Podcast appearances and mentions of robert mcdonald

Lester Kiewit speaks to Dr Robert McDonald, the Social Development Head of Department to see what interventions can be made to help a little boy whose parents appear to be grooming him to be a gangster. They have posted pictures of him with prison style gang tattoos drawn on his tiny body.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Klosters Forum's "The Resilient City" podcast, host Hannah MacInnes sits down with Dr. Robert McDonald, Lead Scientist for Europe at The Nature Conservancy, to discuss how cities can not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change.Robert, an expert in urban ecology and resilience, shares his insights on how cities can adapt to a changing climate while continuing to provide essential services, improve human well-being, and foster a strong connection with nature. In this episode, he explores the vital role of green infrastructure, urban planning, and community engagement in building more resilient and flourishing urban environments.

Send us a textFor more information on Jeff Nations visit: www.jeffnations.netBorn in Kyoto Japan and raised in North Carolina, pianist Jeff Nations began studying at the age of eight and playing professionally by the age of sixteen, performing in local establishments in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.Actively competing by the age of twelve, he was the recipient of numerous awards, and by age 17 was the first prize winner in the Young Artist Competition held by the Raleigh Piano Teachers' Association. The next year he took first prize in the Concerto Division of the same competition, performing the final movement of Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto in G minor.He was a finalist in the Sanford Scholarship Competition to attend The North Carolina School of the Arts, where his teachers were Marian Hahn and Robert McDonald. While attending NCSA, Mr. Nations was a member of the ONYX Contemporary Ensemble, under which he premiered his own work "Night Fantasy" for solo piano (not to be confused with the work by Elliot Carter of the same title).Upon graduating from NCSA with the prestigious Irwin Freundlich Award in Piano, he was offered a scholarship to study with pianist David Bradshaw in New York City.He has performed in various cities throughout the U.S., including New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Antonio, as well as throughout North Carolina and Ohio. His Philadelphia performances include recitals at The Church of Saint Luke and the Epiphany, The Ethical Society of Philadelphia, The Fleischer Art Memorial, Jacob's Music, and The Karin Fuller Capanna Memorial Concert at the Settlement Music School.A classical artist who is accomplished in a variety of musical genres including popular idioms, musical theater, and gospel, he has consistently endeavored to break through barriers that have often stood between the classical musician and the public. From 1995 to 1998 he was a regular pianist for The Philadelphia Gospel Seminars Choir and the Villanova Gospel Choir.Recognized for his performances of works by American composers, he has collaborated extensively with Soprano Diana Barnhart and has also served as Artistic Ambassador for the United States Government, performing in over twenty recitals in countries throughout the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Oman and Egypt as well as conducting master classes at the Cairo and Alexandria Conservatories.He has lectured on the Taubman Approach and since 1998 has been studying the Taubman Approach with Robert Durso, Senior Faculty Member of The Golandsky Institute.A former faculty member of the Settlement Music School, Mr. Nations now teaches privately in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.This Summer, Edna Golandsky, renowned pedagogue and leading expert on the Taubman Approach will release her first book with Amplify Publishing Group. Entitled ‘The Taubman Approach To Piano Technique: A Comprehensive Guide To Overcome Physical Limitations and Unlock Your Full Pianistic Potential.' Visit: www.ednagolandsky.com to learn more.The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

There are tons of conspiracy theories when it comes to Freemasons, and the secrets of the Masonic Lodge. In todays episode we talk with the creators of the show Broken Ashler! We talk about making this show, the push back from creating a story such as this, trying to keep it authentic, and telling an excellent story! Join me as I talk to the creator, writers, director and producers for this new show. This is an episode you won't want to miss!   To find out more about this project: https://linktr.ee/brokenashlerllc    ======================== Podcast Networks:       Zeo to Hero Podcast Network: https://zeotohero.com/         OIW Podcast Network: https://www.oiwpodcastnetwork.com/         ======================== Merch! https://iygadapshop.etsy.com/    Stickers By Stasha: https://linktr.ee/stickersbystasha        =======================     Original Geek Comics: https://www.originalgeekcomics.com/    https://linktr.ee/OrgnlGeek    Original Geek: Beyond The Panels Podcast: https://www.redcircle.com/show/ogbeyondthepanels   Support our Kickstarter for Vengeance 4: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/originalgeekcomics/vengeance-vs-bullet-shibito  ==========================================   Diamond State Wrestling: https://www.youtube.com/@diamondstatewrestling   www.diamondstatewrestling.com    Music by Music Hub from Pixabay.com   If You Give A Dad A YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IfYouGiveADadAYoutubeCha-uw7zm    If You Give A Dad A Cosplay: https://www.youtube.com/@IfyougiveadadaCosplay-nl9hc   ========================= musical credits for show:       Beginning Music from Tunetank.com The Indie Rock - ViPSound (Copyright Free Music) Download free: https://tunetank.com/track/552/the-indie-rock/          Intro theme sampled from: https://pixabay.com/music   (find whole song there)       Outro music by: D.Cure Produced by: tunnA Beatz If you enjoy his music, be sure to check out his website as well! www.dcurehiphop.com         ===========================       Linktree to follow me: http://linktr.ee/Giveadadapodcast      

Excel Custom ContractorAbout UsContact InformationP.O. Box 320398Franklin, WI 53132Phone: 414-333-1888Toll Free: 888-217-2599Email:  sales@excelcontractor.comhttps://excelcontractor.com/Since 2000, Excel Custom Contractors, LLC. has taken your ideas and made them a reality with a unique personal touch all your own. We have customized our services to your needs and created the right project scope to fit in your budget and time schedules. We pride ourselves in using the right products and the right craftsmen to get your dream realized. We continue to develop long lasting relationships with our customers, and even consider them friends. Thank you for the years of success and look forward to serving you in the future.Company HistoryThe company was started by Robert McDonald in May of 2000 when he felt the need to provide higher quality service and products to the construction industry in Southeastern Wisconsin. The desire was to meet the challenging needs and high level of customer demands with Integrity, Superior Service and Unmatched Warranties. Based on the Southwestern corner of Milwaukee County in the City of Franklin, he formed Excel Custom Contractors, LLC. Excel Custom Contractors currently serves the entire Southeastern Wisconsin, Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois communities. We proudly searve Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Franklin, Oak Creek, New Berlin, Pewaukee, Hartland, Lake Geneva and surrounding areas.It was with the idea of providing ‘custom'ized customer service, to meet the unique individual tastes and product performance goals of his customers. Today Excel Custom Contractors has grown into a mid-sized Residential and Commercial General Contracting and Remodeling Company that can handle any size project from the foundation to the roof. Excel Custom Contractors prides itself in doing the best job the right way the first time, this ensures our customers will get what they expect from both their product choices and quality construction installations.Since the Spring of 2009, Excel Custom Contractors has brought on a new addition to it's ownership with James Lawrence Jr. of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Jim has been working for Excel Custom Contractors for the previous five years as a Carpentar Foreman in which he ran many varying crews and has now become its Vice President and COO. Together with their combined expertise and knowledge of products and skillful installations Excel Custom Contractors is positioned to continue to grow and enhance its offerings to its every expanding customer base.Robert McDonaldI'm a business entrepreneur, and I consider myself a visionary. I'm always looking to improve on the status quo, and build better projects. I look for more intuitive processes as well as ways to provide higher quality. My soft skills include thinking out of the box, creativity, and trouble-shooting. I see challenging projects as opportunities rather than obstacles. I highly value work well-done, so that means I'm often particular in how we build things. I strive to build things to last, and my ultimate goal is to see our customers experience complete satisfaction with our work.

Robert McDonald, Senior Secret Service member and former supervisor of President Biden's security detail and Scott Lucas, Professor of International politics at UCD's Clinton Institute

Episode 191: Not So Blurry Creatures Show NotesSummary: Photographic evidence of cryptids often looks taken with shaky hands or poor cameras. In this day and age, with iPhones and improved cameras around us all the time, you'd think clear photographic evidence would be everywhere. In a nod to our fellow podcasters Luke and Nate, many of these photos of Bigfoot and even UFOs remain “blurry creatures.” However, the Bible paints an unmistakably clear picture of creatures and entities in the spiritual realm. We can see them through the lens of Scripture, a more reliable source due to its divine inspiration and historical accuracy. Despite the skepticism surrounding these creatures and entities, let's look at some not-so-blurry creatures!This episode Is brought to you by the following Bible Mysteries Podcast Premium Subscribers or Seekers:Jessica Thompson, John Knox, Robert McDonald, Heather Meeks, and Chanda FiskNotes:Serpent: נָחָשׁ nāḥāš (naw-khawsh') - serpent, snakeNun, Chet, Shin (Seed, Fence, Destroy)וְהַנָּחָשׁ “and the snake” - Vav, Heh, Nun, Chet, Shin (Nail, Breath, Seed, Fence, Destroy)The very name of the serpent foreshadows him being destroyed by Christ on the cross. Though he is the accuser of the brethren, he is fenced from harming the saints.Lionlike men: אֲרִיאֵל 'ărî'ēl (ar-ee-ale') - meaning uncertain(CLBL) possibly lion-like(BDB) possibly two sons of Ariel of Moabsatyr: שָׂעִיר śāʿîr (saw-eer') - he-goat, buckas sacrificial animal satyr, may refer to a demon possessed goat like the swine of Gadara (Mt. 8:30-32)Scriptures:All Scripture references are from the King James Version of the Bible. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Genesis 3:1, Revelation 12:7-9, Revelation 20:1-3, Genesis 6:4, Genesis 6:7-12, 2 Samuel 23:20-22, Psalm 22:11-18, Job 39:9-12, Isaiah 34:13-14, Leviticus 17:7, Job 40:15-24, Job 41:1-7, Psalm 74:12-14, Revelation 13:1-7, Takeaway:Creatures may appear “blurry” in photographs, but the Bible is clear that there are things in the natural and spiritual realm that we either don't understand or cannot see. Could some creatures be genetically manipulated hybrids that can step in and out of the spiritual realm? Is that why we have never been able to capture them? Perhaps they can step through portals at their will. One day, God will reveal the answers to His saints, but until then, we walk by faith and believe the Scriptures. God will make all things beautiful in His time!Links:https://www.blueletterbible.org/index.cfmInteractive church locator for those looking for a fellowship that teaches certain truths - https://rockharborchurch.net/grow-connect/church-locator/Bible Mysteries Podcast Visit our Websites: https://biblemysteriespodcast.com & https://utbnow.comListen to our Podcast: https://biblemysteriespodcast.comBe a Premium Podcast Subscriber: https://biblemysteries.supercast.comSupport the Ministry: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/BDJH89Contact Us: unlockthebiblenow@gmail.comFollow Us: https://www.youtube.com/c/BibleMysteriesFollow Us: https://www.facebook.com/utbnowFollow Us: https://www.instagram.com/biblemysteries/Follow Us: https://twitter.com/biblemyspodcastFollow Us: https://truthsocial.com/@biblemysteries

Robert McDonald is the Managing Partner at Cherry Lawn Capital, on a mission to provide businesses with the real estate capital necessary to scale and the operational capital needed for a successful next venture round. Robert joins Edward, Jeff and Zach to also discuss lessons and takeaways from the previous Proptech boom cycle, and how should founders and investors think about structuring, financing and scaling tech-enabled and data-driven Real Estate business in the post-ZIRP era. (1:19) - State of Proptech VC(9:56) - Proptech finance incentives (14:24) - Feature: Housing Trust Silicon Valley(15:36) - Cherry Lawn Capital's & Robert McDonald's origin story(20:04) - Cherry Lawn solution(31:38) - 'The Great Transition' for Proptech valuations(36:01) - Collaboration Superpower: David F. Swensen's wiki & Paul Annacone's wiki

Robert McDonald, MD, MPH joins host Chris Stallman, CGC to talk about congenital syphilis, which experts say is on the rise in the United States. Dr. McDonald is a medical epidemiologist in the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) at the National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. McDonald serves as a CDC congenital syphilis subject matter expert, and he is also a practicing physician, focusing on HIV, STI, and harm reduction care at a free clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. Resource Links: Congenital Syphilis CDC Factsheet

Dr. Mark Levine, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health, says ASTHO's new policy statement on suicide prevention offers many recommendations including a call to improve access to health care services for those at highest risk; Dr. Robert McDonald, Medical Officer in the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says most cases of newborn syphilis likely could be prevented with testing and treatment during pregnancy; Dr. Susan Kansagra, Assistant Secretary for Public Health and Director of the North Carolina Division of Public Health, says a recent investigation that found lead in some pureed fruit pouches is testament to the hard work that public health agencies perform every day on behalf of their communities; and sign up for ASTHO's legislative alert emails. ASTHO News Release: ASTHO Releases Five Health Policy Statements CDC Webpage: U.S. Syphilis Cases in Newborns Continue to Increase – A 10-Times Increase Over a Decade The Hill Webpage: Fruit puree pouches recalled after elevated lead levels found in North Carolina children: FDA ASTHO Legislative Alerts: Sign Up Here

Professor Frances Frei is the biggest brain in the field of workplace culture and I was delighted to get another opportunity to talk to her.She explains the one thing that firms should do to fix their cultures (spoiler: train their managers), why she thinks inclusion is a more important element of culture than just diversity.The previous episode with Frances FreiFrances and Anne's podcast FixableFrances' and Anne Morriss' new book Move Fast and Fix ThingsSign up for the newsletter Quotes from the book that I cited: “One way to build cynicism quickly in an organisation, something we see all the time, by the way - is to ask people for their input and then do very little with the information they give you (and take a long time to even do that)'Robert McDonald, former CEO of P&G “Organisations are perfectly designed to get the results they get… if you don't like the results you need to change the design”. We're often asked for a summary of how to build a workplace where everyone feels welcome. Our short answer is to recruit great people you don't already know, give them interesting work to do, and invest in them as if your company's future depends on it. If they deserve a promotion, give it to them in a timely man-ner. Don't make them wait. Don't make them go to a competitor to get the role, title, and decision rights they already earned on your watch. And in the name of all that is right and just in the world, pay them fairly and equitably for the work they do.” Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/eatsleepworkrepeat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert McDonald resents the intrusion of incentives into virtually every facet of modern life, from healthcare to education to the legal system. He lays out how this happened and offers ways to counter the false choices offered from on high.

Transform your life by optimizing your communication in this deep dive with Nick Urban and Dr. Robert McDonald. This episode emphasizes how to use emotional cues as a guiding force. Use the same techniques as the world's greatest leaders to shift from suffering to awareness, decisive action, and authentic deep connection. This simple skill is among the most powerful and least utilized.About Dr. Robert McDonaldDr. Robert McDonald is a renowned speaker, author, and coach who has taught in 19 countries for over 40 years. He is the creator of the Destination Method, a transpersonal coaching technique, and the co-author of two popular books on NLP and spirituality. He has a doctorate in divinity, a master's in counseling and mental health, and is a certified NLP master trainer. He is also the co-founder of The Telos Healing Center and a former board member of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.Thank you to our partners Outliyr Peak Performance Shop: get exclusive discounts on cutting-edge health, wellness, & performance gear Unlock your built-in regenerative capabilities with the latest Brown's Gas technology (read my review and use code URBAN to save 5%) Gain mental clarity, energy, motivation, and focus with the FREE Outliyr Nootropics Mini-CourseKey takeaways How effective communication can transform lives The value of pain signals and how they serve as a protective mechanism and call to action Identifying the challenges in developing healthy communication skills How to effectively share our emotions with others for the most impactLinks Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_LHpjHe_7Y0 Full episode show notes: mindbodypeak.com/127Connect with Nick on social media Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedInEasy ways to support Subscribe Leave an Apple Podcast review Suggest a guestRelated shows EP126 – Decades of Grief Resolved in 1 Hour, Dynamic Listening, Therapeutic Metaphors, Healing through StoriesDo you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for us? Let me know in the show notes above and one of us will get back to you!Be an Outliyr,Nick

Discover the foundation and benefits of Dynamic Listening with Dr. Robert McDonald. In this interview, you'll learn how to understand your mind, transform your emotional life, address painful memories, and practice the crucial (yet rare) skill of deep listening. Whether you want to improve your relationships, your career, or your well-being, this episode will give you valuable insights and tools to enhance your communication skills and unlock new levels of personal growth.Meet our guestDr. Robert McDonald is a renowned speaker, author, and coach who has taught 250,000 people, across 19 countries, over 50 years. He is the creator of the Destination Method, a transpersonal coaching technique, and the co-author of two popular books on NLP and spirituality. He has a doctorate in divinity, a master's in counseling and mental health, and is a certified NLP master trainer. He is also the co-founder of The Telos Healing Center and a former board member of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.Thank you to our partners Outliyr Peak Performance Shop: get exclusive discounts on cutting-edge health, wellness, & performance gear Unlock your built-in regenerative capabilities with the latest Brown's Gas technology (read my review and use code URBAN to save 5%) Gain mental clarity, energy, motivation, and focus with the FREE Outliyr Nootropics Mini-CourseKey takeaways Understanding the mind can help us improve our skills and emotions How to address trauma and emotional distress Grief is usually just a painful relation to a mental representation (memory), and that relation can be easily & rapidly improved Behavior change and identity, belief, emotion, and thought Learning to separate the person from their behavior The power of Dynamic Listening to transform your relationshipsLinks Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i5d8rrRWBds Full episode show notes: mindbodypeak.com/126Connect with Nick on social media Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedInEasy ways to support Subscribe Leave an Apple Podcast review Suggest a guestDo you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for us? Let me know in the show notes above and one of us will get back to you!Be an Outliyr,Nick

When the Stanford Daily reported that 20-year-old William Curry, who was not a student, was removed from a campus dorm, it unearthed another unsettling detail. The university was aware of Curry's presence for at least 10 months but didn't send out any communication to the campus at large. On this episode of Something Offbeat, Mike Rogers visits with Theo Baker, one of the Daily reporters who broke the story, and Robert McDonald, a security expert and criminal justice professor at the University of New Haven, who spent two decades in the U.S. Secret Service.

