Podcasts about Sheng

We've gathered the NaPS lab to answer all your fascinating questions on all things sleep! A perfect bitesize episode to get stuck into the marvellous world of sleep. 1. How does sleep deprivation affect mental health? - Answered by Martha WawrzutaBunney, B. G. , Bunney, W. E. (2013). Mechanisms of Rapid Antidepressant Effects of Sleep Deprivation Therapy: Clock Genes and Circadian Rhythms. Biological PsychiatryFang, H., Tu, S., Sheng, J., Shao, A. (2018). Depression in sleep disturbance: A review on a bidirectional relationship, mechanisms and treatment. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine2. What is narcolepsy? - Answered by Kyrillos MeshrekyLeschziner G., Narcolepsy: a clinical review, Practical Neurology 2014;14:323-3313. Does the full moon affect sleep? - Answered by Al Saqib MajumderCasiraghi, L. et al. (2021). Moonstruck sleep: Synchronization of human sleep with the moon cycle under field conditions. Chaput, J. P. et al. (2016). Are Children Like Werewolves? Full Moon and Its Association with Sleep and Activity Behaviors in an International Sample of Children. Sleep Medicine4. How does a smart watch track sleep? - Answered by Yan Wang5. What is orthosomnia? - Answered by Sophie Smith Baron, K.G., et al. (2017) Orthosomnia: Are some patients taking the quantified self too far? J Clin Sleep Med6. What is sleep regression and how long does it last? - Answered by Mo AbdellahiWeinraub, M. et al. (2012). Patterns of developmental change in infants' nighttime sleep awakenings from 6 through 36 months of age. Developmental PsychologyBruni O. et al. (2014) Longitudinal study of sleep behavior in normal infants during the first year of life. J Clin Sleep Med7. Does Magnesium Citrate help you sleep? - Answered by Dulni PeramunugamageMagnesium for sleep, Sleep Foundation, 20258. Does dark chocolate help you sleep? - Answered by Martha Nguyen Abdoli, E. et al. (2024). A clinical trial of the effects of cocoa rich chocolate on depression and sleep quality in menopausal women. Scientific reports,Garbarino, S., Garbarino, E., & Lanteri, P. (2022). Circadian Rhythm, Mood, and Temporal Patterns of Eating Chocolate: A Scoping Review of Physiology, Findings, and Future Directions. NutrientsMusic by Sergio Prosvirini from PixabayCheck out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.

San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and rink rat Zubair Jeewanjee talk all things Sharks! We've got a jam-packed episode this week! Randy Hahn joins to discuss his rousing call in the greatest regular season comeback in San Jose Sharks history, the 6-5 OT win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. Hahn also shares more about the vibe on the team airplane after the game and declares that the Sharks are making the playoffs this year. We discuss the Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev injuries: Did the Sharks call up the right prospects in Igor Chernyshov and Ethan Cardwell? Finally, Keegan and Sheng discuss how San Jose is going to improve their defense in the future. Should they have been more aggressive chasing after Quinn Hughes? Which teams with No. 1 defensemen might make them available, via trade or UFA, in the near-future? Or, how can the Sharks make a Stanley Cup-caliber defense without a true No. 1? (00:00:00) – Intro: Randy Hahn, Will Smith Injury, No. 1 Defenseman (00:05:29) – Road Trip Recap: Three Wins and a Statement Finish (00:06:03) – Should Macklin Celebrini Wear the C Next Year? (00:07:20) – Celebrini Steps up for Will and the Bench Feels It (00:13:50) – Are We Overhyping Celebrini or Watching a LeBron Arc (00:14:46) – Guest Joins: Randy Hahn Talks Sharks Comeback (00:20:43) – Where Does This Rank Among Randy's All-Time Sharks' Calls? (00:22:19) – Randy's Bold Take: San Jose Sharks Make the Playoffs This Year (00:24:45) – Was Smith Hit Dirty? Randy's Take and Why the Response Mattered (00:26:40) – John Klingberg's Bounceback: Patience, Health, and Power Play Time (00:34:10) – Handling the High: How Players Reset After a Massive Win (00:36:01) – Why Two Days Off Might Be the Smartest Coaching Move (00:39:36) – Randy's Hidden Talent: Late Night Karaoke Standards (00:41:04) – Dan Clears a Room: Rage Against the Machine at Midnight (00:42:54) – Last Thought With Randy: Why This Win Becomes a Team Touchstone (00:50:54) – Road Trip Takeaways and Call-Ups After Injuries (00:57:30) – Ryan Reaves Factor? (00:59:34) – Deadline Dilemma: Can Grier Trade UFAs During Playoff Push? (01:01:12) – Playoff Experience vs Asset Value: What Matters More? (01:03:54) – Sheng's Vegas Parallel: When a Team Forces You to Believe (01:06:49) – Sam Dickinson Development: Defense First, Power Play Later (01:11:02) – Sam Dickinson's True Projection: Two-Way Minutes Eater (01:12:04) – Why the Sharks Still Need an Offensive Defenseman (01:13:44) – Comparing Dickinson to Noah Hanifin, Not Quinn Hughes (01:15:27) – Alex Wennberg's Quiet Impact on the Comeback (01:17:00) – Smith and Kurashev's Injury Report (01:18:05) – Why Chernyshov and Cardwell Were the Right Call-Ups (01:19:14) – The Sunburn Story and Why Chernyshov Slid in the Draft (01:20:28) – AHL Eye Test: Who Actually Looks NHL-Ready (01:21:54) – Why Musty Isn't There Yet (01:22:49) – How Scouts View Chernyshov's Ceiling (01:23:39) – What a True No. 1 Defenseman Means for This Roster (01:26:10) – Multiple Ways to Build a Cup-Winning Blue Line (01:27:30) – By Committee vs Superstar Defense Models (01:33:45) – Should San Jose Sharks Accelerate Rebuild (01:36:52) – How the Panthers Won Without a Quinn Hughes Type (01:38:08) – Historical Cup Winners and Their No. 1 Defensemen (01:39:58) – Why the 2026 Draft Might Be Too Late (01:41:27) – Safe Defense Picks vs Swinging for Elite Skill (01:43:10) – Evaluating the Sharks' Defensive Prospect Pool (01:47:43) – Why the Sharks Were Right to Pass on Hughes (01:49:26) – Why Minnesota Could Gamble and San Jose Couldn't (01:50:58) – Vulnerable Teams With Elite Defensemen (01:52:09) – McAvoy, Dahlin, Werenski, Fox: Who's Actually Gettable? (01:54:04) – Why Dahlin Is a Near-Impossibility (01:59:05) – Why the Sharks May Need a Statement Signing (02:03:12) – Why Bowen Byram Is Intriguing (02:05:49) – Learning From Florida: Buying Devalued Assets (02:07:05) – Brandon Montour as a Transitional D? (02:09:14) – Finding Deals in Risky Defense Contracts (02:10:39) – Evan Bouchard as a Long-Term Wild Card (02:12:06) – Adam Fox Debate: Skill vs Size (02:13:29) – Grier's Methodical Approach vs Big Swings (02:14:24) – The Askarov Trade as a Blueprint (02:15:17) – Why the Sharks Didn't Rush the Hughes Market (02:18:09) – Celebrini Is Accelerating the Timeline (02:25:05) – Could San Jose Sharks Buy at Deadline? (02:25:30) – Keegan's Prospect Corner (02:27:43) – Tynan Lawrence Rockets Up 2026 Draft Boards (02:28:52) – Why Lawrence's Rise Is About Center Scarcity (02:30:25) – Lawrence's Game: Strengths and Limits (02:33:58) – Current Top of the 2026 Draft Board (02:36:50) – Teddy Mutryn Development Check-In (02:45:01) – Keegan vs. Hodge: Who Was First to Graf Meme? (02:48:29) – Final Thoughts and Sign-Off Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a dream (or nightmare?) lefty-righty combo: Sheng is paired with just Dan Boyle today! Does Macklin Celebrini have a strong case for the Hart Trophy? Sheng thinks so. How about Alex Wennberg for…Selke? It's not as crazy as it sounds. We also discuss the state of the San Jose Sharks' blueline: Who deserves to play every night? What's going on with Shakir Mukhamadullin? What's a path for the young San Jose Sharks defenseman to get more consistent playing time? Dan is honest about what he's seen from John Klingberg this season. Sheng asked some NHL scouts about Nick Leddy. Finally, Dan recalls when he knew that it was time for him to retire. He shares the mental challenge of adjusting to a lesser role in his last two years with the New York Rangers. Sponsored by Bring Hockey Back. Custom jerseys, hockey gear & tees for every fan. Use promo code: SANJOSEHOCKEYNOW for 15% off. ⸻ Listen on Spotify: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4l4mpAD... Listen on Apple: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ⸻ Follow San Jose Hockey Now San Jose Hockey Now: https://sanjosehockeynow.com/ Instagram: @sanjosehockeynow: / sanjosehockeynow

