Podcasts about Republic

Show 12-26-25 The show begins in doubts of the veneration of Cicero. and the derogation of Aggripina Minor. 1880 SULLA SACKING ROME ROME BEFORE THE EMPERORS: CICERO'S RISE Colleague Josiah Osgood. John Batchelor introduces Josiah Osgood to discuss Marcus Tullius Cicero, a "new man" who rose to political prominence through legal skill in the 1st century BCE. They examine Cicero's debut defense of Roscius, accused of patricide, a crime punished by being sewn into a sack with animals. Cicero proved Roscius was framed by relatives seeking to seize his inheritance, establishing his reputation for storytelling and detective work. NUMBER 1 THE PROSECUTION OF VERRES Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero takes on the corruption trial of Gaius Verres, the governor of Sicily who looted art and money from the province. Although Cicero usually defended clients to earn favors, he prosecuted Verres to align with political shifts demanding reform. Verres was backed by the Senateestablishment and Sulla's followers, making Cicero's move a bold attack by an outsider against a "crooked establishment" to cleanse the government. NUMBER 2 CICERO VS. CATILINE: THE CONSPIRACY BEGINS Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero captivated the jury against Verres by describing the governor partying while pirates raided Syracuse, causing Verres to flee into exile. Later, Cicero achieved the consulship by defeating Catiline, an aristocrat who became his bitter rival. Desperate after losing the election again, Catiline conspired with a fashionable group of young men to overthrow the government, leading to a showdown with Cicero in the Senate. NUMBER 3 THE EXECUTION MISTAKE Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero ordered the execution of five high-ranking Romancitizens allied with Catiline without a trial, believing them to be traitors who forfeited citizenship. This decision, made despite Julius Caesar's suggestion of life imprisonment, became a major political error. Cicero's gloating and refusal to grant due process alienated the public and powerful figures, turning him into a target for the populist movement and threatening his future career. NUMBER 4 THE BONA DEA SCANDAL Colleague Josiah Osgood. A scandal erupts when Publius Clodius infiltrates the women-only Bona Dea ceremony at Caesar's house disguised as a female musician, allegedly to pursue Caesar's wife. Although Cicero initially hesitated, he testified against Clodius, destroying his alibi that he was out of town. This testimony created a dangerous enemy in Clodius, who, despite the sacrilege charge, managed to secure an acquittal through bribery. NUMBER 5 EXILE AND THE TEMPLE OF LIBERTY Colleague Josiah Osgood. Seeking revenge, Clodius transitions to plebeian status to become a tribune and passes a law punishing anyone who executed citizens without trial, specifically targeting Cicero. Forced into exile, Cicero flees Rome while Clodius destroys his mansion on Palatine Hill. Clodiusdedicates the site to the goddess Liberty as a political coup and a humiliation to Cicero, while also harassing Cicero'swife, Terentia, who remained in Rome. NUMBER 6 THE IDES OF MARCH Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero returns to a Rome on the brink of civil war, eventually being pardoned by the victor, Caesar. Resenting Caesar's tyranny, Cicero seemingly encouraged Brutus but was not part of the assassination plot. On the Ides of March, Cicero witnessed the murder in the Senate; Brutus shouted Cicero's name while holding the bloody dagger, linking the orator to the restoration of the Republic in the public eye. NUMBER 7 THE DEATH OF CICERO Colleague Josiah Osgood. Following Caesar's death, Cicero returns to politics to oppose Mark Antony, delivering the "Philippics" and allying with young Octavian. This strategy backfires when Octavianreconciles with Antony, leading to a kill order against Cicero for his anti-Caesar rhetoric. Cicero is assassinated, possibly meeting his death with theatrical heroism by extending his neck to the soldiers, a scene likely popularized by his loyal secretary Tiro. NUMBER 8 THE SABINE WOMEN AND AUGUSTAN HISTORY Colleague Emma Southon. Emma Southon discusses A Rome of One's Own, examining history through women's perspectives. They analyze the myth of the Sabine women, abducted by Romulus to populate Rome. This story, recorded by Livy to flatter Augustus, culminates in Hersilia and the women intervening in battle to unite the warring fathers and husbands. It establishes women as the "glue" holding Romanfamilies and society together. NUMBER 9 LUCRETIA: VIRTUE AND SUICIDE Colleague Emma Southon. The discussion moves to Lucretia, the model of Roman female virtue. During a contest among husbands, Lucretia is found virtuously weaving wool while others party. This leads to her rape by Sextus Tarquinius, who threatens her reputation. To protect her honor, Lucretia confesses to her family and commits suicide, an act Augustus later used to define female virtue and which sparked the end of the monarchy. NUMBER 10 TULLIA AND THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC Colleague Emma Southon. Contrasting Lucretia is Tullia, a figure of female ambition and wickedness. Tullia conspires with her brother-in-law to murder their spouses and her own father, the king, even driving over his body. Her crimes and the subsequent assault on Lucretia by her son, Sextus, justify the overthrow of the monarchy. Brutus uses Lucretia's body to incite the revolution that establishes the Roman Republic. NUMBER 11 CLODIA: THE PALATINE MEDEA Colleague Emma Southon. The segment focuses on Clodia, a wealthy, independent woman and sister of Clodius. Cicero, feuding with her brother, attacks Clodia's reputation during the trial of Caelius. In his speech Pro Caelio, Cicero characterizes her as a "Palatine Medea" and a seductress to discredit her claims of attempted poisoning. Unable to speak in court, Clodia is silenced by Cicero's rhetorical assassination of her character. NUMBER 12 JULIA: THE EMPEROR'S REBELLIOUS DAUGHTER Colleague Emma Southon. Augustus uses his daughter Julia as a political tool, marrying her to Marcellus, Agrippa, and finally the reluctant Tiberius to secure an heir. While she had five children with Agrippa, her forced marriage to Tiberius leads to rebellion. Julia engages in public adulterous affairs to humiliate her father, resulting in her permanent exile and eventual starvation by Tiberius after Augustus'sdeath. NUMBER 13 QUEENS OF BRITAIN: CARTIMANDUA AND BOUDICCA Colleague Emma Southon. This segment contrasts two British queens: Cartimandua and Boudicca. Cartimandua, queen of the Brigantes, collaborates successfully with Rome, understanding they are "not to be defeated, they're to be pleased." Conversely, Boudicca represents resistance; provoked by Roman mistreatment, she leads a rebellion but is defeated. While Tacitus claims Boudicca committed suicide to preserve honor, English schools celebrate her as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. NUMBER 14 WOMEN OF COMMERCE AND THE FRONTIER Colleague Emma Southon. We meet Julia Felix, a Pompeianentrepreneur who ran a luxury bath and dining complex, offering "bougie" experiences to the middle class before dying in the Vesuvius eruption. The discussion shifts to Vindolanda in Britain, where letters between Sulpicia Lepidina and Claudia Severa reveal a vibrant social life for women in military forts, including birthday parties and domestic luxuries like wild swan and imported wine. NUMBER 15 PERPETUA AND THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY Colleague Emma Southon. The final segment discusses Perpetua, a young nursing mother and Christian convert in Carthage. Defying the Roman mandate to sacrifice to the emperor, she views suffering as redemptive rather than a punishment. Unlike Romans who viewed suicide by poison as honorable, Perpetua and her slave Felicity choose martyrdom in the arena, having their throats cut to demonstrate their faith, signaling the rise of Christianity. NUMBER 16

THE IDES OF MARCH Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero returns to a Rome on the brink of civil war, eventually being pardoned by the victor, Caesar. Resenting Caesar's tyranny, Cicero seemingly encouraged Brutus but was not part of the assassination plot. On the Ides of March, Cicero witnessed the murder in the Senate; Brutus shouted Cicero's name while holding the bloody dagger, linking the orator to the restoration of the Republic in the public eye. NUMBER 7 1819 ASSASSINATION

TULLIA AND THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC Colleague Emma Southon. Contrasting Lucretia is Tullia, a figure of female ambition and wickedness. Tullia conspires with her brother-in-law to murder their spouses and her own father, the king, even driving over his body. Her crimes and the subsequent assault on Lucretia by her son, Sextus, justify the overthrow of the monarchy. Brutus uses Lucretia's body to incite the revolution that establishes the Roman Republic. NUMBER 11

SHOW 12-25-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT THE MODERN STORY OF MARY AND HER FAMILY. 1868 NAZARETH SEPPHORIS AND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF MARY'S LIFE Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies Sepphoris, a Roman capital near Nazareth, as Mary's birthplace. He reimagines Jesus and Joseph as "tektons" (builders) working in this urban center rather than simple carpenters. This proximity meant Mary witnessed Romanbrutality and the city's destruction, influencing her family's spiritual views on the Kingdom of God. NUMBER 1 INVESTIGATING THE NAME PANTERA Colleague James Tabor. Tabor explores the name "Pantera," found in rabbinic texts and on a Roman soldier's tombstone. He suggests this might be a family name rather than a slur, investigating the possibility that Jesus's father was a relative or soldier, which challenges the theological narrative of a virgin birth. NUMBER 2 RECLAIMING THE HISTORICAL JEWISH FAMILY Colleague James Tabor. Highlighting the Protoevangelium of James, Tabor contrasts its depiction of a perpetual virgin Mary with historical evidence of a large Jewish family. He argues Mary had numerous children and that her parents were likely wealthy property owners in Sepphoris, integrating Jesus into a close-knit extended family. NUMBER 3 JAMES THE JUST AS TRUE SUCCESSOR Colleague James Tabor. Tabor asserts James, Jesus's brother, was the movement's true successor, not Peter. Citing Acts and the Gospel of Thomas, he notes James led the Jerusalem council and stood at the cross. Tabor argues the "beloved disciple" entrusted with Mary's care was this blood brother, not Johnthe fisherman. NUMBER 4 THE HEADQUARTERS ON MOUNT ZION Colleague James Tabor. Tabor describes excavations on Mount Zion, identifying a first-century house foundation as the "upper room" and headquarters of the early movement. He visualizes Mary as the matriarch in this courtyard, welcoming pilgrims and apostles like Paul, and establishes James as the leader of this house synagogue. NUMBER 5 THE FLIGHT TO PELLA AND MARY'S DEATH Colleague James Tabor. Tabor discusses the Christian flight to Pella during the Roman revolt. He speculates Mary died before this event, likely around 49–63 CE, and was buried on Mount Zion. Consequently, she disappears from the New Testament record, which shifts focus to Peter and Paul after the Jerusalem church's dispersal. NUMBER 6 THE TALPIOT TOMB AND DNA EVIDENCE Colleague James Tabor. Discussing the Talpiot tomb, Tabor details ossuaries bearing names like "Jesus son of Joseph" and "Mariamne." He argues statistical clusters and potential DNA evidence suggest this is the Jesus family tomb, positing that physical remains support historical existence without necessarily negating the concept of spiritual resurrection. NUMBER 7 THE Q SOURCE AND MARY'S TEACHINGS Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies the "Q" source as a collection of ethical teachings shared by Matthew and Luke. He attributes these core values—such as charity and humility—to a family tradition taught by Mary to Jesus, James, and John the Baptizer, aiming to restore Mary'shistorical influence as a teacher. NUMBER 8 VIRGIL'S RURAL ORIGINS AND AUGUSTAN CONNECTION Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The guests discuss Virgil's birth in 70 BCE near Mantua and his rural upbringing, which influenced his poetry. They trace his move to Rome during civil war and his eventual connection to Augustus, noting that Virgil promised a grand epic for the emperor in his earlier work, the Georgics. NUMBER 9 TRANSLATING THE SOUND AND METER OF VIRGIL Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The translators explain choosing iambic pentameter over dactylic hexameter to provide an English cultural equivalent to the original's epic feel. They describe their efforts to replicate Virgil's auditory effects, such as alliteration and assonance, and preserve specific line repetitions that connect characters like Turnus and Camilla. NUMBER 10 THE AENEID'S PLOT AND HOMERIC INFLUENCES Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. McGill and Wright summarize the plot, from Troy's destruction to the war in Italy. They analyze Virgil's dialogue with Homer, noting how the poem's opening words invoke both the Iliad's warfare and the Odyssey's wanderings. They also highlight the terrifying, visual nature of Virgil's depiction of the underworld. NUMBER 11 ROMAN EXCEPTIONALISM VS. HUMAN TRAGEDY Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. They discuss whether the Aeneid justifies Roman empire or tells a human story. McGill argues the poem survives because it creates sympathy for antagonists like Dido and Turnus. They explore how Virgil portrays the costs of empire and Aeneas's rage, complicating the narrative of Augustan propaganda. NUMBER 12 CLODIA'S PRIVILEGE AND CICERO'S AMBITION Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin introduces Clodia, a privileged woman from an ancient Roman family on Palatine Hill. He contrasts her aristocratic, independent nature—manifested in her name spelling—with the rise of Cicero, a talented outsider. Boin frames their eventual conflict as a clash between established power and ambitious newcomers. NUMBER 13 THE POLITICS OF TRIBUNES AND REFORM Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin details the divide between the Optimates and Populares. He explains how Clodia and her brother Clodius used the office of Tribune—the "people's protector" with veto power—to enact reforms. This strategy allowed them to challenge the Senate's authority and set the stage for Clodius's political dominance. NUMBER 14 THE TRIAL OF RUFUS AND CICERO'S MISOGYNY Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin describes a trial where Clodia accused her ex-lover Rufus of poisoning. Cicero defended Rufus by launching misogynistic attacks on Clodia, calling her "cow-eyed" and alleging incest. Boin argues this famous speech unfairly solidified Clodia's negative historical reputation while obscuring the political power she wielded. NUMBER 15 THE DEATH OF CLODIUS AND THE REPUBLIC'S END Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin recounts the violent death of Clodius by rival gangs, marking a turning point toward the Republic's collapse. He views Clodia's subsequent disappearance from history as a symbol of the loss of women's influence and civic rights, framing her story as a cautionary tale about political violence. NUMBER 16

