once again, I want to be very clear, there are attorneys that do a phenomenal job, that I call for advice on a frequent basis when it comes to conducting investigations. But I think it takes a lot of caution and humility to say, simply by virtue of being a law firm, there’s a qualification here. There needs to be some careful scrutiny of what those qualifications are, what type of credentials do the individuals involved have when it comes to forensic interviewing? What are the relevant publications, right? What protocol of forensic interviewing do they utilize? There’s a great deal of expertise that comes into not inflicting further harm in these interviews. I think there’s also a posture of intentional integration of trauma informed principles is that's very much in the DNA that started with Bob Tchividjian. And now it has grown with Pete Singer, what he’s brought from the mental health care field, in terms of how we interact with all witnesses, but especially survivors of abuse.   PETER SINGER  36:08 As we head into these interviews, those trauma informed principles that Robert talked about, these are things, one that we’re going to evaluate the church on. And two that we’re going to evaluate ourselves on. How are we doing this in the continuance of an investigation? So, these are the principles that need to govern our interview. The first and foremost is safety, physical safety, psychological safety, spiritual safety. The second, as I mentioned before, trust worthiness and transparency. The third, peer support. As long as they’re not another witness, a witness or a victim can bring a support person with them. As long as they’re not somebody else that would be a witness, bring that person with you to provide support. The fourth principle is collaboration and mutuality. That means work together with the person that’s been harmed, work together within our own group or among those who are specialists here at GRACE, and work together outside of our group. So, for example, when we’re doing an international investigation, we bring in cultural consultants to help us understand that culture so that we don’t make cultural flubs. Then empowerment, voice, and choice. How are we empowering those who have been harmed? How are we giving their voice a platform so that it can be heard? And then the final principle is humility, in the face of historical, cultural and gender factors, which simply cannot be separated from the trauma.   Julie Roys  37:52 So good. You have done an investigation for IHOP in the past, and that investigation, as I understand, never became public. Is there anything that you can say to shed light on that investigation, or how that might impact your moving forward, if you didn’t move forward with IHOP?   PETER SINGER  38:16 Sure, what I can say is that it was a completed investigation. What I can say is that consistent with our practice, the church was given a copy of the report, and anyone identified as a reported victim was given a copy of the report. I can also say that nobody was told not to distribute the report by GRACE. I can say that there have been some situations where GRACE has done multiple investigations for organizations. So having completed an investigation previously, does not prohibit GRACE, as long as we don’t feel that there’s a conflict of interest. And we need to check to make sure that there isn’t a conflict of interest. And as long as that conflict of interest is not there, then we can do an additional investigation with organizations just generally speaking.   Julie Roys  39:04 Lastly, and you’ve touched on analysis already. And this is something where I will say I’ve read a lot of these reports. GRACE’s analysis is usually something that I feel is insightful and is helpful. And because you guys get the culture and you get how abuse work, you get how cover ups work, you get all that stuff. I found those extremely helpful. At the same time, I have been horrified by some reports that I’ve seen. For example, there was a Guidepost Solutions report that was done on the Bryan Loritts’ investigation. I wrote about it so people can go and see it, but it was shocking to me because the only person that had this phone that had the evidence of wrongdoing was Bryan Loritts. He said things happened that he gave it to people. Nobody ever verified that they ever got the phone from him. He said he instructed people to report this to the police. We know that the police got no report whatsoever. And yet, the thing that was reported at the end of that was that Bryan Loritts essentially, has been found not guilty by this, you know. There’s no reason to think he was involved. It was shocking to me because the whole thing was pretty decent. I mean, really, they didn’t find out anything that I hadn’t found out prior, you know, because I had investigated this. But it was pretty decent as you went through. And if you understand the different people and what their objectives might be, and telling the truth or not telling the truth, but the analysis was just shocking to me. And there was so much inside of me that would have appreciated it, because when it was reported, people, you know, reporters can be really lazy. So they can just like look at the analysis at the end, and then just take that and not read the report. Because why bother, right? Just cut to the chase, read that, and then move on to your next story. And that’s what I suspect a lot of them did. And the problem is the truth didn’t get out there. So as a reporter, we keep like this really firm line between any analysis or opinion, and any news. So, we report all the facts here in the news story, we try not to let any editorial comment come in, and then we’ll report separately, okay, here’s what we think about it, if we do that. Or sometimes we’ll interview several experts, and then we’ll quote them in the story to give some perspective if we feel like the reader needs that. So, speak to that, because, again, I’ve seen it work. And I’ve seen it be absolutely abysmal, when there’s analysis in there, and there’s a part of me as a reporter that just wished the analysis would be separate,   PETER SINGER  41:38 You bring up a really great point, Julie, and I’m not going to speak to any particular other organization that is out there doing investigation. But just off the top of my head, I can think of three or four reports that I’ve read within the last year where I look at them, and their findings of fact make sense to me. And I get done reading the findings of fact thinking, wow, this is great. They actually revealed what happened. And then I get to their analysis. And I’m like, how did they get that analysis? That analysis is totally contrary to the facts! What happened?