Monday's "Connecticut Today" featured host Paul Pacelli's thoughts on the start of recreational marijuana sales in the state (0:30). University of New Haven criminal justice lecturer Robert McDonald offered his analysis on the Idaho college murder investigation (6:30). Noted immigration attorney Renata Castro weighed in on the latest immigration law proposals from the Biden White House (16:30). Image Credit: Getty Images

A very special episode of Game Showey! Ben O'hara Byrne from A Little More Conversation faces Shane n a head-to-head trivia battle!  Nearly a quarter of Canadians aren't eating as much food as they should be. Program Supervisor Robert McDonald and Communications manager Shawna Ogston from Food Banks Canada tells us how inflation is impacting Canadian food banks and the people who rely on them.  Lawyer Stepan Berko joins us from Ukraine after reuniting with his family for the first time since the war began. He shares that incredible reunion, his family's return home to Kyiv, and how the war still impacts the capital city of Kyiv, despite the Russian retreat. HEY, DO YOU LIKE PODCASTS? Why not subscribe to ours? find it on Apple, Google, Spotify & Curiouscast.ca    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Paul Pacelli wondered what's next as many Americans are calling for "something" to be done after the latest school shooting (0:32). University of New Haven criminal justice lecturer Robert McDonald - a veteran of the U.S. Secret Service - talked about what can be done to try and prevent future mass shootings (11:24). Yankee Institute Policy Analyst Ken Girardin detailed his recent analysis of Connecticut's gasoline tax "holiday" (21:45). Image Credit: Getty Images

Listen Now Coincident to the United Nations' 1992 creation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreement that governs...

Synopsis The French composer Claude Debussy was too sick to be called up for service when World War I broke out in 1914. His private battle with cancer on top of his nation's battle with Germany plunged him into depression. But by the spring of 1915, Debussy decided to keep on composing. “I want to work,” he wrote, “not so much for myself, but to give proof, however small it may be, that not even 30 million Boches can destroy French thought.” He knew his remaining time was precious, so decided to write small chamber works rather than big orchestral pieces. Debussy planned to write SIX chamber sonatas but completed only three. Working, as he put it, “like a madman,” he finished a Cello Sonata and a Trio Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp by the fall of 1915. In December of that year, the side-effects of radium treatments and morphine injections for his cancer brought Debussy's Sonata project to a grinding halt. Rallying somewhat by the by the summer of 1916, Debussy vowed to keep on working. He wrote: “If I am doomed to vanish soon, I desire at least to have done my duty.” On May 5, 1917, Debussy made his last public appearance in Paris at the Salle Gaveay, accompanying violinist Gaston Poulet in the premiere of his final work – a Sonata for Violin and Piano. Debussy would die the following spring. Music Played in Today's Program Claude Debussy (1862–1918) — Violin Sonata (Midori, violin; Robert McDonald, piano) Sony 89699

Robert McDonald and his nephew Jim Wilson join Brian in the studio. They chat about growing up in Arizona, hunting, skiing, and much more! Enjoy Bob and Jim!

If the U.S. military's modernizing efforts don't go faster than its aging process, the country's got a problem. Yet that's exactly what's happening, according to my next guest. Robert McDonald is a retired CIA officer and former professor of national security at the National War College.

This episode features part 2 of a discussion between the honorable Robert McDonald, the new Chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors, and Todd Browne, the president and CEO of AOG. Bob and Todd continue to speak about their shared vision for the future of AOG as it continues its mission to become the most highly-connected alumni body in the world for members of the Long Gray Line. They go over the efforts WPAOG is making to coordinate and encourage alumni connections and help provide a clearer path for what's ahead.As a highly distinguished leader and civil servant, Bob shares insights and his vision for AOG. Complementing his vision, Todd discusses more immediate strategies AOG is implementing to ensure growth, connections, and valuable services to members of the Long Gray Line. Their efforts are geared towards supporting the US Military Academy and Margins of Excellence that drive West Point to continue to be the world-class institution it's been for over 150 years.-----------------"On the aspect of keeping people connected, and all these programs. I mean, it's not just to keep people connected for the sake of being connected. If we are successful at keeping them connected, then this grad network is really helpful to its fellow graduates. I mean, that's really, that's really the essence of what we're trying to do. You know, make it so that the, the network serves its fellow members and the academy. In the final analysis, that's really what we're all about." - Todd Browne“The alumnus, the graduate is at the center. It's the desires of the graduate that are driving the infrastructure, the system. It's not somebody imposing something saying “here's what we think you need to do.” It's really the graduate who's at the center. And that's really what service is all about.” - Robert McDonald-----------------Episode Timestamps(01:55) - What Does WPAOG Do?(07:00) - Giving Back to the Community(10:00) - Important WPAOG Projects(15:50) - AOG Facility Support(25:00) - Morale Welfare Recreation(27:40) - Vision of 2030 Plan-----------------LinksTodd A Browne LinkedInRobert A. McDonald LinkedInWest Point Association of GraduatesOn Point Podcast

This episode features part 1 of a discussion between the honorable Robert McDonald, the new Chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors, and Todd Browne, the president and CEO of AOG. Bob and Todd share their mutual and individual goals and vision for AOG. The organization continues to grow and is aimed at fulfilling its mission to serve the Long Gray Line by becoming the most highly connected alumni body in the world.As a highly distinguished leader and civil servant, Bob shares insights and his vision for AOG. Complementing his vision, Todd discusses more immediate strategies AOG is implementing to ensure growth, connections, and valuable services to members of the Long Gray Line. Their efforts are geared towards supporting the US Military Academy and Margins of Excellence that drive West Point to continue to be the world-class institution it's been for over 150 years.------------“In today's divisive, politically charged environment, I always come back to West Point. I come back to duty, honor, country. I come back to military officers choosing to be a-political. And, when I look at the force that West Point is and will always be for good in our country - it really is a guide post, a shining light for what we can be. And, I think our graduates live with that everyday.” - Robert McDonald“Five years ago we put in place that vision statement for the Long Gray Line to be the most highly connected alumni body in the world. And, then paired with our mission to serve West Point and the Long Gray Line - two simple statements. But, really when you think about it, it's really two key words: Serve and be Connected. And, if we are successful at the AOG in keeping the Long Gray Line connected, then the Long Gray Line is like a force for good to help both other graduates and the institution of West Point. So, that's why it is really critical that we stay connected. Because the Long Gray Line is a powerful force when pulled in the same direction.” - Todd Browne------------Episode Timestamps(04:00) - Robert McDonald discusses new role as Chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors(06:00) - WPAOG Initiatives for 2022(07:30) - Importance of alumni being connected(09:00) - AOG as a hub for connection(09:35) - AOG Activities, Initiatives, Programs(10:50) - Human Centered Design and West Point Graduates (13:40) - AOG Moments that Matter(17:20) - Transitioning and Life After the Military(22:05) - Design of AOG(26:03) - Making Connections with other Graduates(27:15) - Where Does AOG Want to Be(31:20) - Personalization and Outreach for AOG(33:20) - Comfort and Connections Between Graduate Entrepreneurs(35:50) - Importance of Data to Help Graduates(38:00) - Guiding Graduates (40:00) - Advice for How Graduates Can Better Connect with Eachother(44:50) - Finding My Next Mission------------LinksTodd A Browne LinkedInRobert A. McDonald LinkedInWest Point Association of GraduatesOn Point Podcast

Today's message was preached on Sunday morning March 10, 1974. It is the third part of a four part series, entitled “The Home.” Part two is not available. Dr. McIntyre's sermon comes from Matthew 19:2-9. It was Youth Week at Brainerd Baptist Church which included a kite flying derby the next Saturday. The congregation was invited to an organ recital that Sunday afternoon featuring Robert McDonald. The congregational singing that morning included "All the Way My Savior Leads Me", "O Worship the King", "Great Redeemer We Adore Thee", Pure in Heart O God", and "Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated Lord to Thee". The choir selection was "I Will Sing of My Redeemer". The special music that Sunday morning consisted of four verses of "Amazing Grace". The first verse was for men only. The second verse was for the ladies only. The third verse was the organ only and the fourth verse was for all.

This is the first of four messages preached by Ralph McIntyre at Brainerd Baptist Church on The Home. The scripture passages for this first message on March 3, 1974 comes from Genesis 2: 7, 20-25 and Genesis 3:1-21. Unfortunately message number two is not available but messages three and four will be upcoming. The service is preceded by a beautiful six minute organ prelude. The announcements included a welcome home to serviceman David Parker who had been serving in Thailand. This was missions week at Brainerd with a special upcoming WMU program and a Home Missions Banquet scheduled for Wednesday evening. Looking ahead it was announced there would be an organ recital on March 10th with Robert McDonald. The congregation then sang "Jesus Shall Reign", "Like a River Glorious" and "He Leadeth Me". The special music included three choir selections and Harry Hampsher singing "God Give Us Christian Homes".