THE DEATH OF CLODIUS AND THE REPUBLIC'S END Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin recounts the violent death of Clodius by rival gangs, marking a turning point toward the Republic's collapse. He views Clodia's subsequent disappearance from history as a symbol of the loss of women's influence and civic rights, framing her story as a cautionary tale about political violence. NUMBER 16

Peter Gietl argues that free enterprise is born not in boardrooms but in garages and basements, where ordinary people take risks, create, and turn imagination into opportunity.Follow The Believe! Journal:Instagram ⁠⁠FacebookX ⁠⁠LinkedInVisit thebelievejournal.com for more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thebelievejournal.com

The Republic has fallen and the Chancellor proclaims the formation in the Empire in this round of Revenge of the Sith trivia.   Kolby Krebs joins Jay for the trivia in this episode.   The trivia questions come from the portion of the movie that runs from 1:33:38 to 1:43:43. We discussed this portion of Revenge of the Sith in episode 943.   In this fully armed and operational episode of Podcast Stardust, we discuss: Kolby's memories of experiencing this movie, his favorite scenes, and character, What happened when the Emperor proclaimed a new Empire, What Obi-Wan and Yoda discovered when investigating the Jedi Temple, Anakin's assault on the Separatists on Mustafar, and more.   For more Revenge of the Sith trivia, check out episode 971.   Thanks for joining us for another episode! Subscribe to Podcast Stardust for all your Star Wars news, reviews, and discussion wherever you get your podcasts. And please leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts.   Find Jay and her cosplay adventures on J.Snips Cosplay on Instagram. Follow us on social media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube. T-shirts, hoodies, stickers, masks, and posters are available on TeePublic. Find all episodes on RetroZap.com.

PREVIEW Guest: Douglas Boin. This discussion centers on Boin's new book regarding Clodia, who was the wealthiest woman in Rome during the tumultuous era of Julius Caesar. The narrative explores why Cicero, the era's most famous lawyer, became obsessed with her, resulting in her prosecution and humiliation in the Roman Senate. While the historian Plutarch later hinted at a romantic interest, available evidence only documents Cicero's intense disdain for her "confident heirs," leading him to famously refuse to say her name aloud. This personal feud reflects the broader shift from the Republic to the Empire. 1870 EXCAVATING THE FORUM

In contemporary Indonesia the idea that Islam and Marxism are inherently incompatible has become deeply entrenched. However, as Lin Hongxuan's work Ummah Yet Proletariat: Islam, Marxism, and the Making of the Indonesian Republic (Oxford University Press, 2023) shows, the relationship between them in Indonesian history is deeply intertwined. Based on a wealth of Indonesian language sources, Lin traces over the half century between 1915 and 1965 how Islam and Marxism coexisted and converged in the Netherlands Indies and newly independent Indonesia. In addition to reframing Indonesian ideological history, the book also helpfully emphasises key actors' engagement with broader intellectual currents to situate them in a global historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In contemporary Indonesia the idea that Islam and Marxism are inherently incompatible has become deeply entrenched. However, as Lin Hongxuan's work Ummah Yet Proletariat: Islam, Marxism, and the Making of the Indonesian Republic (Oxford University Press, 2023) shows, the relationship between them in Indonesian history is deeply intertwined. Based on a wealth of Indonesian language sources, Lin traces over the half century between 1915 and 1965 how Islam and Marxism coexisted and converged in the Netherlands Indies and newly independent Indonesia. In addition to reframing Indonesian ideological history, the book also helpfully emphasises key actors' engagement with broader intellectual currents to situate them in a global historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

In contemporary Indonesia the idea that Islam and Marxism are inherently incompatible has become deeply entrenched. However, as Lin Hongxuan's work Ummah Yet Proletariat: Islam, Marxism, and the Making of the Indonesian Republic (Oxford University Press, 2023) shows, the relationship between them in Indonesian history is deeply intertwined. Based on a wealth of Indonesian language sources, Lin traces over the half century between 1915 and 1965 how Islam and Marxism coexisted and converged in the Netherlands Indies and newly independent Indonesia. In addition to reframing Indonesian ideological history, the book also helpfully emphasises key actors' engagement with broader intellectual currents to situate them in a global historical context.

Donald Trump stole the headlines once again by speaking ill of Rob Reiner after the tragic death of Reiner and his wife Michele. It was yet another vulgar display of Trump’s unbridled narcissism that takes away from the legitimate conversation we should be having about Reiner’s legacy, what his films meant to a generation that came of age before 9/11. In many ways, Reiner became the avatar of white establishment liberalism, reflecting an America that never really existed. Throughout his remarkable career he was firmly planted on the right side of history but his art had a way of papering over the brutal reality of the American system. In other ways, he represented the best of us and he left us some of the greatest pop culture moments that endure the test of time. This is the discussion I think he deserved. Resources Current Affairs: How Liberals Fell In Love With The West Wing Politico: Words must match deeds -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textFreedom doesn't survive on paperwork alone; it lives or dies on the character of a people. We open Galatians 5:1 and read Joe Wolverton's stirring essay “The Manger and the Republic,” tracing a vivid line from Bethlehem to Philadelphia and asking what happens when a nation keeps the legal forms of liberty while losing the moral foundations that make liberty possible. Across history's ledger—from Rome's bread and circuses to modern screens and slogans—we examine how self‑government withers when virtue erodes and why every expansion of vice invites an expansion of state control.Together we revisit what the founders understood: rights endure because they are gifts, not grants. Tocqueville's insight on religion as the first political institution comes alive as we connect conscience to limited government, gratitude to social peace, and humility to the courage that resists tyranny. Christmas becomes more than sentiment; it is a strategy. The manger proclaims that rulers are ruled, that human dignity is not measured by compliance, and that no jail can bind a soul anchored in Christ. From carols that once rattled despots to nativity scenes that remind courthouses who truly reigns, we explore how worship shapes culture and, in turn, shapes law.We close with a practical roadmap: begin renewal at home. Let families be the first government, marriages the first covenant, and living rooms the first sanctuaries of truth and beauty. Choose prayer over propaganda, gratitude over grievance, and courage over comfort. If freedom is to endure, it will be because households, churches, and schools teach hearts to govern themselves. Listen, reflect, and share your next step toward rebuilding virtue where you live. If this message resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it to a friend who's ready to trade noise for hope.Support the showhttps://www.jacksonfamilyministry.comhttps://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Today, President Trump is supposed to receive recommendations of the Secretaries of State and the Treasury concerning arguably his second presidency's most consequential national security decision to date.  At stake is whether the United States joins other allied nations in banning the Muslim Brotherhood. Or alternatively, pretends that the organization is not leading a global Islamic movement to destroy our constitutional Republic and Western civilization.  Dozens of leading American freedom-fighters just appealed to Mr. Trump to ban the Brotherhood, meaning the parent organization as well as all of its chapters and subdivisions, including the U.S. ones and their extensive infrastructure in this country. By so doing, the President can clearly demonstrate that America will resist, not submit to, the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies' bid to transform ours from the land of the free to the home of the enslaved. This is Frank Gaffney.

多元 duōyuán – diverse; multiple types宗教 zōngjiào – religion商業 shāngyè – commercial; business-related基督教徒 Jīdūjiàotú – Christian天主教徒 Tiānzhǔjiàotú – Catholic平安夜 píng'ān yè – Christmas Eve聖誕感恩禮拜 shèngdàn gǎn'ēn lǐbài – Christmas thanksgiving service報佳音 bào jiāyīn – caroling; spreading the good news布置 bùzhì – decorate; arrangement聖誕樹 shèngdàn shù – Christmas tree燈飾 dēngshì – decorative lights聖誕市集 shèngdàn shìjí – Christmas market打卡 dǎkǎ – check in; take photos for social media行憲紀念日 xíngxiàn jìniàn rì – Constitution Day (Taiwan)中華民國憲法 Zhōnghuá Mínguó Xiànfǎ – Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan)施行 shīxíng – implement; put into effect基本大法 jīběn dàfǎ – fundamental law; basic law保障 bǎozhàng – protect; ensure象徵 xiàngzhēng – symbolize; symbol民主制度 mínzhǔ zhìdù – democratic systemFollow me on Instagram: fangfang.chineselearning !

Nothing says "peace" quite like building a technology bloc. Pax Silica is said to be Washington's "flagship effort on AI and security initiative," which was unveiled at its inaugural summit on December 11, bringing together the U.S., Japan, the Republic of Korea, the UK, Australia, Israel, Singapore, the UAE, and the Netherlands, with others also in the room. What does "Pax Silica" mean? Well, "pax" is Latin for peace while "Silica" refers to silicon. Put together, it sounds like a gift to global coordination, a positive-sum partnership, as the U.S. puts it, which is not about isolating others. But is that really the case?

The Republic. Jewel of the Galaxy. Monument of civilization. Founded on ideals that would last millenia, the Republic weathered crisis and chaos before ultimately succumbing, not to threats from without, but threats from within. And, to lead such a monumental organization, the Office of the Supreme Chancellor held sway over a million worlds and a trillion souls. Chosen by the senate, wielding power greater than any previous government, leader of the free galaxy, protector of democracy and bureaucrat in chief. Become a patron to get access to the bonus episodes or support the show through Paypal and bitcoin! You can also check out our merch on Redbubble. Don't forget to also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X.com and Discord! Find all of our links here: https://doras.to/starlores Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Christy is our super-serious media analyst with the late night-comedy spreadsheet, counting jokes and guests over the last three years. In 2025, it tilted even further to the left. An amazing 92 percent of late-night political jokes are aimed at conservatives, up from 82 percent in 2024. The guest list included almost zero conservatives. Jimmy Fallon put on Greg Gutfeld in August.

Ahead of the Texas Longhorns' Citrus Bowl matchup against the Michigan Wolverines, we bring on TJ Ronin from the Michigan Voice of College Football network to help us do a deeper dive on the Wolverines. We talk coaching turmoil, Bryce Underwood, finding a pass rush, and which Michigan player would make the best professional wrestler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful and high-level episode of Most Memorable Journeys, Elisabeth speaks with Natalia Kardash, one of Cyprus' most influential connectors in business, media, and international relations.For over 26 years, Natalia has called Cyprus home, building an extraordinary personal business network of more than 6,000 people, enabling her to bridge international executives with Cypriot opportunities. Her career is a masterclass in publishing, communications, PR, and strategic networking, always focused on turning ideas into successful ventures.Natalia is the Founder of the SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS Leaders' Club, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of VESTNIK KIPRA Expert Platform and SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS Magazine, a Member of the Corporate Advisory Board at the University of Cyprus, an Honorary Fellow of CIM Cyprus Business School, and the visionary force behind flagship events such as BEST LEGAL Conference, BEST INVEST Congress, and the Health & Beauty Forum.In this conversation, we explore:How Natalia connects global business leaders with CyprusThe power of trusted networks and relationship capitalWorking with expat communities and fostering cross-sector collaborationHer special regional focus on Armenia, Kazakhstan, and UzbekistanWhy genuine connection is the foundation of sustainable business growthRemarkably, Natalia has been personally connected to every President of the Republic of Cyprus, underscoring her deep-rooted influence and credibility.This episode is about leadership, vision, and the rare ability to connect the right people at the right time, creating value far beyond borders.

Is this the worst book of the Republic? Does Plato think that anything he is describing is achievable? Find out as we discuss Book V, in which Socrates outlines the sameness of men and women, the benefits of having children in common, and the beginning of what it means to be a philosopher.Follow us on X!Give us your opinions here!

