Podcasts about Seizing

A new year offers a God-given invitation to renewal, hope, and spiritual refreshment rooted in His design for seasons and fresh starts. Anchored in Romans 15:13, this devotional reminds us that God weaves renewal into creation itself—daily, weekly, and yearly—so we can release the past, trust His mercy, and move forward with joy, peace, and confident hope through the Holy Spirit. Highlights God designed rhythms of renewal through days, weeks, and seasons for our good. Fresh starts are woven into creation, pointing us toward spiritual restoration. The cross of Christ stands as the ultimate picture of death giving way to new life. God removes our sin completely, offering freedom from past failures. His mercies are new every morning, inviting renewed hope each day and year. The turning of the calendar is an opportunity to trust God with what’s ahead. God is still writing your story—renewal is not behind you, it’s ongoing. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Seizing the Opportunity to Refresh This New YearBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13 (NIV) All of the hustle and bustle of the holidays has come to a close. Decorations have been stored away, regular schedules have resumed, and the inevitable and likely necessary (at least for me) annual recommitment to diet and exercise has been enacted. Another new year is upon us. For some, the reset of the calendar feels like a fresh start, a blank slate. For others, it might draw out feelings of uncertainty about the unknown ahead. How do you view the renewal of another twelve months? Do you greet a new year with apprehension or anticipation? If we look closely, the framework of refreshing and renewal through time and seasons is evident throughout the Word of God. From the very beginning, we learn that God made day and night. Within each 24-hour period, there is a time for work and time to rest before the cycle begins again. The Lord also established weekly sequences with days assigned to toil and a call to reset on the Sabbath. Monthly and yearly periods are connected to new moons and seasons of sowing and harvesting. The list goes on and on… We can also observe the ultimate example of death and rebirth, exemplified through the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ, reflected every year as the world goes dormant in winter. During those dark, bare days, we question whether life is present beneath the frozen tundra, yet each year, spring bursts forth with its radiant buds, reminding us all that warmth and light are on the way. With so many opportunities for refreshing and renewal organically embedded into creation, it is clear our Maker sees this process as “good” (Genesis 1:4). There is something cleansing, almost freeing, about a fresh start. How many situations or circumstances have you encountered this last year, or even this past month, that you wish you could put behind you and start again? There are several that come to mind. The Lord understands how these disappointments or personal failures can become a burden too heavy to bear. Which is why both spiritually and physically, He has embedded marker-point moments for us to begin again with a clean slate. “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us,” (Psalm 103:12, NIV). While we may struggle with the concept of freedom from current or past circumstances and sin, the Lord’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). There are opportunities for new days, new years, and renewed hope. For “… there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV). Wherever you find yourself this new year, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to refresh. Whatever has passed, let it be put away and look forward to a new beginning. God, the great author, is still writing your story. Let’s commit together to hand Him the pen and trust that the narrative He has planned will be full of abundant blessings this new year. Intersecting Faith & Life: How do you view the turn of the annual calendar? Do you feel inspired or intimidated? Why? Take some time today to prayerfully consider the highs and lows you experienced last year. Note next to each one how you saw God’s presence and provision in every example. Next, jot down some hopes or dreams for this new year. If possible, list aspirations in both the physical and spiritual. Are there relationships you would like to see founded, mended, or renewed? Or perhaps a new pursuit in health, education, or career. Write down anything you feel tugs on your heartstrings. Once completed, take some time to consider how you would like to see your relationship with the Lord grow this year. Is there a particular study you would like to join? Or perhaps a prayer group, or a commitment to daily individual prayer? Whatever feels like the Lord is prompting, make note of it, then release it to Him. I encourage you to keep this list somewhere safe. This time next year, bring it back out and see how God met you in any or all of these circumstances and desires. Further Reading:Ecclesiastes 3Revelation 21:1-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Chargers Special Teams Demon and Linebacker talks about the 2025 season, the season highlights and lessons learned along the way, Jim Harbaugh, this championship defense under Jesse Minter, Seizing the moment, Justin Herbert, Special Teams play, and expectations moving forward into the playoffs. Chargers Del'Shawn Phillips Talks Season Highs & Lessons, Special Teams, Justin Herbert & Playoffs Use promo code CHARGERSLAFB on Sleeper and get 100% match up to $100! https://Sleeper.com/promo/CHARGERSLAFB. Terms and conditions apply. #Sleeper     Subscribe to Chargers Unleashed Podcast: https://youtube.com/c/chargersunleashedpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/LAC_Unleashed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargersUnleashed Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/chargersunleashed   Chargers Unleashed Hosts: Jake Hefner (@JakeTHefner) and Dan Wolkenstein (@DanWSports)   Blueprints Host: Jason Balliet (@Syntari13)   Chargers Unleashed Podcast, and Blueprints, are weekly Chargers podcasts, part of the LAFB Network, covering all things Los Angeles Chargers. Chargers Unleashed and Blueprints provide listeners with unique and refreshing perspectives on the latest in Chargers news and storylines, along with special guest appearances, player interviews, off-season discussions for NFL Draft, Free Agency, training camps, and weekly updates surrounding Los Angeles Chargers for fans around the globe. Tune in for Chargers interviews, Chargers news, and more!   Chargers players discussed include Justin aHerbert, Derwin James, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Rashawn Slater, Josh Palmer, Asante Samuel Jr, Daiyan Henley, Quentin Johnston, Tuli Tuipulotu, and much more. We also discuss Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, OC Greg Roman, DC Jesse Minter and the rest of the Chargers coaching staff. The LA Chargers 2024 draft class: 1 OT Joe Alt 2 WR Ladd McConkey 3  LB Junior Colson 4  DL Justin Eboigbe 5  CB Tarheeb Still 5  CB Cam Hart 6  RB Kimani Vidal 7  WR Brenden Rice 7  WR Cornelius Johnson   THANK YOU PARTNERS! This episode of Chargers Unleashed is brought to you by:   *** This episode is brought to you  by Mint Mobile: Go to our partner http://trymintmobile.com/chargersunleashed to get premium wireless for as low as $15 a month -  Limited time offer. New activation and upfront payment for 3 mo. service required. Taxes & fees extra. Unlimited plans using more than 40GB/mo. will experience lower speeds with video streams at ~480p. Restrictions apply.   ***Ombré*** Go to https://ombremen.com/ and use the code UNLEASHED for 20% off your first order. Men's personal care that is crafted for the modern man who prioritize quality, sustainability, and convenience.   ***Head over to BetOnline.ag on your desktop or your mobile device to sign up today and receive your 50% Welcome Bonus on your first deposit! Just use our Promo Code: BLEAV to get started.   ***RSSM Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AGAMEMNON'S FAILURE AND DIVINE POLITICS Colleague Professor Emily Wilson. This segment details the plot's catalyst: Agamemnon seizing Briseis from Achilles, causing the hero to withdraw from battle. Wilson explains the divine politics, including Hera trading three Greek cities to Zeus to ensure Troy's destruction. They analyze Agamemnon's flawed leadership; while he blames Zeus for his bad decisions, the poem portrays the immense difficulty of holding a disparate army together, leading to disastrous choices that necessitate Achilles' eventual return. NUMBER 5 500 AD AMBROSIAN ILIAD

This week, McKay invites listeners to join him in exploring the concept of destiny, and how it is a precious gift available to each and every one of us. Seizing this opportunity here today, our learned host encourages us all to believe in our destiny as a powerful catalyst for transformation that offers a pathway to a more purpose-driven and fulfilling existence.McKay begins by delving deeply into the life of James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, examining how destiny played a pivotal role in his remarkable story, and goes on to explore themes of resilience, self-belief, and the profound impact of embracing one's destiny. From a life-altering accident to finding purpose and success, this episode demonstrates that recognizing and embracing your destiny can rewrite the script of your life. The episode also underscores that age is no barrier to realizing your destiny, citing inspiring stories of such notable individuals as Tiger Woods, Julie Andrews, and Nelson Mandela, who discovered their destinies at various stages in life. As McKay urges, do not let your opportunity pass you by—know that your destiny is well within your reach, understand that it might just be the driving force you need to transform your life, and take steps today to make it a reality.Episode Highlights:The concept of destiny and how it shapes our livesSome examples of the role destiny has played in people's livesThe power of believing in one's destiny and the potential for transformationDestiny unveiled in the midst of adversityThe power of words in shaping destinyAge is no barrier to destinyYour destiny awaitsQuotes:"Providence only could have saved my life,' he wrote years later, struggling to understand all that had happened to him in the intervening years. ‘Providence, therefore, thinks I am worth saving.'""When you give yourself to that feeling, to that destiny, you will find you. It will enrich and bring more meaning into your life.""But every day, in every walk of life, ordinary people do extraordinary things. You have a destiny, and you are extraordinary.""Regardless of our poor choices or mistakes or our past, we can change and choose the path that leads to our destiny.""There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are.""Don't say, ‘I'm too old.' Don't say, ‘I'm too young.' You're not too young, too old, too far behind, too late, or too early to take your steps towards your destiny.""For I know what you have done, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut." - "Destiny can manifest in the everyday lives of ordinary people who make a positive impact through their kindness, courage, loyalty, and integrity.""In a world full of uncertainty and challenges, this episode reminds us that destiny is within reach for everyone.""Your destiny is a journey worth taking, and it begins with believing in yourself."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

SHOW 12-18-25 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE POTUS AT YEAR'S END... 1951 BALD EAGLE ALASKA CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans to spend billions on tanks are misguided, as the Ukraine war demonstrates that expensive armor is easily destroyed by cheaper drones and defensive lines. NUMBER 2 CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democratic ideals. Opposition figure Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo accuses former Prime Minister Zapatero of acting as an international agent for Maduro, facilitating the dictatorship's survival despite mass migration. NUMBER 4 CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit Chinese influence. NUMBER 7 ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle against Lula da Silva's agenda for the 2026 election. NUMBER 8 ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely, Cincinnatus exemplifies the Roman ideal of service; he accepted absolute dictatorial power to save the state during a crisis, then immediately resigned to return to his farm. NUMBER 9 APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As a blind elder statesman, he shamed the Senate into rejecting peace with Pyrrhus, insisting Rome must fight to maintain its dominance and ancestral legacy. NUMBER 10 ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastating victories, the Roman Republic prevailed through a political system that prioritized consensus and collective sacrifice, allowing them to endure immense losses without surrendering. NUMBER 11 THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched economic inequality. NUMBER 12 DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life to exist safely. NUMBER 13 INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He argues that while AI is a useful tool, education is essential for humans to interpret data and appreciate the machinery rather than being replaced by it. NUMBER 14 EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propose leveraging frozen Russian assets for loans, but financial markets remain skeptical of the EU's ability to guarantee such debt. NUMBER 15 CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulations. They contend politicians prefer "showy" supply-side interventions, like drug busts, over effective policies because the politics of appearing effective outweigh the economics of actual affordability. NUMBER 16

In this pivotal episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Patrick Bishop and Saul David discuss the high-stakes EU summit in Brussels that could decide the financial future of the conflict. With Kyiv facing potential bankruptcy by the spring, the hosts break down the urgent debate over seizing €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund a "reparations loan." We also look at the latest from the front lines and are joined by the Public Affairs Officer at the Khartiia Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine - Volodymyr Dehtyarov for an exclusive update on their recent successful counteroffensive in the Kupyansk area, showcasing the hi-tech warfare and grit that continues to define the Ukrainian defence on the ground. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Singapore shares inched higher today to track gains seen across Asia. The Straits Times Index was up 0.15% at 4,577.44 points at 3.11pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$749.75M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch for today, we have Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust. That’s after the managers of Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust said it has entered into an agreement to divest a non-core office property in Italy for a consideration of 34 million euros (S$51.4 million). Elsewhere, from how the Bank of Japan hiked interest rates to a 30-year high of 0.75 per cent, to how US President Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly launched a review that could result in the first shipments to China of Nvidia’s second-most powerful AI chips, more international headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kenneth Goh, Director, Private Wealth Management, UOB Kay Hian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 1811 BRUSSELS

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Welcome back to The Knotted Podcast — a space for honest conversations and real reflection. In today's episode, “8 Things 2025 Taught Us,” Deshauna and Marvin reflect on the lessons this year required — personally, emotionally, and professionally. From staying aligned and being willing to start before you're not fully polished, to prioritizing mental health, meaningful relationships, and the long game, this episode offers thoughtful insight for anyone navigating growth and transition. Whether you're rethinking your career, relationships, or personal well-being, these lessons invite you to slow down, stay intentional, and move with clarity into what's next. This conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity. In this episode, we talk about:  Staying in your lane and focusing on alignment Being willing to be seen before everything feels perfect The value of real relationships and connection How integrity compounds over time Seizing the moment instead of waiting for perfect timing Prioritizing therapy and emotional health Why taking PTO matters Embracing delayed gratification and playing the long game ________________________________________________________________________ Watch Related Videos  Welcome To Knotted! | Episode 001 ➣    • Knotted Podcast Episode 1 | Honest Converse...    He Pays My Bills! ➣    • He Pays My Bills!     Gen Z Got Played! ➣    • Gen Z Got Played! A Digital Childhood Brea...   The Bathroom Saved Our Marriage! ➣    • The Bathroom Saved Our Marriage! | Real Ta...   ________________________________________________________________________ If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and make sure you subscribe.  Subscribe to The Knotted Podcast for more honest conversations about growth, relationships, and self-awareness. Comment below: Which lesson from 2025 resonated with you most? Share this episode with someone who needs this perspective heading into the new year. Hashtags: #2025lessons #moderndating #selflove #datingadvice #empowerment #KnottedPodcast #dating #PTO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of AgCredit Said It, host Libby Wixtead interviews Davey Neidhart, a sixth-generation farmer, about his journey in diversifying his farming operation by adding additional revenue streams. Davey shares his background, explaining how a family tragedy initially pushed him away from farming, leading him to pursue a degree in agricultural economics at Ohio State University. After working at a steel mill, he returned to farming, purchasing his first farm with the help of AgCredit. Davey discusses his venture into hops farming and how an unexpected opportunity led him to acquire a stump grinding business, which he successfully ran for ten years. The episode also covers his latest business venture, a farm drainage company named Neidhart Farm Drainage, which he started in response to a high demand for drainage services in his area. Davey emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, building relationships, and not being afraid to take risks. He also highlights the value of collaboration over competition in the agricultural industry.   Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/ep-98-seizing-business-opportunities-davey-neidhart   Connect with AgCredit on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram   Share questions and topic ideas with us: Email podcast@agcredit.net

Jerry opens the show with commentary on why people need to start sounding more like him. Should vacant upscale homes in north Toronto be used to house low-income families? A GTA paralegal is offering pro-bono services to first-time offenders arrested for stealing groceries. Toronto police could get more power to seize e-bikes and e-scooters. Jon Burnside talks with Jerry about this.