In today's episode, I'm opening the first chapter of what I believe is the most important series I've ever created — a deep dive into progesterone and why it became the heart of my medical practice. For more than 20 years, I've watched this “simple, humble hormone” transform women's lives in ways most conventional medicine overlooks. What started in two small treatment rooms has grown into a 25,000 sq ft facility, and the core of our success comes down to understanding progesterone's impact on the female brain, stress response, and emotional resilience. In this episode, I break down: Why progesterone is far more than a reproductive hormone How it regulates the female stress response (amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex) Why anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and emotional overwhelm often map directly to progesterone decline Why so many women feel “unraveled” in their 40s — and why it's not their fault The science behind oral vs. sublingual progesterone (and why I use troches) How conventional medicine often misses the root cause The importance of physicians showing their work, their data, and their citations The lived stories and clinical outcomes that changed how I practice medicine If you've ever felt dismissed, unseen, or told that your anxiety or mood changes are “just stress,” this episode is for you. This is the beginning of a 7-part series where I break down the neurobiology, endocrinology, testing, dosing, delivery methods, breast health, perimenopause, and more.   Citations: Brinton, Roberta Diaz, et al. “Neurosteroids and Brain Function.” Steroids, vol. 81, 2014, pp. 61–78. Epperson, C. Neill, et al. “New Insights into Perimenopausal Depression: A Neuroendocrine Vulnerability Framework.” The Lancet Psychiatry, vol. 9, no. 2, 2022, pp. 110–118. Frye, Cheryl A. “Neurosteroids—Endogenous Modulators of GABA_A Receptors.” Pharmacology & Therapeutics, vol. 116, no. 1, 2007, pp. 58–76. Genazzani, Andrea R., et al. “Progesterone, Stress, and the Brain.” Human Reproduction Update, vol. 16, no. 6, 2010, pp. 641–655. Meeker, John D., et al. “Environmental Endocrine Disruptors: Their Effects on Human Reproduction and Development.” Reproductive Toxicology, vol. 25, 2008, pp. 1–7. Mellon, Stanley H. “Neurosteroid Regulation of Central Nervous System Development.” Pharmacology & Therapeutics, vol. 116, 2007, pp. 107–124. Mizrahi, Romy, et al. “The Role of Allopregnanolone in Stress, Mood, and Trauma.” Neurobiology of Stress, vol. 11, 2019, 100198. Paul, Steven M., and Graziano Pinna. “Allopregnanolone: From Molecular Pathways to Therapeutic Applications.” Current Opinion in Neurobiology, vol. 48, 2018, pp. 90–96. Pluchino, Nicoletta, et al. “Progesterone and Allopregnanolone: Effects on the Central Nervous System in the Luteal Phase and in Perimenopause.” Gynecological Endocrinology, vol. 36, no. 6, 2020, pp. 441–445. Rasgon, Natalie L., et al. “Perimenopausal Changes in the Brain and Mood: A Review.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 107, no. 4, 2022, pp. 1120–1134. Reddy, Doodipala Samba. “The Neurosteroid Allopregnanolone and GABA-A Receptor Modulation in Epilepsy and Mood Disorders.” Frontiers in Neuroscience, vol. 12, 2018, 933. Schiller, Crystal E., et al. “The Neuroendocrinology of Perimenopausal Depression.” Trends in Neurosciences, vol. 44, no. 2, 2021, pp. 119–135. Schumacher, Michael, et al. “Neuroprotective Effects of Progesterone and Its Metabolites.” Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, vol. 33, 2012, pp. 415–439. Selye, Hans. “The General Adaptation Syndrome and the Diseases of Adaptation.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 6, no. 2, 1946, pp. 117–230. Sheng, Jun, and György Buzsáki. “Neuronal Firing and Theta Oscillations in the Amygdala During Fear Conditioning.” Neuron, vol. 53, 2007, pp. 653–667. Smith, Sheryl S. “Progesterone Withdrawal Increases Neuronal Excitability in the Hippocampus: A GABA_A Mechanism.” Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 28, 2008, pp. 10171–10179. Snyder, Jonathan S., et al. “Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Stress Regulation.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience, vol. 12, 2011, pp. 1–9. Stanczyk, Frank Z., and Jerilynn C. Prior. “Progesterone and Progestins: A Review of Pharmacology, PK, and Clinical Use.” Steroids, vol. 82, 2014, pp. 1–8. Tu, Ming-Je, et al. “Oral, Vaginal, and Transdermal Progesterone: PK, Metabolism, and Tissue Distribution.” Drug Metabolism Reviews, vol. 52, no. 2, 2020, pp. 1–28. Wang, Jun, et al. “Stress, Amygdala Plasticity, and the Neuroendocrine Interface.” Nature Neuroscience, vol. 10, 2007, pp. 1093–1100. Weinstock, Marta. “The Hippocampus and Chronic Stress.” Neurochemical Research, vol. 42, 2017, pp. 1–12. World Health Organization. Progesterone and Reproductive Function: Clinical Perspectives. WHO, 2019.   Dr. Brendan McCarthy is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Arizona. With over two decades of experience, he's helped thousands of patients navigate hormonal imbalances using bioidentical HRT, nutrition, and root-cause medicine. He's also taught and mentored other physicians on integrative approaches to hormone therapy, weight loss, fertility, and more. If you're ready to take your health seriously, this podcast is a great place to start.  