The world of prehospital medicine is constantly evolving, driven by new research, technological advancements, and a shared commitment to improving patient care and provider well-being. As EMS professionals, staying informed about these developments goes beyond a professional obligation; it is an opportunity to improve our practice, champion our profession, and ultimately make a greater impact on saving lives. In this article, we will explore some of the latest research findings that are reshaping our field, from workplace culture to cutting-edge technology.   The Culture of Care: Supporting EMS Providers Our work is demanding, both physically and emotionally, and the culture within our agencies plays a critical role in our well-being. A recent systematic review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that many EMS providers avoid using organizational mental health services due to stigma and a perception that these programs lack genuine care. The study emphasizes the need for person-centered support and a cultural shift that normalizes seeking help as a sign of strength (Johnston et al., 2025). This cultural component also impacts retention. Another study in the same journal found that agencies with collaborative, team-oriented "clan" cultures had significantly lower turnover rates compared to those with rigid or chaotic structures. For leaders in EMS, fostering a supportive environment is not just about morale. It is a strategic imperative for retaining skilled clinicians (Kamholz et al., 2025).   Professional Recognition: Breaking Barriers Across the globe, paramedics are striving for recognition as integrated healthcare professionals. A qualitative study in BMC Health Services Research identified common barriers, including outdated legislation, inconsistent regulation, and insufficient funding. While the pandemic temporarily highlighted our capabilities, the momentum has waned. The study calls for targeted policy reforms and investments in education and leadership to solidify our role in the broader healthcare system (Feerick et al., 2025). Physical Demands and Injury Prevention The physical toll of our work is undeniable. A scoping review in Applied Ergonomics confirmed that musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back, are rampant in EMS. Tasks like handling stretchers and patient extractions are among the most strenuous. The review also highlighted fitness disparities, with male paramedics generally showing more strength but less flexibility than their female counterparts. These findings underscore the need for targeted injury prevention programs and realistic physical standards to keep us safe throughout our careers (Marsh et al., 2025).   Advancements in Cardiac Arrest Care When it comes to cardiac arrest, every second counts. A study in Resuscitation reinforced the value of bystander CPR, showing that dispatcher-assisted CPR significantly improves outcomes for untrained bystanders. For those with prior CPR training, acting independently yielded even better results. This highlights the importance of public CPR education alongside dispatcher support (Tagami et al., 2025). On the scene, our interventions matter immensely. Research in The Journal of Emergency Medicine found that for traumatic cardiac arrest patients, aggressive interventions like prehospital thoracostomy can be lifesaving (McWilliam et al., 2025). Meanwhile, a study in Critical Care Medicine revealed that extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) significantly improves outcomes for patients with refractory ventricular fibrillation, emphasizing the need for early transport to specialized centers.   The Role of Technology in EMS Technology is poised to revolutionize EMS, from dispatch to diagnosis. A study in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine demonstrated that large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT could prioritize ambulance requests with remarkable accuracy, aligning with expert paramedic decisions over 76 percent of the time. This proof of concept suggests that AI could one day enhance resource allocation in dispatch centers (Shekhar et al., 2025). On the diagnostic front, machine learning is opening new possibilities. For example, a study in Bioengineering showed that analyzing photoplethysmography waveforms could estimate blood loss in trauma patients, offering a non-invasive way to guide resuscitation (Gonzalez et al., 2025). Similarly, research in Medical Engineering & Physics explored using multidimensional data to differentiate ischemic from hemorrhagic strokes in the field, potentially enabling more targeted prehospital care (Alshehri et al., 2025).   Addressing Disparities in Care Equity in EMS is a cornerstone of our profession, yet recent studies highlight troubling disparities. Research in JAMA Network Open found that ambulance offload times were significantly longer in communities with higher proportions of Black residents (Zhou et al., 2025). Another study in JAMA Surgery revealed that Black and Asian trauma patients were less likely to receive helicopter transport compared to White patients. These findings are a call to action for all of us to examine our systems and biases to ensure equitable care for every patient (Mpody et al., 2025).   Looking Ahead The research discussed here represents just a fraction of the advancements shaping EMS today. From improving workplace culture and injury prevention to leveraging AI and addressing systemic inequities, these findings have real-world implications for our protocols, training, and advocacy efforts. As EMS professionals, we have a responsibility to stay informed and apply these insights to our practice. For a deeper dive into these topics and more, I invite you to listen to the podcast, EMS Research with Professor Bram latest episode, https://youtu.be/rt_1AFzSLIk "Research Highlights and Innovations Shaping Our Field.”   References Alshehri, A., Panerai, R. B., Lam, M. Y., Llwyd, O., Robinson, T. G., & Minhas, J. S. (2025). Can we identify stroke sub-type without imaging? A multidimensional analysis. Medical Engineering & Physics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2025.104364 Feerick, F., Coughlan, E., Knox, S., Murphy, A., Grady, I. O., & Deasy, C. (2025). Barriers to paramedic professionalisation: A qualitative enquiry across the UK, Canada, Australia, USA and the Republic of Ireland. BMC Health Services Research, 25(1), 993. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-10993-7 Gonzalez, J. M., Holland, L., Hernandez Torres, S. I., Arrington, J. G., Rodgers, T. M., & Snider, E. J. (2025). Enhancing trauma care: Machine learning-based photoplethysmography analysis for estimating blood volume during hemorrhage and resuscitation. Bioengineering, 12(8), 833. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12080833 Johnston, S., Waite, P., Laing, J., Rashid, L., Wilkins, A., Hooper, C., Hindhaugh, E., & Wild, J. (2025). Why do emergency medical service employees (not) seek organizational help for mental health support?: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(4), 629. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040629 Kamholz, J. C., Gage, C. B., van den Bergh, S. L., Logan, L. T., Powell, J. R., & Panchal, A. R. (2025). Association between organizational culture and emergency medical service clinician turnover. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(5), 756. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050756 Marsh, E., Orr, R., Canetti, E. F., & Schram, B. (2025). Profiling paramedic job tasks, injuries, and physical fitness: A scoping review. Applied Ergonomics, 125, 104459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104459 McWilliam, S. E., Bach, J. P., Wilson, K. M., Bradford, J. M., Kempema, J., DuBose, J. J., ... & Brown, C. V. (2025). Should anything else be done besides prehospital CPR? The role of CPR and prehospital interventions after traumatic cardiac arrest. The Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2025.02.010 Mpody, C., Rudolph, M. I., Bastien, A., Karaye, I. M., Straker, T., Borngaesser, F., ... & Nafiu, O. O. (2025). Racial and ethnic disparities in use of helicopter transport after severe trauma in the US. JAMA Surgery, 160(3), 313–321. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2024.5678 Shekhar, A. C., Kimbrell, J., Saharan, A., Stebel, J., Ashley, E., & Abbott, E. E. (2025). Use of a large language model (LLM) for ambulance dispatch and triage. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 89, 27–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2025.05.004 Tagami, T., Takahashi, H., Suzuki, K., Kohri, M., Tabata, R., Hagiwara, S., ... & Ogawa, S. (2025). The impact of dispatcher-assisted CPR and prior bystander CPR training on neurologic outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A multicenter study. Resuscitation, 110617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2025.110617 Zhou, T., Wang, Y., Zhang, B., & Li, J. (2025). Racial and socioeconomic disparities in California ambulance patient offload times. JAMA Network Open, 8(5), e2510325. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.10325  

Eric welcomes Council on Foreign Relations President Mike Froman to discuss CFR's latest task force report on U.S. economic security. They explore the importance of AI, quantum computing and biotechnology as foundational technologies in today's strategic competition, the effort that China is investing in these technologies, and the market failures that have led the U.S. to underinvest in quantum and biotech. The conversation also covers supply chain vulnerabilities, human capital shortfalls in key areas of technology, and the tension in the Trump administration's effort to address China's growing technological dominance while simultaneously cutting funding for basic research at the NSF, NIH, and other institutions. U.S. Economic Security: Winning the Race for Tomorrow's Technologies: https://www.cfr.org/task-force-report/us-economic-security Mike Froman on Substack: https://mikefroman.substack.com/ Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

One year after the fall of Starlight Beacon, the Republic is trying to pick up the pieces. But small victories feel heavy when entire systems are cut off. Today, we explore how the Republic keeps its spirit alive despite chaos and rising threats. We'll look at what it means for a people to fight not just for survival, but for connection and belonging. If you're ready for an episode full of emotional stakes and unbreakable will, this is it. The calm before the storm only makes the thunder louder.We hope you enjoy today's show. If you liked the show, please give it a five-star rating on whatever platform you use to consume your content. It really does help. If possible, share it with your friends and family. It would be greatly appreciated. And don't forget to favorite the show. That way, you will be notified every time we release a new episode. As always, thank you for taking the time to listen to this podcast. For people with any questions about the show. Please do not hesitate to email us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@swaa.audio@gmail.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you. Follow us on our Social Media for more great content.For Merch, Extra Content, and uninterrupted episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.swaapodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The story, art, and characters therein are the property of whoever holds the copyright to this material. We do not claim ownership of the source material. This podcast was produced for noncommercial use, to be enjoyed by ourselves, fellow fans, and the original creators as a tribute to Star Wars. Please support the official release.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠StarWars, ⁠⁠⁠StarWarsPodcast, HighRepublic, JediTalk, GalacticJourney, DefyTheStorm, StarWarsUniverse, TheForceIsStrong, SWAAcast, StarWarsAudiobooks, StarWarsFan, StarWarsCommunity, StarWarsLore, GalaxyFarFarAway, StarWarsStories, StarWarsLegends, JediLife, StarWarsLove, StarWarsSaga, StarWarsGeek, ExploreSta⁠⁠⁠⁠rWars⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Party's Interests Come First is the first English-language biography of Xi Zhongxun, the father of China's current leader, Xi Jinping. It is both a story of the Chinese revolution and the first several decades of the People's Republic of China and a personal account of developing one's own sense of identity within a larger political context. Drawing on an array of documents, interviews, diaries, and periodicals, Joseph Torigian introduces Xi Zhongxun. He helped build the Communist base area that saved Mao Zedong in 1935, worked closely with top leaders Zhou Enlai and Hu Yaobang, and oversaw the Special Economic Zones that launched China's reform era.  In an interview conducted on August 21, 2025, Joseph Torigian, in conversation with Victor Shih, explores the organizational, ideological, and coercive power of the Chinese Communist Party through the life of Xi Zhongxun – and the huge cost in human suffering that accompanies it. About this program

rWotD Episode 3154: Euphaedra eleus Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Monday, 22 December 2025, is Euphaedra eleus.Euphaedra eleus, the Eleus orange forester, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The habitat consists of primary forests and secondary forests with a closed canopy.Adults mimic the day-flying moth Scopula helcita.The larvae feed on Phialodiscus unijugatus, Deinbollia, Allophylus and Paullinia species.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:20 UTC on Monday, 22 December 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Euphaedra eleus on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Olivia.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Cody and Justin, the owners of the brand-new CrossFit gym coming to Republic, Missouri — CrossFit Tribelent. The name says it all: Tribe + Relentless = Tribelent, and that mindset runs through everything they're building. We talk about why they decided to open a gym, what pushed them to take the leap into ownership, and the work they've been grinding through leading up to their grand opening on January 3, 2026. From long days, big goals, and plenty of challenges, Cody and Justin share what it really looks like behind the scenes of launching a fitness community from the ground up. The conversation naturally dives into competition, personal goals, and the importance of creating the right tribe — not just a place to work out, but a place where people feel supported, challenged, and welcomed. This episode is packed with laughs, motivation, and honest talk about building something meaningful together. If you're into fitness, entrepreneurship, or just love hearing stories about people betting on themselves and their community, this is one you don't want to miss.

Founder of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong is currently being white washed for a new generation of "socialists". The record however, speaks for it's self.  Let's look into who Mao was, what his philosophy was and how he carried it out. This is not what is being taught in the colleges and universities!Email us at: downtherh@protonmail.com

The finale of the Vampire Republic story!