Coffee Klatch tonight with Rep Ed Diehl, Chris Cummings and Nick Hill from 6-8pm at Bo and Vine Restaurant SalemOnly massive political change can produce a K-12 “Mississippi Miracle” in OR: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/education/2025/12/13/mississippis-reading-turnaround-may-hold-lessons-for-oregon-schools/ Dan Rayfield sues Trump with laughable  assertions about H1B visa costs https://www.kgw.com/article/news/politics/immigration-news/oregon-states-lawsuit-trump-administration-trump-100k-fee-h1b-visas/283-43bcaf80-ff36-485c-bb5c-309409c93052 Is Political Rage what killed Rob Reiner and his wife? https://www.cypher-news.com/2025/12/im-gonna-say-the-thing-nobodys-saying-about-rob-reiners-murder/ Seizing rouge oil tankers is not unprecedented or shocking: https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/15/trumps-oil-tanker-seizure-another-shocking-and-unprecedented-act-that-isnt-shocking-or-unprecedented/  

Implementing a Strategy of Denial Defense: Colleague Elbridge Colby explains that a denial defense seeks to prevent China from seizing and holding key territory, specifically Taiwan, noting the coalition need not achieve total dominance but must destroy the invasion force in transit or deny it the ability to sustain control, effectively blocking China's political objectives. 1900 GERMANS ARRIVE CHINA

This is the tenth and final episode of Overcoming Polarisation: Paths to Common Ground, a podcast series from Debating Europe, Friends of Europe's citizen engagement unit. Europe is feeling fractured. Whether it's politics, climate, tech, or trust in institutions, more and more people are feeling left out, unheard, and uncertain about the future. But what if we could flip the script? What if instead of fuelling division, we looked for common ground? In this series, we're diving into the real issues behind polarisation. Economic inequality, climate anxiety, digital disruption, and bringing together voices from across the spectrum. From policymakers, activists, business leaders, and most importantly, citizens' voices via our latest study “Voices for Choices”. In today's show, host Sabina Șancu spoke with Fabien Curto Millet, Google's chief economist, about the challenges that AI brings to the future of work and education, and how Europe can prepare to support itself as an aging continent. Discussing healthcare, productivity and lifelong learning, Curto Millet invites us to see AI as a generational opportunity. In the second part of the episode, two of the people who made Voices for Choices happen explain some of the trends from the current edition of the study and give insights into the next edition. Alessandra Cardaci, head of programming and operations, and Adam Nyman, director of citizen outreach and engagement, shared their vision for this research spanning multiple European countries. If you want to comment on this episode you can send us an e-mail: press@friendsofeurope.org

President Trump says an oil tanker has been seized off the Venezuelan coast, what does it mean?   

The US has escalated tensions with Venezuela and seized a tanker off its coast, described by Donald Trump as the largest ever seized. He's otherwise keeping tight lipped, saying it was done for 'a very good reason'. CNN reports it intensifies Trump's pressure campaign aimed at forcing the leader Nicolas Maduro out of power. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan that while US officials are saying the seizure does not signal a broad scale war, Trump doesn't want to rule an American ground invasion in or out. He says the US has now carried out 22 attacks on Venezuelan drug boats, Trump saying that every drug boat leads to the deaths of some 25,000 Americans, but it's unknown where he pulled that figure from. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's Aggressive Posture, Sanctions Evasion, and 'Fake Reform' — John Batchelor, Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sayeh— Sayeh characterizes Iran as an active predator state, systematically seizing commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and progressively advancing its nuclear weapons program toward weapons-grade fissile material production. Batchelor documents that despite US sanctions regimes, Iran currently exports more petroleum than during the previous administration, suggesting inadequate enforcement rigor and possible sanctions evasion through intermediary nations. Sayeh characterizes Iranian regime tactics as employing "fake reform," superficially tolerating hijab violations while simultaneously intensifying internal security crackdowns, executions, and suppression of political dissent, creating a facade of liberalization masking deepening authoritarianism. 1870 TEHRAN

In this conversation, Terrel Harris shares his journey as an undrafted player in the NBA, discussing the pivotal moment when he decided to join the Miami Heat over the Chicago Bulls. He reflects on the pressures of performance and the importance of focusing on the game rather than external expectations. His confidence in his abilities, particularly in guarding Dwayne Wade, highlights his determination and readiness to seize opportunities in the competitive world of professional basketball.Takeaways:Nick Nurse advised Terrel Harris on his career choices.Harris chose Miami for its potential for bold moves.He focused on playing rather than stressing about numbers.Averaging 25 points didn't guarantee calls from teams.Confidence in his ability to guard top players was key.The journey of an undrafted player is challenging yet rewarding.Harris's mindset was to play his best regardless of the situation.He valued the advice of experienced coaches like Nick Nurse.The decision-making process in sports can be influenced by mentors.Seizing opportunities is crucial in a competitive environment.To View This Episode- https://youtu.be/JaderoESWCE#nba #philfriedrich #whoknewinthemoment #nbachampion #oklahomastatecowboys #miamiheat

Seizing The Season November 29 - 30, 2025 - Lee Strobel PRAY ENGAGE INVITE GIVE RISK Scriptures: Matthew 5:14, John 1:5, James 5:16, Ezekiel 36:26, John 4:39,41, Romans 6:23 Topics: Season, Joy, Hope

When Good is Not Good Enough

As you may have heard, solar energy is having a moment. Thanks to several technological breakthroughs, it's now the cheapest form of energy generation in most places on Earth. This past summer, for the first time ever, it became the EU's main source of electricity, and many other parts of the world — Pakistan, Nigeria and most famously, China — are likewise in the midst of a solar boom of astonishing speed and scale. In this episode, experts weigh in on the social, political and economic implications of this revolutionary energy shift — and the complicated way that Canada fits into it all.Featured in this episode:Sara Hastings-Simon is an associate professor in the department of Earth, Energy and Environment and an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy. Her work focuses on understanding how low-carbon energy transitions happen within different sectors of the economy, constrained by existing infrastructure and business models, and how policy response can improve outcomes. She also hosts, alongside David Keith and Ed Whittingham, the live webinar and podcast Energy vs Climate.Mike Andrade is the chairman and CEO of Morgan Solar, a Toronto company whose products improve the performance of solar projects and the energy efficiency of buildings. A former executive at IBM and a founding member of Celestica, he's also an investor and advisor to several other companies, a member of the Council of Canadian Innovators and a board member of the Next Generation Manufacturing Supercluster.Chris Caners is general manager at SolarShare, a renewable energy co-op in Ontario. He's also a consultant who advises organizations on climate, energy efficiency and sustainability.Thomas Timmins leads the Canadian energy sector practice at Gowling WLG in Toronto. He specializes in helping clients navigate opportunities in the global energy transition.Deb Chachra is a professor of engineering at Olin College and the author of How Infrastructure Works: Inside the Systems That Shape our World. Further reading:• Seizing the moment of opportunity• Free electricity. Like, at no cost. For everyone. Now.• Pakistan's solar boom• There's a race to power the future. China is pulling away• What if Canada invested in solar energy?• The solar rushSubscribe to Solve for X: Innovations to Change the World here. And below, find a transcript to “Power to the People.”  Solve for X is brought to you by MaRS, North America's largest urban innovation hub and a registered charity. MaRS supports startups and accelerates the adoption of high-impact solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. For more information, visit marsdd.com.

Prayer for Seizing the Opportunity Now for her Daily Spiritual Espresso published on November 25, 2025 which you can access here: https://powerofloveministry.net/stop-delaying-your-healing/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Academy Award-nominated writer, actor, director, and producer Nia Vardalos. From her one-woman show in a tiny Los Angeles theater to creating one of the highest-grossing independent movies of all time, Nia's path shows what happens when you refuse to give up on your story.The Topline She Carried for 24 Years (01:36) Kevin reveals that Nia has carried the original test screening results from My Big Fat Greek Wedding in her wallet for over 24 years. Kevin shares why the film isn't allowed to be referenced at his company, not because it was bad, but because it was such an unprecedented outlier that had no business doing what it did, except that it was "so damn good."Second City Training and Seizing the Moment (04:40) Nia traces her journey from Shakespearean training at Ryerson to discovering improv.From Rejection to the Stage (19:15) When Nia couldn't get her screenplay read, she rented a small theater and performed her story for audiences who kept coming back. She shares how she placed a $500 ad in the Los Angeles Times that caught Rita Wilson's attention.Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, and Unwavering Loyalty (26:51) When Rita Wilson saw the show, her first words were "I love you." When she said, "this should be a movie," Nia instantly handed her the screenplay so fast that “her hair flew back." The result: $241.4 million domestic, $368.7 million worldwide.14 Hours Notice to Motherhood (35:53) After years of fertility treatments, Nia received just 14 hours notice to adopt a daughter from foster care. She talks about the trials, and the joys of motherhood and adoption.Academy Award Nomination (39:35) On the morning of her Best Original Screenplay nomination, Nia was driving through rain to a fertility clinic when her best friend called first with the news.Returning to Theater (48:38) Nia returned to her theatrical roots with Tiny Beautiful Things, adapted from Cheryl Strayed's book and directed by Hamilton's Thomas Kail. The play became a New York Times Critics' Pick and was licensed in 250+ productions worldwide. She recently performed it in Greek in Athens at a 1,500-seat theater.Nia Vardalos proves that Hollywood's greatest success stories don't always follow the expected path. Sometimes they start with a $300 theater rental and an unshakeable belief in your own voice. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share. We look forward to bringing you more behind-the-scenes revelations next time on Don't Kill the Messenger.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Nia VardalosProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Nia Vardalos:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nia_VardalosIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0889522/Instagram: For more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Originally from Wisconsin, Nathan Vazquez studied computer science at Yale University. He       worked for 15 years as an options trader at Citibank until he was eventually tempted by the idea of being his own boss with work that allowed him the flexiblity to spend more time with his family. In 2015, he left his job in finance to join his wife's sticker subscription company, Pipsticks. Within a year, Pipsticks had thousands of subscribers in over 50 countries. As CEO of Pipsticks, Nathan now manages the company's growing business in the subscription, E-Commerce, wholesale, and licensing markets. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and four kids.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:00] Intro[01:23] Balancing creativity with business logic[05:43] Learning by doing and adapting fast[08:21] Growing an organic customer base[09:57] Stay updated with new episodes[10:06] Finding spending balance for growth[12:38] Seizing opportunities during market shifts[14:29] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Freight Right, Taboola, Next Insurance[20:00] Scaling your brand through audience feedback[24:10] Focusing on one thing at a time[26:32] Expanding a product to wholesale [28:25] Learning from early B2B mistakes[30:07] Measuring break-even for smart spending[33:04] Aligning resources with marketing strategy[34:29] Targeting break-even timelines strategicallyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube www.youtube.com/c/HonestEcommerce?sub_confirmation=1Cute stickers for kids, crafters, anyone www.pipsticks.com/Stickers + stationery that say what you wish you could www.theswearjar.com/Follow Nathaniel Vazquez www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-vazquez-5b663222/Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectTurn your domestic business into an international business www.freightright.com/honestReach your best audience at the lowest cost! discover.taboola.com/honest/Easy, affordable coverage that grows with your business nextinsurance.com/honest/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Over in Australia, Victorian police say they've seized a record number of knives and machetes this year, amid growing concerns about knife crime. Police say at least 15,000 knives, machetes and zombie knives had been taken off the streets and destroyed so far in 2025. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there's been a targeted push to get rid of bladed weapons, especially following the recent machete ban. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divine moments are bigger than you.