San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and Sharks Ice beer league champ Zubair Jeewanjee talk all things Sharks! This week, Sharks fan favorite and new Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm gives us the in's and out's of his new job: What's the adjustment like coaching AHL vs. NHL players? As a coach, what do you hope to gain from scratching players? Do you treat superstars differently than the rest of the team? How do you use and handle the media? Before we chat with Sturm, we discuss this week in San Jose Sharks hockey! The Sharks have recalled Vincent Iorio, what do they do with their nine defensemen? We revisit the Fabian Zetterlund and Ryan Reaves trades. Sheng says Macklin Celebrini had just an okay week…and Celebrini still won NHL Third Star of the Week?! And Keegan zeroes in on Shakir Mukhamadullin and Keaton Verhoeff in his prospects' corner, which also debuts a theme song, courtesy of Will Neumann! (2:48) Vincent Iorio recalled, San Jose Sharks have to make a D decision? (23:51) What's going on with Michael Misa's injury? Should Sharks send him to WJCs? (31:30) Revisiting the Fabian Zetterlund trade: Zack Ostapchuk is opening eyes! (42:20) The San Jose Sharks debut their hilarious Player of the Game Award! Ryan Reaves has made a huge impact on the locker room. Of course, we talk about Macklin Celebrini and Yaroslav Askarov! And we discuss another winning week of Sharks hockey. (1:22:00) We dissect Shakir Mukhamadullin's game, for better and worse. Is Keaton Verhoeff going to be a No. 1 defenseman? (1:56:00) Marco Sturm interview! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Now there's a letter and an alleged video connecting Rob Bonta to the Sheng Thao corruption scandalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the heart of Singapore’s neighbourhoods, a local supermarket chain is quietly delivering strong results, store-count up, profits up, and grocery demand holding firm. Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar dive into Sheng Siong’s latest numbers, what they reveal about Singapore consumers, and whether this house-hold name is worth keeping in your portfolio as tides shift in retail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares inched higher today, tracking positive movements seen in Asia. The Straits Times Index was up 0.43% at 4,447.66 points at 2.36pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$968.93M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Jardine Matheson, after the London-listed conglomerate said in a bourse filing today that it intends to repurchase up to US$250 million worth of shares under a proposed share buyback scheme. Elsewhere, from how shares of supermarket operator Sheng Siong hit an all-time high, to how business surveys showed Asia’s big manufacturing hubs struggling to fire up in October, more corporate and international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – from fried chicken stocks to big technology players – all about the impact of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s visit to South Korea. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon explores Solitary Hermit Teapills, a time-honored formula for Wind-Cold-Damp Bi with underlying deficiency. Known for supporting the Liver and Kidneys while dispelling Cold and Damp, this classic prescription helps ease chronic pain, stiffness, and weakness in the lower back, hips, and legs, especially when symptoms worsen in cold, damp weather.Learn how the fourteen herbs in this formula harmonize Qi and Blood, strengthen the body's foundation, and restore comfort and mobility.You can access the written article here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/solitary-hermit-teapills-du-huo-ji-sheng-wanSee our Monthly Practitioner Discounts https://www.mayway.com/monthly-specialsSign up for the Mayway Newsletterhttps://www.mayway.com/newsletter-signupFollow ushttps://www.facebook.com/MaywayHerbs/https://www.instagram.com/maywayherbs/

From chatbots supporting new mothers and nutrition coaches guiding families, to tutoring tools for children and apps advising farmers, artificial intelligence is beginning to find its place in development. But is it ready—and are we? In this episode of the CGD Podcast, I'm joined by Temina Madon, Executive Director of the Agency Fund, and Han Sheng Chia, CGD Fellow and Director of our new AI initiative. We discuss where AI shows promise—from health and education to livelihoods and agriculture—what risks it could amplify, and how the development community can ensure these technologies improve lives rather than deepen inequalities.

The good vibes are back with the San Jose Sharks! San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and Sharks Ice rink rat Zubair Jeewanjee talk about the Macklin Celebrini superstar tour. Boyle, who's played with his share of great players, puts Celebrini in rarified air. We also discuss some of Celebrini's less-obvious skills. Along the way, Boyle tells a hilarious Igor Larionov story. Should the San Jose Sharks be concerned about Yaroslav Askarov's play? Boyle doesn't think so, while Sheng shares insight into Askarov's relationship with the media. We're nearing decision time on Sam Dickinson and Michael Misa, should they stay in the NHL or go back to juniors? The boys have a far different opinion of Misa's game against the Los Angeles Kings than most of you. Boyle weighs in on the San Jose Sharks' veteran defensemen, Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg. Dan likes their recent play. To close the show, Zubair praises William Eklund and Will Smith and Collin Graf's development. Sponsored by Bring Hockey Back. Custom jerseys, hockey gear & tees for every fan. Use promo code: SANJOSEHOCKEYNOW for 15% off. ⸻ Listen on Spotify: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4l4mpAD... Listen on Apple: San Jose Hockey Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ⸻ Follow San Jose Hockey Now San Jose Hockey Now: https://sanjosehockeynow.com/ Instagram: @sanjosehockeynow: / sanjosehockeynow Twitter/X: @Sheng_Peng: https://x.com/Sheng_Peng Twitter/X: @halfwall_hockey: https://x.com/halfwall_hockey Facebook: San Jose Hockey Now: / sjhockeynow ⸻ (3:35) Macklin Celebrini is a superstar? (8:55) Celebrini's underrated skills? (13:20) Is Celebrini making Team Canada? (31:28) The definition of a superstar? (44:04) Trick or treat: Our favorite players? Scariest players? (46:20) Boyle tells a hilarious Igor Larionov story (1:02:10) Worried about Yaroslav Askarov? (1:16:08) Should the San Jose Sharks keep Misa and Dickinson? (1:21:04) How are Dmitry Orlov & John Klingberg looking? (1:52:38) Mike Grier's vision of Sharks coming together? (1:53:55) Ryan Warsofsky's tactical changes helping Sharks? (1:57:35) Love for William Eklund Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We spend some time talking with Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng about her proposed budget and go over the state of the parish with her.

Artist Sheng Lor reflects on her journey from a Thai refugee camp to a studio practice in Los Angeles. Born to Hmong parents displaced by the Secret War in Laos, Lor discusses culture shock, grief, and the intergenerational legacies that shape her art. Her loom-wrapping series transforms discarded weaving tools into sculptural memorials, addressing the histories of labor, invisibility of craft, and Hmong spiritual traditions. This conversation explores how weaving, diaspora, and ritual intersect in contemporary art and the Los Angeles art scene.