当下世界经济进入一个不稳定和不确定的乌卡时代。2019年，宝洁公司首席运营官罗伯特·麦克唐纳(Robert McDonald)借用一个军事术语来描述新的商业世界格局：“这是一个 VUCA 的世界。”“VUCA”主要由四个英文单词首字母拼凑，即易变性Volatile、不确定性Uncertain、复杂性Complex和模糊性Ambiguous。这个单词的中文音译就是乌卡。在2020年疫情发生之后，复杂、不确定频频发生，“乌卡时代”于是成了高频出现的词汇。《未来简史》在2017年1月出版的序言中，曾预言21世纪饥荒、疫情、战争不再是人类面临的主要议题。然而仅仅过了3年，新冠疫情席卷全球，至今依然威胁着世界各国。这就是乌卡时代的特征：乌卡时代，无法理论推演、无法逻辑分析、没有数据证明、甚至无法经验总结，而是一切处于实时的未知中。 一、乌卡时代，也是一个硬核时代对于乌卡时代，著名经济学家李稻葵有着深刻的认知。他在刚刚结束的“36氪WISE2021新经济之王峰会”上说，现在的国际形势可以用“一个黑天鹅带着三个灰犀牛”来标注。其中的一个黑天鹅就是已经持续近两年的新冠疫情，而且因为不久前南非发现了一个新的突变病毒类型奥密克戎毒，传染力更强，使得这个黑天鹅“看起来更加厉害”。而他说的三个灰犀牛：第一个，是全球债务水平在应对新冠过程中明显上升，尤其在新兴市场国家。“由于国外很多人疫情时收入直接下降，因此很多发达国家开始给一部分穷人发钱，结果就让政府债务水平直线上升。而不久前美联储宣布开始逐步撤出超级宽松货币政策，这样美元就会升值，从而会对南非、印度等新兴市场国家的经济产生非常大的影响”。第二个，是产业链重新调整。越来越多的西方国家意识到很多产业链在中国运行，会在特定时期影响自身的经济安全。“于是他们逐渐主导产业链转回到西方国家国内，但这违反成本最低的经济规律，从而进一步推高通货膨胀”，这对中国经济肯定是一个负面影响。第三个，则是碳排放。“发达国家现在卯足了劲要减碳，我们政府也做出了庄严的承诺”，但现在中国的减碳技术和新能源技术还没有发达国家成熟，因此对中国经济的影响也不容小觑。回看国内经济，目前处于转型期，地方债问题、税收问题、房地产怎么管理等关乎国计民生的问题，都需要“整个社会要从传统的增长方式转到新的增长方式”。中国经济有2个新增长点，一是“想方设法释放10亿人口的购买力”，二是要让产业坚持完成升级换代。大家最没有争议、都能够接受的新增长点就是“硬核时代的突破”。万物智能的数字经济，作为硬核科技芯片行业的代表之一的新思科技总裁兼首席运营官萨辛·加齐在“36氪WISE2021新经济之王峰会”上说，汽车、手机、家庭和居住的城市，每一个设备都被引入了“智能”，而且这一需求在不断增长。“智能化催生了对数据的巨大需求，创新是由软硬件的交叉点来推动的”。他举例说明，苹果开始，手机发展成为一个全新的市场，颠覆了原有的芯片和软件，开创了新模式。而当前的中国企业正在经历一场由软及硬的创新变革，中国的数字经济未来不可限量，给产业带来了前所未有的发展窗口，而顺应这个变革的企业，会在加强研发能力基础上逐渐拥有自己的硬核科技。第四次工业革命，其实与所有人休戚与共。只有时代的企业，没有企业的时代。正如李稻葵所说：“今天比任何一个时代都需要硬核科技的突破，我们都需要硬核实力的提升”。新经济，已经进入硬核时代。所谓硬核时代，36氪CEO冯大刚做了定义和解释。在他看来，“硬核”包含了两个层面：一个是更多的科技含量和制造含量，中国正从简单的模式创新，迈入到科技创新和技术创新的新经济时代；另一个则是更多的社会责任，企业要从只管好自己到为世界负责，从过去“只考虑自己”到今后“考虑社会”。实际上，“硬核”事关国家实力、社会经济、企业发展和个人成长。 二、这是硬件的硬核时代疫情在一定时期内的持续发展，再加上科技发展已经超出了人们的预期，我们从未像现在一样如此与整个世界紧密相连，小到客户和企业之间的连接，企业供需产业链之间的连接，大到国家、地区之间的连接都在发生着改变。如英特尔中国区董事长王锐所说，人类的生活工作方方面面都因为疫情发生了深刻的变化，数字化的深度、广度、速度也因此大大加速，改变数字经济的格局。芯片是一个真正的硬核技术。在李稻葵看来，硬核时代的技术发展，有很大部分在于企业的研发重点开始从软件向硬件转移，企业也开始探索以前认为“吃力不讨好”的一些基础研发领域。因为在市场好的时候，企业不会对很多基础发展技术的持续关注。但乌卡时代，单纯只看三五年的战略行不通，中国必须有企业从长期主义发展观出发，通过对基础技术、基础理论的研究，掌握核心技术，并遵循社会价值，形成企业真正的发展硬核，才能有可能取得市场突破。如上所述，李稻葵将这些企业的硬核技术分为三类，也就是“前沿必须突破的技术”、“卡脖子的核心零件”、以及“综合利用新科技，能够解决百姓生活痛点的新商业模式或者商业场景的应用”。首先，“前沿必须突破的技术”，就是指在量子计算、人工智能等当下公认的技术前沿，中国绝对不能缺位。对于AI技术，商汤科技联合创始人、副总裁杨帆在会上说，AI技术最有价值的或者说最具备创新想象力的，实际上是大规模的模型和算法的应用。而为了这样的目标，商汤科技在上海组建了自己的“人工智能大装置”。虽然这样的一个“大装置”对于商汤科技这样创业公司来说，是一笔天文数字的投入，但杨帆觉得在硬核时代企业大规模的数字化转型、智能化转型，“同样也需要这样一整套完善的基础工具体系，加上闭环式的服务，去帮助它更好地实现创新”。其次，李稻葵所说的“卡脖子的核心零件”，其实是很久以来中国企业过于倚重国际供应链的一个结果。他觉得现在的中国企业已经认识到了这一点，“我们现在可以解决高铁技术、解决机器人技术，但很多具体的核心零部件依然受制于人”。在这个领域，让国人翘首以盼的技术是芯片制造。不管是华为海思的心有不甘，还是中兴通讯的被逼无奈，这几年中国企业屡屡在这个“卡脖子”技术上受到非难。在新思科技总裁兼首席运营官萨辛·加齐看来，现在芯片行业正出现一些新的趋势，而这些趋势对于中国企业解决芯片制造问题有很大帮助。他认为摩尔定律仍在延续，但技术已经出现另外的解决办法。由于“数字化”的过程，是充分利用先进的数字技术，来改造和提升物理世界的运行效率和整体容量。因此，他认为企业其实可以“通过不同的优化方式，实现系统应用与芯片的差异化优势”。作为中国集成电路设计产业的龙头企业，紫光展锐高级副总裁夏晓菲说，国家开始重视“硬科技”，把各种各样的资本往“硬科技”里面赶，这对芯片企业来讲是非常好的现象，但是特别要注意“低端陷阱”。夏晓菲觉得芯片研发是一个需要耐心的过程，“只要你持续投入，有长跑的耐心，我是觉得就一定能跑出来。近两年5G技术的应用，也是从低端陷阱出来的过程，这个过程对一个企业来讲也是非常重要和珍贵的过程”。专注于原创新型智能计算芯片及软硬件一体化平台的后摩智能创始人兼CEO吴强说，在芯片领域要想取得突破，就要走一些之前领先企业没有想到的“崎岖小路”。“所以我们选择了‘存算一体'芯片的研发，本质上是把计算和存储完全融合在一起，避免了数据搬运，真正地解决存储强的问题，能够进行大算力、能效比提升十倍、甚至百倍，能够改变格局”。吴强觉得，虽然这条路很难，问题是一旦实现突破，就会给企业带来竞争壁垒，实现技术上的“跨越发展”。李稻葵说的第三个硬核，是“综合利用新科技，能够解决百姓生活痛点的新商业模式或者商业场景的应用”，这其中意味着新的发展机遇。被OPPO战略投资的灵明光子董事长臧凯觉得数字化把物理世界逐渐映射到数字世界，“未来的数字化会加强虚拟世界、数字世界与现实世界的联系。”而正是看到这个趋势，灵明光子于三年半之前成立，所做的是利用先进的SPAD（单光子雪崩二极管）技术，为激光雷达和消费电子提供3D传感器芯片。智能制造一直很热，但是如何突破？小米集团总裁王翔说，智能化制造的背后，一定是大量的科研投入在做支撑。当下小米相应的技术已经覆盖了89个细分领域，而且在全球拥有超过2000家的实验室。“其中在北京亦庄的实验室是做智能制造的，这个实验室已经具备了每年生产100万智能手机，而且是高端智能手机的生产能力。”在他看来，最让人骄傲的是，这个实验室的绝大多数设备都是小米与合作伙伴自己生产的，这才是企业真正的“硬核”实力。 三、这是软件、大数据、云计算的硬核时代某种意义上讲，除了在硬件上加大研发之外，穿越经济周期的“硬核手段”还有一个选择，那就是数字经济的软件力量。36氪首席内容官李洋说，根据信通院的数据，2005年数字经济的规模在互联网刚开始兴起之初，大概2.6万亿的经济规模，2020年达到39.2万亿的水平，“所以我们认为数字经济是未来十年唯一可以确定的趋势”。京东云副总裁许小剑也觉得，数字经济是过去乃至未来中国企业穿越周期的杀手锏。“过去的2020年，在全球经济大概47个主要国家体里面，有32个GDP是负增长的。同时数字经济反而是快速增长的，这个增长的比例达到了5.8%，整体规模达到了32.6万亿美元。”而产业经济占到经济增长主要构成部分的84.4%，“说明无论未来处在哪一个行业，跟数字经济、跟产业经济的结合，一定是穿越经济周期的一个特别重要的‘硬核'”。再回到企业场景，越来越多的企业家发现，通过在线会议和网络办公，原本要把员工聚集一起才能完成的工作，现在可以依靠数字化的管理工具，让员工在家高质量完成。正因为如此，企业对数字化工具的依赖程度逐渐提高，而各种方便且高效的软件也在不断节省企业管理中付出的精力和时间，数字化对于企业带来的利益和好处毋庸置疑。比如当下最火的元宇宙，前几天朋友圈疯狂转发钱学森将VR（虚拟现实）定义了一个“灵镜”的世界，说“（灵境技术）能大大扩展人脑的知觉，使人进入前所未有的新天地，新的历史时代就要开始了”。对于被称为移动互联网之后的下一个互联网时代，“36氪WISE2021新经济之王峰会”第一个圆桌主持人、高鹄资本管理合伙人金明表示，在人们所畅想的元宇宙技术里面，有一些技术处在前面半段，也有一些技术的板块已经到了相对比较理性和成熟。硅基智能创始人司马华鹏说，元宇宙是现实生活的一个升级版，承载了大家对于美好生活的向往。而做虚拟人技术开发的STEPVR公司总裁郭成则认为，元宇宙不同于今天所在的世界的区域，“这个宇宙由计算机产生的，它是一个纯数字的世界，超越了物理所有对我们的限制”。因为概念来自于游戏、社交、技术的交叉点，技术的提升会促进这个新概念的落地，“这个才是元宇宙带给中国企业最核心的机遇”。在用户超1亿的TT语音母公司趣丸集团首席战略官庄明浩看来，元宇宙处于一个泡沫期，但终究有一些硬核企业会脱颖而出。他觉得技术创新与科技创新，“这两个词放在一起说的时候，这件事的挑战难度实际上在于未来的不确定性。”因此，这里面就存在大量可以让企业树立自己硬核发展能力的机会。同样，在36氪首席内容官李洋眼中，中国企业的创新进入了“深水区”，它比以前的难度更加大了，整个周期也被拉长了。因此，不光创新者需要做好准备，还需要鼓起勇气，做那些以前觉得吃力不讨好的事情，夯实发展基础，做“硬核”的突破。 四、这是社会责任的硬核时代最近一年以来，越来越多的国际知名企业家开始关注气候变暖。微软创始人比尔·盖茨就出版了自己的著作《气候经济与人类未来》，大声疾呼企业家要关注气候变化，并亲力亲为扶持减碳的企业。无独有偶，世界500强施耐德电气副总裁张磊在“36氪WISE2021新经济之王峰会”上说，现在企业真正需要解决的核心问题，其实是“产业升级提高业务能力的同时，怎么达到跟环境的平衡”。中国提出，二氧化碳排放力争2030年前达到峰值，力争2060年前实现碳中和。在他看来，减碳不仅仅是国家战略，更关乎一个企业的发展和可持续，“这不是一年两年能解决的事情，甚至会伴随着一个企业全生命周期的发展，从它的开始，到真正企业的结束”。实际上，越来越多的知名企业家和管理专家，都开始关注看似跟企业发展不相关的气候变化问题。企业、政府、城市的零碳技术伙伴远景科技零碳战略总经理张元说 ，人类工业革命之前，地球二氧化碳的含量差不多是在100PPM(PPM表示百万分之一，常用来表示浓度)，“现在这个数字已经到达了410PPM，我们地球的温升也超过了1度”。王石成立的深石控股CEO、管理合伙人张天说，2020年中国一共大概有110亿吨左右的碳排放，“我们的自然碳汇大概20多亿吨，未来40年要在经济高速发展情况下达到‘碳中和'，根据测算还需要在今年的基础上做大概80亿吨左右的碳减排。”因此，这件事跟所有的国内企业都息息相关，“必须让企业家都意识到这一点”。正如彼得·圣吉所说的那样，气候变化也像是全球人类社会的一次中风，是世界吸引人类关注的症状。“只是做企业不仅仅是要尽可能的在接下来2年里赚更多的钱，我们也有责任去塑造一个我们的子孙后代能好好生活的理想世界。”当然，坚持社会责任并不意味着其中没有发展机遇。张元认为，未来30年是全人类向碳中和冲刺的30年，其中也蕴含了巨大的机遇。“当风电、光伏、储能替代煤炭成为新的煤炭，动力电池和氢能成为新的石油，就需要一个由人工智能赋能的物联网去替代我们的电网，成为新的电网”。张天也觉得“碳中和”跟互联网类似，都是对经济模式的一种革新和改变，“各大国内外机构通过测算看出，中国为了实现2060年‘碳中和'目标，可能会在基础设施转型上进行大概160~200万亿人民币的投资，平均40年下来，如果简单地理解为一个线性增长，平均每年是5万亿的市场总投资机会。” 五、硬核时代，人人有责历史的经验证明，企业真正想做好，就必须考虑到自己在哪，扮演什么角色，能为这个社会做出什么贡献。知名企业管理学家德鲁克在研究企业的经营理论的时候，提出了组织与社会之间的关系，他其实是站在社会学角度来看组织。在他眼中，“没有一个组织能够独立的存在，并以自身的存在作为目的，每个组织都是社会的一个器官，而且也是为了社会而存在。”因此，要跟社会共生、跟行业共生、跟员工共生，跟整个科技进步共生。短视频内容平台抖音这一年来的变化，也恰恰说明了“传播有价值的内容”，完全可以在“硬核”时代，给更多的用户带来学习的价值。当下的抖音，早已不知不觉间褪去了泛娱乐的标签，成为越来越多人追求知识的阵地。抖音内容负责人支颖说，和过去一年相比，抖音上泛知识内容的播放量同比增长了74%，而且泛知识内容的播放量占平台总体播放量的20%，意味着每5个播放量里就有1个知识分享内容，知识类内容已经成为抖音的主流。支颖觉得内容平台在“硬核”时代做好内容建设的目的，就是希望创造更大的社会价值，“让更多网友听上985高校的课，让传统曲艺被更多人喜爱，这些都是更大的价值。”而知乎创始人、董事长兼CEO周源说，优质的内容是内容行业的核心价值，知乎到现在不光是为用户提供一个寻找答案的知识社区，“不仅有知识，还有经验和见解，最重要的是成员彼此之间的联系。”在“硬核”时代来临之时，获得感是用户、企业、上架、产业的“最大公约数”，知乎搭建了一套以获得感匹配的内容创作体系、技术和产品，知乎图文通读率达到78%，这个数字在信息过剩的当下是非常高。同样，大会主办方36氪，也是这样一个例子。现在的36氪，其实不只是一个外部看到的内容平台。深耕新经济产业11年，36氪从最开始的一个微信公众号，发展成一个覆盖企业全生命周期的企业服务平台，已经从创业路上的陪伴者进化到开始对二级市场的投资者和上市企业的助力。作为一家媒体公司，36氪实质上营收主要来源于在线广告、企业增值服务以及用户订阅。上市以来的2年时间里，36氪积极向新经济服务平台，寻找新的商业模式——在智慧城市中寻找发展空间，以36氪链接能力为企业、政府服务；利用80万+家企业资源孵化企业服务点评平台，在万亿规模的企业软件市场寻求发展空间。在36氪上市之前，CEO冯大刚就曾在内部会议上统一思想：36氪要成为一家强大的媒体公司。为了达成这个目标，冯大刚给出充分的时间——3+100年。前3年，实现36氪上市，以此证明36氪是一家健康的公司，拥有可以规模化取得收入、有持续增长的能力。后面100年，36氪要做服务型平台，从狭义的媒体公司做成强大的媒体公司。冯大刚已经完成了第一步。现在距离百年实践已经过去了2年，企业增值服务在三大业务板块中占比越来越高。做好服务，本质上是给企业、客户带去增量，积聚影响力。当前的36氪平台，除了新闻内容之外，还有企服点评、创投氪堂、翎氪等等服务平台。某种意义上，36氪由内容平台向服务平台的转换，也是可持续发展的要求。其实，在乌卡时代，所有可持续发展的核心都是“硬核”能力的竞争。新一代的创业者们与企业家们，不仅需要商业战争的实力与勇气，还要拥有躬身入局的硬核责任与担当。在36氪CEO冯大刚眼里，中国企业家经历了无数次像今天这样的变化，“这种变化既不是第一次，也不会是最后一次，但是每一次企业家都能应对，并且做得很好”。因为，对于企业家来说，只有直面困难并迎难而上，才可能有好的结果。而这种精神，其实才是企业家最应该具有的“硬核”。

Dr. Linda Chu intro. Dr. Lauren Kim interviews Dr. Richard Do. Patterns of Metastatic Disease in Patients with Cancer Derived from Natural Language Processing of Structured CT Radiology Reports over a 10-year Period. Do et al. Radiology 2021; 301:115–122.  Dr. Manisha Bahl interviews Dr. Jennifer McDonald and Dr. Robert McDonald. Prevention of Allergic-like Reactions at Repeat CT: Steroid Pretreatment versus Contrast Material Substitution. McDonald et al. Radiology 2021; 301:133–140.  Dr. Linda Chu interviews Dr. Fides Schwartz. Electronic Health Record Closed-Loop Communication Program for Unexpected Nonemergent Findings. Schwartz et al. Radiology 2021; 301:123–130. Dr. Linda Chu conclusion.

Kris Bates, CEO and President of OnPoint Premier is from West Texas. He first got into adjusting for an insurance company. He maintained this position for over 13 years giving him invaluable insight into insurance companies and how best to work with them. Having an understanding of the insurance business, it was not hard for him to make the jump in starting his own company in partnership with Robert McDonald. OnPoint Premier, established in 2016, was founded by Robert McDonald and Kris Bates with the desire to change the roofing industry through superior customer service and quality craftsmanship. OnPoint Premier is known for being the local roofing company that crafts gorgeous roofs for homeowners and businesses across the state of Texas. The company helps homeowners through the claim process. OnPoint Premier has an in house supplementor that helps maximize the homeowners claim. Employees are educated in code compliance and keep up to date with what the city requires to make sure every homeowner is brought up to code. On this episode, we talk about how to recruit and train sales reps along with implementing processes in your roofing company. Links: https://www.onpointpremier.com/ https://www.facebook.com/onpointpremier https://www.instagram.com/onpointpremier/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/onpointpremier/ For Tips, Strategies, and Free Downloads visit our website and join the Roofing Success Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/1940365569408073/ www.roofermarketers.com The Roofing Success Podcast Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi! I would love to hear your feedback, pros & cons! Please leave us a review!

In today's episode, Joan talks with Jeff Roth. Jeff is an Army National Guard Officer and best-selling author for his book: Fires, Floods, and Taxicabs: Taking a Bite of Burracurracy. Jeff also talks about his experience as a soldier in the military during "Don't Ask Don't Tell". Joan also speaks with Congressman, Bobby Rush. Later in the show, Joan speaks with Stacy Gates of the CTU as well as Robert Cotter; a local immigration attorney. Lastly, Joan speaks with Robert McDonald an events coordinator for The Book Stall.

Robert McDonald is the director of special events at The Book Stall in Winnetka, IL, and tell us exactly why supporting independent bookstores — and all small businesses, including theater companies! — is not only a good but an important idea. Featuring changing landscapes; romantic notions of bookstores, and the ways in which those notions are true (and not); ways to pivot; the importance of learning new skills and finding individuality; parental warnings and regrets; who the true essential workers are (aside from the obvious ones); important social niceties; who Bookshop.org is genuinely helping; and finally, how to measure convenience, and how Amazon is really not convenient and is probably doing more harm than good. (Length 21:39) The post Supporting Independent Bookstores appeared first on Reduced Shakespeare Company.

On Presidents Day, National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen moderated a discussion about the diverse cast of characters that helped to found the nation, including America’s early presidents. Jeff was joined by historians Joanne Freeman of Yale who is also a host of the podcast Backstory, Robert McDonald of West Point, and Peter Onuf of the University of Virginia—all of whom are contributors to the new volume Revolutionary Prophecies: The Founders and America’s Future. Additional resources and transcript available at constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/media-library Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org.