Mrs. Bateman's Cougar Club: Part 2 The Women of '77 Changed My Life. Based on a post by Sel Wync Dog. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Discrete Services. "Wait; Mrs. Bateman; she paid to have sex with me?" "Yes, Todd." "I don't believe it; She's beautiful, I'd have fucked her for free! Any guy would!" "True, but she's married and discretion is of vital importance. That is half of what she's paying for. A great fuck is the other half. And she said it was worth every penny. In fact she wants to come back next Friday, same time." As I stood there trying to come to grips with this revelation, Mrs. Bateman knelt on the bed, her face pressed into the wet sheets. She inhaled the scent and moaned. I glanced over and saw far enough under her skirt to see she was wearing thigh high stockings rather than pantyhose. I stepped closer and lifted her skirt. She was panty-less. I touched her pussy and found she was very wet. Management Appreciation. "God, Mrs. Bateman, your pussy is soaking wet! Would you like me to fuck it?" I said playfully. "Would you, Todd? That would be so nice." I fucked her from behind as she cooed encouragement. "Oh, that's so good Todd. You have such a big cock. You really are such a nice boy. Yes, just like that. Fuck me, Todd, fuck me good. Oh yes." Despite the vigorous sex with Diane, I had no trouble getting stiff for my mentor, which is what I realized she was. And I was thoroughly enjoying fucking her. Holding her hips and thrusting into her was nice and I could watch my cock sliding in and out. I could see her pussy stretching to accept my cock and when I pulled back, it was covered in her wetness. "Spank me, Todd." "What?" "Spank me!" she said more forcefully. "Spank my ass with your palm." I did and she swore. "Harder!" I smacked her and she yelped. "Yes! That's it! Again! Yes! Not too hard and not too often, okay? You start with a small, light smack and wait to see if she likes it. God, you feel good. Okay, slow it down a bit. That's it, that's it; Yes; Now, I want you to pull out and then press it in slowly. Oh yes, just like that. No, don't shove it in, just ease the tip in; and out; and in...Oh yes, that good. Keep that up for a bit." This felt incredible! The sensation of repeated penetration was amazing but the stimulation was going to make me cum. "I'm going to cum, Mrs. Bateman!" She turned and faced me, grabbing my cock and thrusting it into her mouth and her hands stroked and caressed me. I shot my load into her mouth as she locked her eyes with mine. It was wild, cumming as I stared into her eyes. This time when she'd drained me, she leaned back a bit lifting and cradling her tits. She opened her mouth. Cum flowed over her lips, down her chin, and dripped onto her tits. As I watched she played with it. She ran her fingers through it and then rubbed it into her skin like lotion. And she was smiling wickedly the whole time. We showered, put on robes, and had dinner. Later I changed and went home to await Mom's nightly check-in. After that, I returned to Mrs. Bateman's and we slept in her bed. No sex, just cuddling, kissing, and talking. And it was wonderful. The next morning I awoke with my typical morning woodie and my first thought was to try and fuck the woman sleeping next to me. However she had other ideas and gave me my first titty-fuck. She sucked my cock a bit, licked it up and down, then wrapped her titties around it and stroked. It was fun. Then she laid down and I straddled her, placing my cock between her tits which she then pressed together. As I thrust back and forth she giggled and encouraged me. In a few minutes I came. She grasped my cock, closed her eyes, and directed my spurts of cum to completely cover her face. She then rubbed it around and even licked and swallowed some. She forced her eyes open and stumbled to the dresser mirror. Looking at her image she laughed. "God, that's a lot of cum!" she giggled. "It's weird I know, but I love it so!" She washed her face and shooed me off. A little later as we ate breakfast she said, "You and I are not fucking today. You need to rest up for this evening." "Why?" Sue's Asian Erotics. "You have another client coming over." "Oh?" I said, my eyebrows raising. That afternoon I went to service the Caddy and when I returned there was another car there. I went in, they were again sitting in the living room. "Good! You're here, come on in," she gestured at the other woman, "This is Sue." I noticed she did not elaborate, no last name given. "Sue, this is Todd." Sue looked at me and smiled, "Hello Todd." I smiled, "Hello." Sue was Japanese and it was difficult to guess her age but she had to be in her late thirties or early forties. She was pretty and wore her black hair long and gathered in the back. She had a nice smile and her dark eyes were obviously sizing me up. It felt awkward. Finally she stood and approached me. I stood still as she circled me, one hand gently gliding across my chest, then my back. Sue was probably 5'3". She had a rather petite figure but possessed an air of sophistication and authority. She was wearing a dark blue dress. "Yes, I believe he'll do." she said, then paused and looked at me again. "He understands what; is required? This is all discrete of course;" "Of course," Mrs. Bateman replied and fixed me with an icy stare. "He has far too much to lose." Sue nodded and headed for the stairs. Mrs. Bateman put her arm around me and kissed my neck. "Okay Todd, this is going to be a little different. Sue has fantasies. Many women do. Her's is being taken. Not raped, but you must use a little force to overcome her reluctance. Nothing brutal or violent. She will resist a little and you press on, ignoring it. But if she says 'No' or 'Stop', by god you'd better stop immediately. Do you understand?" "Yeah, I think so. She wants to pretend to resist but really wants it." "Yes." Nervously I went upstairs and knocked on the guest room door. It opened and I stepped in. Sue closed the door behind me and I heard it lock. She had removed the dress and draped it across the chair. Now she wore a small silky white camisole and panties (I would later learn they were called tap panties and resembled running shorts). She said nothing but walked slowly around and climbed onto the bed. Nervously, I began to strip. It wasn't until I was naked and turned to face that she spoke. "Olivia was right! You are big!" she said as she reached out to grasp my swelling cock. I moaned as she squeezed and tugged gently. She rose onto her knees and we kissed. She moved her head from side to side and her kisses grew more intense. I slipped my hands under her camisole but she pushed them away. "Not yet!" "Okay, no rush." I said and she backed away. "You know what to do? What I want?" "Yes, Mrs. Bateman explained." She closed her eyes and was quiet for a moment. Then she took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, begin." I rose from the bed and walked towards her. Sue turned and faced the wall. I reached out and gripped her shoulders, she flinched and said something in Japanese. I pulled her to me and she resisted. I wrapped my arms about her and kissed her neck. Sue repeated the word, it sounded like 'bango', but short and harsh. I began to slide my hands down and around her waist, she kept her arms clenched tightly over her chest. I kissed the other side of her neck and my kisses slowly climbed up into her hair, behind her ear. I whispered. "I want you; you are so beautiful; give yourself to me, please;" Sue muttered something I couldn't understand. I slid my hands around, onto her belly, my left moved up, under her camisole until her arms stopped me just below her breasts. My right then slid down into her panties. She said something like "Shinaide kudasai;" and tried to pull away. I leaned into her and pressed her against the wall. My hand had reached her mound and I felt her fur. Sue dropped one hand to grasp my wrist. My left hand slid up until it cupped her right breast. It was small but firm and she gasped. I pushed further with my right hand and my fingers found and explored her folds. She whimpered and mumbled words I couldn't make out. I continued to kiss her neck and ear. I continued to gently rub her pussy but didn't try to penetrate her for another minute or two. Slipping my hands free I grasped her shoulders and spun her around. I held her head in both hands and kissed her. She resisted, but only after a moment, turning her head. I then kissed that side of her face, her neck and shoulder. Her chin rose as she mumbled something at the ceiling. I kissed her exposed throat and she seemed to tremble a little. I kissed further down her throat to her chest, as far as the camisole . My hand sliding down to her waist, over her hips and onto her thighs.     Then, very slowly, my kisses rose upwards to her throat and mouth. This time when I kissed her lips she didn't resist. She didn't participate in the kiss, she merely allowed it. My hands, as they rose from her hips slid under her camisole and it lifted. She tried to back away but was against the wall. As my hands reached her armpits I lifted her arms over her head, the camisole following, her breasts exposed as the silk covered her face. Sue was petite and her breasts were small but firm. Her nipples seemed abnormally large in comparison and were stiff and erect in the center of small, dark red areola. I lowered my head and covered them in kisses. Sue continued to mutter in Japanese as I held her arms up. My kisses then roamed higher, up her throat. I kissed her mouth again, shielded by the silk. This time she hesitated then participated in the kiss, her lips moving with mine. I began to slide my hands higher carrying the camisole over her head ever so slowly. I stopped with the silk covering her eyes but our lips met. The kiss was longer and deeper and ever so slowly she seemed to yield more and more. I now had a raging hard on and wanted her badly. I lifted the camisole higher and she pulled her arms free, immediately covering her breasts. I scooped her up and spun, dropping her on the bed. Before she could react, I grabbed her panties and pulled them down and off. She clamped her legs together with one hand over her pussy, the other arm over her breasts. Sue was pleading in Japanese as I grasped her knees and forced her legs open. I peeled her hand away and kissed her dark furred mound, then nuzzled my way down to her wet folds. And Sue was wet. Very wet. As my tongue worked its way in between her lips to lap her juices, Sue moaned loudly. I forced myself to slow down and remember my lessons. I focused on exploring her pussy, ignoring her clitoris. I licked her slit from bottom to top and teased her by trying to thrust my tongue into her. Sue had one hand on my head as if to push me away, though she didn't try very hard. She continued to mutter and mumble and even squeeze with her legs as I caressed her thighs and hips. Finally she ceased altogether as I brought her clitoris into play. Her moans grew louder and her hips started rocking. I waited until she seemed really close and then started sucking on her clit, and flicking it rapidly with the tip of my tongue. Sue started babbling and pawing at my head with both hands. Then her legs began to tremble and quiver, she thrust her hips upwards and cried out. "Hai! Hai! Hai! Ah!" She tensed up, her body rigid yet her muscles trembling, then collapsed. Seizing the opportunity I grabbed my cock and pressed the tip between her lips. Sue's eyes flew open. "Dame, dame, dame!" she begged. I thrust into her and we both cried out. Damn she was tight. Soaking wet but tight. I pulled back and thrust again. Again Sue cried out, I pulled back and thrust again and again and again as she cried and squeezed her breasts. As I thrust faster and faster she panted, the first words in English since we started. "Too much! Oh god! Too much, too much! Oh god!" I was afraid she was about to stop me but she didn't. Instead she grasped my right hand and placed it on her throat. I didn't expect this and, confused, I slowed down. Sure reached up and grabbed me by the throat with both hands. "Fuck me!" she whispered then uttered a stream of harsh sounding Japanese. Okay, well if this is what she wants; I thrust harder and faster and her grip weakened and then failed. I forcibly kissed her without any reaction from her. I was pounding her pussy and she was wailing and crying. She didn't say anything but suddenly I felt her body stiffen and her pussy spasmed around my cock. It was like a fist was squeezing it. I exploded, my cum spurting out and filling her. After what seemed ages, she went limp. I sat up and as I pulled out, a flood of cum flowed out and down. I watched it for a moment then lay down next to her. After a few minutes she stirred. Her hands explored her body, down to her pussy. She rolled to face me. Scooting close she whispered in my ear. "That was incredible; But I have one more favor to ask." "What's that?" "To conclude my fantasy, I need you to bathe with me." Okay... The guest bedroom we were using had its own full bath which included a big tub. Sue and I bathed together and even fucked again, albeit nice and slow. She dressed and then paused at the door. Turning she cupped my face in her hand. "This; was very important to me. I cannot explain why. Just know you have pleased me. Greatly. I will not be back; but I am happy to have had this; affair. Goodbye Todd." She handed me a thick envelope and left. I waited a minute and then dressed and went downstairs. Mrs. Bateman was sitting at the kitchen table. "She said you were perfect. She said she was happy, satisfied and sore." "What was all that about?" I asked. "I believe she was exorcising a demon from her past." Mrs. Bateman replied. "Something she wanted to revisit." "Well it sure was different." "Tell me everything, Todd, and while you do I'll fix you some dinner." Later I dashed home for Mom's 9PM call and then went back to Mrs. Bateman's. We slept together but didn't fuck. She did end up giving me a great blow job before I fell asleep. Mammary Mary. The next couple of days were spent working on her rent house for a few hours and then after dinner, fucking. She showed me new positions and taught me different techniques. We also worked on my foreplay and oral skills. My next client came on Wednesday. I was introduced to an older woman named Mary. She looked me over and, nodding, handed an envelope to Mrs. Bateman. Instead of preceding me up to the room, she took me by the hand and led me upstairs. Mary was older than anyone I had considered having sex with. She was easily fifty or fifty five. But when she dropped her dress I saw only a very sexy woman. Mary stood 5'7" in her high heels, had dark brown hair and brown eyes and an amazing figure. She stood there facing me in black stockings, panties, garter belt and bra. As she strutted across the room to me her eyes never left mine. I felt like she was stalking me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. The first kiss was about five or six seconds, the second was much longer and open mouthed. Then came tongue, but not closed mouthed French kissing. Rather it was open mouthed, her tongue teasing and enticing, dancing just out of reach. She laughed and reached down to rub my crotch. Grabbing my belt she pulled me to the bed. Mary sat and unfastened my belt and jeans then tugged them down, along with my underwear. She toyed with my swelling cock, looked up at me and smiled. She paused to remove her bra. Her tits were probably D cups but sagged, her nipples pointing downward more. Her areola were so pale they were almost invisible but her nipples were nice and long. She still said nothing at all but started stroking my cock. She had magic hands. I'd never felt anyone milk my cock like she was. Mary had a technique that was incredible and in no time I was ready to cum. I warned her that I was close, but she just smiled. "Come on then! Give it to me! Give it to me!" I grunted and came, spurting rope after rope of cum onto her chest and tits. Mary continued to milk my cock until the last drop was deposited on her skin. She stood up and stepped over to the mirror on the dresser. She stood there, admiring her image and smiling for a moment then did something totally surprising. She reached into her bag and pulled out a camera. I recognized it as a Rolleiflex. "Do you know what this is?" she asked. "Yes, my Dad has one." "Do you know how to use it?" "Sure;" "Good," she handed it to me. "Take a few pictures of my spunk covered titties." I opened the camera, took a couple, then suggested she lie on the bed and adjusted the lamp to a better angle and took a few more. She then began to run her fingers through the cum, and told me to take more pictures as she played with it. Finally she pulled her panties off and had me take a couple of photos of her pussy. Now her pussy was crowned with short, dark hair but her pussy itself was almost bare, covered only by a little fuzz and her lips were long and dark. I took a few photos and tried to get really close, but the camera wouldn't focus really close. She sat up and took the camera and placed it back in her bag. She turned and pointed to the bed. I laid down and she squatted and sat on my face, gripping the headboard. I tasted her, she wasn't as sweet as Diane but okay. I went to work and as I did she proceeded to hum. Soon she was rocking her hips a bit, then more and more. She was at last producing a fair quantity of fluids and paused to finger herself.     Satisfied, she scooted down until she was over my cock, grasped it and inserted it. She short-stroked a few times until everything was good and wet and then started taking it all the way in long, slow strokes. She seemed to really like it slow and, well, what the heck? It was sex after all. So what if she was older with weird habits and tastes? I relaxed and savored the feeling of her slow ride as I caressed and squeezed her tits. "You have such a nice cock, Todd," she said and sighed as she took it all. "So nice. You like my titties? Everyone does. Go ahead and suck on them, suck hard, I don't mind. In fact I want you to suck on them till it hurts. Yes; now the other one; oh; yes; Would it shock you to know that I like it rough? That I like a little pain?" As I sucked on her tit I spanked her. Mary yelped then grinned. "Yes, please!" "Harder;" Smack. "Harder!" Whack! "Yes!" Whack! "More! Please!" Whack! Acting on impulse I grabbed her hips and rocked her forward onto her knees. With her weight off of me I started driving my cock in and out of her faster and faster. Mary's voice rose an octave or two. "Ah!" As I fucked her, my hands were squeezing her ass and I felt her puckered asshole beneath my middle finger. I pushed on it. "Oh My God! Yes! Yes! Do It!" she cried out. I pushed harder and the tip of my finger penetrated her to my first knuckle. "Oh! Oh god, oh god, oh god;" she moaned. "Spank me! Bite me! Fuck me!" I sucked as much of her tit into my mouth as possible and bit down, albeit lightly, just enough for her to feel my teeth, as I spanked her with my left hand. She yelped and jerked and my finger slid in up to the second knuckle. I could feel my dick sliding in and out I pressed down towards it. ""Oh God! Gah!" she screamed and climaxed. Her body shook and tears filled her eyes. Soon she collapsed on top of me and sobbed. A few minutes passed and she regained her composure. My cock had slipped from her and slowly she rolled off and lay next to me. I rose on one elbow and brushed the hair from her face. "Are you okay?" I asked. Her mascara was streaked and her eyes were red. She sniffed and smiled. "Yes." She sighed and then took a deep breath. "I suppose I owe you an explanation;" "No. Not at all." I answered. "I want to please you and that means doing whatever you want." Mary stared at me as if I had grown horns or turned blue. She blinked a few times and shook her head. "I don't believe it. I-I thought you wanted to fuck and cum like all young guys. No one has ever been focused on me, on my wants. That's why I decided to hire a lover. But I still expected you to want to finish;" "Oh, I do. If you want to, that is. But if you get dressed and leave right now, that's okay too. I won't starve for sex." Mary smiled and touched my cock. "No, I don't suppose you would." She snuggled in close and was quiet for a minute. "Todd, if you're really telling the truth about pleasing me; Well, there is something I want to do." "Okay; What is it?" Mary got up and rummaged in her bag. She came back to the bed with her camera and a bottle of lube. "I want you to take a photo of my pussy with your cock in it." "Um; okay." "I have my own darkroom and develop all my photos myself. These photos allow me to uh; pleasure myself when I'm without a lover." Mary laid down and I played with her pussy. She encouraged me to use some lube and it did help. Then after fucking her for a minute or two, I sat up and took the photos as she'd instructed. A few with my cock all the way in, a few with it barely in, and a few with it out, just touching her lips. Mary took the camera and set it aside. She caressed and squeezed her breasts, smiling at me. "Okay, dear boy, you've been so patient and understanding. I owe you a good time. I want you to fuck me, any way you want, just as long as you cum. I want to feel you cum deep inside me, filling me with your hot spunk!" I grinned and leaned forward and picked up speed. Mary was kissing me and encouraging me. "Oh that's so good! Yes! Oh god, what a good fuck! Go on Todd, fuck me, fuck me, fuck me!" I kissed her then whispered in her ear, "Do you like it? Is it good?" "Yes!" she responded. "Are you going to climax again?" "I; I don't know;" "I want you to climax again. I want to feel you climax as I fuck you." She was quiet for a moment. "Mary, you said everyone loves your titties;" "Yes!" "Do you?" "Yes!" "Show me. Suck on them!" I rose up as she gathered her titties and began to suck on first one and then the other. I grabbed her ankles and held them up as I thrust in and out. I watched her suck and squeeze them and felt myself getting close. I drove my cock in deep and hard and held it as I came. Confined as it was, my cock struggled to spurt forth its load. With the thrust and first spurt Mary gasped. "Oh god! I'm cumming!" We stared into each other's eyes as we climaxed. It was amazing. When I'd finished and got up, Mary lay there for a minute. When she finally sat up she was smiling. "That was great, Todd." she touched my cheek gently. "You are really an amazing young man and a great lover." She stood and walked into the bathroom. "Can I see you again?" she asked, turning to face me. I looked her over. "Maybe;" I said grinning. "Answer a few questions first." Mary stepped into the bedroom and stood facing me. "Okay." "How old are you?" "Fifty-six." "What is your bra size?" "Thirty-six double D." "Did you really like it when I fingered your ass?" "Yes, absolutely. It was wild, out of bounds, scary and exciting all at once." "Mrs. Bateman says that some women like to have anal sex, especially when on their monthly; Have you tried it?" Mary bit her lip. "No; but I've thought about it." "You want to try?" "Now?" "Sure! Why not?" Mary bit her lip and shook her head. "No; I don't think I could take it. Maybe someday, but not right now." "Okay, fair enough. One last question." "Really? Oh, okay." "What do you want to do next time?" "Oh! You!" she exclaimed and threw herself on me. Mary held me down and smothered me with kisses and smashed her big titties in my face. Then she got up and went into the bathroom. I really, really needed to pee and decided to slip on my clothes and go to the master bedroom and bath. When I'd finished, Mary had gone. Mrs. Bateman handed me the envelope. I tore it open. Two hundred and fifty dollars. Holy cow! "She said you were incredible. She wants to come back in two weeks and said you'd earned a tip." Mrs. Bateman handed me another one-hundred dollar bill and kissed me. "I am proud of you Todd. You are becoming a great lover for one so new at it all. Now, I'll bet you have worked up an appetite. Come to the kitchen and tell me all about it while I fix you a steak." Sadly though, my parents returned from their vacation and although I was able to find ways to meet my clients, it became very awkward at home. Dad was clueless but I think Mom suspected something was going on. But by the end of that summer I had been able to make love to seven different women, five of them multiple times. I reluctantly packed my bags and went off to college. I settled into the dorm life and tried to focus on adjusting to this new life and new challenges. Classes were not as bad as I'd feared and the only real issue was my roommate. I just didn't like having a roommate at all. Due to my wild summer, I didn't feel the need to chase girls, and that allowed me to relax. For a while. One evening in early December, as I was walking from the Library to my dorm, I saw a brown '73 Caddie, Coupe de Ville idling in the parking lot. As I neared, the door opened and Mrs. Bateman got out. I met her and she hugged and kissed me. "What are you doing here?" I asked. "Well two things, first my bed is empty and my pussy is lonely. I want you, Todd. I want you to fuck me all night long; and leave me exhausted, and sore." "I would love that, but I can't take you into my dorm;" "That's why I rented a hotel room." she replied. "Okay, let's go!" I said eagerly. We got in her car; and as she drove, I asked, "What was the second reason for your coming out here?" Mrs. Bateman grinned. "Well, I am trading my home for a nice big house out here. I haven't moved yet, but when I do, I was wondering if you would like to set up a room there?" I smiled. "Well, I might set up a room to entertain guests, but I'd rather spend most of my time in the Master Bedroom." Mrs. Bateman grinned evilly at me. "I was hoping you'd say that. I'd also like for you to call me Olivia." Based on a post by Sel Wync Dog, for Literotica