The San Jose Sharks have started another season on a long losing streak: Is head coach Ryan Warsofsky facing some pressure? San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and Sharks Ice beer league champ Zubair Jeewanjee discuss the team's 0-4-2 start. We discuss Warsofsky's work with the San Jose Sharks' veterans and youngsters. Is Macklin Celebrini rounding into form? What do we think about Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson so far? Hockey tactics guru Jack Han jumps on, and shares his thoughts about the importance of coaching continuity and the dangers of rushing young defensemen. (00:00:00) Intro – San Jose Sharks' losing streak & podcast setup (00:00:47) Bring Hockey Back mention & show open (00:02:09) Dan Boyle joins wearing a mask – “Chuckles” bit (00:02:56) Team bonding & Broadway talk – Book of Mormon (00:06:17) Boyle's parents and “Puppetry of the Penis” story (00:08:03) Keegan's New York City engagement story (00:14:21) Sheng's NYC subway make-out story & third-rail near-death (00:17:21) Pivot to Sharks hockey – Ty Dellandrea prank story (00:20:53) Boyle's road roommate stories – Joe Thornton & Jason Demers (00:23:03) “Let's talk Sharks hockey” – the Warsofsky quote segment (00:23:28) Warsofsky's “sacrifice my kid” joke goes viral (00:25:08) Boyle's John Tortorella “Shut your yap” anecdote (00:27:00) Sharks' first real win-worthy games – Isles & Pens recap (00:28:02) Celebrini's compete level & captain talk (00:29:16) Boyle on letting Celebrini make mistakes & self-awareness (00:33:50) Boyle & Sheng discuss mental side of losing (00:35:57) Boyle on player accountability and motivation (00:37:52) Discussion: Is Warsofsky's seat getting warm? (00:43:06) Boyle on GM check-ins with players about the coach (00:48:44) Sharks' young D: Misa & Dickinson analysis (00:56:27) Goalie rotation debate – Askarov, consistency, and confidence (01:00:06) Defense talk: D-pairs, Orlov praise and toughness (01:02:01) Segue to Jack Han segment (01:03:09) Intro – Jack Han joins, ex-Marlies coach & author (01:04:11) Han on continuity, rebuilds, and coaching patience (01:05:46) Why firing coaches too early ruins rebuilds (01:07:00) Player accountability & psychology in development (01:09:02) Han compares Sharks' situation to Montreal's growth (01:13:05) What the Sharks lack tactically: pressure & structure (01:17:04) Keegan: Sharks' defensive stagnation & lack of identity (01:18:01) Sheng: dangers of rushing young D like Dickinson (01:19:01) Jack Han: mental readiness and the “middle schooler in high school” analogy (01:22:19) Han: firing Warsofsky would be just short-term relief (01:23:08) Fan question: how to watch hockey better? (01:25:09) Carolina's man-to-man defense explained (01:26:15) Why no pure man-to-man team wins the Cup (01:27:01) Han's message to junior parents & coaches – send questions! (01:30:02) Keegan & Sheng final segment – Dickinson, Misa, Graf recap (01:32:13) Dickinson's learning curve & confidence talk (01:33:46) Should Dickinson stay in NHL or go back to juniors? (01:35:27) Prospects philosophy & patience (01:36:31) Misa's first point and Schaefer envy (01:38:48) Draft philosophy: Dickinson vs. Buium debate (01:39:41) Prospect Corner – McKenna, Verhoeff, and 2026 Draft talk (01:41:03) Prediction: Sharks beat Rangers for first win (01:42:23) Wrap-up & sign-off Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Podcast Swap! Raminisce Podcast x MYX in the Dark!On this special episode, MaiYang from MYX in the Dark is taking over the Raminisce Podcast! She is joined by Amy, Sheng and Chee, sharing stories about how they met, and answering question sent by men about women. It's an interesting twist so make sure to tune in with your spouse!Check out and follow MYX in the Dark for your true scary stories!YouTube (1) MYX in The Dark - YouTubePodcast Websitemyxinthedark.buzzsprout.comSpotifyopen.spotify.com/show/1jJcG27m2mS6EyYPs60KOj?si=i2gXQ4wwSnuy0lD8MpLvSgApple Podcastpodcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myx-in-the-dark-true-scary-stories/id1527851484?uo=4Facebookfacebook.com/MYXInTheDarkSUBSCRIBE, LIKE, AND FOLLOW US:Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, InstagramOUR LINKTREE TO ALL PLATFORMS:https://linktr.ee/raminiscepodcastE-MAIL US:Raminisce2019@gmail.com

Dan Boyle takes your questions! In a special mailbag, the San Jose Sharks legend takes a question from the equally-legendary Randy Hahn, tells us why the President's Trophy-winning 2008-09 Sharks got swept in the first round, how an NHL locker room would react to an openly-gay player, why he joined the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and shares a hilarious locker room prank story. Insider Sheng Peng and prospects guru Keegan McNally also share their thoughts about the San Jose Sharks' opening night roster and Tuesday's lines, including Ty Dellandrea taking the third-line center job, at least for now, from Michael Misa and Philipp Kurashev. Dan Boyle answered his many questions first! Sponsored by Bring Hockey Back. Custom jerseys, hockey gear & tees for every fan. Use promo code: SANJOSEHOCKEYNOW for 15% off. ⸻

durée : 00:03:53 - Bulles de BD - par : Laetitia Gayet - Dans un futur proche, les humains sont menacés d'extinction après l'apparition d'Organos, des robots qui s'infiltrent dans le corps des hommes. Après le brillant Yan, les éditions Glénat publient le 3ème et dernier tome de Baby, une série plus ancienne du Taïwanais Chang Sheng. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les autres épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France.

durée : 00:03:53 - Bulles de BD - par : Laetitia Gayet - Dans un futur proche, les humains sont menacés d'extinction après l'apparition d'Organos, des robots qui s'infiltrent dans le corps des hommes. Après le brillant Yan, les éditions Glénat publient le 3ème et dernier tome de Baby, une série plus ancienne du Taïwanais Chang Sheng. Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les autres épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      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.