THE FALL OF THE REPUBLIC: SULLA TO CAESAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Watts traces the Republic's fall, starting with the rivalry between Marius and Sulla. Sulla'sbrutal proscriptions and dictatorship traumatized a young Julius Caesar. Watts explains that Caesar eventually concluded the Republic's structures were broken, leading him to seize power to enforce rights, which his assassins misinterpreted as kingship. NUMBER 9

SHOW 12-19-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUTGAVIN NNEWSOM  ON THE AMPAIGN TRAIL FOR 2028... LA 1900 WEST COAST WEATHER AND PORTLAND'S DECLINE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. Jeff Bliss reports that Nordstrom Rack is leaving downtown Portland, citing high vacancy rates, crime, and homelessness. He also details a massive atmospheric river bringing heavy rain to the West Coast and dangerous Tule fog in California, while analyzing Gavin Newsom's presidential prospects amidst state economic struggles. NUMBER 1 CHINA'S CHIP THEFT AND AI WARFARE RISKS Colleague Brandon Weichert, The National Interest. Weichert discusses China's attempts to upgrade older ASML machines and reverse-engineer chips to bypass sanctions. They also review 2025 lessons, noting that AI in military war games tends to escalate conflicts aggressively toward nuclear options, warning that China may fuse AI with its nuclear command systems. NUMBER 2 ITALY'S ECONOMIC STABILITY AND DEMOGRAPHIC CRISIS Colleague Lorenzo Fiori, Il Giornale. Lorenzo Fiori reports that Italy's economy is stabilizing, with debt under control and bond spreads narrowing close to Germany's levels. While northern Italy remains industrialized, the south suffers from depopulation and climate change. Fiori emphasizes the urgent need for government policies to boost Italy's declining birth rate. NUMBER 3 NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION AND RUSSIAN SANCTIONS Colleague Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. Sokolski criticizes the lifting of sanctions on Russian banks for nuclear projects and highlights the dangers at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia plant. He warns against potential deals allowing Saudi Arabia and South Korea to enrich uranium, arguing this brings them dangerously close to bomb-making capabilities. NUMBER 4 LANCASTER COUNTY AND A HOLIDAY SPENDING SLUMP Colleague Jim McTague, Author and Journalist. Reporting from Lancaster County, Jim McTague observes a sluggish Christmas shopping season, with consumers buying practical items like gloves rather than expensive packages. While tourist venues like Sight & Sound Theaterremain busy, he predicts a mild recession in 2026 due to rising local taxes and utility costs. NUMBER 5 THE URGENCY OF SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM Colleague Veronique de Rugy, Mercatus Center. Veronique de Rugy argues Social Security must be reformed before trust funds run dry in the 2030s. She contends the system unfairly redistributes wealth from young workers to increasingly wealthy seniors and advocates for capping benefits or means-testing rather than raising taxes or allowing across-the-board cuts. NUMBER 6 NASA'S NEW LEADERSHIP AND PRIVATE SPACE Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Bob Zimmerman discusses Jared Isaacman's confirmation as NASA administrator and an executive order prioritizing commercial space. Zimmerman predicts Isaacman might cancel the crewed Artemis II mission due to safety concerns with the Orion capsule, signaling a shift away from government-run programs like SLS toward private enterprise. NUMBER 7 SPACE BRIEFS: ROCKET LAB AND MARS RIVERS Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Zimmerman highlights Rocket Lab's record launches and Max Space's new inflatable station module. He notes a European satellite report on sea levels omitted "global warming" references. Additionally, he describes Martian drainage features that resemble rivers and cites a study claiming AI algorithms are exposing children to harmful content. NUMBER 8 THE FALL OF THE REPUBLIC: SULLA TO CAESAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Watts traces the Republic's fall, starting with the rivalry between Marius and Sulla. Sulla'sbrutal proscriptions and dictatorship traumatized a young Julius Caesar. Watts explains that Caesar eventually concluded the Republic's structures were broken, leading him to seize power to enforce rights, which his assassins misinterpreted as kingship. NUMBER 9 NERO, AGRIPPINA, AND THE MATRICIDE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Professor Watts details the pathology of the Roman emperorship, focusing on Agrippina's maneuvering to install her son Nero. Watts describes Nero's eventual assassination of his mother using a collapsible ship and his pivot to seeking popularity through rigged Olympic victories in Greece before losing control of Rome. NUMBER 10 THE YEAR OF FOUR EMPERORS AND FLAVIAN RULE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Watts analyzes the chaos following Nero's death, where Vespasian seized power after a brutal civil war that burned Capitoline Hill. The segment covers the Flavian dynasty, Titus's destruction of Jerusalem, and Domitian's vilification, concluding with Nerva's coup and the adoption of Trajan to stabilize the succession. NUMBER 11 THE BARRACKS EMPERORS AND THE ANTONINE PLAGUE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. The discussion turns to the "barracks emperors," highlighting Trajan's expansion into Dacia and Hadrian's infrastructure focus. Watts describes Marcus Aurelius's Stoic governance during constant warfare and a devastating smallpox pandemic, which forced Rome to settle German immigrants to repopulate the empire. NUMBER 12 SUPREME COURT CHALLENGES TO TARIFF POWERS Colleague Professor Richard Epstein, Hoover Institution. Professor Epstein analyzes potential Supreme Court rulings on the President's use of emergency powers for broad tariffs. He predicts the Court may find the interpretation unconstitutional, creating a logistical nightmare regarding the refund of billions in collected revenues and addressing the complexity of overturning Article I court precedents. NUMBER 13 EXECUTIVE POWER AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES Colleague Professor Richard Epstein, Hoover Institution. Epstein discusses a Supreme Court case regarding the President's power to fire members of independent boards like the FTC. He fears Chief Justice Roberts will side with executive power, a move Epstein views as an "unmitigated disaster" that undermines the necessary independence of agencies like the Federal Reserve. NUMBER 14 ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AND CONSUMER SPENDING Colleague Gene Marks, The Guardian. Gene Marksreports on a US economic slowdown, citing contracting architectural billings and falling hotel occupancy. He notes that while the wealthy continue spending, the middle class is cutting back on dining out. Marks attributes inflation to government money circulation and discusses proposals for mandated retirement contributions. NUMBER 15 AI ADOPTION IN BUSINESS AND CONSTRUCTION Colleague Gene Marks, The Guardian. Marks argues that AI is enhancing productivity rather than replacing humans, despite accuracy issues. He highlights AI adoption in construction, including drones and augmented reality for safety. Marks notes that small businesses are eager for these technologies to improve efficiency, while displaced tech workers find roles in smaller firms. NUMBER 16

THE AUTONOMOUS MIDDLE CLASS AS THE REPUBLIC'S FOUNDATION Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Victor Davis Hanson argues that a stable republic relies on an autonomous middle class, which serves as a buffer between the wealthy and the dependent poor. Drawing on classical history, he warns that modern policies are "hollowing out" this class, creating a peasantry dependent on the state for survival, illustrated by government campaigns depicting adults in a state of perpetual adolescence and reliance. He contends that high taxes and regulations in places like California are driving this productive class away, leaving behind a stratified society of the very rich and the subsidized poor. NUMBER 1

On our radar this week… Dozing Donald woke up from his nap long enough to shout out an 18-minute campaign speech, laden with lies and blaming everything on Joe Biden. It was the centerpiece of a truly horrific week politically for Trump and Republicans. The ACA tax credits are going, going and nearly gone … and with them, Republican prospects for the 2026 midterm elections. Adding to the political challenges to the GOP: Donald Trump's massively offensive responses to two mass shootings, and the horrific murders of Rob and Michele Reiner. The chorus of one-time MAGA acolytes breaking with Trump is growing louder … and his shouted 19-minute televised falsehood-laden campaign speech didn't help, a speech Jimmy Kimmel labeled “a liar-side chat”. Also this week: The Michigan Legislature has concluded the 2025 session and setting an unenviable record in the process: not counting the years when the Legislature only met in even-number years, it was the least productive legislative session in history. The record up until this year was 1842 when the Gov. John S. Barry signed 90 public acts. The 2025 session of the 103rd Legislature is estimated to pass around 70. The unprecedented slashing of the state's budget by House Speaker Matt Hall is drawing bipartisan backlash … and creating pain for Republicans across the state. Two top aides to former state House Speaker Lee Chatfield are sentenced for corruption, agreeing to testify against Chatfield … and also accusing Chatfield of raping one of them. Another special election, and another Democratic over-performance. Democrat Gary Clemons scored a landslide victory in a special election for the Kentucky Senate on Tuesday night, demolishing Republican Calvin Leach by a 72-25 margin. That's a full 20 points better than Kamala Harris' margin in 2024 and 18-points better than Joe BIden in 2020. We now know both more and less about pythons in Peru – thanks to a 10-minute rambling, fictitious fantasy by America's Poster Child for “weaving.” His hate-filled response to the murders of Rob and Michele Reiner drew condemnation from all sides … including some of the most influential voices in MAGA world. In Trump-the-Man-Child News: His gilded “Presidential Wall of Fame” has been transformed into a tacky Wall of Insults … guaranteeing it will be gone when he leaves office. Trump’s hand-picked Kennedy Center board has decided to rename the cultural center the Donald J. Trump-John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts (even though Trump is allegedly still alive), giving him top billing over JFK. The Kennedy Center is named by federal law, which prohibits renaming the building without congressional approval. The price for Trump's ballroom has doubled from the original estimate, with the master contractor saying it's now going to require $400-million in billionaire largesse to finish. Looks like Trump is transforming the White House into a theme park. We’re joined by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, the senior member of the state's Democratic delegation in Congress. The Dingell legacy, dating back to her father-in-law John Dingell Senior's first term in 1933, is the nation's healthcare program. Debbie Dingell was first elected to the House in 2015. She succeeded her late husband, John Dingell Jr, who was the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history. Her husband had succeeded his father who was first elected in 1932. There's been a Dingell in the U.S. House non-stop for 92 years. A hallmark of their service has been a proposal for a national health insurance system, first introduced by John Sr. in 1933 and re-introduced since at every Congress by the father and then the son. A Republic, If You Can Keep It is sponsored by Nick Anderson:Pen Strokes

This week's episode features the exciting(?) future of Attack the Backlog, Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel, GIGASWORD, Montezuma's Revenge - The 40th Anniversary Edition, Kill It with Fire! 2, Desert Race Adventures, Crime Simulator, Republic of Pirates, and Winterlight - Where silence says it all. Anyway and as always, thank you for watching or listening, I hope you enjoy this here episode, and I hope you have a wonderful wonderful rest of your day. (And if you haven't already, or are a listener and not a watcher, please like, subscribe, hit the bell, and all that jazz; it may not seem like much, but it goes a long way in helping support the show and site in general. I would appreciate it greatly.)

Welcome to Episode #66 of the No Conference for Old Men Podcast. Another dominant win, this time over a tricky New Orleans team.  But is this Houston Cougars squad truly equipped to win the XII for a 3rd straight season?  The Coogs are now 10-1, ranked #8 in the AP, and rounding into form on both sides of the ball with XII play right around the corner.  But a final big test awaits this weekend vs. what could be the best team in the SEC, Arkansas. Please have a listen as the 3 Old Men break down UNO and provide some thoughts on the upcoming game vs. the Calipari-led Arkansas.  We then revisit our predictions on the Big XII conference race, with all the key non-con games now behind us. - No Conference for Old Men is available for free via Spotify / Apple Podcast / SoundCloud & the GoCoogs.com website; we're also available via the Republic of Football Podcast feed from the folks at Dave Campbell's Texas Football as their only basketball-centric offering - Intro / Exit music: Ground Zero provided by FreeBeats.io - Please follow us on gocoogs.com/old-men/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 years ago Star Wars returned to the big screen and with it came a new era of Star Wars characters and stories from the galaxy far, far away. To celebrate this occasion Ken Napzok, author of “Why We Love Star Wars” and host of ForceCenter joins Jarod to reflect on the surreal time that was the lead up and aftermath to The Force AwakensSunday's Bloody Mary: https://sundaysbloodymary.com/shop/‍ ‍Luminous Odyssey: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllRemainingSystems‍ ‍Mitch692 Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMitch692ChannelTruth In The Barrel: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthIntheBarrel‍ ‍Help us out by chuckin' a buck on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thenerdacademypodcast

This is a preview of The Jug pt. 1- Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. Patreon supporters can listen to the full episode right now, a week early! The complete episode will be released publicly on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.