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses why Russia is so keen to capture the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, explores how difficult it will be to rebuild Gaza, and looks at how quantum computing could change the way we solve some of the world's biggest challenges. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

President Donald J. Trump appears to have uncharacteristically made a terrible political misstep in his recent interview by Laura Ingraham on FOX News—perhaps a politically fatal misstep, if not promptly checked by Trump himself. The issue? Trump's statements in defense of the continued use of H1B work visas to import low-cost third-world labor, almost entirely from India, as well as hundreds of thousands of student visas for Chinese students enrolled at American universities. The American people who have supported Trump and the MAGA movement have largely done so from an “America-first” perspective—that the Democrats were intend on flooding America with tens of millions of third-world migrants with whom Americans are then compelled to compete for every scarce resource—employment, education, housing, healthcare, social services, everything necessary to life. Trump's MAGA and America-first message stood in sharp contrast to the Democrat third-world platform and attracted millions of young adult Americans who are suffering most from an employment and housing market made artificially costly and competitive precisely because of mass third-world migration into the US, both legal and illegal. Trump's statements in defense of large-scale third-world migration into the US stand in sharp contrast to the American-first vision sold to the American body politic, and the negative response from long-time Trump supporters has been intense and vitriolic. What's REALLY going on? 

Title: Seizing The MomentSpeaker: Pastor Marc WeberDate: 28th September 2025Location: Adelaide, Australia This episode reflects on the beauty of creation, the passing of time, and the importance of seizing every moment with purpose. Drawing from passages in Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Galatians, and Revelation, it explores how God calls us to live fully in the present—grounded in faith, aware of eternity, and responsive to His direction. The message also unpacks the topic of predestination, clarifying that while God has prepared a way for salvation, each person must choose to walk in it. With powerful reminders about living intentionally, guarding the heart, and staying spiritually awake, this episode encourages renewed commitment to our walk with God as we see “the day approaching.” 3 Key Points: Time is a gift from God—each moment offers an opportunity to live with purpose and faith. God’s plan gives us free will to choose His way; salvation is not automatic but personal. The call to “seize the moment” means rekindling our passion for God and living with eternity in view. Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2025 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Anderson graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2011 and finished her residency in Family Medicine, and she is proud to say she is a Metis physician born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Dr. Anderson's passion for Cannabinoid medicine started in 2017, when her son with intractable epilepsy had failed all treatments and she was forced to close her practice. Seizing multiple times per hour she knew the outlook was dire, and after one dose of CBD she saw dramatic results. Since then, Dr. Anderson has committed herself to helping other children who have failed all options explore cannabinoids, and she has seen amazing results.

Chris Wormley and Jordan Strack recap the Purdue game and are joined by Michigan LB Cole Sullivan.

In this episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez is joined by Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith for a powerful conversation on discipline, staying prepared, and mastering your craft.From humble beginnings to becoming a baseball legend, Ozzie drops wisdom for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing greatness.

The Cincinnati Bearcats took down the Baylor Bears in convincing fashion, giving UC their 7th straight win and setting up a potential conference title game with BYU at Nippert Stadium. This show is presented by Martino's on Short Vine. Swing by Martino's!   Cincinnati Dominates Baylor in Convincing 41-20 Victory, Extends Win Streak to Seven. In a display of offensive firepower and defensive resilience, No. 21 Cincinnati dismantled Baylor 41-20 on Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium, solidifying their status as a Big 12 contender. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby orchestrated the Bearcats' attack with surgical precision, tossing two touchdown passes and scampering for another score himself. The victory propelled Cincinnati to 7-1 overall and a perfect 5-0 in conference play—their seventh consecutive win, a streak not seen since their magical 2021 run to the College Football Playoff. For Baylor, the loss dropped them to 4-4 (2-3 Big 12), exposing vulnerabilities in a game where they started ice-cold but mounted a gritty comeback that ultimately fell short. The Bears trailed 24-0 at halftime, a deficit that felt insurmountable against a Cincinnati squad that's feasted on early momentum all season. Yet, Baylor's Sawyer Robertson, the nation's passing yards and touchdown leader entering the day, refused to fold, engineering a third-quarter surge with two aerial strikes and a sneaky rushing touchdown to claw back within striking distance at 27-20.Cincinnati's fast start set the tone, much like their previous blowouts. The Bearcats' opening possession chewed up 81 yards over 11 plays, methodically marching downfield behind a balanced attack. A third-and-long pass interference call on Baylor's secondary gifted Cincinnati a crucial first down, keeping the chains moving. The drive culminated with running back Tawee Walker's 1-yard plunge into the end zone, igniting the home crowd and putting the Bearcats up 7-0 just over five minutes in. Walker, who finished with a game-high 102 rushing yards, exemplified Cincinnati's ground-and-pound philosophy under head coach Scott Satterfield. Baylor's defense responded with fire, stuffing Cincinnati on third down and forcing a punt. But the Bears' offense sputtered on their ensuing drive, plagued by a third-down sack that sent punter Isaiah Johnson shanking a boot from deep in their territory. Seizing the short field, Cincinnati pounced with a 66-yard, 10-play clinic. Sorsby spread the ball efficiently, mixing checkdowns with intermediate routes, before handing off to Evan Pryor for a 5-yard touchdown burst. The score swelled to 14-0, and the Bearcats' sideline erupted— a stark contrast to Baylor's frustrated huddle. The half's turning point arrived courtesy of a Baylor blunder. Wideout Josh Cameron hauled in a contested grab but couldn't secure the ball, coughing it up on a bone-jarring hit from Cincinnati's secondary. The Bearcats' special teams scooped the fumble and returned it deep into Baylor territory, setting up Sorsby's 6-yard dart to speedy slot receiver Cyrus Allen. With 2:34 ticking away in the second quarter, the rout was on: 21-0 after the extra point. Baylor managed a field goal before the break, but the damage was done. Cincinnati entered halftime owning time of possession (18:42 to 11:18), total yards (212-89), and every momentum swing. The second half brought Baylor's pulse back. Robertson, limited to a measly 137 passing yards—his season low—against Cincinnati's swarming front seven, found his rhythm post-intermission. He connected with tight end Garrett Wolfe for a 22-yard score on a third-quarter fade, slicing the lead to 24-7. Moments later, a 15-yard keeper by Robertson himself knifed through the defense, making it 24-14 after the two-point conversion. The Bears' sideline buzzed with belief as they forced a three-and-out, setting up a 28-yard laser to Drake Dabney that trimmed the margin to 27-20 early in the fourth. For a fleeting moment, Nippert Stadium held its breath—could Baylor's aerial wizardry flip the script? Enter Sorsby, the dual-threat dynamo who's become Cincinnati's X-factor. Facing a 12-play, 75-yard odyssey that consumed over seven minutes of clock, he dissected Baylor's depleted secondary. A mix of Walker's power runs, Sorsby's designed keepers, and precise underneath throws bled the Bears dry. The payoff? Sorsby's electric 23-yard touchdown scamper, his fourth jaunt of 20-plus yards this season, sealing the 34-20 advantage with six minutes remaining. Baylor's final gasp—a late field goal—proved cosmetic, as Cincinnati tacked on a backbreaking 4-yard touchdown run by Corey Kiner to ice the 41-20 final. Defensively, the Bearcats were masterful, sacking Robertson thrice and limiting Baylor to 289 total yards. Linebacker Malik Grant's strip-sack in the fourth nearly sparked another turnover, but Cincinnati's ball security (zero giveaways) was the real story.

Congressional investigators collected tens of millions of phone records in an effort to map connections between conservatives and the Trump White House as part of the Democrat-led Jan. 6 investigation, according to an FBI memo. This is HUGE, illegal and certainly criminal! Over on the National Security side, there seems to be a riff between establishment folks and the folks who want to change the agencies foe the better! CIA Director john Ratcliffe is being accused of purposefully lying people inside the administration!Guest: Russ Tice - Former NSA Intel AnalystSponsor:My PillowWww.MyPillow.com/johnSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What will healthcare look like a decade from now? Host Glenn Hunzinger is joined by Greg Rotz, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Advisory Leader and Thom Bales, Principal, Health Services Advisory Leader, as they dive into the future of health—one driven by smarter tech, empowered consumers, and breakthrough science. From reimagining chronic care to building new business models, discover the mindset, partnerships, and capabilities that will define the next era of healthcare.Discussion highlights:A trillion-dollar shift: who gains and who falls behindThe rise of the super consumer and personalized careWhy experience design will become core to life sciencesHow health orgs can prepare with “no regrets” strategic movesCollaborating across the ecosystem to drive faster, better, cheaper care Speakers:Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwCGreg Rotz, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Advisory Leader, PwCThom Bales, Health Services Advisory Leader, PwCLinked materials:From breaking point to breakthrough: the $1 trillion opportunity to reinvent healthcareFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.