We got a jam-packed show! San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle talks about how we should evaluate pre-season performances from veterans and rookies. He also discusses the importance of talent, confidence, execution, and opportunity when it comes to the growth of a young star like William Eklund.  Boyle also shares the hilarious inside story about when he shotgunned a beer at a Sharks' playoff game in 2019. https://twitter.com/SanJoseSharks/status/1126312518136127491 Insider Sheng Peng, prospects guru Keegan McNally, and Sharks Ice beer league champ Zubair Jeewanjee share their thoughts about how training camp is going for the San Jose Sharks. Sheng shares insight from Jack Han about an ill-fated Dmitry Orlov and Michael Misa exchange in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. We also share Stathletes' 2025-26 points projections for the San Jose Sharks. Zubair has points projections too, from his own algorithm! We also project the opening night roster! (We recorded on Thursday!) Dan Boyle starts with a story about director Danny Boyle! (12:42) Boyle opines on how seriously we should evaluate pre-season hockey (48:18) When did Boyle know that he had gone from hockey star to "nobody"? (54:00) Our thoughts about the San Jose Sharks' pre-season so far, including Zubair's thoughts about Tuesday's scrimmage (1:26:15) Jack Han is joining San Jose Hockey Now as a consultant! Han shared his thoughts about a recent ill-fated Misa/Orlov exchange (1:33:18) What are Stathletes' points predictions for the 2025-26 San Jose Sharks? (2:08:30) Our opening night roster predictions! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who are our 2025-26 pre-season top-10 San Jose Sharks prospects? In a throwback San Jose Hockey Now Podcast segment, it's just Sheng and Keegan together again to reveal their top-10. How much are Quentin Musty, Cam Lund, and Eric Pohlkamp trending up? Who's No. 2, Yaroslav Askarov or Sam Dickinson? Where do 2025 Draft picks Michael Misa, Josh Ravensbergen, and Haoxi (Simon) Wang rank? The general cut-off for prospects for this ranking, by the way, is 50 NHL games. Before our top-10 prospects talk, San Jose Sharks legend Dan Boyle, Sharks Ice beer league champ Zubair Jeewanjee, insider Sheng Peng, and prospects guru Keegan McNally discuss all the hot Sharks training camp topics. 18-year NHL veteran Boyle weighs in on the idea of a fourth-liner like Barclay Goodrow being named Sharks captain. We discuss Jack Thompson perhaps being at a crossroads in his Sharks' career. From Misa to Will Smith to Alex Nedeljkovic to Philipp Kurashev, who impressed in the Sharks' pre-season debut? (00:00:00) Introductions (00:00:24) Sponsor: Bring Hockey Back (coupon code: SanJoseHockeyNow) (00:01:13) Dating apps, boundaries & hockey fandom (00:03:36) Band tees & music rabbit hole (Tool, The Liars, Dumb & Dumber, Tarantino) (00:10:40) News/notes segue (00:11:45) Sharks captaincy recap: Goodrow vs. Toffoli, Ferraro context (00:16:04) Dan Boyle: What a captain actually does in the NHL (00:24:04) Do captains need to play big minutes? (00:32:00) Predictions: “C” now vs. bridge years without a captain (00:33:38) Jack Thompson's camp: tweener risk & path to NHL (00:39:05) Boyle's 80–90% rule for bubble players (00:45:48) Michael Jordan lesson: fail forward & keep shooting (00:50:30) Sports psychology & George Mumford (00:51:01) Dan Boyle signs off (00:52:00) Camp updates: illness return, cautious ramp-up, PP units (00:53:29) Klingberg injury; Dickinson power play looks (00:56:39) Preseason Game 1 takeaways & context (00:58:49) Smith/Dickinson connection — what translates at NHL speed? (01:00:57) Michael Misa's “winning details”: faceoffs, strength, denial without penalties (01:03:06) Group A/B practice reads — what they mean (and don't) (01:05:56) Musty's 2nd-period dip & in-game coaching adjustments (01:08:07) Roster math: waiver-exempt vs. earning trust (01:14:04) Goaltending: puck-handling as a hidden weapon (01:16:06) Nedeljkovic example: clean rims past pressure (01:16:53) Yaroslav Askarov's puck-handling upside — asset or risk? (01:17:29) Tandems & mentorship: Askarov learning from Nedeljkovic (01:18:24) Why this roster feels better constructed to win (01:19:11) Grier's summer moves: puck movers & more skill (01:19:42) Orlov's impact & easing Ferraro's minutes (01:20:29) Condolences to Mike Grier's family (01:20:53) Top-10 San Jose Sharks prospects intro (01:21:20) Honorable mentions & methodology (games cutoff, graduation rules) (01:22:30) Depth discussion: Graf, Mukhamadullin, Askarov, more (01:23:39) Bubble prospects & the “third tier” pool (01:25:03) Prospect tiers: Pohlkamp, Halttunen, Sahlin Wallenius, Cardwell (01:28:30) San Jose Sharks' surprising wing depth for Barracuda (01:29:45) Other sleepers: Roberts, Svoboda, Muldowney, Laubach (01:32:14) Honorable mentions wrap-up (01:33:39) Just missed Top 10 — Wang & Lund debates (01:37:33) Lund as a “poor man's Chris Kreider” comp (01:40:12) Sharks' wing depth & potential breakouts (01:41:48) Top-10 countdown begins Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian Sheng is the Co-Founder & CEO of Aquaria, an atmospheric water generation company changing the way our water is delivered. He talks about how the business model of water will change, likening it to Starlink, Solar, and lots of storytelling.

What Brian Sheng is doing with Aquaria isn't a pipe dream, it's reality. He's pioneering air-to-water infrastructure, creating a world where homes can get all of their water off the grid.Brian Sheng recently raised over $100 million in Series D for his company, and you can already buy his air-to-drinkable-water products today.It's one of those crazy, science-fiction sounding things that is actually true, and it's something we need so badly. This is one of the coolest companies and founder stories I've come across so far!➡️ ⁠Brian Sheng ⁠➡️ Aquaria

Study after study has shown a drop in mental health. That is especially true of young people and women. Sheng Lee Yang discusses her work with underserved, marginalized populations and the need for culturally sensitive therapy. Sheng is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Perinatal Mental Health therapist. She is a former professor who taught social justice issues, mental health, and advocacy to social work students. She is a first generation Hmong refugee and, most importantly she says, a proud mom. Us 2 Behavioral Health Care and Sheng can be contacted at Mental Health Services, Diversity & Inclusion Training in Appleton (https://us2bhc.org) The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm). More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill (https://www.dea.gov/onepill)   The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! In this episode of the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, Sheng and Zubair connect from London and Minnesota to dive into latest San Jose Sharks news, including a major arena update and Michael Misa contract speculation. They welcome guest Jesse Cohen (All The Kings Men Podcast) for a deep discussion on how the Sharks can take the next step in the rebuild — six steps back to respectability — drawing lessons from the Los Angeles Kings' rebuild in 2006 and first playoff run in 2010 before they won the Stanley Cup in 2012. This episode is packed with insights for San Jose Sharks fans eager to see their team rise again. ⸻ ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & intros (Sheng in London, Zubair in Minnesota) 0:42 – Teasing a very exciting next episode 1:12 – Sheng's London literary adventures & inspirations 3:20 – Music and nightlife in London (Blues Kitchen, Ain't Nothin' But) 4:04 – Sponsor shoutout: Bring Hockey Back 4:43 – Main topic: What steps do the San Jose Sharks need to return to the playoffs? 6:25 – Learning from the Kings' rebuild & playoff rise 7:50 – Importance of “the next step” (before dreaming of the Stanley Cup) 8:01 – Sharks arena deal: staying in San Jose through 2051 9:44 – Arena district vision & fan experience upgrades 10:44 – Michael Misa ELC signing speculation & Carey Price trade theory 13:37 – Sharks' contract limit challenges & cap mechanics, per Puckpedia 17:00 – What's a fair return for taking on Price's contract? 20:22 – Rookie Showcase & Rookie Faceoff timing for Misa? 21:11 – Canadiens' cap situation & desperation? 22:27 – Guest intro: Jesse Cohen (All The Kings Men Podcast) 24:01 – Jesse joins: background, Sharks-Kings rivalry, health update 26:02 – Step #1 for San Jose Sharks to return to respectability: Learn To Play Defense 29:01 – Possession, forecheck, and team structure insights 31:14 – Timing & roster construction challenges for Sharks 33:40 – Importance of middle-class support players 42:00 – Step #2: Be Honest About Your Players (No Sacred Cows) 48:00 – Patrick O'Sullivan-Justin Williams trade, and honesty in evaluations 53:00 – Sunk cost fallacy & Sharks' parallels 1:00:01 – Step #3: Don't Underestimate Intangibles (Jarret Stoll & Matt Greene trade, Ryan Reaves debate) 1:08:04 – Step #4: Best Players Must Be Your Leaders 1:20:01 – Step #5: Unheralded Prospects Have To Make NHL Impact 1:25:02 – Timing, flexibility, and San Jose Sharks' prospects development 1:26:17 – Jesse's Step #6: Get Players With Something To Prove 1:33:08 – The “steering wheel” analogy: importance of depth and role players 1:39:28 – Analytics vs intangibles debate 1:42:01 – Closing thoughts: Kings vs Sharks legacy, bar battles, future of the rivalry

Grenada lifts four-month suspension on Heng Sheng citizenship applications after finding no evidence of prohibited financing.View the full article here.Subscribe to the IMI Daily newsletter here. 