This episode is dedicated to Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Ethan Garrett Goolsby, fair winds and following seas, Shipmate! After a brief hiatus, Damon and Damo are back and doing what they do best, discussing what's happening right now across the fleet. They discuss being officially active for over a month and achieving their first major benchmark.  It's time to catch up, discussing Damon's leadership award and Damo's birthday. You can't let December 7th go by without giving some love to the service members that fought and sacrificed their lives during the the Pearl Harbor attacks. The Goats discuss COVID, late paychecks, arsons, and so much more on this episode... Please enjoy the show and remember to share, comment, follow and subscribe.  Links and more information:   Ethan Garrett Goolsby https://timesofsandiego.com/military/2020/12/13/lost-sailor-ethan-garrett-goolsby-20-of-san-antonio-wished-to-be-naval-officer/   Camp Cartel https://www.facebook.com/Camp-Cartel-2011256492532607/   PTSF Merch https://ptsfmerch.bigcartel.com/   Financial Literacy Training https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/readiness/Pages/Personal-Financial-Management.aspx   Navy Advancement Exam Results https://forum.navyadvancement.com/topic/5932-e4-e6-active-duty-fts-results-announced-cycle-248/   Bonhomme Richard https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/11/30/navy-will-scrap-fire-ravaged-bonhomme-richard/   USS Rushmore https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-12-03/san-diego-ship-captain-orders-400-person-crew-sequestered-over-holidays   Military One Source https://www.militaryonesource.mil/all-the-ways/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2OoDAWDY9bI1DGsnwAIpEy3uDOtNfMYUr5guiJf43-ewu6cFUh2dDYaAkr5EALw_wcB   ESWS Program https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2420888/naval-surface-forces-announce-new-enlisted-surface-warfare-instruction/   Damo's Book of the Week American Revolution (written by Robert McDonald) https://www.amazon.com/History-Revolutionary-War/dp/B07QRYJSH2   Movies Reviewed: Pearl Harbor & Tenet https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Harbor-Ben-Affleck/dp/B003QSOE0U https://www.tenetfilm.com/   Intro Music Produced by: Lim0    Logo Artwork/Design by: Natashya Vince

Our Documents in Detail episode for Wednesday 17 November 2020 focused on two short pieces from Thomas Jefferson: his letters to John Holmes and Henry Lee. Our panel consisted of Dr. John Moser, of Ashland University; Dr. Robert McDonald of the United States Military Academy at West Point; and Dr. Cara Rogers, of Ashland University.   Learn more at tah.org

Our Documents in Detail episode for Wednesday 17 November 2020 focused on two short pieces from Thomas Jefferson: his letters to John Holmes and Henry Lee. Our panel consisted of Dr. John Moser, of Ashland University; Dr. Robert McDonald of the United States Military Academy at West Point; and Dr. Cara Rogers, of Ashland University.   Learn more at tah.org

Praised by critics for her "astounding virtuosic gifts" (Boston Herald), "achingly pure sound” (The Toronto Star), and “impressive technical and interpretive control” (The New York Times), TRICIA PARK enjoys a diverse and eclectic career as a violinist, educator, curator, writer, and podcaster.Tricia is the producer and host of the podcast, “Is it Recess Yet? Confessions of a Former Child Prodigy.” She received the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and was selected as one of "Korea's World Leaders of Tomorrow" by the Korean Daily Central newspaper. Since appearing in her first orchestral engagement at age 13 with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, she has performed with the English Chamber Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, and National Symphony Orchestra of South Africa; the Montreal, Dallas, Cincinnati, Seattle, Honolulu, Nevada, and Lincoln Symphonies; and the Calgary, Buffalo, and Westchester and Naples Philharmonics. Tricia has given recitals throughout the United States and abroad, including a highly acclaimed performance at the Ravinia Rising Stars series. She also performs as half of the violin-fiddle duo, Tricia & Taylor, with fiddler-violinist, Taylor Morris.Tricia is the founder of the Solera Quartet, the winner of the Pro Musicis International Award and the first American chamber ensemble chosen for this distinction. Acclaimed as “top-notch, intense, stylish, and with an abundance of flare and talent,” the Solera Quartet performed their debut recital at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall to celebrate their addition to Pro Musicis’ roster. The Soleras’ debut album, Every Moment Present, features music by Janacek, Mendelssohn, and Caroline Shaw and was hailed by the New York Times hailed as “intoxicating….The quartet’s playing on the recording is sensitive and finely articulated throughout and the sound bright and vivid.”Other career highlights include Tricia’s recital debut at the Kennedy Center, appearances at the Lincoln Center Festival in Bright Sheng's The Silver River, her Korean debut performance with the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) Orchestra and collaborations with composer Tan Dun. As First Violinist of the Maia Quartet from 2005-2011, she performed at Lincoln Center and the 92nd Street Y in New York and Beijing’s Forbidden City Hall and was on faculty at the University of Iowa.Passionate about arts education and community development, Tricia is the co-founder and artistic director of MusicIC, a chamber music festival that explores the connections between music and literature. In 2019, Tricia received an MFA from the Writing Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she was a recipient of the New Artist Society Scholarship and was awarded a Writing Fellow Prize. Her writing has been published in Cleaver, Alyss and F News Magazines.Tricia received her Bachelor and Master of Music from the Juilliard School where she studied with Dorothy DeLay. She was a recipient of the Starling-DeLay Teaching Fellowship at the Juilliard School. She has studied and performed chamber music with Felix Galimir, Pinchas Zukerman, Cho-Liang Lin, Michael Tree, Gary Hoffman, Paul Neubauer, Robert McDonald, and members of the American, Guarneri, Juilliard, and Orion String Quartets as well as the new music group, Eighth Blackbird. Other former teachers include Cho-Liang Lin, Donald Weilerstein, Hyo Kang and Piotr Milewski.Currently, Tricia is an Artist-in-Residence and Lecturer in Chamber Music and Violin and Viola Performance at the University of Chicago.Connect with her here. RESOURCESDr. Derald Wing SuCitizen, by Claudia RankineI would like to thank Tricia for the music in episode - Cesar Franck's Violin Sonata performed with the pianist Domenic Cheli.Photo credit - Denise Karis  

Robert McDonald served Procter & Gamble for 33 years with the last four as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  Following his career at P&G, Bob was named Secretary of Veterans Affairs by President Obama in 2014, taking the helm of an organization in crisis.  An Army veteran and graduate of West Point, Bob was able to apply his military training and years of private sector experience to help transform the agency into one that delivered better care for our Military veterans. Bob's shares with us some powerful leadership lessons, including how you build trust and compassion in times of upheaval.

Jess Gillam meets composer Owain Park for a virtual lockdown listening party, with music including Prokofiev, Sam Cooke, Kabantu and JS Bach. Playlist: Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet Suite - Montagues and the Capulets (Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Riccardo Muti) Judith Bingham - The Drowned Lovers (Tenebrae, Martha McLorinan, Nigel Short) Sam Cooke - A Change is gonna come Copland: Appalachian Spring (Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) Rebecca Clarke - Lullaby (Helen Callus - viola, Robert McDonald - piano) Kabantu – Ulidzile! Samuel Coleridge Taylor - Petite suite de concert; III. Un sonnet d’amour (Chicago Sinfonietta, Paul Freeman) JS Bach - St John Passion; Chorus: "Herr, Unser Herrscher" (Polyphony, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Stephen Layton)

"This could be the start of something new. It feels so right to be here with you." Drawing you in with such a powerful opening, keeping you with his emotion and poetic wordplay, Robert makes you believe that change can and will come. Promising uncomfortably (which they say is the catalyst to growth), "1619 Radio" foretells of a great and promising podcast which will surely open the minds of all it's listeners and provoke action towards peace and equality. The 400 years are over.

Hey guys welcome back and welcome to the first-time listeners, my names Steven Langenhuizen and I am the host of the Pacing and Racing Podcast – and on this podcast we are working alongside the Toronto Triathlon Festival to share another amazing episode in the Life Well Lived Podcast Series Presented By Raymond James. Today we are joined by Robert McDonald who is the founder of Team I Will and Julia Glynn; a member of Team I Will and they both bring forward an incredible story of motivation, grit, and determination. Robert was vacationing in Mexico back in 2012 when he lost footing and fell 31ft off his 3rdfloor balcony; leaving him with with nine broken vertebrae, a dislocated spine, 11 broken ribs, a broken scapula, a punctured lung, a lacerated kidney, and no sensation below his waist. Doctors gave Robert a 5% chance of ever walking again. Two years later, he completed a half marathon and three years later he completed his first full marathon. Out of hope to inspire and help others he founded Team “I Will”, which is a community of people who have come together to break barriers and help support one another through sport. Not only does Team “I Will” support the surrounding community through inspiration, it also raises money for the Toronto Rehab Foundation, the largest rehabilitation hospital in the world to help those who need love and support through their recovery. Team “I Will” started with one person and one tragedy and has since evolved into a team of over 900 members strong. In 2019 they had over 30 triathletes competing at the Toronto Triathlon Festival, and aim to have more at the next TTF race. Team I Will member Julia Glynn joins us as well to make this story full circle – to hear Robert talk about his vision and then to hear Julia’s story and how this team has made an impact for her is incredible – because now Julia is out there amplifying Roberts Vision and supporting a cause close to her heart; all while doing what she loves, and that is triathlon. Now Julia was at the Toronto Triathlon Festival Presented By Raymond James in 2019 so we also get to hear her experiences around this event and what inspires her to keep coming back year after year. Now, let’s hear their stories..

“Old Enough to Fight, Old Enough to Vote” and how the youth vote has impacted American politics since the ratification of the 26th Amendment in 1971. Actress Janine Turner, Cathy Gillespie, and Constituting America Student Ambassadors Tova Love Kaplan and Dakare Chatman interview the United States Military Academy at Westpoint's Dr. Robert McDonald on the path to lowering the national voting age to 18, the public's reception of the 26th Amendment, and the impact of the youth vote in the last 49 years. Livestreamed on 05/19/2020. Sign up for our next Constitutional Chat via Zoom at https://www.constitutingamerica.org Robert McDonald's podcast-style audio course (Thomas Jefferson: American Revolutionary) is available exclusively on Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/thomas-jefferson-american-revolutionary/id1508511080?ign-itsct=books_toolbox&ign-itscg=30200

Robert McDonald, Former Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, goes over principles for developing sustainable leadership in the federal government Carol Gorman, Assistant Inspector General for Audit of Cyberspace Operations in the DoD OIG, talks about her office’s list of best practices for protecting patient health information during the pandemic Stan Soloway, President and CEO of Celero Strategies, LLC, explains the potential issue of inconsistencies and different interpretations of the CARES Act

No doubt about it, this is a time uncertainty and with uncertainty comes stress. How does your thought process impact your body and health, especially during these time of crisis, or perceived crisis. If you know this, or don't know this, what can you do about it? How are you addressing your fear? how are you overcoming this? can you overcome this? In this episode, Dr Janeshak talks with Dr Robert McDonald on the things you can do, right now, to put your mind at ease and thrive during uncertainty. Dr Robert McDonald is an early developer of Neuro-Linguistic Programing as well as his own Destination Method. For over 40 years he's been an icon in personal development and emotional healing. He is a international lecturer, and author of several books on healing the mind and psychological texts. His books include, Tools of the Spirit: Pathways to the Realization of Universal Innocence, The New Technology of Achievement and Creating High Self-Esteem. Listen and share this valuable information.

Dr. Robert McDonald discusses Thomas Jefferson's role in establishing the US Military Academy at West Point.

This week’s guest, Robert McDonald, author of Confounding Father talks about the quintessential American philosopher: Thomas Jefferson. During the birth of America, innumerable obstacles stood in its way. What followed was the triumph of the first Americans, from a revolutionary war to purchasing Louisiana and everything in between. Join Antony Davies and James Harrigan for a cheerful, optimistic ode to the spirit of America on this week’s episode of Words & Numbers. Show your support for Words & Numbers at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/wordsandnumbers Quick hits Disney heir calls for wealth tax https://www.npr.org/2019/06/28/736993245/disney-heiress-calls-for-wealth-tax-we-have-to-draw-a-line San Francisco bans vaping https://fee.org/articles/san-francisco-becomes-first-us-city-to-ban-sale-of-e-cigarettes-a-healthier-alternative-to-smoking/ Foolishness of the week Democratic debates and yoga games https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/450540-marianne-williamson-sends-out-healthy-alternative-to-debate Topic of the week: Robert McDonald on Thomas Jefferson Confounding Father https://tinyurl.com/y39dpz5g Thomas Jefferson’s Lives: Biographers and the Battle for History https://tinyurl.com/yxtgkhng Join the conversation Words & Numbers Backstage https://www.facebook.com/groups/130029457649243/ Let us know what you think mailto:wordsandnumberspodcast@gmail.com Antony Davies on Twitter https://twitter.com/antonydavies James R. Harrigan on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamesRHarrigan

Have you ever been so stressed that you can't think straight? Have you ever thought, "I wish I could just turn off my Head for a while". In this Podcast Dr Robert McDonald, Author, Lecturer, NLP foundational teacher, and Creator of the Destination Method shares early developments of NLP and how your mind works. So, if you've been wrestling with "stuff" in your head this gives you some great insight. Contact Robert McDonald here

A service of Morning Prayer following the Book of Alternative Services

In this episode, we talk with world-class Julliard-trained violinist Tricia Park about her experiences as a child prodigy. We discuss how learning to play the violin and perform for world-class audiences at a very young age made her feel special all the while contributing to a limited sense of identity. She shares her unique insights into what it’s like to live a big life as a quiet and painfully shy child and she discusses simple ways that educators can help their exceptional students rise about the pressures associated with achievement and perfectionism. For more information about Tricia, including links to some of her amazing work with the Solera Quartet, the Music IC Organization or her other projects, visit triciapark.com or check out the shownotes at smallactbigimpact.com for all of the related links to her performances and work. Praised by critics for her "astounding virtuosic gifts" (Boston Herald) and "achingly pure sound” (The Toronto Star), concert violinist TRICIA PARK enjoys a diverse and eclectic career as soloist, chamber musician, concertmaster, educator, and festival curator. Tricia is a recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and was selected as one of "Korea's World Leaders of Tomorrow" by the Korean Daily Central newspaper. Since appearing in her first orchestral engagement at age 13 with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, she has performed with the English Chamber Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, and National Symphony Orchestra of South Africa; the Montreal, Dallas, Cincinnati, Seattle, Honolulu, Nevada, and Lincoln Symphonies; and the Calgary, Buffalo, and Westchester and Naples Philharmonics. She has also given recitals throughout the United States and abroad, including a highly acclaimed performance at the Ravinia Rising Stars series. As First Violinist of the Maia Quartet from 2005-2011, she performed at Lincoln Center and the 92nd Street Y in New York and Beijing’s Forbidden City Hall and was on faculty at the University of Iowa. Other career highlights include Tricia’s recital debut at the Kennedy Center, appearances at the Lincoln Center Festival in Bright Sheng's The Silver River, her Korean debut performance with the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) Orchestra and collaborations with composer Tan Dun, Cho-Liang Lin, Paul Neubauer, Timothy Eddy and Steven Tenenbom. An appearance with the Metamorphosen Chamber Orchestra at Jordan Hall garnered a glowing review from the Boston Herald that stated, "If you see the name Tricia Park in any future programs, buy a ticket." Recent season highlights include a performance of Lalo Symphonie Espagnole with the South Bend Symphony; a recital at Carnegie Hall with Ensemble Peripherie; a performance of the Brahms Double Concerto with the Notre Dame Symphony; a collaborative performance with violist Daniel Avshalomov; and a recording of works by Per Bloland on the TZADIK label with the ECCE Ensemble. Tricia is also the founding member of the Solera Quartet, the new Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Notre Dame. Tricia maintains an ongoing interest in new music and non-classical styles. She has performed with jazz musicians Matt Ulery and Zach Brock, has appeared with the rock band, Another Dead Clown and performs duo violin recitals with fiddler-violinist, Taylor Morris. Passionate about arts education and community development, Tricia is the co-founder and artistic director of MusicIC, a summer chamber music festival that takes place in downtown Iowa City. MusicIC presents free concerts and events focus on music for small ensembles inspired by works of literature, both prose and poetry. Tricia received her Bachelor and Master of Music from the Juilliard School where she studied with Dorothy DeLay. She is a recipient of the Starling-DeLay Teaching Fellowship at the Juilliard School. She has studied and performed chamber music with Felix Galimir, Pinchas Zukerman, Cho-Liang Lin, Michael Tree, Gary Hoffman, Paul Neubauer, Robert McDonald, and members of the American, Guarneri, Juilliard, and Orion String Quartets as well as the new music group, Eighth Blackbird. Other former teachers include Cho-Liang Lin, Donald Weilerstein, Hyo Kang and Piotr Milewski. Currently, Tricia is full-time Violin Faculty and Artist-in-Residence at the University of Notre Dame. The New Yorker Article Tricia Mentioned...by Malcolm Gladwell https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/10/20/late-bloomers-malcolm-gladwell Tricia Park Founding member, Solera Quartet Founding Artistic Director, MusicIC Violinist and Fiddler, Tricia and Taylor - Violin and Fiddle duo www.triciapark.com www.soleraquartet.com www.musicic.org www.triciaandtaylormusic.com