Seizing A Moment With The Master • 10-19-25 AM • Pastor Grant Garber

China's security authorities say they have found conclusive evidence of a major cyber intrusion by the U.S. National Security Agency targeting the National Time Service Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In Part 2 of this fiery and revealing conversation, Tom Bilyeu and Michael Malice turn their attention to the deeper forces shaping Western culture—education, elite power, AI, and the challenges of the digital age. Malice blasts the university system as the true “villains of our time,” tracing their role in producing ideologically homogenous elites and fueling social division. The discussion moves seamlessly from indoctrination in higher ed to the implications of Marxism, the shifting Overton window, and how mass cultural narratives are formed and manipulated. This half is packed with debate-worthy takes on antisemitism, populist movements, the dangers of artificial intelligence, and the existential threat posed by mass boredom in a post-economic world. Malice and Bilyeu tackle big questions about identity, tribalism, and the collapse of shared reality, before ending on a wild—and hilarious—tangent about tradeoffs and protein bars. If you want clarity on why our institutions feel broken and what might happen next, Part 2 will leave you thinking (and laughing) long after the episode ends. 00:00 Intro 02:29 Marxism, egalitarianism, and cultural bifurcation 04:35 Cultural shifts, earnestness vs. revolution, and memory-holed leftism 06:33 The dangers of social conformity and shifting the Overton window 09:02 Can universities be reined in? Malice's tongue-in-cheek “solutions” 12:21 Seizing endowments and pitting coalitions against each other 13:33 Parsing the Charlie Kirk assassination (fictional scenario) 19:22 The politics of blame: Antisemitism, conspiracies, and populist rage 25:46 Warning signs: Measuring society's health by its scapegoats 31:45 Israel-Palestine, war, and the elusive search for peace 34:25 The next stage: AI, algorithmic reality, and broken discourse 36:33 Goal orientation, skills, and navigating “useful” beliefs 39:19 Alex Jones, Candace Owens, and why conspiracy theories persist 44:33 First principles: How to actually challenge your beliefs 46:29 A personal story: Sleep apnea, anxiety, and reclaiming clarity 49:54 AI, automation, and the fate of surplus labor 52:41 Brave New World, artificial difficulty, and the post-economic Matrix 1:01:29 Hardwired for scarcity: The psychological cost of abundance 1:03:49 Trade-offs, Thomas Sowell, and the “protein bar” thought experiment FOLLOW MICHAEL MALICE:Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelmaliceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmalice/Locals: https://malice.locals.com/ Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory Netsuite: Download the new e-book Navigating Global Trade: 3 Insights for Leaders at http://NetSuite.com/Theory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Connectteam: 14 day free trial at https://connecteam.cc/46GxoTF Tailor Brands: 35% off https://tailorbrands.com/podcast35 What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:  https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:  https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The government just restarted a program that seized $4 billion in tax refunds from Americans with student loans—and Anthony O'Neal reveals the 3 legal ways to protect your 2026 refund before the Treasury Offset Program takes every penny, including your child tax credits.◼️ What You'll Discover:Why 10 million Americans could wake up in default by December 2025—and never see it comingThe Treasury Offset Program loophole that lets them take your ENTIRE refund without a court orderSarah's story: How she protected her $3,200 refund and got completely out of default in 90 daysThe 7-day action plan that stops the government from touching your moneyWhy the last 3 days of every month are your secret weapon in loan negotiationsThe credit repair strategy that removes defaults AND boosts your score 60-100 pointsABOUT ANTHONY ONEAL:Anthony O'Neal is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with Anthony O'Neal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Banking and is a professor of Consumer Economics at Virginia Union University. Since 2014, he's helped millions of people get out of debt, build wealth, and break generational poverty. His mission is to help you maximize your income, eliminate debt, and create a life of freedom and legacy.