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! What does long-time NHL video coach Steve Peters think of the revamped San Jose Sharks? Peters breaks down ideal lines, shares his dark horse Shark this coming season, and more. (45:07) But before we get to Peters, Sheng discusses his thoughts about the Ryan Reaves trade. Why might this deal make sense from the San Jose Sharks' perspective? (3:37) Why did the Sharks land on free agent sniper Jeff Skinner? (25:24) How were these moves part of GM Mike Grier's possible grand plan for 2027-28? The Sharks are doing something different than the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers' rebuilds. (34:16) And now, Steve Peters! (45:07) How does Peters see the Sharks forward lines? (51:42) Who is Peters's sleeper Shark this year? (55:40) Peters thinks it could still be a challenge to find the winger to play with Smith at center. (1:04:31) Where does Reaves fit in? (1:10:45) Speaking up for Collin Graf. (1:13:18) There are a lot of bottom-six guys! (1:18:04) What about Michael Misa? Why might Penn State not be the best option for him? (1:19:33) How would Peters put together the San Jose Sharks' defense? (1:28:38) How much game do Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg have left in the tank? (1:32:22) Can Sam Dickinson stick in the San Jose Sharks' line-up? (1:40:15) Let's talk goaltending! Why does Peters like the addition of Alex Nedeljkovic? (1:45:39) Will the Sharks' special teams get better? (1:48:03) What does Peters think about the different neutral zone forecheck that Ryan Warsofsky instituted late last year? (1:49:54) Does Peters think this Sharks team is better than last year's opening night group? (1:55:20) Finally, I ask Peters about his experience as video coach for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup.

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! Are the San Jose Sharks better now than they were last year? (22:10) What's the trade value of their defensemen? (1:07:16) But before we talk about the state of the line-up, let's talk about other big Sharks news.  William Eklund and the San Jose Sharks agreed to an extension, why do both sides seem content with a shorter deal? (3:11) Let's talk about the Thomas Bordeleau trade, a potential Danil Gushchin trade, and fresh starts for both. Prospects Scrimmage impressions: When will we know if Michael Misa is NHL-ready? How about Sam Dickinson? (15:16) The San Jose Sharks signed Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg, Philipp Kurashev, and Adam Gaudette. They also traded for Alex Nedeljkovic and claimed Nick Leddy off waivers. Are they a better team now than last year before the Mackenzie Blackwood deal? (22:10) What's Sheng's projected forward group right? (25:06) GM Mike Grier says the Sharks are still looking for top-nine winger help too. How about Sheng's projected defense? (44:01) So are the Sharks better than last year? (1:00:14) It looks like the San Jose Sharks are trading a defenseman. Sheng spoke with multiple NHL scouts to get a sense of how they value San Jose's perhaps more expendable blueliners. (1:07:16) Mario Ferraro Timothy Liljegren (1:13:29) Henry Thrun (1:16:39) Jack Thompson Vincent Desharnais

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! How did we grade the San Jose Sharks' 2025 Draft? (46:54) Before we get to our thoughts, we break down the latest Sharks' news. The San Jose Sharks buy out Marc-Edouard Vlasic…why? (3:18) Congratulations, Joe Thornton! Jumbo is going to the Hockey Hall of Fame in November. (12:01) We preview free agency…we each make a Sharks' free agency prediction. Also, what are some realistic signings that San Jose should make? (15:45) And now, our thoughts on the San Jose Sharks 2025 Draft! (46:54) Michael Misa: Sheng describes what it was like in Los Angeles on Thursday, as all the Misa vs. Anton Frondell for No. 2 rumors were swirling. What are Keegan's thoughts about Misa and Frondell? (53:14) Josh Ravensbergen: Why does this pick make sense? (1:17:13) Haoxi (Simon) Wang: Keegan gets why the San Jose Sharks opted for Wang over Blake Fiddler. (1:26:52) Cole McKinney: Sneaky value pick? (1:40:34) Teddy Mutryn (1:49:49) Ilyas Magomedsultanov (1:58:13) Zack Sharp (2:04:10) Max Heise (2:08:41) Richard Gallant (2:13:11) Our San Jose Sharks' 2025 Draft grades! Sheng is higher on the Sharks' work than Keegan. (2:18:30)

Sheng Peng is here to report on the San Jose Sharks. Jesse and Victor interview Sheng about returning pros Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, Will Smith, Alex Wennberg, Luca Cagnoni, Alexandar Georgiev, and Yaroslav Askarov. In Cat's Instincts, Cat Silverman of InGoal mag breaks down Yegor Yegorov and Arseni Sergeev.  In the Dynasty Dig, Victor breaks down Luca Cagnoni, Sam Dickinson, and Igor Chernyshov with the help of scouting reports from FHL Scout Patrick Ploch and X polls from NHL Rank King Mason Black. Have a listen! Our show is part of the Dobber Podcast Network and sponsored by Fantrax.com. Email fantasyhockeylife@gmail.com and ask to join our free discord. Join our Patreon at Patreon.com/fantasyhockeylife for rankings, bonus podcasts, in-depth prospect reports with video, show notes and more. Check out our YouTube for more prospect videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPYVXp3foOcvh7344fjKmA. Listen and subscribe wherever podcasts are posted - and give us 5 stars! We want to be your best place to talk about the game of dynasty fantasy hockey

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! Chris Peters shares the latest Draft buzz. Could the San Jose Sharks opt for Anton Frondell over Michael Misa at No. 2? (32:08) But before Chris jumps on, what's the latest Sharks' free agency and Draft buzz? A note of remembrance about Chris Collins, the founder and GM of the China Sharks. (2:28) There's a little Mitch Marner to San Jose smoke? (Sheng still doesn't think it's going to happen.) (4:32) When does Mike Grier feel the heat? (8:15) What's going on with the San Jose Sharks' quest to improve their defense? Is a trade coming? (10:12) On the increasing Frondell at No. 2 rumors…what's going on? (21:21) Sheng still thinks the pick will be Misa. And now, Chris Peters! (32:08) Is the Matthew Schaefer to the Sharks' dream dead? Peters just had Frondell going to San Jose in his latest mock draft. What's he been hearing about Frondell over Misa? (34:35) Is Frondell over Misa just a smokescreen? (38:40) Who benefits from letting this type of information (or misinformation) slip out? (41:46) What's the argument for Frondell over Misa? (43:48) Discussing the perceived public gap between Frondell and Misa. (47:10) What does Chris think of a potential trade between the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks for No. 2? (53:26) What could the Sharks do with their No. 30 and 33 picks? A defenseman and another power winger? (57:18) Thoughts on Cameron Reid, Benjamin Kindl, Semyon Frolov, William Horcoff, and Kristian Epperson? (1:03:35)

Three-month investigation yields no over-financing evidence but removes 25 sub-agents as IMA introduces new requirements.View the full article here.Subscribe to the IMI Daily newsletter here. 