Welcome to Episode #66 of the No Conference for Old Men Podcast.Another dominant win, this time over a tricky New Orleans team. But is this Houston Cougars squad truly equipped to win the XII for a 3rd straight season? The Coogs are now 10-1, ranked #8 in the AP, and rounding into form on both sides of the ball with XII play right around the corner. But a final big test awaits this weekend vs what could be the best team in the SEC in Arkansas.Please have a listen as the 3 Old Men break down the game vs UNO, as well as provide some thoughts on the upcoming game vs Calipari-led Arkansas. We then revisit our predictions on the Big XII conference race, with all the key non-con games now behind us.- No Conference for Old Men is available for free via Spotify / Apple Podcast / SoundCloud & the GoCoogs.com website; we're also available via the Republic of Football Podcast feed from the folks at Dave Campbell's Texas Football as their only basketball-centric offering- Intro / Exit music: Ground Zero provided by FreeBeats.io- Please follow us on gocoogs.com/old-men/

In this episode of America's Founding Series, Professor Nick Giordano tells the forgotten but urgent story of St. George Tucker, the revolutionary patriot, wounded war veteran, and constitutional scholar who warned that the Constitution would fail if Americans stopped defending its limits. From smuggling gunpowder for the Continental Army to writing the first major American commentary on the Constitution, Tucker understood that liberty is never self-enforcing. Long before the rise of the modern administrative state, he warned that power naturally consolidates, courts cannot be the sole guardians of freedom, and constitutional ignorance would be fatal to the Republic. This episode explores Tucker's life, his warnings, and why his lesson matters now more than ever.   Episode Highlights: • The remarkable life of St. George Tucker, from Revolutionary War service and battlefield wounds to becoming America's first great constitutional commentator • Why Tucker believed citizens and states, not courts or bureaucracies, are the ultimate guardians of liberty • How Tucker's warnings about consolidation of power and constitutional ignorance explain today's government overreach

Gregory Copley reports on King Charles III's improving health and his unifying role within the Commonwealth. He contrasts the stability of the constitutional monarchy with the historical chaos of Cromwell's republic, suggesting the Crown remains a vital stabilizing force against political turmoil in the UK and its dominions. 1620 JAMES I

We look at the Air India Boeing 787 crash and the friction between investigators, Boom Supersonic's plan for stationary power generation, Spirit Airlines' new labor agreements, the canceled TSA labor contract, DHS purchase of Boeing 737s, ethics and the FAA Administrator, the V-22 Osprey accident rate, A-10 retirement postponement, return of PanAm, and fumes in the cabin. Aviation News Air India Boeing 787 Crash Probe Leads to Tussle Between Investigators India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and U.S. agencies, such as the NTSB and FAA, investigating the Air India crash have clashed over where and how to read out the flight recorders, access to evidence, and the overall pace and transparency of the investigation. U.S. officials reportedly feared a lack of openness, while Indian officials pushed back strongly against what they saw as outside interference and challenges to their competence. Boeing 787, courtesy Air India. Preliminary technical findings point toward the 787's fuel control switches being moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF,” starving both engines of fuel shortly after takeoff. Some U.S. sources suspect deliberate pilot action, while Indian authorities have downplayed pilot culpability in public. Source article in the Wall Street Journal: Officials Clash in Investigation of Deadly Air India Crash Air India Admits Compliance Culture Needs Overhaul After Flying Airbus Without Permit, Document Shows An Air India investigation found that one of its Airbus planes conducted eight commercial flights without an airworthiness permit. “Systemic failures” were cited, and the airline admitted it needed to make compliance improvements. Boom Supersonic Secures Breakthrough AI Engine Deal Boom Supersonic is developing the Symphony propulsion system to power its Overture supersonic airliner. At the same time, AI data centers require enormous compute power, and they need energy to do that. Boom says that it will develop the land-based Superpower 42-megawatt natural gas turbine, based on the Symphony engine. If successful, the Superpower would generate a revenue stream and provide operating data. Crusoe Energy has 29 Superpower units on order, with delivery expected in 2027. Major aero‑derivative OEMs offering ground power generation​ include: General Electric, Siemens Energy, Mitsubishi Power, Rolls‑Royce, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. AvWeek reports that Boom has closed a $300 million funding round, which the company says, together with the AI gas turbine deal, will be sufficient to complete development of the Symphony and initial Overture aircraft. Video: Introducing Superpower: The Supersonic Tech Powering AI Data Centers https://youtu.be/krweC0gvbhM?si=5F4EO-yBlbsjE196 JetBlue A320 narrowly avoids mid-air collision with USAF tanker over Caribbean On December 12, 2025, a JetBlue Airways A320-232 (Flight B61112) left Curaçao bound for JFK airport. Shortly after takeoff, the plane narrowly avoided a collision with a US Air Force refueling tanker. Spirit Airlines Reaches Another Milestone in its Restructuring as Pilots and Flight Attendants Ratify Agreements Spirit Airlines announced the ratification of labor agreements with pilots (represented by the Air Line Pilots Association) and flight attendants (represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA). The two agreements are subject to court approval. 82% of the pilots voted in favor of the contract, which allows temporary reductions in pay rates and retirement contributions effective January 1, 2026. Pay rates are restored through guaranteed increases on August 1, 2028, and January 1, 2029. Company-funded retirement contributions will be fully restored by July 1, 2029. See ALPA Press Release: Spirit Airlines Pilots Ratify Restructuring Agreement. US invalidates union contract covering 47,000 TSA officers, AFGE vows to challenge The American Federation of Government Employees represents airport screening officers and plans to file a lawsuit after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem terminated the collective bargaining agreement. DHS plans to implement a new labor framework on January 11, 2026, when the collection of union dues from TSA officers’ paychecks will cease. TSA said the new labor framework “will return the agency back into a security-focused framework that prioritizes workforce readiness, resource allocation and mission focus with an effective stewardship of taxpayer dollars.” US signs nearly $140m deal to purchase six Boeing 737s for use in deportations The Department of Homeland Security signed a contract with Arlington, Virginia-based Daedalus Aviation Corporation to purchase six Boeing 737 planes for deportation operations. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said: “This new initiative will save $279m in taxpayer dollars by allowing ICE to operate more effectively, including by using more efficient flight patterns.” Daedalus Aviation Corporation focuses on turnkey flight operations and specialized charter services for government and high‑stakes commercial clients. They emphasize contingency, evacuation, and other critical missions. Senator says FAA administrator failed to sell multimillion-dollar airline stake as promised Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) says FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford promised to sell his multimillion-dollar stake in Republic Airways under his ethics agreement, but he has failed to do so. Bedford agreed to sell all his shares within 90 days of his confirmation, but 150 days have now passed. In a letter to Bedford, Sen. Cantwell writes, “It appears you continue to retain significant equity in this conflicting asset months past the deadline set to fully divest from Republic, which constitutes a clear violation of your ethics agreement. This is unacceptable and demands a full accounting.” New V-22 Mishap Reviews Find Material Issues with Osprey, Poor Communication Between Services Two new reports point to faulty parts, poorly understood maintenance procedures, and a lack of communication across the services. The result was a lack of safety and reliability across the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. One report was from the Naval Air Systems Command, and the other was from the Government Accountability Office. Both had been in the works for two years. Twenty people were killed in V-22 Osprey accidents from 2022 to 2024. Congress Postpones A-10 Retirement The A-10 Thunderbolt II (the Warthog) close support aircraft has been on the verge of retirement for years. The National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA) directs the Air Force to keep at least 103 A-10 aircraft in its inventory until a phaseout in 2029. The NDAA limits retirement plans for other aircraft: KC-10 tankers, the F-15E Strike Eagle, and the E-3 Sentry surveillance plane. Delays in supplying replacements are cited as the reason. Pan Am plans future Airbus A320neo operations as part of Miami launch The “new Pan Am” is a startup effort to revive the Pan American World Airways brand as a U.S. Part 121 scheduled airline. Pan American Global Holdings acquired the rights to the Pan Am brand in 2023. Pan Am intends to deploy Airbus A320neo aircraft as part of its future operations in Miami. There are few details about the executive team, but Ed Wegel is described as a Pan Am co-founder. He is also the founder of AVi8 Air Capital, a niche aviation-focused investment and advisory firm with headquarters in the Miami, Florida area. The company is active in the relaunch of Pan Am, and this year (2025), they completed a comprehensive Pan Am business plan. Boeing Sued By Law Professor After Allegedly Inhaling Toxic Fumes On Cross-Country Flight A law professor who flew on a Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Delta Air Lines last year is suing Boeing, alleging that he suffered serious health issues after being exposed to toxic fumes in the cabin. Mentioned The 10 Best Airports for AvGeeks: Rare Aircraft, Unique Routes, and Niche Airlines Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, and our Main(e) Man Micah, with Erin Applebaum.

The Coffin Butte Landfill, located about 10 miles north of Corvallis, takes in trash from around two dozen Oregon counties and accepts more than a million tons of waste every year. But its shelf life is expiring, and Republic Services, the company that owns and operates the landfill, is trying to expand it.   Now, it’s one step closer. Last month, Republic won Benton County’s approval for a permit that greenlights the expansion, so long as Republic complies with certain criteria to mitigate the dump’s environmental impact.   Opponents are trying to stall the expansion at the Land Use Board of Appeals before any shovels hit the ground, but it’s unclear whether the expansion will happen safely, or at all. Mason Leavitt is a geographic information systems analyst and programs manager at Beyond Toxics. He joins us to revisit the expansion’s continuing saga, what we know about the site’s environmental impact and what alternatives there might be.  