Pastor James Ranger and Robert McDonald discuss different moments where the phrase "what do you say in a moment like that" comes up. __ Connect with us! Pastor James Ranger: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ranger3/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorjames.... Email: podcast@nlc.life Robert McDonald: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmc_mcdonald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmc.mcdonald/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rmc_mcdonald New Life Church: For more info: http://nlc.life To connect: https://www.facebook.com/nlc.life http://www.instagram.com/nlc.lifesw http://www.instagram.com/nlc.lifenw

Robert McDonald has been serving employment discrimination clients for over thirty years in Atlanta.  Bob has successfully represented employees in Sex and Age Discrimination cases.  He has also negotiated many severance agreements with positive outcomes.  Mr. McDonald’s areas of practice include all forms of employment discrimination including age and sex discrimination.  Successfully representing both in […]

The Veterans Health Administration operates a taxpayer-funded health system to provide our nation’s veterans physical and mental health services. The Veterans Choice Program is a fundamental change to that system as it allows veterans to get taxpayer-funded health care in the private sector. In this episode, learn the history of the Veterans Choice Program, discover the changes that Congress and the Trump Administration have made to the program this year, and get some insights into the future of the program. Please Support Congressional Dish Click here to contribute using credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Bills H.R. 3230: Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 Allows veterans to get medical care outside the Veteran's Administration system; they can go to any health facility that serves Medicare patients, health centers, the Defense Department, and the Indian Health Service. Veterans are only given this option if they'd have to wait over 30 days for an appointment with the Veteran's Administration or if they live 40 miles or further from a Veteran's Administration clinic. If eligible, the veteran will receive a special identification card. How it works: Veteran notifies VA, VA puts Veteran on an electronic waiting list or authorizes their request, VA works out a payment agreement with the health care provider, VA reimburses health care provider but no more than they would for Medicare services. If the veteran gets treated for a problem that was not related to their military service, their health insurance plan will be responsible for payment and the health care provider will be responsible for going after the insurance company for the money. Veterans can not be charged higher co-payments for care at private facilities than they would have been charged at the Veteran's Administration. This program will end in three years. Orders a private-sector review, establishes a fifteen person commission, and creates a technology task force to review VA practices. Wait times for care can not be considered when determining performance bonuses for top officials at the Veteran's administration and performance goals that disincentivize using private health providers for veteran care will be eliminated. Wait times for health care at the VA, VA facility quality measures, and VA doctor credentials will be published online. The VA will add 1,500 graduate medical education residency positions for five years to address staffing shortages. Extends the program that reimburses medical students for education costs and increases the amounts they'll receive for working for the VA. Expands coverage for mental health care related to sexual assaults, which will include veterans on inactive duty. This will be effective August 7, 2015. Extends a pilot program for assisted living care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries until October 2017. Disqualifies public colleges that charge veterans more than State residents from being qualified schools for veteran education benefits. Makes it easier to fire or transfer senior executives at the Department of Veteran's Affairs. Appropriates $15 billion to implement these changes. S. 544: A bill to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to modify the termination date for the Veterans Choice Program, and for other purposes Eliminates the end date for the Choice Program, which was supposed to expire when the money ran out of after three years. Changes the payment system from one where the veteran's health insurance plan must pay for non-service related treatments, with doctors getting reimbursed directly from the insurance companies to a new system where the Veterans Department will pay and be reimbursed by the insurance companies. Establishes legal permission for the government to share medical records of veterans with "private entities" S. 1094: Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act Title I: Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Creates a new office, headed by a Presidential appointee, in charge of VA employee accountability and processing of whistleblower complaints. This office will have the power to impose disciplinary actions. The identities of whistleblowers must be protected unless the whistleblower consents to disclosure. The Department of Veterans' Affairs must train employees on the whistleblowing process. Title II: Accountability of senior executives, supervisors, and other employees Gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the power to suspend, demote, or fire senior executives as long as the executive receives 15 days advance notice and all evidence against him or her, legal representation, and the ability to argue their case in an official process created by the Secretary that takes no more than 21 days. Gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the power to remove, demote, or suspend Veterans Administration employees for performance or misconduct. Demoted employees will have their pay decreased. The demotion or removal process must be completed within 15 business days and the employee has 7 business days to respond. These new procedures "shall supercede any collective bargaining agreement to the extend that such agreement is inconsistent with such procedures.". There is an appeal process but it must be started within 10 business days after the date of the removal, demotion, or suspension. The appeal must be decided within 180 days. The Secretary can not remove, demote, or suspend a whistleblower without approval of a Special Counsel or unless the Assistant Secretary refuses to act on the whistleblower account or unless a final decision has been made regarding the whistleblower's disclosure. Gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the power to order the repayment of bonuses or relocation expenses paid to VA employees if the Secretary determines that the employee engaged in misconduct or poor performance before the bonus was awarded. There is an appeal process via the Office of Personnel Management. S.114: VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017 Title I: Appropriation for Veterans Choice Program Deposits $2.1 billion in the Veterans Choice Fund, which will not expire. Title II: Personnel matters Doubles the number of positions that can be labeled has having staffing shortages and gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the ability to directly hire people to those positions. "Executive Management Fellowship Program" A program to give VA employees 1 year of training in the private sector and to give private sector employees 1 year of training in the VA. Between 18 & 30 people from the private sector and the same amount from the VA will be selected in August of each year to participate. To accept the fellowship, the person must agree to work as a full-time employee of the VA for two years and is prohibited from working the corresponding private sector industry for two years after completing the program. Performance Evaluations Political appointees of the VA will have annual performance plans similar to the ones administered to career employees. Promotions Gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the ability to easily promote existing employees or people who voluntarily left within 2 years, one employment status at a time. Employment Opportunity Database Creates a website that will list vacant positions at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Title III: Major medical facility leases We're paying to replace VA facilities in 28 locations. H.R. 3236: Surface transportation and veterans health care choice improvement act of 2015 Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD080: The July Laws Additional Reading Article: VA secretary David Shulkin: I don't consider this Texas church gunman as a veteran by Melissa Quinn, Washington Examiner, November 6, 2017. Article: Funding for a new veterans choice program remains the big, unresolved question for VA by Nicole Ogrysko, Federal News Radio, October 24, 2017. Article: AFGE ramping up anti-privatization campaign, as VA readies new Choice draft by Nicole Ogrysko, Federal News Radio, October 17, 2017. Article: Focus on VA hiring, not Veterans Choice, AFGE says by Nicole Ogrysko, Federal News Radio, October 6, 2017. Article: Trump signs bill to speed up VA disability appeals process by Richard Sisk, Military.com, August 23, 2017. Article: Last-minute Veterans Choice funding bill filled with key VA hiring flexibilities by Nicole Ogrysko, Federal News Radio, July 28, 2017. Article: Fix for Veterans Choice shortfalls fails in the House with little funds left by Nicole Ogrysko, Federal News Radio, July 24, 2017. Radio Transcript: VA pane report to suggest more private care choices for veterans, Morning Edition with David Greene, NPR, July 6, 2017. Article: Shulkin offers first glimpse at a new VA Choice plan by Nicole Ogrysko, Federal News Radio, June 8, 2017. Article: Trump extends program allowing some veterans to use local doctors, hospitals by Lisa Lambert, Reuters, April 19, 2017. News Report: Barry Coates dead; veteran was at heart of VA scandal by Scott bronstein, Nelli Black, Drew Griffin and Curt Devine, CNN Investigations, January 27, 2016. Article: How the VA developed its culture of coverups by David Farenthold, The Washington Post, May 30, 2014. Article: Obama accepts resignation of VA secretary Shinseki by Greg Jaffe and Ed O'Keefe, The Washington Post, May 30, 2014. References Budget Plan: 2018 FY Homeland Security Budget-in-Brief GAO Report: Veterans health care: Preliminary observations on veterans access to Choice Program care House Amendment Act: S.114 of the 115th Congress Interactive Timeline: Veterans Choice Program Slideshow: Billing Procedures, VA Veterans Choice Program and Patient-Centered Community Care Strawman Document: Proposed Strawman Assessment Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Bills related to veterans choice; House Committee on Veterans Affairs; October 24, 2017. 02:42 Rep. Phil Roe (TN): To that end, I believe it’s important to state yet again that this effort is in no way, shape, or form intended to create a pipeline to privatize the V.A. healthcare system. I want to be completely clear about that. Everyone who participated in the roundtable earlier this month and contributed to the development of this legislation should be completely clear on that. Everyone listening today should also be completely clear on that. Supplemental care sourced from within the community has been a part of the V.A. healthcare system since the 1940s and services to expand V.A.’s reach and strengthen and support the care that V.A. provides. Rhetoric aside, strengthening and support V.A. is what this consideration is about—this conversation is about. It should go without saying that V.A. cannot be everywhere providing everything to every veteran. Expecting V.A. to perform like that sets up the V.A. to fail. That’s why my draft bill preserves V.A.’s role as the central coordinator of care for enrolled veteran patients. In addition to consolidating V.A.’s menu of existing community-care programs into one cohesive program, my bill would create a seamless, integrated V.A. system of care that incorporates V.A. providers and V.A. medical facilities where and when they are available to provide care a veteran seeks and a network of V.A. providers in the community who can step up when needed. Under my draft bill, the V.A. generally retains the right of first refusal, meaning that if V.A. medical facilities can reasonably provide a needed service to a veteran, that care will be provided in that facility. But when the V.A. can’t do that, my bill would ensure that veterans aren’t left out to dry. Press Conference: Trump signs veterans health care bill; C-Span; August 12, 2017. 0:30 David Shulkin: The V.A. Choice and Quality Employment Act has three important components. The first is that this helps us expand our ability to hire medical-center directors and other senior executives to serve in the V.A. This is about leadership, and it’s really important that we get the right leaders helping us to do the job for veterans. The second is that this bill authorizes 28 new facility leases that will be in different parts of the country that provide our veterans with updated facilities, something that, again, we are committed to providing our veterans with world-class care. And third, and most important, this bill allows us to continue to be able to provide care in the community for our veterans to make sure that they’re getting high-quality care and not waiting for care. Already this year, in the first six months of this year, we have authorized over 15 million appointments for veterans in the community. That’s 4 million appointments more than what was experienced at this time last year. So we’re making a lot of progress in expanding Choice. Hearing: Fiscal year 2018 Veterans Affairs budget; Senate Veterans Affairs Committee; June 14, 2017. 12:29 David Shulkin: Two years ago—I’m sure you’re going to remember in July of 2015 we had too little money in our community-care accounts within the V.A., which we solved with your help by accessing unused funds in the Choice account. So we transferred money from Choice into community care. We now have too little money in the Choice account, which we’re working to solve, again working with you, with legislative authority, to replenish funds into the Choice account. So this is the situation that we’ve described before where for a single purpose of providing care in the community we have two checking accounts, and I will tell you, I wish it were easier than it is. We have to figure out how to balance these two checking accounts at all times. And obviously it’s not a science, it’s an art; and we’re having difficulty with that once again, and that’s why we need to work with you to solve it. The Veterans CARE program that we outlined for you last week will solve this recurring problem permanently by modernizing and consolidating all of the community-care accounts, including Choice. Hearing: Examining the Veterans Choice program and the future of care in the community; Committee on Veterans Affairs; June 7, 2017. Witness: David Shulkin - Veterans Affairs Secretary 12:55 David Shulkin: Just in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, we saw 35% more authorizations for Choice than we did in the first quarter of 2016. So far in fiscal year 2017, we have approximately 18,000 more Choice-authorized appointments per day than we did in fiscal year 2016. But we still have a lot more work to do. That’s why we’re seeking support for the Veterans Coordinated Access and Rewarding Experiences program, the Veterans CARE program. Let me just go over that again because you need a good acronym in Washington. The Veterans Coordinated Access—that’s the C and the A—Rewarding Experiences program—the CARE program. I’ve testified before and I’ll report again today that our overarching concern remains veterans’ access to high-quality care when and where they need it. That’s regardless of whether the care is in the V.A. or in the community. Our goal is to modernize and consolidate community care. We owe veterans a program that’s easy to understand, simple to administer, and that meets their needs. That’s the CARE program, and now it’s time to get this right for veterans. So we need your help. 14:23 David Shulkin: Here’s how veterans could experience V.A. healthcare, with your help. The veteran talks with their V.A. provider. That’s a conversation over the phone, virtually, or in person. The outcome is a clinical assessment. The clinical assessment may indicate that the V.A. specialist is the best for the veteran, or it may indicate that community care is best to meet the veteran’s needs. If community care is the answer, then the veteran chooses a provider from a high-performing network. That’s the veteran choosing a provider from the high-performing network. Assessment tools help veterans evaluate community providers and make the best choices themselves. We may help veterans schedule appointments in the community, or in some circumstances, veterans can schedule the appointments themselves. We make sure community providers have all the information they need to treat the veteran. We get the veteran’s record back. We pay the veteran’s bill. This is all about individualized, convenient, well-coordinated, modern healthcare and a positive experience for the veteran. If the V.A. doesn’t offer the necessary service, then the veteran goes to the community. If the V.A. can’t provide timely services, the veteran goes to the community. If there are unusual burdens in receiving care, the veteran goes to the community. If a service at a V.A. clinic isn’t meeting quality metrics for specific services, veterans needing that service go to the community while we work to support that clinic to improve its performance. And veterans who need care right away will have access to a network of walk-in clinics. 19:20 David Shulkin: We want to make sure that if the service is low performing, if it’s below what the veteran could get in the community, that they have the opportunity—they don’t have to leave the V.A. They’re given a choice so that they are able to get care in the community or stay at the V.A., because, you know, if a veteran has a good experience and they have trust in their provider, they’re going to want to stay where they are. But that is the purpose. The whole idea here is to improve the V.A., not to get more care in the community. And the very best way that I know how to improve health care is to give the patient, in this case the veteran, choice and to make those choices transparent to let everybody see, because then if you’re not performing as high-quality service, you’re going to want to provide a higher-quality service, because you want to be proud of what you’re working on. And I want the V.A. to be improving over time, and I think this will help us do that. 24:42 Sen. Patty Murray (WA): Secretary Shulkin, in your draft of Veteran CARE plan, you outline a number of pilot projects that sound to me uncomfortably like a proposals that are made by the so-called straw-man document. It’s from the commission on CARE and by the extreme, and to me unacceptable, plan put forward by the Concerned Veterans of America. And those include creating a V.A. insurance plan and separating it from CARE delivery, dividing the governance of a V.A. insurance plan and the health system, and alternative CARE model that sends veterans directly to the private sector. The goal of those types of initiatives, as originally stated in the straw-man document, is “as V.A. facilities become obsolete and are underused, they would be closed when availability and accessibility of care in the community is assured.” Those policies serve not only to dismantle the V.A. and start the health system down to a road to privatization, I just want you to know I will not support them, and I will fight them with everything I have. So, I want to ask you, why are you agreeing to pursue those unacceptable policy options? David Shulkin: Well, first of all, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and as clearly as you have. I share your goal. I am not in support of a program that would lead towards privatization or shutting down the V.A. programs. What I am in support of is using pilots to test various ideas about governance, about the way that the system should be, organized in the way that we should evolve, because I don’t know without testing different ideas whether they’re good ideas or not. 35:28 Sen. Jerry Moran (KS): You said something that caught my attention: this will not be an unfettered Choice program— David Shulkin: Yep. Moran: —and I wanted to give you the opportunity to explain to me and to the committee what that means. Shulkin: Yeah. There are some that have suggested that the very best approach is just give veterans a card, a voucher, and let them go wherever they want to go. And I think that there are some significant concerns about that, and you’re going to see this proposal is not that. This proposal is to develop a system that is designed for veterans, that coordinates their care, and gives them the options when it’s best for in the V.A. and when it’s best in the community. Unfettered Choice is appealing to some, but it would lead to, essentially, I believe, the elimination of the V.A. system all together. It would put veterans with very difficult problems out into the community, with nobody to stand up for them and to coordinate their care. And the expense of that system is estimated to be at the minimum $20 billion more a year than we currently spend on V.A. health care. So for all those reasons, I am not recommending that we have unfettered access. At some point in the future, if you design a system right, giving veterans complete choice, I believe in principle, is the direction we should be headed in, but not in 2017. 39:05 Sen. Jon Tester (MT): I want to go back to the Choice program, community care versus V.A. care, and tell you where we’re probably all on the same page around this rostrum, but as we’re all on the same page and the budget comes out and gives a 33% increase for private-sector care versus a 1.2% increase for care provided directly by the V.A., it doesn’t take very many budgets like that and pretty soon you’re not going to have any vets going to the V.A., because all the money’s going to community care, and they will follow the money. I promise you they will follow the money. I think that—I don’t want to put words in the VSO’s mouth. He’ll have a chance here in a bit—but I think most of the veterans I talk to say, build the V.A.’s capacity. In Montana we don’t have enough docs, we don’t have enough nurses, we don’t have enough of anything. And quite frankly, that takes away from the experience and the quality of care, and so by putting 1.2% increase for care provided directly by the V.A. and 33% for private-sector care, we’re privatizing the V.A. with that budget. David Shulkin: Yeah. I told you I wasn’t going to say that you were right again, but there’s a lot that you said that I think that we both agree with. And the goal is not to privatize the V.A. What we’re asking for in this is something we don’t have. We need additional flexibility between the money that goes into the community and the money that can be spent in the V.A. Right now we’re restricted to a 1% ability to transfer money between. We are seeking that you give us more latitude there for exactly the reason you’re talking about, Senator. We need our medical centers and our VISNs to be able to say that they need to build capacity in the V.A. where it’s not available. The reason why we’re letting people go in the community now is because the V.A. doesn’t have it. We have to get them that care. Tester: I got it, but if we don’t make the investments so they can get that health care, they’ll never get that health care there. Shulkin: I— Tester: Okay. Hearing: Veterans affairs oversight; House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; May 3, 2017. Witness: Dr. David Shulkin - Veterans Affairs Secretary   16:13 David Shulkin: More veterans are opting for Choice than ever before, five times more in fiscal year 2016 than fiscal year 2015, and Choice authorizations are still rising. We’ve issued 35% more authorizations in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 than in the same quarter of 2016. 18:00 David Shulkin: My five priorities as secretary are to provide greater Choice for veterans, to modernize our systems, to focus resources more efficiently, to improve the timeliness of our services, and suicide prevention among veterans. We are already taking bold steps towards achieving each of these priorities. Two weeks ago the president signed a reauthorization of the Veterans Choice Act, ensuring veterans can continue to get care from community providers. Just last week the president ordered the establishment of a V.A. accountability office, and we’re moving as quickly as we can within the limits of the law to remove bad employees. V.A. has removed medical center directors in San Juan; Shreveport, Louisiana; and recently we’ve relieved the medical center director right here in Washington, D.C. and removed three other senior executive service leaders due to misconduct or poor performance. We simply cannot tolerate employees who act counter to our values or put veterans at risk. Since January of this year, we’ve authorized an estimated 6.1 million community-care appointments, 1.8 million more than last year, a 42% increase. We now have same-day services for primary care and mental health at all of our medical centers across the country. Veterans can now access wait-time data for their local V.A. facilities by using an easy online tool where they can see those wait times. No other healthcare system in the country has this type of transparency. V.A. is setting new trends with public-private partnerships. Last month we announced a public-private partnership of an ambulatory care development center, with a donation of roughly $30 million in Omaha, Nebraska, thanks to Mr. Fortenberry’s help there. Veterans now have, or will have, a facility that’s being built with far fewer taxpayer dollars than in the past. Finally, V.A. is saving lives. My top clinical priority is suicide prevention. On average 20 veterans a day die by suicide. A few months ago the Veterans Crisis Line had a rollover rate to a backup center of more than 30%. Today that rate is less than 1%. In support of our efforts to reduce suicides, we’ve launched new predictive modeling tools that allow V.A. to provide proactive care and support for veterans who are at the highest risk of suicide. And I’ve recently announced the V.A. will be providing emergency mental health care to former service members with other-than-honorable discharges at all of our medical facilities. We know that these veterans are at greater risk for suicide, and we’re now caring for them as well as we can. 23:19 David Shulkin: The VISTA system is something that, frankly, V.A. should be proud of. It invented it, it was the leader in electronic health records, but, frankly, that’s old history, and we have to look at keeping up and to modernize the system. I’ve said two things, Mr. Chairman, in the past. I’ve said, number one is, V.A. has to get out of the business of becoming a software developer. This is not our core competency. I don’t see why it serves veterans. I think we’re doing this in a way that, frankly, we can’t keep up with. So, I’ve said that we’re going to get out of that business. We’re either going to find a commercial company that will take over and support VISTA or we’re going to go to an off-the-shelf product. And that’s really what we’re evaluating now. We have an RFI out for, essentially, the commercialization of VISTA that we wouldn’t longer be doing internally. 27:33 David Shulkin: We also, as we get more veterans out into the community, out into the private-sector hospitals, we have to be very concerned about interoperability with those partners as well. 38:24 Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL): Given that your goal is one program, are you analyzing which program ultimately would be phased out, because we have a tendency to instead of phasing out programs because they have people with a vested interest in them, simply— David Shulkin: Yes. Schultz: —going along to get along rather than rocking the boat, and so if we’re adding $3 1/2 billion to the Choice program and it had 950 million left, there have been challenges with the Choice program and confusion, and there are still challenges with the community care program, in what direction is the V.A. thinking of going when we—and what is the timeline for ultimately— Shulkin: Right. Schultz: — phasing out one program and only having one? Shulkin: Right. Well, with almost certainty I can tell you there will not be three programs, because the current Choice program will run out of money— Schultz: Right. Shulkin: —by the end of this calendar year. So, that program is going to go away and should be through December of this year. What we are hoping to do is to work with you so that we can introduce a community-care funding program—the chairman referred to it as Choice 2.0—which is a program that makes sense for veterans, which is a single program that operates under one set of rules for how veterans get care in the community. And that new legislation, which we believe needs to be introduced by late summer or early fall in order to make the timeline, would end up with a single program. Schultz: So, you eventually envision phasing out community care with the advent— Shulkin: Yes. Schultz: —of Choice 2.0. 1:33:11 Rep. Charles Dent (PA): In the one-page FY ’18 skinny budget we received in March, there’s a V.A. request for $2.9 billion in new mandatory funding, presumably to complete the FY ’18 funding for the Choice program after the mandatory $10 billion of the program is completely exhausted in January, I guess. Does this indicate the administration’s intent to fund the successor Choice program out of mandatory funding? David Shulkin: Yes. 1:45:37 Rep. Tom Rooney (FL): And many of the providers that are technically participating in the Choice program are refusing to accept Choice patients because they know that they’ll have to wait a long time to get paid themselves. So some providers that don’t accept the Choice patients will only do so if the veteran agrees to pay for the services up front. And that leaves the veterans in that same bind they were in before Choice, which was either face the excessive wait times at the V.A. facility with no option to obtain immediate care elsewhere without paying out of pocket first. And obviously that’s not the point, or that’s not what we’re looking to do. So, I mean, you as a doctor can probably appreciate, you know, with these people that want to take the Choice program to help veterans but they know that it’s going to take forever to get reimbursed be like, hey, will you pay me first, and then, you know, we’ll deal with getting reimbursed later. I don’t know if that’s the rationale, but it sounds like that. The OIG has criticized the V.A.’s monitoring oversight for these contracts and reported that these contracts still don’t have performance measures to ensure the contractors pay their providers in a timely manner, and the OIG made this recommendation January 30 of this year. So, as you work to expand the Choice program, how are you implementing the OIG’s recommendation specifically with regard to timely reimbursements? David Shulkin: Well, there is no doubt that this is an area of significant risk for us, that monitoring and making sure that the providers are paid is critical because of the issues that you’re saying: the veterans are being put in the middle. I would not recommend the veterans put out money for this. That is, as you said, is not the point of it. What we have done is we have done multiple contract modifications. We’ve actually advanced money to the third-party administrators. I’ve suspended the requirement that providers have to provide their medical records to us in order to get paid. We are improving our payment cycles through the Choice program, but it’s not perfect by any means. We have to get better at our auditing of these processes, and those were the IG recommendations, and we are working on doing that. So this is a significant area of risk for us. In the reauthorization, or the redesign, of the Choice program, what we’re calling Choice 2.0, we want to eliminate the complexity of this process. The private sector does not have to do the type of adjudication of claims that we do. They do auto adjudification. They do electronic claims payments. We just are not able to, under this legislation, do all the things that, frankly, we know are best practices. That’s what we want to get right in Choice 2.0. 