Last time we spoke about the Nanjing Massacre. Japanese forces breached Nanjing as Chinese defenders retreated under heavy bombardment, and the city fell on December 13. In the following weeks, civilians and disarmed soldiers endured systematic slaughter, mass executions, rapes, looting, and arson, with casualties mounting rapidly. Among the most brutal episodes were hundreds of executions near the Safety Zone, mass shootings along the Yangtze River, and killings at improvised sites and “killing fields.” The massacre involved tens of thousands of prisoners, with estimates up to 300,000 victims. Women and children were subjected to widespread rape, mutilation, and terror intended to crush morale and resistance. Although the Safety Zone saved many lives, it could not shield all refugees from harm, and looting and arson devastated large parts of the city. Foreign witnesses, missionaries, and diary entries documented the extensive brutality and the apparent premeditated nature of many acts, noting the collapse of discipline among troops and orders that shaped the violence.    #169 Nanjing has Fallen, the War is not Over Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Directly after the fall of Nanjing, rumors circulated among the city's foreigners that Tang Shengzhi had been executed for his inability to hold the city against the Japanese onslaught. In fact, unlike many of his subordinates who fought in the defense, he survived. On December 12, he slipped through Yijiang Gate, where bullets from the 36th Division had claimed numerous victims, and sailed across the Yangtze to safety. Chiang Kai-shek protected him from bearing direct consequences for Nanjing's collapse. Tang was not unscathed, however. After the conquest of Nanjing, a dejected Tang met General Li Zongren at Xuzhou Railway Station. In a brief 20-minute conversation, Tang lamented, “Sir, Nanjing's fall has been unexpectedly rapid. How can I face the world?” Li, who had previously taunted Tang for over-eagerness, offered sympathy. “Don't be discouraged. Victory or defeat comes every day for the soldier. Our war of resistance is a long-term proposition. The loss of one city is not decisive.” By December 1937, the outlook for Chiang Kai-shek's regime remained bleak. Despite his public pledges, he had failed to defend the capital. Its sturdy walls, which had withstood earlier sieges, were breached in less than 100 hours. Foreign observers remained pessimistic about the prospects of continuing the fight against Japan. The New York Times wrote “The capture of Nanking was the most overwhelming defeat suffered by the Chinese and one of the most tragic military debacles in modern warfare. In defending Nanking, the Chinese allowed themselves to be surrounded and then slaughtered… The graveyard of tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers may also be the graveyard of all Chinese hopes of resisting conquest by Japan.” Foreign diplomats doubted Chiang's ability to sustain the war, shrinking the question to whether he would stubbornly continue a losing fight or seek peace. US Ambassador Nelson Johnson wrote in a letter to Admiral Yarnell, then commander of the US Asicatic Fleet “There is little left now for the Chinese to do except to carry on a desultory warfare in the country, or to negotiate for the best terms they can get”.  The Japanese, too, acted as if Chiang Kai-shek had already lost the war. They assumed the generalissimo was a spent force in Chinese politics as well, and that a gentle push would suffice to topple his regime like a house of cards. On December 14, Prime Minister Konoe announced that Chiang's losses of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and now Nanjing, had created a new situation. “The National Government has become but a shadow of its former self. If a new Chinese regime emerged to replace Chiang's government, Japan would deal with it, provided it is a regime headed in the right direction.” Konoe spoke the same day as a Liaison Conference in Tokyo, where civilian and military leaders debated how to treat China now that it had been thoroughly beaten on the battlefield. Japanese demands had grown significantly: beyond recognizing Manchukuo, Japan pressed for the creation of pro-Japanese regimes in Inner Mongolia and the north China area. The same day, a puppet government was established in Japanese-occupied Beijing. While these demands aimed to end China as a unitary state, Japanese policy was moving toward the same goal. The transmissions of these demands via German diplomatic channels caused shock and consternation in Chinese government circles, and the Chinese engaged in what many regarded as stalling tactics. Even at this late stage, there was division among Japan's top decision makers. Tada, deputy chief of the Army General Staff, feared a protracted war in China and urged keeping negotiations alive. He faced strong opposition from the cabinet, including the foreign minister and the ministers of the army and navy, and ultimately he relented. Tada stated “In this state of emergency, it is necessary to avoid any political upheaval that might arise from a struggle between the Cabinet and the Army General Staff.” Although he disagreed, he no longer challenged the uncompromising stance toward China. On January 16, 1938, Japan publicly stated that it would “cease henceforth to deal with” Chiang Kai-shek. This was a line that could not be uncrossed. War was the only option. Germany, the mediator between China and Japan, also considered Chiang a losing bet. In late January 1938, von Dirksen, the German ambassador in Tokyo, urged a fundamental shift in German diplomacy and advocated abandoning China in favor of Japan. He warned that this was a matter of urgency, since Japan harbored grudges against Germany for its half-hearted peace efforts. In a report, von Dirksen wrote that Japan, “in her deep ill humor, will confront us with unpleasant decisions at an inopportune moment.” Von Dirksen's view carried the day in Berlin. Nazi Germany and Hirohito's Japan were on a trajectory that, within three years, would forge the Axis and place Berlin and Tokyo in the same camp in a conflict that would eventually span the globe. Rabe, who returned to Germany in 1938, found that his account of Japanese atrocities in Nanjing largely fell on deaf ears. He was even visited by the Gestapo, which apparently pressed him to keep quiet about what he had seen. Ambassador von Dirksen also argued in his January 1938 report that China should be abandoned because of its increasingly friendly ties with the Soviet Union. There was some merit to this claim. Soviet aid to China was substantial: by the end of 1937, 450 Soviet aviators were serving in China. Without them, Japan likely would have enjoyed air superiority. Chiang Kai-shek, it seemed, did not fully understand the Russians' motives. They were supplying aircraft and pilots to keep China in the war while keeping themselves out. After Nanjing's fall, Chiang nevertheless reached out to Joseph Stalin, inviting direct Soviet participation in the war. Stalin politely declined, noting that if the Soviet Union joined the conflict, “the world would say the Soviet Union was an aggressor, and sympathy for Japan around the world would immediately increase.” In a rare moment of candor a few months later, the Soviet deputy commissar for foreign affairs spoke with the French ambassador, describing the situation in China as “splendid.” He expected China to continue fighting for several more years, after which Japan would be too weakened to undertake major operations against the Soviet Union. It was clear that China was being used. Whatever the motive, China was receiving vital help from Stalin's Russia while the rest of the world stood on the sidelines, reluctant to upset Japan. Until Operation Barbarossa, when the Soviet Union was forced to the brink by the German Army and could no longer sustain extensive overseas aid, it supplied China with 904 planes, 1,516 trucks, 1,140 artillery pieces, 9,720 machine guns, 50,000 rifles, 31,600 bombs, and more. Despite all of this, all in all, China's position proved less disastrous than many observers had feared. Chinese officials later argued that the battle of Nanjing was not the unmitigated fiasco it appeared to be. Tang Shengzhi had this to say in his memoirs“I think the main purpose of defending Nanjing was to buy time, to allow troops that had just been pulled out of battle to rest and regroup. It wasn't simply because it was the capital or the site of Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum.” Tan Daoping, an officer in Nanjing, described the battle “as a moderate success because it drew the Japanese in land”. This of course was a strategy anticipated by interwar military thinker Jiang Baili. It also allowed dozens of Chinese divisions to escape Shanghai, since the Japanese forces that could have pursued them were tied down with the task of taking Nanjing. Tan Daoping wrote after the war “They erred in believing they could wage a quick war and decide victory immediately. Instead, their dream was shattered; parts of their forces were worn out, and they were hindered from achieving a swift end”. Even so, it was a steep price was paid in Chinese lives. As in Shanghai, the commanders in Nanjing thought they could fight on the basis of sheer willpower. Chinese officer Qin Guo Qi wrote in his memoirs “In modern war, you can't just rely on the spirit of the troops. You can't merely rely on physical courage and stamina. The battle of Nanjing explains that better than anything”. As for the Brigade commander of the 87th division, Chen Yiding, who emerged from Nanjing with only a few hundred survivors, was enraged. “During the five days of the battle for Nanjing, my superiors didn't see me even once. They didn't do their duty. They also did not explain the overall deployments in the Nanjing area. What's worse, they didn't give us any order to retreat. And afterwards I didn't hear of any commander being disciplined for failing to do his job.” Now back in November of 1937, Chiang Kai-shek had moved his command to the great trinity of Wuhan. For the Nationalists, Wuhan was a symbolically potent stronghold: three municipalities in one, Hankou, Wuchang, and Hanyang. They had all grown prosperous as gateways between coastal China and the interior. But the autumn disasters of 1937 thrust Wuhan into new prominence, and, a decade after it had ceased to be the temporary capital, it again became the seat of military command and resistance. Leading Nationalist politicians had been seen in the city in the months before the war, fueling suspicions that Wuhan would play a major role in any imminent conflict. By the end of the year, the generals and their staffs, along with most of the foreign embassies, had moved upriver. Yet as 1937 slipped into 1938, the Japanese advance seemed practically unstoppable. From the destruction of Shanghai, to the massacre in Nanjing, to the growing vulnerability of Wuhan, the NRA government appeared powerless against the onslaught.  Now the Japanese government faced several options: expanding the scope of the war to force China into submission, which would risk further depletion of Japan's military and economic resources; establishing an alternative regime in China as a bridge for reconciliation, thereby bypassing the Nationalist government for negotiations; and engaging in indirect or direct peace negotiations with the Nationalist Government, despite the failure of previous attempts, while still seeking new opportunities for negotiation. However, the Nanjing massacre did not compel the Chinese government and its people to submit. On January 2, Chiang Kai-shek wrote in his diary, “The conditions proposed by Japan are equivalent to the conquest and extinction of our country. Rather than submitting and perishing, it is better to perish in defeat,” choosing to refuse negotiations and continue resistance.  In January 1938 there was a new escalation of hostilities. Up to that point, Japan had not officially declared war, even during the Shanghai campaign and the Nanjing massacre. However on January 11, an Imperial Conference was held in Tokyo in the presence of Emperor Hirohito. Prime Minister Konoe outlined a “Fundamental Policy to deal with the China Incident.”The Imperial Conference was attended by Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe, Army Chief of Staff Prince Kan'in, Navy Minister Admiral Fushimi, and others to reassess its policy toward China. Citing the Nationalist Government's delay and lack of sincerity, the Japanese leadership decided to terminate Trautmann's mediation. At the conference, Japan articulated a dual strategy: if the Nationalist Government did not seek peace, Japan would no longer regard it as a viable negotiating partner, instead supporting emerging regimes, seeking to resolve issues through incidents, and aiming either to eliminate or incorporate the existing central government; if the Nationalist Government sought reconciliation, it would be required to cease resistance, cooperate with Japan against communism, and pursue economic cooperation, including officially recognizing Manchukuo and allowing Japanese troops in Inner Mongolia, North China, Central China, and co-governance of Shanghai. The Konoe cabinet relayed this proposal to the German ambassador in Japan on December 22, 1937: It called for: diplomatic recognition of Manchukuo; autonomy for Inner Mongolia; cessation of all anti-Japanese and anti-Manchukuo policies; cooperation between Japan, Manchukuo, and China against communism; war reparations; demilitarized zones in North China and Inner Mongolia; and a trade agreement among Japan, Manchukuo, and China.  Its terms were too severe, including reparations payable to Japan and new political arrangements that would formalize the separation of north China under Japanese control. Chiang's government would have seventy-two hours to accept; if they refused, Tokyo would no longer recognize the Nationalist government and would seek to destroy it.  On January 13, 1938, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Chonghui informed Germany that China needed a fuller understanding of the additional conditions for peace talks to make a decision. The January 15 deadline for accepting Japan's terms elapsed without Chinese acceptance. Six days after the deadline for a Chinese government reply, an Imperial Conference “Gozen Kaigi” was convened in Tokyo to consider how to handle Trautmann's mediation. The navy, seeing the war as essentially an army matter, offered no strong position; the army pressed for ending the war through diplomatic means, arguing that they faced a far more formidable Far Eastern Soviet threat at the northern Manchukuo border and wished to avoid protracted attrition warfare. Foreign Minister Kōki Hirota, however, strongly disagreed with the army, insisting there was no viable path to Trautmann's mediation given the vast gap between Chinese and Japanese positions. A second conference followed on January 15, 1938, attended by the empire's principal cabinet members and military leaders, but without the emperor's presence. The debate grew heated over whether to continue Trautmann's mediation. Hayao Tada, Deputy Chief of Army General Staff, argued for continuation, while Konoe, Hirota, Navy Minister Mitsumasa Yonai, and War Minister Hajime Sugiyama opposed him. Ultimately, Tada acceded to the position of Konoe and Hirota. On the same day, Konoe conveyed the cabinet's conclusion, termination of Trautmann's mediation, to the emperor. The Japanese government then issued a statement on January 16 declaring that it would no longer treat the Nationalist Government as a bargaining partner, signaling the establishment of a new Chinese regime that would cooperate with Japan and a realignment of bilateral relations. This became known as the first Konoe statement, through which Tokyo formally ended Trautmann's mediation attempt. The Chinese government was still weighing its response when, at noon on January 16, Konoe publicly declared, “Hereafter, the Imperial Government will not deal with the National Government.” In Japanese, this became the infamous aite ni sezu (“absolutely no dealing”). Over the following days, the Japanese government made it clear that this was a formal breach of relations, “stronger even than a declaration of war,” in the words of Foreign Minister Hirota Kōki. The Chinese ambassador to Japan, who had been in Tokyo for six months since hostilities began, was finally recalled. At the end of January, Chiang summoned a military conference and declared that the top strategic priority would be to defend the east-central Chinese city of Xuzhou, about 500 kilometers north of Wuhan. This decision, like the mobilization near Lugouqiao, was heavily influenced by the railway: Xuzhou sat at the midpoint of the Tianjin–Pukou Jinpu line, and its seizure would grant the Japanese mastery over north–south travel in central China. The Jinpu line also crossed the Longhai line, China's main cross-country artery from Lanzhou to the port of Lianyungang, north of Shanghai. The Japanese military command marked the Jinpu line as a target in spring 1938. Control over Xuzhou and the rail lines threading through it were thus seen as vital to the defense of Wuhan, which lay to the city's south. Chiang's defense strategy fit into a larger plan evolving since the 1920s, when the military thinker Jiang Baili had first proposed a long war against Japan; Jiang's foresight earned him a position as an adviser to Chiang in 1938. Jiang had previously run the Baoding military academy, a predecessor of the Whampoa academy, which had trained many of China's finest young officers in the early republic 1912–1922. Now, many of the generals who had trained under Jiang gathered in Wuhan and would play crucial roles in defending the city: Chen Cheng, Bai Chongxi, Tang Shengzhi, and Xue Yue. They remained loyal to Chiang but sought to avoid his tendency to micromanage every aspect of strategy.  Nobody could say with certainty whether Wuhan would endure the Japanese onslaught, and outsiders' predictions were gloomy. As Wuhan's inhabitants tasted their unexpected new freedoms, the Japanese pressed on with their conquest of central China. After taking Nanjing, the IJA 13th Division crossed the Yangtze River to the north and advanced to the Outang and Mingguang lines on the east bank of the Chihe River in Anhui Province, while the 2nd Army of the North China Front crossed the Yellow River to the south between Qingcheng and Jiyang in Shandong, occupied Jinan, and pressed toward Jining, Mengyin, and Qingdao. To open the Jinpu Railway and connect the northern and southern battlefields, the Japanese headquarters mobilized eight divisions, three brigades, and two detachments , totaling about 240,000 men. They were commanded by General Hata Shunroku, commander of the Central China Expeditionary Army, and Terauchi Hisaichi, commander of the North China Front Army. Their plan was a north–south advance: first seize Xuzhou, a strategic city in east China; then take Zhengzhou in the west along the Longhai Railway connecting Lanzhou and Lianyungang; and finally push toward Wuhan in the south along the Pinghan Railway connecting Beijing and Hankou. At the beginning of 1938, Japan's domestic mobilization and military reorganization had not yet been completed, and there was a shortage of troops to expand the front. At the Emperor's Imperial Conference on February 16, 1938, the General Staff Headquarters argued against launching operations before the summer of 1938, preferring to consolidate the front in 1938 and undertake a large-scale battle in 1939. Although the Northern China Expeditionary Force and the Central China Expeditionary Force proposed a plan to open the Jinpu Line to connect the northern and southern battlefields, the proposal was not approved by the domestic General Staff Headquarters. The Chinese army, commanded by Li Zongren, commander-in-chief of the Fifth War Zone, mobilized about 64 divisions and three brigades, totaling roughly 600,000 men. The main force was positioned north of Xuzhou to resist the southern Japanese advance, with a portion deployed along the southern Jinpu Railway to block the southern push and secure Xuzhou. Early in the campaign, Chiang Kai-shek redeployed the heavy artillery brigade originally promised to Han Fuju to Tang Enbo's forces. To preserve his strength, Shandong Provincial Governor Han Fuju abandoned the longstanding Yellow River defenses in Shandong, allowing the Japanese to capture the Shandong capital of Jinan in early March 1938. This defection opened the Jinpu Railway to attack. The Japanese 10th Division, under Rensuke Isogai, seized Tai'an, Jining, and Dawenkou, ultimately placing northern Shandong under Japanese control. The aim was to crush the Chinese between the two halves of a pincer movement. At Yixian and Huaiyuan, north of Xuzhou, both sides fought to the death: the Chinese could not drive back the Japanese, but the Japanese could not scatter the defenders either. At Linyi, about 50 kilometers northeast of Xuzhou, Zhang Zizhong, who had previously disgraced himself by abandoning an earlier battlefield—became a national hero for his determined efforts to stop the Japanese troops led by Itagaki Seishirō, the conqueror of Manchuria. The Japanese hoped that they could pour in as many as 400,000 troops to destroy the Chinese forces holding eastern and central China. Chiang Kai-shek was determined that this should not happen, recognizing that the fall of Xuzhou would place Wuhan in extreme danger. On April 1, 1938, he addressed Nationalist Party delegates, linking the defense of Wuhan to the fate of the party itself. He noted that although the Japanese had invaded seven provinces, they had only captured provincial capitals and main transport routes, while villages and towns off those routes remained unconquered. The Japanese, he argued, might muster more than half a million soldiers, but after eight or nine months of hard fighting they had become bogged down. Chiang asserted that as long as Guangzhou (Canton) remained in Chinese hands, it would be of little significance if the Japanese invaded Wuhan, since Guangzhou would keep China's sea links open and Guangdong, Sun Yat-sen's homeland, would serve as a revolutionary base area. If the “woren” Japanese “dwarfs” attacked Wuhan and Guangzhou, it would cost them dearly and threaten their control over the occupied zones. He reiterated his plan: “the base area for our war will not be in the zones east of the Beiping–Wuhan or Wuhan–Guangdong railway lines, but to their west.” For this reason he authorized withdrawing Chinese troops behind the railway lines. Chiang's speech mixed defiance with an explanation of why regrouping was necessary; it was a bold public posture in the face of a developing military disaster, yet it reflected the impossible balance he faced between signaling resolve and avoiding overcommitment of a city that might still fall. Holding Xuzhou as the first priority required Chiang Kai-shek to place a great deal of trust in one of his rivals: the southwestern general Li Zongren. The relationship between Chiang and Li would become one of the most ambivalent in wartime China. Li hailed from Guangxi, a province in southwestern China long regarded by the eastern heartland as half civilized. Its people had rarely felt fully part of the empire ruled from Beijing or even Nanjing, and early in the republic there was a strong push for regional autonomy. Li was part of a cohort of young officers trained in regional academies who sought to bring Guangxi under national control; he joined the Nationalist Party in 1923, the year Sun Yat-sen announced his alliance with the Soviets. Li was not a Baoding Academy graduate but had trained at Yunnan's equivalent institution, which shared similar views on military professionalism. He enthusiastically took part in the Northern Expedition (1926–1928) and played a crucial role in the National Revolutionary Army's ascent to control over much of north China. Yet after the Nanjing government took power, Li grew wary of Chiang's bid to centralize authority in his own person. In 1930 Li's so‑called “Guangxi clique” participated in the Central Plains War, the failed effort by militarist leaders to topple Chiang; although the plot failed, Li retreated to his southwest base, ready to challenge Chiang again. The occupation of Manchuria in 1931 reinforced Li's belief that a Japanese threat posed a greater danger than Chiang's centralization. The tension between the two men was evident from the outset of the war. On October 10, 1937, Chiang appointed Li commander of the Fifth War Zone; Li agreed on the condition that Chiang refrain from issuing shouling—personal commands—to Li's subordinates. Chiang complied, a sign of the value he placed on Li's leadership and the caution with which he treated Li and his Guangxi ally Bai Chongxi. As Chiang sought any possible victory amid retreat and destruction, he needed Li to deliver results. As part of the public-relations front, journalists were given access to commanders on the Xuzhou front. Li and his circle sought to shape their image as capable leaders to visiting reporters, with Du Zhongyuan among the most active observers. Du praised the “formidable southwestern general, Li Zongren,” calling him “elegant and refined” and “vastly magnanimous.” In language echoing the era's soldiers' public presentation, Du suggested that Li's forces operated under strict, even disciplined, orders “The most important point in the people's war is that . . . troops do not harass the people of the country. If the people are the water, the soldiers are the fish, and if you have fish with no water, inevitably they're going to choke; worse still is to use our water to nurture the enemy's fish — that really is incomparably stupid”.  Within the southern front, on January 26, 1938, the Japanese 13th Division attacked Fengyang and Bengbu in Anhui Province, while Li Pinxian, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the 5th War Zone, directed operations south of Xuzhou. The defending 31st Corps of the 11th Group Army, after resisting on the west bank of the Chi River, retreated to the west of Dingyuan and Fengyang. By February 3, the Japanese had captured Linhuai Pass and Bengbu. From the 9th to the 10th, the main force of the 13th Division forced a crossing of the Huai River at Bengbu and Linhuai Pass respectively, and began an offensive against the north bank. The 51st Corps, reorganized from the Central Plains Northeast Army and led by Commander Yu Xuezhong, engaged in fierce combat with the Japanese. Positions on both sides of the Huai shifted repeatedly, producing a riverine bloodbath through intense hand-to-hand fighting. After ten days of engagement, the Fifth War Zone, under Zhang Zizhong, commander of the 59th Army, rushed to the Guzhen area to reinforce the 51st Army, and the two forces stubbornly resisted the Japanese on the north bank of the Huai River. Meanwhile, on the south bank, the 48th Army of the 21st Group Army held the Luqiao area, while the 7th Army, in coordination with the 31st Army, executed a flanking attack on the flanks and rear of the Japanese forces in Dingyuan, compelling the main body of the 13th Division to redeploy to the north bank for support. Seizing the initiative, the 59th and 51st Armies launched a counteroffensive, reclaiming all positions north of the Huai River by early March. The 31st Army then moved from the south bank to the north, and the two sides faced across the river. Subsequently, the 51st and 59th Armies were ordered to reinforce the northern front, while the 31st Army continued to hold the Huai River to ensure that all Chinese forces covering the Battle of Xuzhou were safely withdrawn. Within the northern front, in late February, the Japanese Second Army began its southward push along multiple routes. The eastern axis saw the 5th Division moving south from Weixian present-day Weifang, in Shandong, capturing Yishui, Juxian, and Rizhao before pressing directly toward Linyi, as units of the Nationalist Third Corps' 40th Army and others mounted strenuous resistance. The 59th Army was ordered to reinforce and arrived on March 12 at the west bank of the Yi River in the northern suburbs of Linyi, joining the 40th Army in a counterattack that, after five days and nights of ferocious fighting, inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese and forced them to retreat toward Juxian. On the western route, the Seya Detachment (roughly a brigade) of the Japanese 10th Division crossed the Grand Canal from Jining and attacked Jiaxiang, meeting stiff resistance from the Third Army and being thwarted, while continuing to advance south along the Jinpu Railway. The Isogai Division, advancing on the northern route without awaiting help from the southeast and east, moved southward from Liangxiadian, south of Zouxian, on March 14, with the plan to strike Tengxian, present-day Tengzhou on March 15 and push south toward Xuzhou. The defending 22nd Army and the 41st Corps fought bravely and suffered heavy casualties in a hard battle that lasted until March 17, during which Wang Mingzhang, commander of the 122nd Division defending Teng County, was killed in action. Meanwhile, a separate Japanese thrust under Itagaki Seishirō landed on the Jiaodong Peninsula and occupied Qingdao, advancing along the Jiaoji Line to strike Linyi, a key military town in southern Shandong. Pang Bingxun's 40th Army engaged the invaders in fierce combat, and later, elements of Zhang Zizhong's 333rd Brigade of the 111th Division, reinforced by the 57th Army, joined Pang Bingxun's forces to launch a double-sided pincer that temporarily repelled the Japanese attack on Linyi. By late March 1938 a frightening reality loomed: the Japanese were close to prevailing on the Xuzhou front. The North China Area Army, commanded by Itagaki Seishirō, Nishio Toshizō, and Isogai Rensuke, was poised to link up with the Central China Expeditionary Force under Hata Shunroku in a united drive toward central China. Li Zongren, together with his senior lieutenants Bai Chongxi and Tang Enbo, decided to confront the invaders at Taierzhuang, the traditional stone-walled city that would become a focal point of their defense. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Nanjing falls after one of humanities worst atrocities. Chiang Kai-Shek's war command has been pushed to Wuhan, but the Japanese are not stopping their advance. Trautmann's mediation is over and now Japan has its sights on Xuzhou and its critical railway junctions. Japan does not realize it yet, but she is now entering a long war of attrition.