What does the future of the pet service industry look like as technology and client expectations evolve? Matthew Kutas, founder and CEO of Republic of Dog, talks about the challenges and opportunities facing pet care businesses today. He discusses how technology can streamline operations without losing the emotional connection at the heart of the work, and why onboarding is a make-or-break process for client trust. Matthew shares insights on staffing, scaling, and the professionalization of the industry. He also explores how pet care intersects with city planning, corporate wellness, and strategic partnerships, pointing to new opportunities for growth. Main topics: Technology's impact on pet services Onboarding as client trust foundation Balancing scaling with personalization Staffing challenges and expectations City planning, condos, and corporate programs Main takeaway: "Technology should give you more time to do the important things—it should enhance the client's experience, not replace the human connection." – Matthew Kutas As pet care professionals, we often look to tech to solve our pain points. Scheduling tools, payment systems, even AI—these can save hours of work. But Matthew Kutas reminds us that the point isn't to automate away the heart of our service. Instead, we should use the time we gain to deepen relationships with clients and their pets. Send that personal message. Make that check-in call. Show you care. Because in an industry built on trust, the human connection is what truly sets us apart. About our guest: Matthew Kutas is the founder and CEO of Republic of Dog, based in Canada. With over 25 years in the pet service industry, he has built and operated businesses in dog walking, daycare, grooming, and boarding, before shifting into consulting and advising. Today, his focus is on how pet services integrate into urban living, condos, and hotels, while also addressing industry-wide challenges like technology, staffing, and scaling. Matthew works with pet care companies, city planners, and property managers to ensure pets remain central in both business growth and community design. Links: https://republicofdog.ca Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Trump is putting all the pieces together for the new economic system. Gas prices are dropping like a rock. Silver prices are now higher than oil prices. Trump is building a smelting factory in TN to compete against China. The Fed is buying the debt which will destroy the Fed. Is Trump working with Jamie Dimon? The [DS] is losing control, evidence is being dripped out against the [DS]. News is being released against them so they are attacking like a wild animal. The infiltration in this country and other countries was directed by the same [DS] players. They will use this to create chaos WW. Trump knows playbook, meanwhile Trump is dismantling their system world wide. Never interfere with an enemy while they are in the process of destroying themselves. Be prepared. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/2000567788856119385?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2000582117294846292?s=20   in mid-2022. Since then, silver prices have surged +206% while oil prices have dropped -44%. WTI Crude is now on track for its worst year since the 2020 pandemic decline, down -20%, while silver is on its best annual performance since 1979, up +115%. We are witnessing a major macroeconomic shift. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000622821697822926?s=20   some stake in the venture. The list includes: Gallium, Germanium, Indium. Antimony, Copper, Silver, Gold, and Zinc. This will be CRITICAL for producing things at home without relying on China, including defense systems and semiconductors. THIS IS HUGE!   https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2000543866047308139?s=20 https://twitter.com/JoeLang51440671/status/2000587776232739114?s=20  years. They have been directly involved in all kinds of money laundering operations from major drug trafficking to pedophile blackmail rings like Epstein. They have done ALL of this KNOWINGLY. When you KNOWINGLY commit these types of crimes, you are participating in a massive “conspiracy.” Do you see the vulnerability? Hillary was never supposed to lose. Trump became the most powerful man on the planet, the moment he was sworn in as president back in 2017. Trump instantly became a threat to the entire corrupt system and had the military behind him. He took control of the most powerful central bank in the world and also controlled the world's reserve currency. He also controlled the DOJ. Jamie Dimon was vulnerable. But was he “leveraged” by Trump? I believe the answer is yes and the timeline of events proves it. In 2019, precious metals traders at JPM were convicted of manipulating the metals prices by “spoofing.” They would place fake orders, with no intention of taking delivery. JPM was FORCED to pay a fine of almost a billion dollars. That was the moment JPM was captured. And what has happened recently? Jamie Dimon just announced, that for the first time in its history, they have dumped their SILVER shorts and have gone long on SILVER. JPM is the largest holder of physical SILVER in the world at 750 million ounces. That is KEY. That 750 million ounces of SILVER are subject to Trump's Executive Order signed back in December of 2017, that was renewed each year of Biden's presidency. That's not a coincidence. I believe that 750 million ounces of SILVER are going to be the new U.S. Strategic SILVER Reserve. But here's what's interesting and indicates that JPM is now a tool in Trump's hand, taking down the global banking cabal. The SILVER and Gold prices are controlled by two entities. The big bullion banks associated with the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association), which sets the “spot” price of “physical SILVER” in London and the COMEX on Wall Street, that sets the “paper SILVER” price for futures trading. It's a massive derivative market used to manipulate the price, where the same physical SILVER is traded at hundreds of times its worth because most transactions NEVER demand delivery. A truly “fractional” system rampant with fraud. But suddenly something changed on the COMEX. There was a massive increase in demand for physical delivery of SILVER, instead of taking “cash.” Someone was now beginning to hoard physical SILVER. That FORCED the bullion banks in London, to start emptying their vaults and shipping large amounts of SILVER to New York vaults at the COMEX. Guess who owns the largest SILVER vault on COMEX? None other than JPM. And now we know that they were the one demanding physical delivery of SILVER as they were unloading ALL their paper contracts and hoarding physical SILVER. We have watched for months, the flow of physical SILVER leave London and head to New York. The days of the bullion banks controlling the SILVER price are over and their vaults have been emptied, which FORCED them to buy SILVER and drive the price higher. JPM, who had been in cahoots with LBMA forever, just cut the legs out from under them and caused those bullion banks to take heavy losses from their SILVER shorts. JPM trapped LBMA by demanding huge leasing rates for their SILVER supply. That FORCED them to purchase SILVER in order to fulfill orders. That's what helped to end the manipulation of the SILVER price, as JPM went fully long for the very first time. We are just finding out now, that JPM is the bank that caused all the panic at LBMA and ENDED the manipulation of SILVER. We own the most Gold and the most SILVER. Ready for a RESET Political/Rights https://twitter.com/sircalebhammer/status/2000400581316460778?s=20 https://twitter.com/mtracey/status/2000593491089559998?s=20 Just In: Rob Reiner's Son Arrested and Charged in Grisly Murder of Parents Rob Reiner's son, Nick, was arrested on Monday in connection with the murder of the Hollywood director and his wife, Michelle, and booked on $4 million bail. Reiner was open about his son Nick's drug addiction and made a movie about the family's experience with his drug problem. According to The New York Post, Nick Reiner has been charged with murder. The couple's daughter, Romy, found the couple in their home with their throats slashed. The New York Post reported: Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/BreitbartNews/status/2000563249616712181?s=20   with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace! https://twitter.com/MikeBenzCyber/status/1700845324942925921?s=20 Reiner said jack after the attempted assassination on Trump. Trump was honest, but still called it “sad” and said “rest in peace.” Did he need to say the other things? Probably not. But why does he have to be nice with the absolute vile shit these people have said? https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2000363854849507441?s=20 https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/2000377216736334189?s=20 https://twitter.com/catturd2/status/2000174373676925123?s=20 One was banned for rejecting a deadly vaccine. The other was imported despite having a deadly ideology. https://twitter.com/ColonelTowner/status/2000517544084488656?s=20   why would anyone do that? That's simple, they want you either dead bc they view you as a useless eater or controlled using fear and psychological operations which equals terror attacks. Insert terrorist here. Operation Gladio proved beyond any doubt you own government will kill you whenever the fuck they want and don't give a shit about the blown back, especially when they own all the guns. Which is a primary goal of the US false flags so they can take ours. It worked so well everywhere else even in New Zealand. But not here. It will never work here and that really pisses them off. Plan accordingly. https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2000629428838166644?s=20   ISIS hotspot in the Philippines just weeks before the deadly attack. The 2 traveled alone to Southeast Asia, raising major red flags for authorities now investigating possible overseas radicalization. Intelligence sources say the region they visited is linked to ISIS training camps, calling it “a well-trodden path for Islamic State” operatives since 2019. Naveed Akram had been on ASIO's radar since 2019 but was not previously deemed an immediate threat. Officials are now probing whether the suspects were influenced or trained during their time abroad before returning to commit one of Australia's deadliest terror attacks in years. Source: The Daily Telegraph, NY Post https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/2000432832557289749?s=20 https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2000549271657996678?s=20 https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2000610717016449275?s=20   blocks, so the jihadists murder Jews with machetes; Then you ban machetes, so the jihadists murder Jews with kitchen knives; Then you ban kitchen knives, so the jihadists murders Jews with large rocks; Then you ban large rocks…. ————————— You seem to be missing the constant component to these crimes, and it ain’t the weapon. https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/2000529088046625122?s=20 https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/2000569974755311679?s=20 https://twitter.com/TimOnPoint/status/2000552644402618629?s=20 Brown University has almost 1,000 cameras across campus. No footage. No information. Nothing. – The shooter seemed to have targeted the Vice President of the Republican Club – Person of interest has been released, shooter is still at large. Just wow.They do have a tips line, so why not show the person so people can identify him/her. https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2000424946816925931?s=20 https://twitter.com/C_3C_3/status/2000413597198123046?s=20 https://twitter.com/C_3C_3/status/2000582226497389052?s=20  , law enforcement recovered two firearms—a revolver and a Glock handgun (described in some accounts as a 9mm with a laser sight)—from the hotel room at the Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island, where person of interest Benjamin Erickson was detained in connection with the Brown University shooting.  Authorities are investigating whether these weapons are linked to the incident, which killed two students and injured nine others on December 14, 2025.  Erickson was later released as the evidence reportedly shifted in another direction, and the manhunt for the shooter continues. https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2000589113380987097?s=20   pro-Palestinian, anti-law-enforcement, and anti-government ideology. They were allegedly planning coordinated IED bombing attacks on New Year’s Eve, targeting five separate locations across Los Angeles. In the days since, @FBINewOrleans arrested an additional FIFTH individual believed to be linked to this radical TILF subgroup – also allegedly planning a separate violent attack. Outstanding work by our investigators and law enforcement partners @TheJusticeDept . Their work undoubtedly saved countless lives. @FBILosAngeles will hold a press conference later today to share additional details.  The four defendants named in the complaint are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30, Zachary Aaron Page, 32, Dante Gaffield, 24, and 41-year-old Tina Lai. According to a sworn statement in support of the complaint, Carroll in November presented an eight-page handwritten document to a paid confidential source titled “Operation Midnight Sun” which described a bomb plot. Carroll and Page later allegedly recruited the other two defendants to help carry out the plan, which included them “acquiring bomb-making materials and traveling to a remote location in the Mojave Desert to construct and detonate test explosive devices on December 12, 2025,” the sworn statement alleges.  https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2000627062529228902?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2000616790175461455?s=20 https://twitter.com/RamboAndFrens/status/2000614500563918985?s=20 https://twitter.com/TonySeruga/status/2000645622987473142?s=20  the digital director for California Governor Gavin Newsom, a role she has held since around June 2024, leading a small team of three that handles graphic design, social media strategy, and rapid-response content across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Threads, TikTok, and Bluesky. She is directly responsible for managing and overseeing Newsom’s social media presence. DOGE Geopolitical https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2000344607218127143?s=20 José Antonio Kast is very much onboard with Donald Trump. He has repeatedly expressed admiration for Trump’s policies, congratulated him on his election victories, and aligned his own agenda with Trump-style approaches to issues like immigration, crime, and economic incentives. For instance, Kast has publicly wished Trump success in his presidency for the benefit of Chile, Latin America, and the world @joseantoniokast , praised Trump’s ideas on expediting approvals for major investments @joseantoniokast , and endorsed Trump’s tough stance on deportations and sanctions against countries that refuse to accept their nationals back @joseantoniokast . He also condemned the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump and highlighted the loss of life among Trump’s supporters Maria Corina Machado Says Hundreds Of Thousands Venezuelans Will Return Home Once Maduro Goes Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate María Corina Machado believes “hundreds of thousands” of Venezuelans will return to their country from all over the world once the socialist Maduro regime goes. “The day Maduro goes, you will see tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants coming back home from the United States and all over the world,” Machado on Sunday told CBS News. “I mean, our diaspora is desperate to go back to Venezuela. So even from that perspective, it is a win, win situation to have democracy in Venezuela.” Machado arrived in Oslo, Norway last week to receive the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize after spending over a year in hiding facing threats of arrest by the Maduro regime.  Hours later, she confirmed that the Trump administration helped her escape from Venezuela. source: breitbart.com War/Peace https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/2000607318229286957?s=20 [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2000559689873166522?s=20 https://twitter.com/WallStreetApes/status/2000353004281794978?s=20  a perception that I’m quoting now, that forcefully tackling this issue would cause political backlash from the Somali community, which is a core voting block for Democrats” Seriously, how are Democrats not getting raided and thrown in prison https://twitter.com/AwakenedOutlaw/status/2000632685178626084?s=20   Democrat Money Laundering Discovered – Names include Gretchen Whitmer, Jon Ossoff and Cory Booker “It now appears that the six lawmakers have been found to have been heavily involved in money laundering. Investigative Reporter/Citizen Journalist, Bob Cushman, has just released an FEC data analysis that strongly suggests that Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan and Maggie Goodlander have been recipients of illegally laundered campaign funds. In the initial investigation, Cushman cites 22 Smurf examples that have “allegedly” contributed almost three million dollars in more than 95,000 separate donations to Democratic coffers. All six members of the Seditious Six have received funds from one or more of these “smurfs” President Trump's Plan New memos show how corruption probe into Clinton Foundation was killed: ‘We were told NO by FBI HQ' Drip, drip, drip: A newly-declassified timeline exposes how the FBI’s investigation of the Clinton Foundation was hamstrung by DOJ leaders while the inquiry into Trump-Russia collusion hoax marched forward. This isn’t the first tranche of evidence pointing to political interference. Atop Republican senator has provided Just the News a timeline written by FBI investigators laying out the repeated political obstruction those agents faced from their own bosses and the Justice Department during the 2016 election and beyond as they probed whether Hillary Clinton engaged in a pay-to-play corruption scheme involving her family foundation. “Field agents were frustrated. But HQ would not let it go forward,” the newly-released and lengthy investigative timeline reveals. “We were trying to explore the [Clinton] Foundation, and we were told ‘NO' by FBI HQ.” Not the first timeline showing interference “Shut it down!” then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates is quoted as demanding in the shorter timeline of the politicized barriers that agents in New York City, Little Rock, Ark., and Washington D.C. reported. The shorter timeline — written by a DOJ lawyer assigned to the FBI under former bureau Director James Comey — was secured by top aides to Patel and was obtained by Just the News earlier this year. The newly-released and longer timeline was handed over to Grassley's office by the FBI along with a host of corroborating internal emails and was recently provided to Just the News. Agents struggled for years to investigate Clinton Foundation The longer timeline indicated that questions about the Clinton Foundation's potential criminality were raised as early as April 2010, when there was a “consensually-monitored call between [Redacted] Sant Singh Chatwal” during which there was a “description of conversations with foreign donors (Amar Singh, Lakshmi Mittal, Deepak Chopra, Praful Patel, Subhash Chandra) about giving to HRC.” McCabe stops the Clinton Foundation investigation from moving forward in 2016 The shorter timeline revealed that as early as February 2016, the Justice Department “indicated they would not be supportive of an FBI investigation.” The shorter timeline also shows that, in mid-February 2016, McCabe ordered that “no overt investigative steps” were allowed to be taken in the Clinton Foundation investigation “without his approval” — a command he allegedly repeated numerous times over the coming months. John Huber, Uranium One, and the continued stalling of the CF inquiry The Hill had reported in October 2017 that “before the Obama administration approved a controversial deal in 2010 giving Moscow control of a large swath of American uranium, the FBI had gathered substantial evidence that Russian nuclear industry officials were engaged in bribery, kickbacks, extortion and money laundering designed to grow Vladimir Putin's atomic energy business inside the United States.” The Hill said that “federal agents used a confidential U.S. witness working inside the Russian nuclear industry to gather extensive financial records, make secret recordings and intercept emails as early as 2009 that showed Moscow had compromised an American uranium trucking firm with bribes and kickbacks in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.” “They also obtained an eyewitness account — backed by documents — indicating Russian nuclear officials had routed millions of dollars to the U.S. designed to benefit former President Bill Clinton's charitable foundation during the time Secretary of State Hillary Clinton served on a government body that provided a favorable decision to Moscow,” The Hill reported. Source: justthenews.com https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2000621732932039106?s=20  solved by asking nicely. Unprecedented circumstances require unprecedented action. It's time for Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, deploy the US MIL to every city in America, safeguard the public, completely uproot the Left-wing terrorist network, deport the illegals, secure elections, arrest the traitors who are responsible for all this, and save the Republic. https://twitter.com/drawandstrike/status/2000020569731809454?s=20   known as ‘The Federal Judiciary’ and the ‘The United States Congress’ to become actual America First branches of the federal government. This is not as easy as I make it sound just typing that out. It’s been a hard slog for Trump and his Dream Team Cabinet to get the Executive Branch where it now is after 11 months. We’re almost to the point the Insurrection Act can be invoked and most of the US Congress and a significant part of the federal judiciary can be arrested and replaced. 2026 is going to be quite awesome. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000686487352877517?s=20 https://twitter.com/MJTruthUltra/status/2000666864020808164?s=20 https://twitter.com/AwakenedOutlaw/status/2000329752251654517?s=20  . Oh, and note how matters regarding Tina Peters is coming to a head in parallel. Do you think that’s just happenstance? (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureCalifornia is destroying their gasoline market, they want the state to own it, socialism. Oil prices are dropping, gas prices are dropping soon gas will be close to $1. Trump is reversing the [CB] illusion, jobs are being returned to the private sector. All in preparation to go back to the Constitution. The [DS] will continue to push back and try to delay everything Trump is trying to do. The House is prepared to make his EO into law, this will protect the country into the future. Trump had the real Generals stand behind him, these are the individuals that will protect the Republic from the [DS]. Trump is undoing decades of corruption, exposing the [DS] treasonous crimes, they will fight to hide their treasonous acts but this will fail. In the end the Military is the only way. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/US_OGA/status/2000639453866651711?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2000951982874636662?s=20 https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2000628845918265518?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2000925538131829101?s=20 https://twitter.com/RealEJAntoni/status/2000925018281402525?s=20 https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2000952081012940948?s=20 https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2000966123274068007?s=20 https://twitter.com/RealEJAntoni/status/2000936248370717073?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000922549060858200?s=20   $2,000 per household, depending on the number of workers.” “[The economy] is gonna start lifting off in Q1 and Q2.” This is HUGE! Political/Rights https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2000701268806062358?s=20 https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2000713713423196652?s=20 https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2000766725231665257?s=20 https://twitter.com/KnightsTempOrg/status/2000645606964933100?s=20 WEIRD? Police Publish and Quickly Delete Photos of Rob Reiner's Son Being Cuffed for Slaughtering Parents, Give No Explanation Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of liberal activist and famed director Rob Reiner, has been arrested and charged with the brutal murder of his parents. The LAPD Gang and Narcotics Division published dramatic photos of Nick's handcuffed arrest on Instagram on Monday, but quickly deleted them without explanation. Rob Reiner, 78, known for classics like The Princess Bride, Spinal Tap, and When Harry Met Sally, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday afternoon. The New York Post reports: Nick Reiner, whose face is blurred out, is seen being forced to the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back, according to one photo. Another snap showed law enforcement pushing the suspect against the front of a squad car. In the caption, the unit only identified the man as “a double homicide suspect.” The arrest was made by US Marshals with the assistance of the LAPD's robbery homicide division, according to the post. An LAPD spokesperson declined to comment when asked why the force's gang and narcotics unit deleted the arrest photo shortly after it was published. The since-deleted photos: Nick, who has long battled severe drug addiction starting in his teens, co-wrote and starred in the 2016 semi-autobiographical film Being Charlie, directed by his father, which chronicled a young man's struggles with substance abuse and rehab. Insiders report that Nick “really resented” his father and “hated himself for not being as successful,” amid ongoing family tensions. The night before the murders, Rob and Nick reportedly got into a “very loud argument” at Conan O'Brien's Christmas party, loud enough for other guests to notice. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2000870292227260695?s=20 https://twitter.com/barrycunningham/status/2000736216354853228?s=20   lists are…well you know. TAKE A LISTEN https://twitter.com/RealSLokhova/status/2000919590449394156?s=20 Real Texas Conservative  The tragic deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele on December 14, 2025, have cast a somber shadow over Hollywood, prompting reflections on legacy, loss, and the lingering scars of political division. In response, President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post on December 15, 2025 – framing their passing through the lens of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) – has ignited controversy. Yet, when examined against the backdrop of Reiner’s decade-long barrage of vitriolic rhetoric against Trump, the statement emerges not as callous, but as an appropriate blend of pointed satire, genuine sympathy, and a timely concern for mental health. This piece builds an ironclad case for its fittingness, rooted in factual history, psychological insight, and legal precedent. To understand the appropriateness of Trump’s words, one must first confront the unyielding hostility Reiner directed at him since 2015. Reiner, celebrated for directing classics like “This Is Spinal Tap” and “The Princess Bride,” transformed into one of Trump’s most vocal detractors after his presidential candidacy. In a 2016 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reiner labeled Trump a “con man” and “dangerous,” warning he would erode democratic norms. This escalated over the years. By 2018, Reiner tweeted comparisons of Trump to Hitler, accusing him of fostering fascism and white supremacy. His 2024 documentary “God & Country” explicitly tied Trump’s influence to Christian nationalism, portraying it as a threat to American democracy. Reiner’s social media feed became a relentless stream of attacks, calling Trump a “pathological liar,” “sociopath,” and “existential danger” in posts that amassed millions of views. Even in 2025, shortly before his death, Reiner urged boycotts of Trump-related events, framing his re-election as apocalyptic. These were not isolated jabs but a sustained campaign, often personal and inflammatory, that Reiner himself admitted stemmed from deep-seated outrage. This history of antagonism, predominantly initiated by Reiner, sets the stage for why Trump’s response is not only defensible but proportionate. Far from escalating the feud posthumously, Trump’s post acknowledges Reiner’s talents – “a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star” – while attributing the tragedy to TDS, a “mind-crippling disease” fueled by “raging obsession.” This framing isn’t baseless invention; it’s grounded in credible psychological analysis. Critics have questioned the timing of Trump’s post, issued just a day after the tragedy, as potentially too raw or opportunistic. However, this immediacy is precisely what makes it authentic and effective, aligning with Trump’s longstanding style of direct, unfiltered leadership in a 24/7 news cycle where narratives solidify within hours. Historical precedents abound; consider how President Lincoln addressed critics’ deaths or political losses with prompt wit during the Civil War, using fresh moments to foster national introspection and prevent distorted legacies. Similarly, Trump’s swift response cuts through emerging media spin – already framing Reiner solely as a heroic anti-Trump voice – by injecting balance and psychological truth right when public discourse peaks. Delaying would risk seeming calculated or detached, whereas this timing underscores sincerity, especially paired with the post’s sympathetic close. In essence, it’s not haste but strategic candor, transforming grief into a teachable moment on division’s dangers before emotions calcify. Transitioning from personal history to broader insight, TDS has been recognized by mental health experts as a manifestation of intense political polarization leading to real psychological strain. Psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow, in analyses shared on platforms like the Mark Simone Show, described TDS as rooted in “mass hysteria,” where individuals project anxieties onto a political figure, resulting in paranoia, chronic stress, and potential health declines. Research in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology supports this, linking partisan hatred to elevated cortisol levels, anxiety disorders, and weakened well-being. Trump’s reference to TDS isn’t mockery; it’s a diagnostic observation, highlighting how Reiner’s fixation – evident in his own words – might have contributed to personal tolls, especially amid reports of familial strife surrounding the deaths. By raising this, Trump shifts the narrative from vendetta to vigilance, urging awareness of how ideological obsessions erode lives. Moreover, the post’s satirical edge aligns with a storied tradition of political commentary, making it intellectually apt rather than insensitive. Trump employs hyperbole – “driving people CRAZY” amid America’s “Golden Age” – to underscore the irony of Reiner’s paranoia against tangible achievements like record economic growth, Middle East peace accords, and energy independence during his administration. This mirrors Jonathan Swift’s exaggerated proposals in “A Modest Proposal” or Abraham Lincoln’s witty rebukes of critics, using humor to expose societal flaws without literal malice. Legally, such expression is shielded by the First Amendment; the Supreme Court’s ruling in Hustler Magazine v. Falwell affirms that satirical opinions about public figures, absent provable falsehoods, are protected speech. Trump’s “reportedly due to” phrasing acknowledges speculation, ensuring it remains opinion, not defamation. What elevates the statement to appropriateness is its undercurrent of grace amid past unkindnesses, including Trump’s rare direct engagement with Reiner pre-tragedy despite the instigations. The post concludes with “May Rob and Michele rest in peace!” This isn’t perfunctory; it’s a sincere extension of sympathy, humanizing both parties and transcending the feud while modeling reciprocity in an era of unrelenting acrimony. Trump’s words match rhetoric’s intensity yet cap it with compassion and a mental health caveat, turning potential gloating into a nudge toward understanding division’s toll. In conclusion, Trump’s response is ironclad in its fittingness because it reciprocates a decade of Reiner’s attacks with measured satire, validates psychological realities, and prioritizes sympathy over score-settling. It doesn’t diminish the tragedy but illuminates division’s costs, encouraging reflection. Postscript: While the author is not an attorney or mental health practitioner, his nearly two decades as a seasoned content writer and editor have honed expert research skills, enabling rigorous analysis grounded in verifiable facts and legal precedents. https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/2000931274744324237?s=20 https://twitter.com/AlecLace/status/2000700955457630718?s=20 https://twitter.com/KurtSchlichter/status/2000694706054029700?s=20  reason for it. Sadly, past experience, teaches us that the most likely reason for the lack of transparency is that the answers are not going to support the left-wing agenda of the local Rhode Island Democrats. I could be wrong. But if I was wrong, I have a nagging suspicion. I would've had answers to those questions already. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of this man. Trump blames Brown, not FBI, for delay in finding shooting suspect President Trump blamed Brown University for the delay in locating the suspect in the fatal mass shooting on the school's campus in Rhode Island on Saturday. “You'd really have to ask the school a little bit more about that because this was a school problem,” Trump said when asked on Monday if FBI Director Kash Patel has told him why it's been difficult for the FBI to identify the suspected shooter. “They had their own guards. They had their own police. They had their own everything, but you'd have to ask that question really to the school, not to the FBI. We came in after the fact, and the FBI will do a good job, but they came in after the fact,” he said. Source: thehill.com War/Peace https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2000694318512652750?s=20 JUST IN: US OBLITERATES 3 More Venezuelan Drug Boats Just Hours After President Trump Designates Fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction United States Southern Command on Monday announced that Joint Task Force Southern Spear took out three narcotrafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific.  A total of eight “narco-terrorists” were killed in the strikes. “Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking,” US SOUTHCOM said. Video from the strikes shows massive explosions on each boat, turning them into burning piles of rubble. https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2000756230252314901?s=20 Source: thegatewaypundit.com Trump: Syria is a key part of peace efforts in the Middle East Washington, Dec. 16 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump described the developments in Syria this year as “remarkable,” highlighting that the United States is committed to ensuring lasting peace in the Middle East, with Syria playing an essential role in that peace. Source: sana.sy 1306 Q !xowAT4Z3VQ ID: e7b971 No.1248119 Apr 30 2018 10:51:06 (EST) Define the terms of the Iran nuclear deal. Does the agreement define & confine cease & desist ‘PRO' to the republic of Iran? What if Iran created a classified ‘satellite' Nuclear facility in Northern Syria? What if the program never ceased? What other bad actors are possibly involved? Did the U.S. know? Where did the cash payments go? How many planes delivered? Did all planes land in same location? Where did the U1 material end up? Is this material traceable? Yes. Define cover. What if U1 material ended up in Syria? What would be the primary purpose? SUM OF ALL FEARS. In the movie, where did the material come from? What country? What would happen if Russia or another foreign state supplied Uranium to Iran/Syria? WAR. What does U1 provide? Define cover. Why did we strike Syria? Why did we really strike Syria? Define cover. Patriots in control. Q British Intelligence Head Says Prepare for War Against Russia  The newly appointed head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, formerly known by her position as “Q”, is literally the granddaughter of factual Ukraine Nazi, Constantine Dobrowolski.  Now, as head of MI6 Metreweli wants war with Russia. In a rather remarkable speech to the British people, Blaise Metreweli proclaimed Europe is in “the space between peace and war,” with a direct military conflict with Russia looming as the biggest threat.  Metreweli declared, “Our world is being actively remade, with profound implications for national and international security.” Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2000898313579561365?s=20 https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2000896186413441184?s=20   have already been filed. The World Bank estimates the total at $524 billion over the next decade – triple Ukraine’s 2024 GDP. Zelensky: “It’s not enough to force Russia into a deal. It’s not enough to make it stop killing. We must make Russia accept that there are rules in the world.” Mechanism: Register of Damage (created 2023): collects claims from individuals, companies, and the Ukrainian state. Claims Commission: reviews, validates, and awards compensation case-by-case. Categories: sexual violence, child deportations, infrastructure destruction, religious sites bombed. Funding plan: Frozen Russian assets held by the EU, supplemented by member contributions. Dutch FM David van Weel: “The goal is to have validated claims that will ultimately be paid by Russia.” Enforcement? Still being worked out. Complication: Trump's team floated amnesty for war crimes as part of a peace deal – makes prosecuting the very individuals being billed impossible. Next steps: Convention takes force after 25 nations ratify it (if funds secured). Russia calls frozen-assets proposal “illegal,” denies war crimes, threatens retaliation. Reality check: This is post-WWII-style reparations applied to an ongoing conflict. The $524B estimate covers through 2024 only – 2025's escalated attacks on utilities, transport, and civilians already make the number outdated. https://twitter.com/AwakenedOutlaw/status/2000626884145754206?s=20   breaking out. Their position is legitimately insane. Sadly, what’s clear is that the European leadership is comprised of war-mongering, bloodthirsty psychopaths. The idiom, “With friends like these, who needs enemies?” comes to mind. Only in this case, it’s not a sarcastic observation. ______ EU Globalists Threaten to Dump $2.34 Trillion in U.S. Debt to Stop Trump's Ukraine Peace Deal JUST IN: Senate Advances $900 BILLION Defense Spending Bill with Military Aid to Ukraine Senate advances $900 billion defense spending bill The US Senate on Monday voted to end the filibuster and advance the National Defense Authorization Act to a final vote.  The bipartisan vote, 76-20, invoked cloture on the bill, bringing it one step closer to final passage, which could still take days. Still, some lawmakers seek to amend the bill further, which would then require House passage before landing on the President's desk. Burchett: Big vote tonight was the NDAA, National Defense Authorization Act, and it was $900.6 billion. There’s money in there for, of course, Ukraine, $800 million total, and some other things, money in there for recognizing an Indian tribe out of North Carolina— has nothing to do with national security— Syria, money, Iraq. But we just got to quit this stuff. Somebody's, America’s got to start paying attention. Trump didn’t even ask for that. You’ve got the war pimps that push for this stuff. And they always will tell you, Oh, it’s, “Burchett, man, they’re gonna spend all that money here buying those missiles.” You know, is that what we’re basing our votes on is they’re going to buy implements to kill other people on? I’m all for getting rid of our enemies, but this is just too much, way too much, and things are just not what they appear. We need to wake up. I voted no. Over 100 Democrats voted to pass this. That ought to tell you right there what this is about. Got some liberal stuff tucked in there, and it’s over 3000 pages. We get it on Sunday, and we’re voting on it today. There’s no way, no way, we will ever know what was in there, and just— anyway, frustrated, we’ll keep fighting. Thank y’all for sending me here. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2000775317577744797?s=20   commands down to 8. Under the plan expected to be presented to Secretary Hegseth this week: U.S. Central Command, European Command, and Africa Command would be downgraded and placed under a new “U.S. International Command.” U.S. Southern Command and Northern Command would merge into “U.S. Americas Command” (Americom), reflecting the administration’s shift toward Western Hemisphere operations. The remaining commands: Indo-Pacific, Cyber, Special Operations, Space, Strategic, and Transportation. A senior defense official on the urgency: “Time ain’t on our side, man. The saying here is, ‘If not us, who, and if not now, when?'” The plan aligns with Trump’s national security strategy declaring that “the days of the United States propping up the entire world order like Atlas are over.” Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel expressed concern: “The world isn’t getting any less complicated. You want commands that have the capability of heading off problems before they become big problems.” Congress has required the Pentagon to submit a detailed blueprint before any changes can take effect. The Monroe Doctrine comes to CENTCOM. https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2000687672936030583?s=20   been done long ago, which is eradicate the cartels that are plaguing the Western hemisphere via drug/human trafficking. The cartels have gone unchecked for decades, while they murder millions of Americans and commit heinous crimes against humanity. Trump confirms that designating the cartels as a foreign terrorist organizations “is a big deal from a legal and military standpoint”. Trump is going to use the full force of the US MIL to shut this entire corrupt network down. The Dems/MSM, and the weaklings on the Right, are going to squeal and moan the entire way, but this must be done. Trump is going to neutralize this threat to the American People and do what past Presidents failed to do. Medical/False Flags [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2000857179142680769?s=20   been part of it. Her late father served as a colonel in the Somali army under dictator Siad Barre, whose regime carried out mass killings in the 1980s. That makes her backstory more complicated than she lets on. A resurfaced video shows a man resembling Omar's father discussing brutal tactics. There's no proof he committed war crimes, but some say he was close enough to know what was happening. Photos also show Omar's siblings with General Morgan – known as the “Butcher of Hargeisa” – and Omar herself at a 2022 event where Morgan was present. One relative even referred to him as “uncle.” Omar hasn't commented on the new findings, and her silence has led some to question how she can call for accountability abroad without addressing her own family's history. https://twitter.com/JamesRosenTV/status/2000723473182965780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2000723473182965780%7Ctwgr%5Eb493e83212e9c33013500c56069b3622c19b2e21%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Frusty-weiss%2F2025%2F12%2F16%2Fice-officials-rip-ilhan-omar-over-ridiculous-story-about-her-son-being-racially-profiled-n2197175 https://twitter.com/thestoicplumber/status/2000748048683815183?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000742064959455252?s=20 U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro: D.C. Authorities Were Artificially Deflating Crime Stats With ‘Manipulated' Numbers https://twitter.com/USAttyPirro/status/2000637280789188855?s=20  into MPD's reported deflation of crime statistics. The need for accurate information to fight crime is essential. After a review of almost 6000 reports and the interview of over 50 witnesses, it is evident that a significant number of reports had been misclassified, making crime appear artificially lower than it was. The uncovering of these manipulated crime statistics makes clear that President Trump has reduced crime even more than originally thought, since crimes were actually higher than reported. His crime fighting efforts have delivered even more safety to the people of the District. The conduct here does not rise to the level of a criminal charge. However, it is up to MPD to take steps to internally address these underlying issues. Source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2000822708389745055?s=20 There is FEC data analysis that strongly suggests that Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan and Maggie Goodlander have been recipients of illegally laundered campaign funds. Kelly is currently under investigation. They’re all backed by Soros!! President Trump's Plan https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2000710555674325272?s=20  extremists after transitioning. https://twitter.com/george18kennedy/status/2000781888152129887?s=20   Staff of the Army (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Army, member of the Joint Chiefs). – Admiral Daryl Caudle – Chief of Naval Operations (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Navy, member of the Joint Chiefs). – General Eric M. Smith – Commandant of the Marine Corps (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Marine Corps, member of the Joint Chiefs). – General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, USAF – Chief of Staff of the Air Force (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Air Force, member of the Joint Chiefs). – General B. Chance Saltzman, USSF – Chief of Space Operations (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Space Force, member of the Joint Chiefs). https://twitter.com/MJTruthUltra/status/2000668738203312188?s=20 TAKE A LISTEN https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2000725299420352640?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000916623243300901?s=20   Something BETTER be done about this. https://twitter.com/RobLutherLawyer/status/2000697951295840722?s=20 https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2000961090612813971?s=20 https://twitter.com/SusieWiles/status/2000943061627548148?s=20   story. I assume, after reading it, that this was done to paint an overwhelmingly chaotic and negative narrative about the President and our team. The truth is the Trump White House has already accomplished more in eleven months than any other President has accomplished in eight years and that is due to the unmatched leadership and vision of President Trump, for whom I have been honored to work for the better part of a decade. None of this will stop our relentless pursuit of Making America Great Again! https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000957946352820238?s=20  codification of the President’s executive orders.” “A very aggressive legislative agenda coming right out of the gates in January. We’re going to continue to work, for example, on health care to continue to bring costs down for the American people, to bring down the cost of living overall.” “He’s up to about 200 of those [orders], probably about 150 of them are codifiable by Congress and we’re working steadily through that list.” “You’re going to see us delivering for the American people while the effects of that giant piece of legislation that we did on July 4th, got signed on July 4th, comes into implementation.” “So much more, much more yet to do and the President and I talk about that almost every day and he’s excited about it and I am.” https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/2000685717497004167?s=20 to procedurally gum up the works behind the scenes. JD Vance Points Out the Consequence of the Senate “Blue Slip” Veto of Judicial Nominees It was passed by Congress on May 13, 1912, and ratified on April 8, 1913 The 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution grants Congress the authority to impose and collect income taxes without the need to apportion them among the states or base them on census data. constitution.congress.gov It was passed by Congress on July 2, 1909, and ratified on February 3, 1913. all of this is an outcome of the 17th Amendment, which stopped the state legislatures from having control over their senators.  Under the original constitutional framework, the Senate was designed to represent the interests of the state, as the Senators were appointed by state legislature, not popular votes.  The Sea Island assembly destroyed this cornerstone when they triggered the 17th Amendment. Repeal the 17th Amendment, and just about everything in federal government changes. Machiavelli said, “It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage than a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institution and merely lukewarm defenders in those who gain by the new ones.”  A prescient and oft repeated quote that is pertinent to the situation. When our founders created the system of government for our constitutional republic, they built in layers of protection from federal control over the lives of people in the states.  Over time, those protections have been eroded as the federal bureaucracy has seized power.  One of the biggest changes that led to the creation of the permanent political class was the 17th Amendment. Our founders created a system where Senators were appointed by the state legislatures.  In this original system, the Senate was bound by obligation to look out for the best interests of their specific states.  Under the ‘advise and consent‘ rules of Senate confirmation for executive branch appointments, the intent was to ensure the presidential appointee -who would now carry out regulatory activity- would not undermine the independent position of the states.  .When the 17th Amendment (direct voting for Senators) took the place of state appointments, the perspective of ‘advise and consent' changed.  The Senate was now in the position of ensuring the presidential appointee did not undermine the power of the permanent bureaucracy, which is the root of power for the upper-chamber. Senate committees, Homeland Security, Judiciary, Intelligence, Armed Services, Foreign Relations, etc. now consists of members who carry an imbalanced level of power within government.  The Senate now controls who will be in charge of executive branch agencies like the DOJ, DHS, FBI, CIA, ODNI, DoD, State Dept and NSA, from the position of their own power and control in Washington DC. In essence, the 17th Amendment flipped the intent of the constitution from protecting the individual states to protecting the federal government. Seventeenth Amendment- “The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures. When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.” (link)   The biggest issue following the passage of the 17th Amendment became Senators who were no longer representing the interests of their state.  Instead, they were representing the interests of the power elite groups who were helping them fund the mechanisms of their re-election efforts. A Senator only needs to run for re-election every six years.  The 17th Amendment is the only amendment that changed the structure of the Congress, as it was written by the founders. Over time, the Senate chamber itself began using their advice and consent authority to control the executive and judicial branch.  The origination of a nomination now holds the question: “Can this person pass the Senate confirmation process?” source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/j3669/status/2000683161273897213?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000952036238746070?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000671858417422538?s=20   is going to save the GOP, AGAIN. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