1:56:40 David Shulkin: Our care needs to be focused on those that are eligible for care, particularly when we have access issues. So, I’d be glad to talk to you more about that. I do want to just mention two things. First of all, our policy is for emergency mental health care for other-than-honorable, not dishonorably, discharged; dishonorably discharged who were not— Rep. Scott Taylor (VA): Sorry if I misspoke. David Shulkin: Yeah, yeah, okay. Rep. Scott Taylor (VA): But I do applaud you for those efforts. David Shulkin: I just wanted to clarify that. Rep. Scott Taylor (VA): I know that there are a lot of wounds that are mental, of course, and— David Shulkin: Absolutely. Rep. Scott Taylor (VA): —I get that. I applaud you for those efforts. Hearing: Veterans affairs choice program; House Committee for Veterans Affairs; March 7, 2017. Witness: David Shulkin - Veterans Affairs Secretary Michael Missal - Veterans Affairs Inspector General Randall Williamson - GAO Health Care Team Director 20:35 David Shulkin: However, we do need your help. The Veterans Choice Program is going to expire in less than six months, but our veterans’ community-care needs will not expire. This looming expiration is a cause for concern among veterans, providers, and V.A. staff, and we need help in eliminating the expiration date of the Choice program on August 7, 2017 so that we can fully utilize the remaining Choice funds. Without congressional action, veterans will have to face longer wait times for care. Second, we need your help in modernizing and consolidating community care. Veterans deserve better, and now is the time to get this right. We believe that a modernized and revised community-care program must have seven key elements. First, maintain a high-performing integrated network that includes V.A., federal partners, academic affiliates, and community providers. Second, increase Choice for all veterans, starting with those with cer—(audio glitch). Third, ensure that enrolled veterans get the care they need closer to their homes, when appropriate. Fourth, optimize coordination of V.A. healthcare benefits with the health insurance that an enrolled veteran already has. Fifth, maintain affordability of healthcare options for the lowest-income enrolled veterans. Sixth, assist in coordination of care for veterans served by multiple providers. And last, apply industry standards for performance quality, patient satisfaction, payment models, and healthcare outcomes. 23:24 Michael Missal: In October 2015, V.A. provided Congress with a plan to consolidate all V.A.’s purchased care programs into V.A.’s community-care program. Under consolidation, V.A. continues to have problems determining eligibility for care, authorizing care, making accurate payments, providing timely payments to providers, and ensuring the necessary coordination of care provided to veterans outside the V.A. healthcare system. 30:30 Randall Williamson: Finally, substantial resources will likely be needed to carry out Choice 2.0. Resources needed to fund IT upgrades and new applications for Choice are largely unknown but could be costly. Proposed changes in Choice eligibility requirements, such as eliminating the 30-day, 40-mile requirement for eligibility, could potentially greatly increase the number of veterans seeking care through community providers and drive costs up considerably. Also, if medical-center staff begin scheduling all appointments under Choice 2.0, as V.A. currently envisions, hiring more V.A. staff will likely be costly and tediously slow. Already, since Choice was established, V.A. medical-center staff devoted to helping veterans access non-V.A. care have increased threefold or more at many locations. 1:04:00 David Shulkin: We are looking primarily at technological solutions, and we are looking at the use of telehealth, which we are doing across V.A. on a scale that no other health system in America is even approaching—2.1 million visits; over 700,000 veterans getting access through telehealth services—and so we are looking at this very seriously about dramatically expanding its use to be able to support where we don’t have health professionals. 1:06:20 David Shulkin: Remember, we have four missions. The clinical care is what we always talk about, but we also have an education mission. We train more American healthcare professionals than any other organization in the country, we have research that’s dedicated solely to the improvement of the wellbeing of veterans, and we also serve a national emergency-preparedness role. So, all four of these missions are very important to us. I would just say two things. One thing is we know from the Choice program that only 5,000 of the several—of more now than a million veterans who’ve used the program chose only to use the Choice program. So they’re saying exactly what your constituent told you, which is the V.A. is essential and important to them. But we are not going to allow the V.A. programs to be diluted, and one of the reasons why that’s so important is that we need to modernize the V.A. system. Our lack of capitalizing the V.A. system in terms of the buildings, the equipment, the IT systems, could make it a noncompetitive system. But we’re going to make sure that the facilities that are open are the best for veterans, and veterans are going to want to continue to get their care there. The community-care program is a way to make sure that we supplement the V.A. in an integrated fashion. 1:10:00 Rep. Mike Bost (IL): The department itself has estimated that it can treat and cure most of the remaining 124,000 diagnosed cases of hepatitis C within the next three years. Is it the V.A.’s commitment that that timeline will be held to and that these will be treated regardless of the level of their liver disease or where they might be at? David Shulkin: Yes. Thanks to the support from Congress, we were provided the resources to meet that timeline. I actually think we’re going to beat it, but with one caveat. What we’ve learned is that our initial outreaches, we were getting thousands and thousands of veterans to come in and to get treatment. We have a treatment, of course, as you know, that now cures more than 95% of hepatitis C. So it’s tremendous medical advance. The doctor to my right is one of those doctors. He’s an I.D. doctor who does this in his clinical work at the V.A. Unknown Speaker: Thank you. Shulkin: What we’re finding now is, and if Dr. Yehia wants to comment on this, we’re finding that we’re now seeing less and less veterans coming in to get cured. There is a substantial number of veterans for a number of reasons, either psychological reasons or social reasons, who are not taking advantage of this care. And so this is now becoming a research question for us. How do we have to begin to approach people that are saying, I have a disease that may end up killing me, but I’m not interested in the treatment. And so I think we’re going to beat your three-year timeline, but there's still going to be a subset of veterans that don’t want to come in and get care. 1:12:50 Rep. Mike Bost (IL): What would happen if we didn’t make that extension go past the August 7, and what would be the final cutoff if we don’t get it past? David Shulkin: Well, first of all, if we don’t do this extension, this is going to be a disaster for American veterans. We’re going to see the same situation that we saw in April 2014, that Senator Kaine started out tonight with, that we saw in Phoenix. And so here’s the timeline. We do need to do this now. As I think Chairman Roe referred to, already today veterans are not able to use the Choice program, because the law states that we have to obligate the funds now for when the care is going to be delivered. So a pregnant veteran who comes to us and says, I want to get care using the Choice program, they no longer can, because nine months from now is past August 7. But this is now beginning to happen with care that is multiple months in length, like oncology care and chemotherapy and other types of therapies. We have a chart that shows that when you start getting towards the end of April to May, this is where you’re going to start seeing a large number of veterans not being able to get access to care, because episodes of care that we’re used to, like hip replacements and other things, are generally three to four months. So we think the time is now that we need to act. Bost: Okay, so, but what we’re doing is not any intention to privatize or anything like that. This is just making sure that those people who are on the Choice program, that we are moving forward to make sure that those services are provided. Shulkin: Not only that, but this is not going to cost any additional money. We are just seeking the authority to spend the money that you’ve already given us past August 7 of this year. 1:17:15 David Shulkin: We are going to go and we are going to start providing mental health care for those that are other-than-honorably discharged for urgent mental health. And we want to work with Representative Coffman on his bill on this, and we want to do as much as we can. But I don’t think it can wait, and so we’re going to start doing that now. I believe that’s in the secretary’s authority to be able to do that.   Hearing: A call for system-wide change; House Committee for Veterans Affairs; October 7, 2015. Witnesses: Robert McDonald: then Secretary of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin: Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Brett Giroir: Senior Fellow at the Texas medical Center Health Policy Institute 13:37 Robert McDonald: As you know, we have five strategies: first is improving the veteran experience, second is improving the employee experience, third is achieving support-service excellence, fourth is establishing a culture of continuous improvement, and fifth is enhancing strategic partnerships, and we would be happy to drill down on those during the question period. 14:17 Robert McDonald: In the past year, we’ve moved out aggressively in response to the access crisis, meeting increasing demand and expanding capacity on four fronts: more staffing, more space, more productivity, and more V.A. care in the community. During that period of time, we’ve completed 7 million more appointments for veterans of completed care: 4 1/2 million in the community, 2 1/2 million within V.A. We’ve added more space, we’ve added more providers, we’ve added more extra hours, all in effect to get more veterans in. But because of that, and because we’ve done a better job of caring for veterans, we have more veterans desiring care. So even those 97% of appointments are now completed within 30 days of the needed or preferred date, the number not completed in 30 days has grown from 300,000 to nearly 500,000. 16:15 Robert McDonald: We simply can’t make many necessary changes because of statutory limitations. We need to consolidate our various care in the community programs. We need a freer hand to hire, assign, and reward the executives we task to act as change agents. We need a freer hand in disposing of outdated, unused, or little-used facilities. We need a freer hand in the management of existing facilities so facilities’ managers can adjust their use of resources to the changing needs of veterans. 25:47 Brett Giroir: As background, in 2014 9.1 million of 21.6 million U.S. veterans were enrolled in the VHA. Of these, 5.8 million were actual patients, and on average these patients relied on the VHA for much less than 50% of their healthcare services. These demographic data combined with access challenges suggest reconsideration of whether the VHA should aim to be the comprehensive provider for all veterans’ health needs or whether the VHA should evolve into more focus centers providing specialized care while utilizing non-VHA providers for the majority of veterans’ healthcare needs. Either paradigm could be highly beneficial to veterans as long as the demand and resources are prospectively aligned and there is a consolidation of current programs to simplify access to non-VHA providers. 30:05 David Shulkin: The V.A. approach is to find the very best care that serves the veterans, and I think that we’ve shown that in response to our access crisis that we have encouraged the use of community care to address our access issues. I think the difference here between—maybe what I would expand on what Dr. Giroir said is that the care that V.A. provides is very, very different than the care that the private sector provides. The V.A. provides a much more comprehensive approach than just dealing with physical-illness issues. It provides psychological and social aspects of care that actually meet the needs of what veterans require. And that's why I think that we really do need to do what Dr. Giroir said, which is to see what VHA provides best for our veterans and what care can be provided by the private sector, and it’s that hybrid-type system that's going to meet our veteran's needs. 34:39 Former Rep. Corrine Brown (FL): I think the elephant in the room is that there are people out there that would actually want to just completely close the V.A. and privatize the entire V.A. system, which is totally unacceptable and it is absolutely not what the veterans want. And as you begin, I want you to discuss flexibility, but I want you to let people know how many people we actually serve every day throughout this country. Robert McDonald: Thank you, Ranking Member Brown. As I was going through my confirmation process, I often got the question from senators why—you know, from some senators, small group—why don't we get rid of the V.A. and just give out vouchers? So I studied that—as a business person, I wanted to know—and what I discovered was V.A.'s not only essential for veterans, it's essential for American medicine and it's essential for the American people. Three-legged stool: research. We spent $1.8 billion a year on research. We invented the nicotine patch. We were the ones who discovered the aspirin was important for heart disease—take an aspirin every day. First liver transplant. First implantable pacemaker. Last year two V.A. doctors invented the shingles vaccine. I could go on. That research is important for the American people, and I didn't even mention posttraumatic stress or traumatic brain injury or prosthetics, things that we're known for. Second, training. We trained 70% of the doctors in this country. Who's going to train those doctors without the V.A.? We have also the largest employer of nurses and the largest trainer of nurses. Third leg is clinical work. Our veterans get the best clinical care because our doctors are doctors that not only do the clinical care but also do research and teach in the best medical schools of our country. So I think the American people benefit from the V.A., and it would be a big mistake to even think about privatizing it. 1:06:06 Rep. Phil Roe (TN): Let me go right to what I wanted to talk about which is my own veteran’s officer at home—person that does my work at home—and basically what she’s saying is, how do you get an appointment through the Veterans Choice Program? She said she had been trying to put together a summary, and what's happening is there’re two ways you get in there: a veteran can either be eligible by a 30-day wait list or more than 40 miles. And the most of problems she saw were the 30-day list. And this is what happens. Below is the information’s been given to me by the roll out of the program. In my experience, there appears to be a breakdown somewhere in this process but have been unable to get clear answers on how to fix it. The V.A. blames TriWest; TriWest blames the V.A. Eligibility is determined by the V.A. primary-care doctor if the appointment’s passed 30 days. The non-V.A. care staff then uploads this list of eligible veterans to the V.A. central office here in Washington nightly, and the veteran’s told to wait five to seven days and then call TriWest. The central office then sends the information to TriWest, can take three to seven days. If the consults don't get added, medical documentation didn't get uploaded, authorizations gets canceled, then the veteran’s on a merry-go-round. Look, when they came to my office to get an appointment, I said, you need an appointment with Dr. Smith. They went out front and made the appointment. That's what should happen. It ain’t that complicated. And all of this in between—and I could go on and on—TriWest has a different view of it, and I want to submit this to the record because it really gets to the bottom of what’s actually going— Unknown Chairman: Not objection. Roe: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The non-V.A. care staff were given no training on this, and they basically were left just to wing it, how to make these appointments. That was one of the things was brought up in the report. Our local V.A. care—non-V.A. care staff—increased from 5 to 15 but still are struggling to make all these appointments, and there's talk of—now, listen to this right here—there is talk of calling each patient for every appointment to make sure they keep it. If the patient says, I don't want to go, they still are told to call them two times a month until the past the appointment time. That's a complete waste of time. And the outpatient clinics also ought to be able to add patients to the electronic wait list instead of sending them over because appointment may come up; veterans get left out like that. And the TriWest portal is not very friendly. Private doctors did not like jumping through all the hoops of the Choice programmers saying they must give a percent of their fee to TriWest in order for TriWest to file the claim. So, we have a clinic that’s closing in our office, in our V.A., on a chiropractic and pulmonary clinic, because the doctors are just fed up with the way the system is. It’s so bureaucratic. So, anyway, I could go on and on. This is a very extensive—this is on-the-ground stuff that’s going on today at our medical center, and I bet you it's going on around the country. And I think these are things I will submit to you so you can get to work on this, and, again, appreciate the effort that you put into it. Mr. Chairman, there’s some valuable information here for the V.A. to use. And I yield back. Unknown Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Brown, you had a question. Corrine Brown: I do, because I want the secretary to answer that, because I think—I'm meeting with TriWest today—but the important thing is, you can't send a veteran to an agency or anywhere until they get prior approval from the V.A. because the most important thing is that that doctor get that reimbursement. So can you clear this up? I mean, no person in my office can send someone to a doctor; it must go through the system so that you get prior approval. And once that's done, how long—why does it take so long for that physician to get reimbursed, and can he answer that question? Robert McDonald: We have flowcharted that process, and let me let David talk about the improvements that we’ve made to that process. He'll answer questions one and three, and I'll take two on the facilities. David Shulkin: Okay. Dr. Roe, I think your old adage on the three A's is exactly right. And you have to remember we brought this Choice system up in 90 days. This is a national, very complex system, and what we've heard after bringing it up in 90 days is exactly the type of feedback that you've been hearing from your constituents. The secretary and I are both out in the field, we understand that these problems are happening, and so what we've begun to do is to redesign the system and to process-map it out. Both the secretary and I spoke to the CEO of TriWest last evening, and we are beginning now to make outbound calls to the veterans before they had to call in. We are beginning to actually embed TriWest staff in the V.A. so that they're working in teams, and we're beginning to start eliminating some of those steps. It is going to take a while. It is painful to watch this when you hear stories like what you're hearing, but we understand the problems there, we are working very hard, we think TriWest and Health Net are working to help us make the system better, and we're committed to doing this with urgency. 1:58:08 David Shulkin: We do have a crisis in leadership. We have too many open, vacant positions. We have too many people in acting positions and interim positions. You can't expect that you're going to have a transformation in a health system unless you have stable leadership in place. We need your help on this. We need your help to help create the V.A. to be an environment people want to come and serve and to be excited about, and we are asking for your help in Title 38 for the—Hybrid Title 38—to be able to help get the right type of compensation for leadership positions in V.A. That will help us a lot. Hearing: HR 1994 VA accountability act and HR 3236 surface transportation and veterans health care choice improvement act; House Rules Committee; July 28, 2015. 1:28:40 Bradley Byrne (AL): We don’t need to have a government-run healthcare system for our veterans. We need to transition out of it and give all of our veterans a card, just like an insurance card. Hearing: Veterans Affairs health care and budget; House Veterans Affairs Committee; July 22, 2015. 19:20 Robert McDonald Clinical output has increased 8% while budget has increased 2%, 35% more people (1.5 million beneficiaries) 20:22 Robert McDonald Increased Choice authorizations by 44% (900,000), 4% more appointments, percentages of wait times, wait times for types of care 21:50 Robert McDonald Care crisis of 2014 was caused by an imbalance in supply and demand, VA has been governing to fit a budget, not making budget fit the care, stats on new enrollees, 147% increase. enrolled veterans use VA for 34% of their care 56:00 Robert McDonald Here is a packet explaining the transformation of the VA, we have an advisory board full of CEOs, VA is going through the largest transformation in it’s history 1:09:40 Tim Heulskamp (KS) Concerned that money will be redirect away from Choice and he thinks “many employees” are not supportive of Choice, throws out bullshit numbers James Tuchschmidt corrects him and said they took money out to pay for the Hepatitis C drug 1:11:50 Tim Heulskamp wants to know why only two people have been fired for the wait time scandal. Robert McDonald many have retired, one indictment, 1,300 have been fired, new leadership, 7 million more appointments this year 1:27:30 Rep.Jackie Walorski (IN) Veterans died because of the Veteran’s Administration, I wanted to see people go to prison, list of things she’s pissed about, "Nothing is working” Robert McDonald 300,000 on wait list a year ago, low wait times, 1:35:00 McDonald we need a better system for anticipating what demand will be. 34% of eligible people are using VA system right now 1:35:20 Robert McDonald the crisis in 2014 was due to Vietnam vets, not Iraq & Afghanistan and we need to prepare as they age 1:36:00 Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) Why don’t we “refer out" the care that’s not directly related to military service? Robert McDonald people like to have all their doctors in one place, private sector doctors have to treat veterans differently - different questions to ask 1:41:00 Phil Roe (TN) Getting veterans outside care should be be through 1 program because it "aught to be easy" 1:43:50 Robert McDonald Moral is low because people don't want to be called out for not caring. They work hard every day 1:46:00 Kathleen Rice (D-NY) Why is there a budget shortfall? Robert McDonald 7 million more veterans needed care. "That's the reason" 1:56:00 Mark Takano (D-CA) New way of operating with non-VA providers - "Care in the Community" - not a conspiracy to "disappear the VA" - That's why we changed the name 2:05:00 Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) We should "outsource" collections” of payment from veterans with other insurance James Tuchschmidt We are looking at doing that. Wenstrup we should take bids. 2:18:00 Robert McDonald We are in favor of Choice program & we need to know about any employees who aren't because "that would be wrong" - Don't care where they get care as long as it's great care 2:20:00 Jerry McNerney (D-CA) Do you favor public private partnerships? Robert McDonald Yes, it's part of our transformation strategy. we have an “office of strategic parterships” 2:22:55 James Tuchschmidt We thought more people would use Choice, the goal was to not have vets waiting more than 30 days for care, we're asking to use that money to pay for care we purchased, we want a bill before you leave in August 2:28:00 James Tuchschmidt We’ve treated over 20,000 veterans with hepatitis C and veterans can use the Choice Program to get their treatment Rep.Ralph Abraham (LA) $500 million would be designated for Hepatitis C treatment Robert McDonald yes Hearing: Non-VA care: An integrated solution for veteran access; House Veterans Affairs Committee; June 18, 2014. 50:40 Rep. Beto O’Rourke (TX): Why have the V.A. at all? Why not privatize that care? The private sector could do it better. What’s missing in the V.A. is competition. Our veterans deserve the very best. Let’s not keep them in this institution that’s not working. From veterans, almost to a person, I hear, if I get in the V.A., I love the care. I’m treated very, very well. The outcomes are great. Don’t touch the V.A. So, what do you do best, and what does the V.A. do best? And five years down the road, after we get out of this current crisis, what will this look like? Unknown Speaker: That’s a great question. And it’s an honor to serve El Paso, where I spent part of my childhood when my dad was in the army as a doc. I will tell you that I hope it does not take five years. And I think everybody else would echo that statement. My belief is that the first phase is to make sure that the program that the V.A. has invested taxpayer money in—VAPC3—is put in place, is mature, that the processes on the V.A. side are mature, that our processes are mature, and that together we’re identifying where those pockets of veterans are that might not otherwise be able to get what they need in a complete capacity through the direct V.A. system because they lack the capacity to deliver on all the needs, and that the V.A. syst— Yes, sir. O’Rourke: Let me—I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I do want to understand what you think beyond taking care of capacity issues when the V.A.’s not able to see someone in a reasonable period of time. Are there specific kinds of care that you all would be better equipped to take care of? For example, I often think the V.A. is or should be better at handling PTSD or the aftereffects of traumatic brain injury because they see so many people like that as opposed to your typical health system or hospital. Maybe that’s a V.A. center of excellence. Is there something on the outside that we should just move all appointments or consults or procedures in a given area over to the private sector or let the private sector compete for? Unknown Speaker: Great question. My personal view is that it’s too early to ask that question—or to answer it, probably a better way to put it. It’s early to ask it, it’s right to ask it, you’re looking over the horizon line, but that we first need to get the pieces plugged together. And then there needs to be a make-by decision, category by category, and facility by facility, to look at what’s best done with taxpayer funds. Is it best to have the direct system provide care for four veterans in a particular category? Is that really necessary? Or should we buy that on the outside because it’s more efficient and more effective? 54:30 O’Rourke: You know, I’ve been on this committee for a year and a half now—it’s my first year in Congress—but I’d never been approached by a lobbyist on my way in to a meeting. Today I was, who represents providers in the private sector in El Paso and said, we have a hard time getting paid. It takes us a year sometimes. We want to see these veterans who are not able to be seen by the V.A., but it’s going to be really hard to do this if we don’t get paid. 1:34:00 Jolly: We need to do even more in providing a veteran choice. This, bottom line. The question, though, is how do we do that in a way that’s fiscally responsible? And so my question for you generally—and again, if you don’t have enough information, that’s certainly fine—in your role of supporting non-V.A. care, can you give either an assessment, if you have the technical information, or if it’s just in a working opinion on the cost effectiveness compared to traditional care, realizing that we have hard infrastructure costs within our V.A. system that aren’t reflective when you go to non-V.A. We can look at all sorts of data. I’m somebody who thinks typically data’s manipulated to get whatever outcome or position we want to finally be able to support. But can you give an opinion or assessment on the cost effectiveness of non-V.A. care versus within the V.A.? Ms. Doody: I can tell you from our experience with Project ARCH—and I wish I could give you specific numbers, sir—the company Altarum, who was contracted to collect this information—my understanding is they’re going to report back to you folks in 2015—are looking at the cost of care per veteran. From my understanding, it is less than if they would have gone to a V.A. facility for certain procedures. So, again, it’s anecdotal. It may be geographic; I can’t comment on the other regions or other states in our nation. But also just limiting the amount of mileage, the travelling that the veteran would have to do travelling to a V.A. hospital to receive care as a savings to the system also. 1:45:00 Titus: You confirm that you can’t talk about the cost effectiveness; there’s just not enough data there, yet you think it’s working pretty well, but we don’t have any hard figures, and we also know that CVO’s been kind of unable to assess the cost going forward, and nobody’s talking about how to pay for it. Yet, we are moving pell mell towards more veterans using this kind of non-V.A. care. And it’s not that I’m opposed to that, but I want us to do it right or else we’ll be having hearings five years from now, talking about all the problems with non-V.A. care. Now, to hear y’all talk about it, you’re not having any problems; things are working great under your networks. But we know that’s not true, either. I mean, there are problems out there, and we need to be serious about how to address them from the beginning. Now, as I understand it, y’all are just kind of like the middleman, like Sallie Mae and Medicare Advantage, where you have a contract to provide a service. That’s fine, but as you push more people out into the private sector, do you see your kind of business growing, or is your network going to cover more areas, or are more new networks and competition going to come on to be part of this new system that we’re going to be creating? Hearing: A continued assessment of delays in VA medical care and preventable veteran deaths; House Veterans Affairs Committee; April 9, 2014. 2:35 Rep. Jeff Miller (FL): On Monday, shortly before this public hearing, V.A. provided evidence that a total of 23 veterans have died due to delays and care at V.A. medical centers. Even with this latest disclosure as to where the deaths occurred, our committee still doesn’t know when they may have happened beyond the statement from V.A. that they most likely occurred between 2010 and 2012. These particular deaths resulted primarily from delays in gastrointestinal care. Information on other preventable deaths due to consult delays remains unavailable. Outside of the V.A.’s consult review, this committee has reviewed at least 18 preventable deaths that occurred because of mismanagement, improper infection-control practices, and a whole host—a whole host—of maladies that plagued the V.A. healthcare system all across this great nation. 8:53 Rep. Jeff Miller (FL): Mr. Coates waited for almost a year and would have waited even longer had he not personally persistently insisted on receiving the colonoscopy that he and his doctors knew that they needed. That same colonoscopy revealed that Mr. Coates had Stage IV colon cancer that had metastasized to his lungs and to his liver. 13:55 Barry Coates: My name is Barry Lynne Coates, and due to the inadequate and lack of followup care I received through the V.A. system, I stand here before you terminally ill today