00:45 A flexible neural-implant that grows with the brainResearchers have developed a soft electronic implant that can measure brain activity of amphibian embryos as they develop. Understanding the neural activity of developing brains is a key aim for neuroscientists, but conventional, rigid probes can damage growing brains. To overcome this, a team have developed a flexible mesh that stretches with the brain and tested it by monitoring single neuron activity during development of frog and axolotl embryos. More testing and ethical considerations will be required, but the researchers hope that eventually such implants could help with neurological conditions that affect humans.Research article: Sheng et al.13:11 Research HighlightsThe exoplanet slowly evaporating into space, and cockatoos that have figured out an innovative way to stay hydrated.Research Highlight: Solved: the mystery of the evaporating planetResearch Highlight: Clever cockatoos learn an easy way to quench their thirst15:30 An AI-based way to repair damaged paintingsBy combining AI tools with mechanical engineering techniques, a researcher has developed a new way to speed up the restoration of damaged paintings. The technique creates a removable mask that can be overlaid onto a painting to cover any damage apparent in the artwork. It was successfully tested on an oil painting, fixing a large number of damaged areas in only a few hours. This could offer a significant speed-boost to painting restoration, which can often take months, or even years.Research article: KachkineVideo: Meet the engineer who invented an AI-powered way to restore art27:36 Briefing ChatA new ranking system could make it easier to spot universities that are chasing publishing metrics at the expense of rigorous science, and evidence that cutting off rhinos' horns deters poachers.Nature: ‘Integrity index' flags universities with high retraction ratesAP: Cutting off rhinos' horns is a contentious last resort to stop poaching. A new study found it worksSubscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With freshwater becoming more and more limited, our planet turns its sights to decentralized water solutions. Brian Sheng, Co-Founder and CEO of Aquaria, has developed a technology to capture the vapor in the air and turn it into liquid water. Joining Corinna Bellizzi, he shares how their Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) does its wonders to make clean water more accessible to all, from disaster relief efforts to residential homes. Brian also discusses the proper way to install, maintain, and power an AWG to maximize its output and potential.About Guest:Brian Sheng is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aquaria, building air-water infrastructure to produce scalable water systems that create clean drinking water from the air. Aquaria's mission is to safeguard and unlock global access to clean water. As a serial entrepreneur, Brian co-founded The Vanguard, Fresh VC, and he founded Asia Horizon. Additionally he served as a General Partner at The Arcview Group. Brian's seed stage portfolio is valued at over $3B with 2 IPOs, Fiscalnote and Clever Leaves. While attending Princeton University, Brian wrote his thesis on atmospheric water generation. Brian was honored as a member of Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2024, and Aquaria was named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2024.Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sheng/Guest Website: https://aquaria.world/Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquariaawg/https://www.instagram.com/aquariaawgShow Notes: Raw audio00:02:35 - Brian Sheng Of Aquaria00:06:19 - How Atmospheric Water Generator Works00:12:03 - Using Air Water To Put Out Forest Fires00:14:35 - AGW Infrastructure And Energy Requirements00:19:10 - How It Compares To Municipal Water00:21:21 - Installing AGW For Home Use00:30:08 - Lessons From The Private And Public Sectors00:34:54 - Aquaria's Pursuit For A Better World00:37:06 - Becoming A Public Benefit Corporation00:41:30 - Encouraging Potential Competitors00:46:23 - Proper Maintenance Of AGW Unit00:47:46 - Pushing Forward And Legacy Building00:49:56 - Creating More Things Out Of Thin Air00:51:24 - Keeping An Optimistic And Hopeful Vision00:52:27 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing WordsJOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE:

Monday's 9am hour of Mac & Cube rolled on with a look back at the UFL Playoffs and where Birmingham struggled in their loss to Michigan; then, Philip Sheng, sports law & NIL attorney, tells us how NIL will change in the coming years and what this means for the Olympic sports; later, Cole & Greg have fun look back at the championship matchups from the weekend including NBA Finals, Lord Stanley's Cups, and the French Op...Roland Garros; and finally, our friends in the ELF make a return appearance to our Bad Box Score(s) of the Day. "McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" airs 7am-10am weekdays on WJOX-94.5!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" airs 7am-10am weekdays on WJOX-94.5!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! Hello from Buffalo! Sheng is at the Draft Combine and we talk about what the San Jose Sharks can learn from the Buffalo Sabres' forever rebuild with Bill Hoppe. Hoppe has covered the Sabres since 2002, check out his work at Buffalo Hockey Beat! (43:38) But before we chat with Bill, Keegan and Sheng talk about Sam Dickinson and Kasper Halttunen winning the Memorial Cup, and the increased chatter about Dickinson making the San Jose Sharks full-time next year. (05:30) Why was a one-year contract for Shakir Mukhamadullin ideal for both sides? But could the Sharks regret it? (10:55) William Eklund and the San Jose Sharks have begun contract extension talks. Why is that a good sign? (15:00) With the Dallas Stars getting eliminated, we know the Sharks have the No. 30 pick of the 2025 Draft. What's the latest Combine gossip? (22:30) And now, Bill! (43:38) Looking back at the 14 years out of the playoffs, what can the San Jose Sharks learn about what not to do in a rebuild from the Buffalo Sabres? (50:40) What went wrong in the Jack Eichel era? Before Eichel was drafted in 2015, the Sabres had missed the playoffs with more competitive teams…what went wrong there? (59:30) How did the Sabres lose Sam Reinhart's loyalty? Breaking down the Sabres' 14 years in the wilderness, the first stage out of the playoffs was the last stages of an older, formerly winning team…the second stage was the Eichel era…the third era of the rebuild was post-Eichel and Reinhart, the Kevyn Adams era. How does Bill see the San Jose Sharks' rebuild coming along? (1:17:30) Speaking of the Sabres today, what's going on with defenseman Bo Byram? Why did Buffalo put him on the trade block? (1:30:10) Is there a chance that defensemen Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power could be made available? (1:37:10) What would the Sabres want in a trade for a Byram, are the San Jose Sharks a good trade partner? What's the importance of stability in management and behind the bench? Bill thinks Mike Grier is the man for the Sharks' job…if they stick with him.