John and Craig welcome back screenwriter Mike Makowsky (Death by Lightning, Bad Education) to ask, how do you dramatize a historical event that no one's heard of? They look at the dramatic engine behind the Garfield assassination, the long journey Death by Lightning had to getting made, and the importance of finding great stories in obscure history. We investigate the peculiar habits and compulsions of our own writing practices, and see how personality typologies can help figure out what makes our characters tick. We also follow up on a certain orange book, breaking into Hollywood in your 30's, and offer our thoughts on the impending sale of Warner Bros. In our bonus segment for premium members, which TV shows had the best "coaching trees"? We marvel at the writers' rooms that launched the most successful writers today. Links: Death by Lightning on Netflix Mike Makowsky on IMDb and Instagram Episode 448 (The last time Mike was on the podcast) Which TV Show Has the Best Coaching Tree? Alan Sepinwall for The Ringer Size matters: a single representation underlies our perceptions of heaviness in the size-weight illusion New evidence for the sensorimotor mismatch theory of weight perception and the size-weight illusion Friedman Personnel Agency Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard The Ballad of Guiteau from Assassins The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin Writer's Guide to Character Traits by Linda Edelstein A Fentanyl Vaccine Is About to Get Its First Major Test by Emily Mullin for WIRED Heated Rivalry on HBO Max The Good Lord Bird Get your copy of the Scriptnotes book! Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Become a Scriptnotes Premium member, or gift a subscription (now with fewer emails!) Subscribe to Scriptnotes on YouTube Scriptnotes on Instagram John August on Bluesky and Instagram Outro by Luke Foster (send us yours!) Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here. (9:00) Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters (Unabridged)