Show log  Emil Amok’s Takeout Ep. 15 :00  Emil’s opening rap 1:46 San Diego Fringe Festival and SF Marsh shows 2:30 Coming up intros of top stories 5:05 What made me go amok this week 6:25 Martial Law in the Philippines? Oh, just “Partial Martial”? 18:12 Intro Celestino Almeda, the 100-year old  Filipino WW2 Vet still Fighting for his equity pay 24:12 Interview with Almeda 42:28 Intro and interview with Association of Asian American Studies President-elect Theo Gonzalves, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. 1:30:00 MY NBA FINALS PICK ---- Emil Guillermo: Emil Amok's Takeout Podcast - No rest on Memorial Day for a WWII Filipino Vet; and a conversation with AAAS President-elect Theo Gonzalves on APAHM May 26, 2017 7:36 PM Memorial Day always winds up the annual observation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. And what better way to remember the one story (along with the Japanese American Internment) that lingers as the moral compass of the community. For that reason, this Memorial Day will be a special one for Filipino WWII Veteran Celestino Almeda. Despite many vets seeing an equity pay windfall in 2009, a handful like Almeda are still in appeals. His fight for justice with the U.S. government has been the bureaucratic version of the Bataan Death March. hat's no disrespect to the survivors of that historic event 75 years ago. Almeda certainly will remember deceased friends like retired U.S. Air Force Major Jesse Baltazar, a former POW who survived the Bataan Death March in 1942, and died just last year at age 96.   Baltazar often accompanied Almeda, fighting side by side in the latter's bureaucratic battle with the VA over equity pay. Almeda was a young soldier in the Philippine Army reserve, when he answered the call of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt to protect the Philippines with the U.S. Armed Forces of the Far East. The added lure was full benefits as a soldier, including U.S. citizenship. As you'll hear in my interview with him on Emil Amok's Takeout, Almeda, the reservist, was made active for a year.  He was then made inactive when Gen. MacArthur retreated to Australia as the Japanese took over Manila. Almeda has official Philippine Army documents signed by U.S. officers to document all that. What he doesn't have is the record that he served in the guerrilla forces, which Almeda says were only verbal orders. Once the war was over, he was made active again and served side-by-side Americans. There would be no problem until President Truman signed the Rescission Act of 1946. which stripped the Filipino veterans of any right to the benefits that had been promised for their service. Ever since then--for more than 70 years--Filipinos like Almeda have been fighting piecemeal for a restoral of all the benefits due them.    Almeda's service has been good enough to help get him U.S. citizenship in 1990. He's even been given a VA card for medical benefits.  But it wasn't until President Obama in 2009 finally came through with a lump sum payment of $15,000 to Filipino veterans living in the U.S., and $9,000 for those still in the Philippines, that Almeda found himself in the bureaucratic battle of his life. The VA has approved more than nearly 19,000 cases, according to its website. The payout has been more than $220 million. But it's also rejected close to 24,000 cases.  There's about $56 million left in the pot. But that doesn't mean the VA is willingly giving it out, at least not to Almeda. The VA wouldn't honor his Philippine Army documents, though he has kept the originals in pristine condition. He's still currently in appeal, but in the meantime, he's taken to public protests like one last year when Robert McDonald, the VA Secretary under Obama appeared in public. In the Q&A part of the program, Almeda tried to appeal to McDonald but had his mic turned off. MacDonald's reaction got a stern rebuke from retired General Antonio Taguba, the general who led the investigation into Abu Ghraib.  Taguba additionally pointed out that updates to the law--PL 111-5, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation)--directed the Secretary of VA to consider all forms of evidence of service and not just those originally considered.  "This amendment has not been fully executed by the VA," Taguba complained to Mc Donald. Now a year later, McDonald's out, a new VA head is in, and Almeda is still fighting for justice, seemingly locked in the Bataan Death March of appeals, hoping to get approved for his lump sum before he turns 100. It's Memorial Day, but his taste for justice has not died. Listen to him tell his story on Emil Amok's Takeout. Days before his 100th birthday, Almeda's still got a lot of fight left.   AAAS President-elect Theo Gonzalves on the relevance of Asian American Studies today On my recent trip to Washington, DC, I was able to talk to an old friend, Theo Gonzalves of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and the president-elect of the Association for Asian American Studies. What are they doing? How has Asian American Studies stayed relevant? How valuable is the AAS degree? Use the fast forward and listen to Gonzalves, where he thinks Asian American Studies is going, and the importance of APAHM.   And if you want to read my Emil Amok column on Martial Law https://usa.inquirer.net/4026/martial-law-not-needed-can-stop-dutertes-destiny   Contact Emil at http://www.aaldef.org/blog, the site of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.  If you like what you see, consider clicking the "DONATE" button.  AALDEF is a 501 C3 and your contribution is tax-deductible.  Give us your feedback there, or at www.amok.com Leave a voice message on Speakpipe.  We might use it in a future show. Consider subscribing for free on iTunes, where you can rate and review. You'll also find us on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.      BIO Emil Guillermo wrote for almost 15 years his "Amok" column for AsianWeek, which was the largest English language Asian American newsweekly in the nation. "Amok" was considered the most widely-read column on Asian American issues in the U.S. His thoughtful and provocative social commentaries have appeared in print in the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate.com, San Francisco Examiner, USA Today, Honolulu Star Bulletin, Honolulu Advertiser, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and in syndication throughout the country.  His columns are seen in Asia and around the world, on Inquirer.net.  His early columns are compiled in a book "Amok: Essays from an Asian American Perspective," which won an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation in 2000. Guillermo's journalistic career began in television and radio broadcasting. At National Public Radio, he was the first Asian American male to anchor a regularly scheduled national news broadcast when he hosted "All Things Considered" from 1989-1991. During his watch, major news broke, including the violence in Tiananmen Square, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of dictatorships in Romania and Panama. From Washington, Guillermo hosted the shows that broke the news.  As a television journalist, his award-winning reports and commentaries have appeared on NBC, CNN, and PBS. He was a reporter in San Francisco, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. After NPR, Guillermo became a press secretary and speechwriter for then Congressman Norman Mineta, the former cabinet member in the Bush and Clinton Administrations.  After his Hill experience, Guillermo returned to the media, hosting his own talk show in Washington, D.C. on WRC Radio. He returned to California where he hosted talk shows in San Francisco at KSFO/KGO, and in Sacramento at KSTE/KFBK. Guillermo's columns in the ethnic press inspired a roundtable discussion program that he created, hosted, executive produced, resulting in more than 100 original half-hour programs. "NCM-TV: New California Media" was seen on PBS stations in San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles, and throughout the state on cable. Guillermo also spent time as a newspaper reporter covering the poor and the minority communities of California's Central Valley. His writing and reporting on California's sterilization program on the poor and minorities won him statewide and national journalism awards. In 2015, Guillermo received the prestigious Dr. Suzanne Ahn Award for Civil Rights and Social Justice from the Asian American Journalists Association. The award, named after the late Korean American physician from Texas, recognizes excellence in the coverage of civil rights and social justice issues in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Guillermo, a native San Franciscan, went to Lowell High School, and graduated from Harvard College, where he was named Ivy Orator as the class humorist. Thanks for listening to Emil Amok's Takeout! http://www.twitter.com/emilamok http://www.aaldef.org/blog