**   PETER SINGER  42:15 And so often, that can happen because that organization is being a mud flap, because their job is to direct the dirt. And again, I’m not calling out any specific organizations. And sometimes you’re just left wondering, and I think that you highlight just the importance, you can’t just go and read the analysis, you can’t just go and read the conclusions, you have to read the whole thing. And if you read the whole thing, you will see, A does not equal B. What’s going on here? And that is one of the red flags that you may have when you’re reading a report to know if that report was done in good faith. Because if you’re reading that nobody from whatever group participated or agreed to be interviewed, and then you’re reading the analysis that says this organization was fully engaged in the investigation, you got two opposite things. One is a factual statement but negates the analysis. With the GRACE report, generally speaking, there’s going to be some variability, we lay out those factual findings. There are some pieces of analysis in there. But those factual findings are laid out, and then we do an analysis. And sometimes there’s analysis that’s brought in with each piece of the findings so that there can be understanding as we go along. But that’s one of the key pieces that we do. And one of Robert’s biggest responsibilities is to make sure that this analysis actually is consistent with the factual findings. And not in contradiction to it.   ROBERT PETERS  43:55 Yeah, adding to that getting the what right is inconsequential, if you screw up the so what,. And so, I think that’s one critique I would have just more broadly over even law firm involved investigations, if you don’t have the church culture piece, if you don’t have the scriptural piece, you’re gonna mess up the so what or at a minimum, you’re going to miss an opportunity to address the so what piece of it. It’s so interesting how often we’re moving from, you have entities that are theoretically sola scriptura, but not in this context. Theoretically, Scripture is sufficient for all things, but not here. And so why is the disconnect, right? Why are we not leaning on Scripture to guide our response? And I think there’s some reasons for that, that are not always always very pleasant. So, I think getting that so what use is critical. **   ROBERT PETERS  44:39 I don’t know, Julie, if you’re familiar with I’m sure you’re familiar with the name Victor Vieth. But he wrote a really influential article years ago called Unto the Third Generation, and he posits a very optimistic and I think still realistic and grounded view that child abuse really can be meaningfully reduced to levels that are fractions of what they are now. I think that’s absolutely the case, I think we can lose sight of that just in the work that we do. Right? You’re being exposed to all this stuff. And how does this you know; how does this stuff ever end.**   ROBERT PETERS  45:11 One of the ways it ends is by not just getting a recitation of the facts. And then even if you don’t botch the analysis, stop there. The facts are important. The facts matter, they need light, and survivors deserve that. What also needs to happen is the so what. Okay, given these facts, what are the systems that allowed this to happen? As James Clear states, we don’t rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems. What systemically is wrong here? And then by implication, how do we fix it? Because we don’t need to live in a world where every day, there’s a new, terrible podcast topic, probably several that you have to choose from. Right? We don’t have to live in a world where every day there’s more hearts being broken, and more individuals being shown an image of Christ and image of God does anything but what Scripture portrays. This is unnecessary. There is a way forward, and that way forward is the path of Christ. And it’s taking the facts seriously, yes. But it’s also doing the hard work of what do we do now, or the work of culture change. You don’t get there without the Bible. You don’t get there without being sensitive to survivors and being trauma informed. And that’s what survivors deserve in these investigations, regardless of who was conducting them.   Julie Roys  46:22 So, so good.   PETER SINGER  46:24 This is where the words of James come in: to the one who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, it is sin. When you get done reading the report, there should be a path that’s laid out. Now you know, the path. And if you don’t do it, you are in essence taking God’s name in vain to continue sinning, to continue causing harm, to continue misrepresenting God.   Julie Roys  46:52 Amen. So, so good. And I so appreciate what you guys do. I know that these podcasts even though we keep our news stories and our investigations, we have to as journalists, just report them straight as we can. But I’ve heard from so many people, it’s the podcast where this is our analysis piece, right? This is where we get to speak into these things. And they’ve been so so instructive to our listeners. I hear it all the time. We just had the RESTORE conference, and so many people came up to me and said, thank you so much for the podcast, because voices like yours get amplified, and they get to hear them and get to be able to process the information that they’re hearing. So, so grateful for both of you, Pete, and Robert and Christine, who was with us earlier,. Thank you so much for being a part of this podcast.   PETER SINGER  47:42 Thank you for the opportunity. It was great.   ROBERT PETERS  47:44 Thank you.   Julie Roys  47:45 And thanks so much for listening to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And if you’ve appreciated this podcast, would you please consider supporting what we do financially? As I’ve said before, we don’t have any big donors or advertisers. We have you the people who care about exposing abuse and corruption in the church so she can be restored. And this month when you give a gift of $30 or more to the Roys report, we’ll send you a copy of Scot McKnight and Laura Behringer, his book pivot the priorities practices and powers that can transform your church into a Tov culture. So, to donate and to get your copy of pivot just go to JULIEROYS.COM/DONATE. Also, just a quick reminder to subscribe to the noise report on Apple podcast. Google podcasts or Spotify. That way you’ll never miss an episode. And while you’re at it, I’d really appreciate it if you’d help us spread the word about the podcast by leaving a review. And then please share the podcast on social media so more people can hear about this great content. Again, thanks so much for joining me today. Hope you were blessed and encouraged. Read more