This week's episode of Economic Update is an adaptation from a talk Professor Wolff gave at Yale University on December 2, 2025, to the Yale Political Union. In this presentation, he discusses the significance of the title "Marx was Right," which Yale offered, and points out that, over the last 75 years, such a topic or event would not likely have occurred on that campus. He provides a basic summary of critical points throughout Marx's work where he has been proven "right." Professor Wolff also discusses how and why socialism has evolved, from the rise and fall of the USSR to the rise of the People's Republic of China.   The d@w Team Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff is a DemocracyatWork.info Inc. production. We make it a point to provide the show free of ads and rely on viewer support to continue doing so.  You can support our work by joining our Patreon community:  https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Or you can go to our website: https://www.democracyatwork.info/donate     Every donation counts and helps us provide a larger audience with the information they need to better understand the events around the world they can't get anywhere else.  We want to thank our devoted community of supporters who help make this show and others we produce possible each week. We kindly ask you to also support the work we do by encouraging others to subscribe to our YouTube channel and website: www.democracyatwork.info

We get out our passports and visit The Republic of Slowjamastan, a nation built on good vibes, good music and a dream of eliminating one very popular type of footwear.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There were some major Star Wars gaming announcements this last week and Bryan Young and Holly Frey got together to talk about them. Not only did they talk about Star Wars: Fate of the Republic and what it means for Star Wars, they also talked about Star Wars: Galactic Racer and all of the other games currently in development that we're aware of.