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Last time we spoke about the continuation of the war after Nanjing's fall. The fall of Nanjing in December 1937 marked a pivotal juncture in the Second Sino-Japanese War, ushering in a brutal phase of attrition that shaped both strategy and diplomacy in early 1938. As Japanese forces sought to restructure China's political order, their strategy extended beyond battlefield victories to the establishment of puppet arrangements and coercive diplomacy. Soviet aid provided critical support, while German and broader Axis diplomacy wavered, shaping a nuanced backdrop for China's options. In response, Chinese command decisions focused on defending crucial rail corridors and urban strongholds, with Wuhan emerging as a strategic hub and the Jinpu and Longhai railways becoming lifelines of resistance. The defense around Xuzhou and the Huai River system illustrated Chinese determination to prolong resistance despite daunting odds. By early 1938, the war appeared as a drawn-out struggle, with China conserving core bases even as Japan pressed toward central China.   #170 The Battle of Taierzhuang Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Following their victory at Nanjing, the Japanese North China Area Army sought to push southward and link up with the Japanese Eleventh Army between Beijing and Nanjing. The two formations were intended to advance along the northern and southern ends of the JinPu railway, meet at Xuzhou, and then coordinate a pincer movement into Chinese strongholds in the Central Yangtze region, capturing Jiujiang first and then Wuhan. Recognizing Xuzhou's strategic importance, Chinese leadership made its defense a top priority. Xuzhou stood at the midpoint of the JinPu line and at the intersection with the Longhai Line, China's main east–west corridor from Lanzhou to Lianyungang. If seized, Japanese control of these routes would grant mobility for north–south movement across central China. At the end of January, Chiang Kai-shek convened a military conference in Wuchang and declared the defense of Xuzhou the highest strategic objective. Chinese preparations expanded from an initial core of 80,000 troops to about 300,000, deployed along the JinPu and Longhai lines to draw in and overstretch Japanese offensives. A frightening reality loomed by late March 1938: the Japanese were nearing victory on the Xuzhou front. The North China Area Army, led by Generals Itagaki Seishirô, Nishio Toshizô, and Isogai Rensuke, aimed to link up with the Central China Expeditionary Force under General Hata Shunroku for a coordinated drive into central China. Li Zongren and his senior colleagues, including Generals Bai Chongxi and Tang Enbo, resolved to meet the Japanese at the traditional stone-walled city of Taierzhuang. Taierzhuang was not large, but it held strategic significance. It sat along the Grand Canal, China's major north–south waterway, and on a rail line that connected the Jinpu and Longhai lines, thus bypassing Xuzhou. Chiang Kai-shek himself visited Xuzhou on March 24. While Xuzhou remained in Chinese hands, the Japanese forces to the north and south were still separated. Losing Xuzhou would close the pincer. By late March, Chinese troops seemed to be gaining ground at Taierzhuang, but the Japanese began reinforcing, pulling soldiers from General Isogai Rensuke's column. The defending commanders grew uncertain about their ability to hold the position, yet Chiang Kai-shek made his stance clear in an April 1, 1938 telegram: “the enemy at Taierzhuang must be destroyed.” Chiang Kai-shek dispatched his Vice Chief of Staff, Bai Chongxi, to Xuzhou in January 1938. Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi were old comrades from the New Guangxi Clique, and their collaboration dated back to the Northern Expedition, including the Battle of Longtan. Li also received the 21st Group Army from the 3rd War Area. This Guangxi unit, commanded by Liao Lei, comprised the 7th and 47th Armies. Around the same time, Sun Zhen's 22nd Group Army, another Sichuan clique unit, arrived in the Shanxi-Henan region, but was rebuffed by both Yan Xishan, then commander of the 2nd War Area and Shanxi's chairman and Cheng Qian, commander of the 1st War Area and Henan's chairman. Yan and Cheng harbored strong reservations about Sichuan units due to discipline issues, notably their rampant opium consumption. Under Sun Zhen's leadership, the 22nd Group Army deployed four of its six divisions to aid the Northern China effort. Organized under the 41st and 45th Armies, the contingent began a foot march toward Taiyuan on September 1, covering more than 50 days and approximately 1,400 kilometers. Upon reaching Shanxi, they faced a harsh, icy winter and had no winter uniforms or even a single map of the province. They nevertheless engaged the Japanese for ten days at Yangquan, suffering heavy casualties. Strapped for supplies, they broke into a Shanxi clique supply depot, which enraged Yan Xishan and led to their expulsion from the province. The 22nd withdrew westward into the 1st War Area, only to have its request for resupply rejected by Cheng Qian. Meanwhile to the south Colonel Rippei Ogisu led Japanese 13th Division to push westward from Nanjing in two columns during early February: the northern column targeted Mingguang, while the southern column aimed for Chuxian. Both routes were checked by Wei Yunsong's 31st Army, which had been assigned to defend the southern stretch of the Jinpu railway under Li Zongren. Despite facing a clearly inferior force, the Japanese could not gain ground after more than a month of sustained attacks. In response, Japan deployed armored and artillery reinforcements from Nanjing. The Chinese withdrew to the southwestern outskirts of Dingyuan to avoid a direct clash with their reinforced adversaries. By this point, Yu Xuezhong's 51st Army had taken up a defensive position on the northern banks of the Huai River, establishing a line between Bengbu and Huaiyuan. The Japanese then captured Mingguang, Dingyuan, and Bengbu in succession and pressed toward Huaiyuan. However, their supply lines were intercepted by the Chinese 31st Corps, which conducted flanking attacks from the southwest. The situation worsened when the Chinese 7th Army, commanded by Liao Lei, arrived at Hefei to reinforce the 31st Army. Facing three Chinese corps simultaneously, the Japanese were effectively boxed south of the Huai River and, despite air superiority and a superior overall firepower, could not advance further. As a result, the Chinese thwarted the Japanese plan to move the 13th Division north along the Jinpu railway and link up with the Isogai 10th Division to execute a pincer against Xuzhou. Meanwhile in the north, after amphibious landings at Qingdao, the Japanese 5th Division, commanded by Seishiro Itagaki, advanced southwest along the Taiwei Highway, spearheaded by its 21st Infantry Brigade. They faced Pang Bingxun's 3rd Group Army. Although labeled a Group Army, Pang's force actually comprised only the 40th Army, which itself consisted of the 39th Division from the Northwestern Army, commanded by Ma-Fawu. The 39th Division's five regiments delayed the Japanese advance toward Linyi for over a month. The Japanese captured Ju County on 22 February and moved toward Linyi by 2 March. The 59th Army, commanded by Zhang Zizhong, led its troops on a forced march day and night toward Linyi. Seizing the opportunity, the 59th Army did not rest after reaching Yishui. In the early morning of the 14th, Zhang Zizhong ordered the entire army to covertly cross the Yishui River and attack the right flank of the Japanese “Iron Army” 5th Division. They broke through enemy defenses at Tingzitou, Dataiping, Shenjia Taiping, Xujia Taiping, and Shalingzi. Initially caught off guard, the enemy sustained heavy losses, and over a night more than a thousand Japanese soldiers were annihilated. The 59th Army fought fiercely, engaging in brutal hand-to-hand combat. By 4:00 a.m. on the 17th, the 59th Army had secured all of the Japanese main positions. That same day, Pang Bingxun seized the moment to lead his troops in a fierce flank attack, effectively supporting the 59th Army's frontal assault. On the 18th, Zhang and Pang's forces attacked the Japanese from the east, south, and west. After three days and nights of bloody fighting, they finally defeated the 3rd Battalion of the 11th Regiment, which had crossed the river, and annihilated most of it. The 59th Army completed its counterattack but suffered over 6,000 casualties, with more than 2,000 Japanese killed or wounded. News of the Linyi victory prompted commendations from Chiang Kai-shek and Li Zongren. General Li Zongren, commander of the 5th War Zone, judged that the Japanese were temporarily unable to mount a large-scale offensive and that Linyi could be held for the time being. On March 20, he ordered the 59th Army westward to block the Japanese Seya Detachment. On March 21, the Japanese Sakamoto Detachment, after a brief reorganization and learning of the Linyi detachment, launched another offensive. The 3rd Corps, understrength and without reinforcements, was compelled to retreat steadily before the Japanese. General Pang Bingxun, commander of the 3rd Corps, urgently telegraphed Chiang Kai-shek, requesting reinforcements. Chiang Kai-shek received the telegram and, at approximately 9:00 AM on the 23rd, ordered the 59th Army to return to Linyi to join with the 3rd Corps in repelling the Sakamoto Detachment. Fierce fighting ensued with heavy Chinese losses, and the situation in Linyi again grew precarious. At a critical moment, the 333rd Brigade of the 111th Division and the Cavalry Regiment of the 13th Army were rushed to reinforce Linyi. Facing attacks from two directions, the Japanese withdrew, losing almost two battalions in the process. This engagement shattered the myth of Japanese invincibility and embarrassed commander Seishirō Itagaki, even startling IJA headquarters. Although the 5th Division later regrouped and attempted another push, it had lost the element of surprise. The defeat at Linyi at the hands of comparatively poorly equipped Chinese regional units set the stage for the eventual battle at Tai'erzhuang. Of the three Japanese divisions advancing into the Chinese 5th War Area, the 10th Division, commanded by Rensuke Isogai, achieved the greatest initial success. Departing from Hebei, it crossed the Yellow River and moved south along the Jinpu railway. With KMT General Han Fuju ordering his forces to desert their posts, the Japanese captured Zhoucun and reached Jinan with little resistance. They then pushed south along two columns from Tai'an. The eastern column captured Mengyin before driving west to seize Sishui; the western column moved southwest along the Jinpu railway, capturing Yanzhou, Zouxian, and Jining, before turning northwest to take Wenshang. Chiang Kai-shek subsequently ordered Li Zongren to employ “offensive defense”, seizing the initiative to strike rather than merely defend. Li deployed Sun Zhen's 22nd Group Army to attack Zouxian from the south, while Pang Bingxun's 40th Division advanced north along the 22nd's left flank to strike Mengyin and Sishui. Sun Tongxuan's 3rd Group Army also advanced from the south, delivering a two-pronged assault on the Japanese at Jining. Fierce fighting from 12 to 25 February, particularly by the 12th Corps, helped mitigate the reputational damage previously inflicted on Shandong units by Han Fuju. In response to Chinese counterattacks, the Japanese revised their strategy: they canceled their original plan to push directly westward from Nanjing toward Wuhan, freeing more troops for the push toward Xuzhou. On March 15, the Japanese 10th Division struck the Chinese 122nd Division, focusing the action around Tengxian and Lincheng. Chinese reinforcements from the 85th Corps arrived the following day but were driven back on March 17. With air support, tanks, and heavy artillery, the Japanese breached the Chinese lines on March 18. The remaining Chinese forces, bolstered by the 52nd Corps, withdrew to the town of Yixian. The Japanese attacked Yixian and overran an entire Chinese regiment in a brutal 24-hour engagement. By March 19, the Japanese began advancing on the walled town of Taierzhuang. To counter the Japanese advance, the Chinese 2nd Army Group under General Sun Lianzhong was deployed to Taierzhuang. The 31st Division, commanded by General Chi Fengcheng, reached Taierzhuang on March 22 and was ordered to delay the Japanese advance until the remainder of the Army Group could arrive. On March 23, the 31st Division sallied from Taierzhuang toward Yixian, where they were engaged by two Japanese battalions reinforced with three tanks and four armored cars. The Chinese troops occupied a series of hills and managed to defend against a Japanese regiment (~3,000 men) for the rest of the day. On March 24, a Japanese force of about 5,000 attacked the 31st Division. Another Japanese unit pressed the Chinese from Yixian, forcing them to withdraw back into Taierzhuang itself. The Japanese then assaulted the town, with a 300-strong contingent breaching the northeast gate at 20:00. They were subsequently driven back toward the Chenghuang temple, which the Chinese set on fire, annihilating the Japanese force. The next day, the Japanese renewed the assault through the breached gate and secured the eastern portion of the district, while also breaking through the northwest corner from the outside and capturing the Wenchang Pavilion. On March 25, a morning Japanese onslaught was repelled. The Japanese then shelled Chinese positions with artillery and air strikes. In the afternoon, the Chinese deployed an armored train toward Yixian, which ambushed a column of Japanese soldiers near a hamlet, killing or wounding several dozen before retreating back to Taierzhuang. By nightfall, three thousand Chinese troops launched a night assault, pushing the Japanese lines northeast to dawn. The following three days subjected the Chinese defenders to sustained aerial and artillery bombardment. The Chinese managed to repulse several successive Japanese assaults but sustained thousands of casualties in the process. On March 28, Chinese artillery support arrived, including two 155 mm and ten 75 mm pieces. On the night of March 29, the Japanese finally breached the wall. Setting out from the district's southern outskirts, a Chinese assault squad stormed the Wenchang Pavilion from the south and east, killing nearly the entire Japanese garrison aside from four taken as prisoners of war. The Chinese then retook the northwest corner of the district. Even by the brutal standards already established in the war, the fighting at Taierzhuang was fierce, with combatants facing one another at close quarters. Sheng Cheng's notes preserve the battlefield memories of Chi Fengcheng, one of the campaign's standout officers “We had a battle for the little lanes [of the town], and unprecedentedly, not just streets and lanes, but even courtyards and houses. Neither side was willing to budge. Sometimes we'd capture a house, and dig a hole in the wall to approach the enemy. Sometimes the enemy would be digging a hole in the same wall at the same time. Sometimes we faced each other with hand grenades — or we might even bite each other. Or when we could hear that the enemy was in the house, then we'd climb the roof and drop bombs inside — and kill them all.” The battle raged for a week. On April 1, General Chi requested volunteers for a near-suicide mission to seize a building: among fifty-seven selected, only ten survived. A single soldier claimed to have fired on a Japanese bomber and succeeded in bringing it down; he and his comrades then set the aircraft ablaze before another plane could arrive to rescue the pilot. One participant described the brutal conditions of the battle “"The battle continued day and night. The flames lit up the sky. Often all that separated our forces was a single wall. The soldiers would beat holes in the masonry to snipe at each other. We would be fighting for days over a single building, causing dozens of fatalities." The conditions were so brutal that Chinese officers imposed severe measures to maintain discipline. Junior officers were repeatedly forbidden to retreat and were often ordered to personally replace casualties within their ranks. Li Zongren even warned Tang Enbo that failure to fulfill his duties would lead him to be “treated as Han Fuju had been.” In Taierzhuang's cramped streets, Japan's artillery and air superiority offered little advantage; whenever either service was employed amid the dense melee, casualties were roughly even on both sides. The fighting devolved into close-quarters combat carried out primarily by infantry, with rifles, pistols, hand grenades, bayonets, and knives forming the core of each side's arsenal. The battle unfolded largely hand-to-hand, frequently in darkness. The stone buildings of Taierzhuang provided substantial cover from fire and shrapnel. It was precisely under these close-quarters conditions that Chinese soldiers could stand as equals, if not superior, to their Japanese opponents, mirroring, in some respects, the experiences seen in Luodian, Shanghai, the year before. On March 31, General Sun Lianzhong arrived to assume command of the 2nd Army Group. A Japanese assault later that day was repulsed, but a Chinese counterattack also stalled. At 04:00 on April 1, the Japanese attacked the Chinese lines with support from 11 tanks. The Chinese defenders, armed with German-made 37mm Pak-36 antitank guns, destroyed eight of the armored vehicles at point-blank range. Similar incidents recurred throughout the battle, with numerous Japanese tanks knocked out by Chinese artillery and by suicide squads. In one engagement, Chinese suicide bombers annihilated four Japanese tanks with bundles of grenades. On April 2 and 3, Chi urged the Chinese defenders around Taierzhuang's north station to assess the evolving situation. The troops reported distress, crying and sneezing, caused by tear gas deployed by the Japanese against Chinese positions at Taierzhuang's north station, but the defenders remained unmoved. They then launched a massive armored assault outside the city walls, with 30 tanks and 60 armored cars, yet managed only to drive the Chinese 27th Division back to the Grand Canal. The fighting continued to rage on April 4 and 5. By then, the Japanese had captured roughly two-thirds of Taierzhuang, though the Chinese still held the South Gate. It was through this entry point that the Chinese command managed to keep their troops supplied. The Chinese also thwarted Japanese efforts to replenish their dwindling stocks of arms and ammunition. In consequence, the Japanese attackers were worn down progressively. Although the Japanese possessed superior firepower, including cannon and heavy artillery, the cramped conditions within Taierzhuang nullified this advantage for the moment. The Chinese command succeeded in keeping their own supplies flowing, a recurring weakness in other engagements and also prevented the Japanese from replenishing their dwindling stock of arms and bullets. Gradually, the Japanese maneuvered into a state of attrition. The deadlock of the battle was broken by events unfolding outside Taierzhuang, where fresh Chinese divisions had encircled the Japanese forces in Taierzhuang from the flanks and rear. After consulting their German advisors earlier, the commanders of the 5th War Area prepared a double envelopment of the exposed Japanese forces in Taierzhuang. Between March and April 1938, the Nationalist Air Force deployed squadrons from the 3rd and 4th Pursuit Groups, fighter-attack aircraft, in long-distance air interdiction and close-air support of the Taierzhuang operations. Approximately 30 aircraft, mostly Soviet-made, were deployed in bombing raids against Japanese positions. On 26 March, Tang Enbo's 20th Army, equipped with artillery units, attacked Japanese forces at Yixian, inflicting heavy casualties and routing the survivors. Tang then swung south to strike the Japanese flank northeast of Taierzhuang. Simultaneously, the Chinese 55th Corps, comprised of two divisions, executed a surprise crossing of the Grand Canal and cut the railway line near Lincheng. As a result, Tang isolated the Japanese attackers from their rear and severed their supply lines. On 1 April, the Japanese 5th Division sent a brigade to relieve the encircled 10th Division. Tang countered by blocking the brigade's advance and then attacking from the rear, driving them south into the encirclement. On 3 April, the Chinese 2nd Group Army launched a counter-offensive, with the 30th and 110th Divisions pushing northward into Beiluo and Nigou, respectively. By 6 April, the Chinese 85th and 52nd Armies linked up at Taodun, just west of Lanling. The combined force then advanced north-westward, capturing Ganlugou. Two more Chinese divisions arrived a few days later. By April 5, Taierzhuang's Japanese units were fully surrounded, with seven Chinese divisions to the north and four to the south closing in. The Japanese divisions inside Taierzhuang had exhausted their supplies, running critically low on ammunition, fuel, and food, while many troops endured fatigue and dehydration after more than a week of brutal fighting. Sensing imminent victory, the Chinese forces surged with renewed fury and attacked the encircled Japanese, executing wounded soldiers where they lay with rifle and pistol shots. Chinese troops also deployed Soviet tanks against the defenders. Japanese artillery could not reply effectively due to a shortage of shells, and their tanks were immobilized by a lack of fuel. Attempts to drop supplies by air failed, with most packages falling into Chinese hands. Over time, Japanese infantry were progressively reduced to firing only their machine guns and mortars, then their rifles and machine guns, and ultimately resorted to bayonet charges. With the success of the Chinese counter-attacks, the Japanese line finally collapsed on April 7. The 10th and 5th Divisions, drained of personnel and ammunition, were forced to retreat. By this point, around 2,000 Japanese soldiers managed to break out of Taierzhuang, leaving thousands of their comrades dead behind. Some of the escapees reportedly committed hara-kiri. Chinese casualties were roughly comparable, marking a significant improvement over the heavier losses suffered in Shanghai and Nanjing. The Japanese had lost the battle for numerous reasons. Japanese efforts were hampered by the "offensive-defensive" operations carried out by various Chinese regional units, effectively preventing the three Japanese divisions from ever linking up with each other. Despite repeated use of heavy artillery, air strikes, and gas, the Japanese could not expel the Chinese 2nd Group Army from Taierzhuang and its surrounding areas, even as the defenders risked total annihilation. The Japanese also failed to block the Chinese 20th Group Army's maneuver around their rear positions, which severed retreat routes and enabled a Chinese counter-encirclement. After Han Fuju's insubordination and subsequent execution, the Chinese high command tightened discipline at the top, transmitting a stringent order flow down to the ranks. This atmosphere of strict discipline inspired even junior soldiers to risk their lives in executing orders. A “dare-to-die corps” was effectively employed against Japanese units. They used swords and wore suicide vests fashioned from grenades. Due to a lack of anti-armor weaponry, suicide bombing was also employed against the Japanese. Chinese troops, as part of the “dare-to-die” corps, strapped explosives such as grenade packs or dynamite to their bodies and charged at Japanese tanks to blow them up.  The Chinese later asserted that about 20,000 Japanese had perished, though the actual toll was likely closer to 8,000. The Japanese also sustained heavy material losses. Because of fuel shortages and their rapid retreat, many tanks, trucks, and artillery pieces were abandoned on the battlefield and subsequently captured by Chinese forces. Frank Dorn recorded losses of 40 tanks, over 70 armored cars, and 100 trucks of various sizes. In addition to vehicles, the Japanese lost dozens of artillery pieces and thousands of machine guns and rifles. Many of these weapons were collected by the Chinese for future use. The Chinese side also endured severe casualties, possibly up to 30,000, with Taierzhuang itself nearly razed. Yet for once, the Chinese achieved a decisive victory, sparking an outburst of joy across unoccupied China. Du Zhongyuan wrote of “the glorious killing of the enemy,” and even Katharine Hand, though isolated in Japanese-controlled Shandong, heard the news. The victory delivered a much-needed morale boost to both the army and the broader population. Sheng Cheng recorded evening conversations with soldiers from General Chi Fengcheng's division, who shared light-hearted banter with their senior officer. At one moment, the men recalled Chi as having given them “the secret of war. when you get food, eat it; when you can sleep, take it.” Such familiar, brisk maxims carried extra resonance now that the Nationalist forces had demonstrated their willingness and ability to stand their ground rather than retreat. The victors may have celebrated a glorious victory, but they did not forget that their enemies were human. Chi recalled a scene he encountered: he had picked up a Japanese officer's helmet, its left side scorched by gunpowder, with a trace of blood, the mark of a fatal wound taken from behind. Elsewhere in Taierzhuang, relics of the fallen were found: images of the Buddha, wooden fish, and flags bearing slogans. A makeshift crematorium in the north station had been interrupted mid-process: “Not all the bones had been completely burned.” After the battle, Li Zongren asked Sheng if he had found souvenirs on the battlefield. Sheng replied that he had discovered love letters on the corpses of Japanese soldiers, as well as a photograph of a girl, perhaps a hometown sweetheart labeled “19 years old, February 1938.” These details stood in stark contrast to news coverage that depicted the Japanese solely as demons, devils, and “dwarf bandits.” The foreign community noted the new, optimistic turn of events and the way it seemed to revive the resistance effort. US ambassador Nelson Johnson wrote to Secretary of State Cordell Hull from Wuhan just days after Taierzhuang, passing on reports from American military observers: one had spent time in Shanxi and been impressed by Communist success in mobilizing guerrilla fighters against the Japanese; another had spent three days observing the fighting at Taierzhuang and confirmed that “Chinese troops in the field there won a well-deserved victory over Japanese troops, administering the first defeat that Japanese troops have suffered in the field in modern times.” This reinforced Johnson's view that Japan would need to apply far more force than it had anticipated to pacify China. He noted that the mood in unoccupied China had likewise shifted. “Conditions here at Hankow have changed from an atmosphere of pessimism to one of dogged optimism. The Government is more united under Chiang and there is a feeling that the future is not entirely hopeless due to the recent failure of Japanese arms at Hsuchow [Xuzhou] . . . I find no evidence for a desire for a peace by compromise among  Chinese, and doubt whether the Government could persuade its army or its people to accept such a peace. The spirit of resistance is slowly spreading among the people who are awakening to a feeling that this is their war. Japanese air raids in the interior and atrocities by Japanese soldiers upon civilian populations are responsible for this stiffening of the people.”. The British had long been wary of Chiang Kai-shek, but Sir Archibald Clark Kerr, the British ambassador in China, wrote to the new British foreign secretary, Lord Halifax, on April 29, 1938, shortly after the Taierzhuang victory, and offered grudging credit to China's leader “[Chiang] has now become the symbol of Chinese unity, which he himself has so far failed to achieve, but which the Japanese are well on the way to achieving for him . . . The days when Chinese people did not care who governed them seem to have gone . . . my visit to Central China from out of the gloom and depression of Shanghai has left me stimulated and more than disposed to believe that provided the financial end can be kept up Chinese resistance may be so prolonged and effective that in the end the Japanese effort may be frustrated . . . Chiang Kai-shek is obstinate and difficult to deal with . . . Nonetheless [the Nationalists] are making in their muddlIn the exhilaration of a rare victory”. Chiang pressured Tang and Li to build on their success, increasing the area's troop strength to about 450,000. Yet the Chinese Army remained plagued by deeper structural issues. The parochialism that had repeatedly hampered Chiang's forces over the past six months resurfaced. Although the various generals had agreed to unite in a broader war of resistance, each prioritized the safety of his own troops, wary of any move by Chiang to centralize power. For example, Li Zongren refrained from utilizing his top Guangxi forces at Taierzhuang, attempting to shift the bulk of the fighting onto Tang Enbo's units. The generals were aware of the fates of two colleagues: Han Fuju of Shandong was executed for his refusal to fight, while Zhang Xueliang of Manchuria had allowed Chiang to reduce the size of his northeastern army and ended up under house arrest. They were justified in distrusting Chiang. He truly believed, after all, that provincial armies should come under a national military command led by himself. From a national-unity standpoint, Chiang's aim was not unreasonable. But it bred suspicion among other military leaders that participation in the anti-Japanese war would erode their own power. The fragmented command structure also hindered logistics, making ammunition and food supplies to the front unreliable and easy to cut off a good job of things in extremely difficult circumstances. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The Chinese victory at the battle of Tairzhuang was a much needed morale boost after the long string of defeats to Japan. As incredible as it was however, it would amount to merely a bloody nose for the Imperial Japanese Army. Now Japan would unleash even more devastation to secure Xuzhou and ultimately march upon Wuhan.