The post The Spirit of 1776 & the Reality of War with Robert McDonald & Kenneth Rendell appeared first on RealClear Radio Hour.

Why are Americans so fascinated with our third President? What did Jefferson’s contemporaries think of him?Robert McDonald joins us this week to talk about the life and ideas of Thomas Jefferson.Show Notes and Further ReadingMcDonald’s book is Confounding Father: Thomas Jefferson’s Image in His Own Time (2016).There is a conception that politics was more civil at the turn of the 19th century; this Reason.tv video proves otherwise. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Robert McDonald discusses the polarizing figure of Thomas Jefferson at Cato University. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What do the elections involving Thomas Jefferson have to tell us about the political culture of today? Robert McDonald, author of Confounding Father: Thomas Jefferson's Image in His Own Time, offers his thoughts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Robert Mcdonald is named head of the Veterans Administration, and Baby conjectures about who his relative might be.

LARPing is a new 'sport'. Live Action Role-playing. Participants pretend to be mythical creatures the like of which you'd find in 'Lord Of The Rings'. Sounds crazy but suspend your scepticism and enjoy Robert McDonald's feature. (Audio documentary RTE)

full 0:34:48 Robert McDonald

This month on Maestro Independent Classical Spotlight we have a selection of four Romantic Period pieces from our classical collection. Amber Yiu Hsuan Liao"Piano Sonata No.18 in E-flat major, Op.31, No.3" (mp3) from "Beethoven: Piano Sonata No.18; Granados: Goyescas; Schumann: Humoreske" (MSR Classics) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This AlbumThe three pieces in this recording were all written during difficult times in the lives of their composers. Beethoven composed the E-flat major sonata in the same year he wrote the Heiligenstadt Testament. Goyescas was created shortly after Granados learned about both the death of his close friend Issac Albéniz, and the Tragic Week, a bloody confrontation between the working class of Barcelona and the army. When Schumann composed Humoreske, he was an aspiring composer trying to win the approval of Clara’s father, and was staying in Vienna away from home and his beloved. It is touching to hear how the composers rose above the pain, anxiety and desperation in their lives with such grace. They transcended their suffering, and created these beautiful pieces that have enriched the lives of many others in future generations.Pianist Amber Yiu Hsuan Liao has given recitals and solo performances throughout United States and Taiwan. Recent engagements include recitals at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center and the Freeport Memorial Library, and the world premiere of Between Stream and Hills III for piano solo by Chih-Chen Wei. Ms. Liao has been invited to participate in several music festivals in Europe, including Courchevel Academie Musicale in France, Internationale Sommerakademie Mozarteum in Salzburg and New Millennium Piano Festival in Gijón, Spain. She has also been selected to perform in the master classes of distinguished artists such as Leon Fleisher, Dmitri Bashkirov, John Perry, Leslie Howard, Oxana Yablonskaya, Michel Béroff and Robert McDonald. As a chamber musician, Ms. Liao’s collaborations with vocalists and instrumentalists have led to performances in the CAMI Hall, Symphony Space and the Lenox Athenaeum, among others. She was the pianist in the Emerald Quintet, a group dedicated to both standard repertoire and the works of contemporary composers. Ms. Liao started her early music training in Taiwan. As a teenager, she was the prize winner of several regional and national composition competitions. She continued her studies in piano performance in the United States under the tutelage of Boris Slutsky and Arkady Aronov. A winner of the Rose Marie Milholland Award and the President’s Award, she received her Master of Music from the Peabody Institute and Doctor of Musical Arts from the Manhattan School of Music. She currently maintains a private studio in New York City, and is on the faculty of Seton Hall University in New Jersey.Budapest String Quartet, Artur Balsam "Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25: I. Allegro" (mp3) from "Brahms and Schumann Recital" (Bridge Records, Inc.) More On This AlbumThe Budapest String Quartet was a string quartet in existence from 1917 to 1967. It originally consisted of three Hungarians and a Dutchman; at the end, the quartet consisted of four Russians. A number of recordings were made for HMV/Victor through 1938; from 1940 through 1967 it recorded for Columbia Records. Additionally, several of the Quartet's live performances were recorded, at the Library of Congress and other venues.More info on Budapest String Quartet.Artur Balsam (1906-1994) was a highly versatile pianist who was born in Poland and became established as an accompanist for Yehudi Menhuin on a 1932 tour of the United States. After being hounded out of Europe during the Nazi period, Balsam settled in New York and began both teaching and recording. Balsam was a very flexible artist who proved himself quite capable in piano repertoire ranging from the Baroque to ultra-modern works. Balsam was well-known locally in New York City, Rochester and Boston as a teacher, recitalist and chamber musician. He worked for dozens of East Coast based record labels, but the highest concentration of his recordings may be found in the Vox catalogue.More info on Artur Balsam.Lavina Meijer "Impromptu- Caprice, Op. 9" (mp3) from "Fantasies & Impromptus" (Channel Classics Records) More On This AlbumLavinia Meijer (1983) is recognized worldwide as one of the most promising rising stars of the moment. Born in Korea and adopted into a Dutch family, she is now based in the Netherlands. She studied under the guidance of Erika Waardenburg at the conservatories of Utrecht and Amsterdam, where she received her Bachelor and Masters degrees of Music with the highest distinction. Since then she has toured as a solo-harpist across Europe, America and Asia, showing the many possibilities of the harp as a solo-instrument.From a young age on, she has won several important music prizes, such as first prize at the Dutch Harp Competition in the Netherlands, first prize at the International Harp Competition in Brussels, a second prize at the International Harp Competition in Vienna and a third prize at both the International USA Harp Competition and the International Harp Competition in Israel. Special awards have been given to her, such as the MeesPierson award and the Vriendenkrans of the Royal Concertgebouw from Amsterdam and the Borletti-Buitoni Trust from London. In 2009 she received the Dutch Music Prize, which is the highest distinction for a Dutch classical musician.For full bio, please click here. Vassily Primakov "Prelude in G minor, Op. 23, No. 5" (mp3) from "Vassily Primakov: Rachmaninoff Recital" (Bridge Records, Inc.) More On This AlbumIn many ways Vassily Primakov is a reincarnation of the keyboard virtuoso from the early and mid-20th century: he possesses an enormous technique, a highly individual interpretive persona, and a keen sense for drama in the big moments of Romantic and post-Romantic works. To watch him at the piano in performance underscores this atavistic view: Primakov often plays trance-like, seemingly carried away by the music, with all manner of facial expressions and animated movements, while still conveying the sense he is in complete control, despite whatever technical challenges confront him. His growing number of fans will assert that he is fun to watch in his captivating mixture of eccentricity and sensitive virtuosity. Primakov possesses a broad repertory inclusive of Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, and Shostakovich. But he does not skirt the less meaty repertory, as his performances of Mozart concertos will attest; nor does he avoid the unusual: he plays the generally neglected and less pianistic Dvorák Piano Concerto. Primakov has recorded for Bridge Records and the Van Cliburn Foundation.Vassily Primakov was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1979. At 11 he became a student of Vera Gornostaeva at the Central Special Music School in Moscow. At 17 he enrolled at Juilliard, where he studied until 2005. His teachers there included keyboard icon Jerome Lowenthal. Primakov eventually made the U.S. his adopted homeland.For full bio, please click here.

No-one ever says "Come around and listen to my latest download". D.I.T. student, Robert McDonald marks the passing of vinyl - its decline began when he was still a child. Featuring Irish radio legend, Pat James. (The Curious Ear - short Irish radio docs.)

Robert McDonald, president and CEO of the Procter & Gamble Company,discusses positioning the consumer products giant for a rapidly changing world.