You 3.0 – Breaking Free from the Illusion of Comfort - Spotting and Capturing Windows of Opportunity There are moments in life when the atmosphere shifts—when a diagnosis, a breakup, a failure, or even a quiet reflection stares you down with a choice: stay the same or step into something radically new. I call these moments windows of opportunity—temporary portals that invite you to rise into a version of yourself you've never met before. In this episode, I share what I've learned about spotting these windows, what it takes to move through them before they close, and why You 3.0 is not just an upgrade—it's a rebirth. Drawing on my own health journey and the wisdom of mentors like Dr. Pat Gentempo, I unpack the three phases of seizing a window: The Spark of Opportunity – when motivation feels high and the timing seems perfect (but won't last). The Crux of Commitment – the struggle point where most quit, but where transformation truly begins. Integration – the moment extraordinary habits fuse into identity, and the new you becomes non-negotiable. Along the way, we'll expose the “Little Liar” that whispers excuses, explore why comfort is the most seductive trap, and reflect on what it really takes to push past survival mode (You 1.0) and even beyond the illusion of “good enough” (You 2.0). Because You 3.0 isn't a goal. It's a place you've never been—a new identity forged in decision, follow-through, and the courage to step through the window before it shuts. Dragon Thoughts: Windows of opportunity aren't random. They're tests. They don't ask if you want change—they demand to know if you're ready to become it. Make Sense?

Episode 4760: Seizing The Institutions And Taking Over Nations Independence

Episode 4704: Seizing The Institutions