This episode features "Emily of Emerald Starship" written by Ng Yi-Sheng. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/yi-sheng_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! Craig Button joins the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast to talk about the 2025 Draft! (41:39) He makes his case for Porter Martone for the No. 2 pick. But before we get to Craig, we discuss the San Jose Sharks' pending agreement to stay at SAP Center until 2050. (3:20) We talk about Egor Afanasyev and a hidden drawback about being the worst team in the NHL. Also, a mid-May heatcheck on the Sharks' RFAs (14:44). And does Keegan still want the San Jose Sharks to sign Mitch Marner after another Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff disappointment? (25:34) And now, Craig! (41:39) Button talks about Martone over Michael Misa for the San Jose Sharks in his post-Draft Lottery mock draft. (43:25) We talk about drafting for need vs. Best Player Available. (45:50) Could Matthew Schaefer drop from No. 1? Sheng brings up a historical comp in defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, consensus 2002 No. 1 pick, who dropped to No. 3. (56:00) Thoughts on Anton Frondell and Victor Eklund, who maybe went lower in Button's mock draft than expected? Button is really high on Sam Dickinson, and thinks that he's NHL-ready. (1:16:50)

Our analysts Adam Jonas and Sheng Zhong discuss the rapidly evolving humanoid technologies and investment opportunities that could lead to a $5 trillion market by 2050. Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Adam Jonas: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Adam Jonas Morgan Stanley's Global Head of Autos and Shared Mobility.Sheng Zhong: And I'm Sheng Zhong, Head of China Industrials.Adam Jonas: Today we're talking about humanoid robots and the $5 trillion global market opportunity we see by 2050.It's Thursday, May 15th at 9am in New York.If you're a Gen Xer or a boomer, you probably grew up with the idea of Rosie, the robot from the Jetsons. Rosie was a mechanical butler who cooked, cleaned, and did the laundry while dishing out a side of sarcasm.Today's idea of a humanoid robot for the home is much more evolved. We want robots that can adapt to unpredictable environments, and not just clean up a messy kitchen but also provide care for an elderly relative. This is really the next frontier in the development of AI. In other words, AI must become more human-like or humanoid, and this is happening.So, Sheng, let's start with setting some expectations. What do humanoid robots look like today and how close are we to seeing one in every home?Sheng Zhong: The humanoid is like a young child, in my opinion, although their abilities are different. A robot is born with a developed brain that is Large Language Model, and its body function develops fast.Less than three years ago, a robot barely can walk, but now they can jump, they can run. And just in last week, Beijing had a humanoid half marathon. While robot may lack on connecting its brain to its body action for work execution; sometimes they fail a lot of things. Maybe they break cups, glasses, and even they may fall down.So, you definitely don't want a robot at home like that, until they are safe enough and can help on something. To achieve that a lot of training and practice are needed on how to do things at a high success rate. And it takes time, maybe five years, 10. But in the long term, to have a Rosie at every family is a goal.So, Adam, our U.S. team has argued that the global humanoid Total Adjustable Market will reach $5 trillion USD by 2050. What is the current size of this market and how do we get to that eye-popping number in next 25 years?Adam Jonas: So, the current size of the market, because it's in development phase, is extremely low. I won't put it a zero but call it a black zero – when you look back in time at where we came from. The startups, or the public companies working on this are maybe generating single digit million type dollar revenues. In order to get to that number of $5 trillion by 2050 – that would imply roughly 1 billion humanoids in service, by that year. And that is the amount of the replacement value of actual units sold into that population of 1 billion humanoid robots on our global TAM model.The more interesting way to think about the TAM though is the substitution of labor. There are currently, for example, 4 billion people in the global labor market at $10,000 per person. That's $40 trillion. You know, we're talking 30 or 40 per cent of global GDP. And so, imagining it that way, not just in terms of the unit times price, but the value that these humanoids, can represent is, we think, a more accurate way of thinking about the true economic potential of this adjustable market.Sheng Zhong: So, with all these humanoids in use by 2050, could you paint us a picture in broad strokes of what the economy might look like in terms of labor market and economic growth?Adam Jonas: We can only work through a scenario analysis and there's certainly a lot of false precision that could be dangerous here. But, you know, there's no limit to the imagination to think about what happens to a world where you actually produce your labor; what it means for dependency ratios, retirement age, the whole concept of a GDP could change.I don't think it's an exaggeration to contemplate these technologies being comparable to that of electric light or the wheel or movable type or paper. Things that just completely transform an economy and don't just increase it by five or 10 per cent but could increase it by five or 10 times or more. And so, there are all sorts of moral and ethical and legal issues that are also brought up.The response to which; our response to which will also dictate the end state. And then the question of national security issues and what this means for nation states and, we've seen in our tumultuous human history that when there are changes of technologies – even if they seem to be innocent at first, and for the benefit of mankind – can often be uh, used to, grow power and to create conflict. So Sheng, how should investors approach the humanoid theme and is it investible right now?Sheng Zhong: Yes, it's not too early to invest in this mega trend. Humanoid will be a huge market in the future, like you said. And it starts now. There are multi parties in this industry, including the leading companies from various background: the capital, the smart people, and the government. So, I believe the industry will evolve rapidly. And in Morgan Stanley's Humanoid: A Hundred Report a hundred names was identified in three categories. They are brand developers, bodies components suppliers, and the robot integrators. And we'd like to stick with the leading companies in all these categories, which have leading edge technology and good track record. But at the meantime, I would emphasize that we should keep close eyes on the disruptors.Adam Jonas: So, Sheng, it seems that national support for the humanoid and embodied AI theme in China is at least today, far greater than in any other nation. What policy support are you seeing and how exactly does it compare to other regions?Sheng Zhong: Government plays an important role in the industry development in China, and I see that in humanoid industry as well. So currently, the local government, they set out the target, and they connect local resources for supply chain corporation. And on the capital perspective, we see the government background funds flow into the industry as well. And even on the R&D, there are Robot Chinese Center set up by the government and corporates together. In the past there were successful experience in China, that new industry grow with government support, like solar panels, electronic vehicles. And I believe China government want to replicate this success in humanoids. So, I won't be surprised to see in the near future there will be national humanoid target industry standard setup or adoption subsidies even at some time.And in fact we see the government supports in other countries as well. Like in South Korea there is a K Humanoid Alliance and Korean Ministry of Trade has full support in terms of the subsidy on robotic R&D infrastructure and verification.So, what is U.S. doing now to keep up with China? And is the gap closing or widening?Adam Jonas: So, Sheng, I think that there's a real wake up call going on here. Again, some have called it a Sputnik moment. Of course the DeepSeek moment in terms of the GenAI and the ability for Chinese companies to show just extraordinary and remarkable level of ingenuity and competition in these key fields, even if they lack the most leading-edge compute resources like the U.S. has – has really again been quite shocking to the rest of the world. And it certainly gotten the attention of the administration, and lawmakers in the DOD. But then thinking further about other incentives, both carrot and stick to encourage onshoring of critical embodiment of AI industries – including the manufacturing of these types of products across not just humanoids, but electronic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft drones, autonomous vehicles – will become increasingly evident. These technologies are not seen as, ‘Hey, let's have a Rosie, the robot. This is fun. This is nice to have.' No, Sheng. This is seen as existential technology that we have to get right.Finally, Sheng, as far as moving humanoid technology to open source, is this a region specific or a global trend? And what is your outlook on this issue?Sheng Zhong: I actually think this could be a global trend because for technology and especially for humanoid, the Vision Language Model is obviously if there is more adoption, then more data can be collected, and the model will be smarter. So maybe unlike the Windows and Android dominant global market, I think for humanoid there could be regional level open-source models; and China will develop its own model. For any technology the application on the downstream is key. For humanoid as an AI embodiment, the software value needs to be realized on hardware. So I think it's key to have mass production of nice performance humanoid at a competitive cost.Adam Jonas: Listen, if I can get a humanoid robot to take my dog, Foster out and clean up after him, I'm gonna be pretty excited. As I am sure some of our listeners will be as well. Sheng, thank you so much for this peak into our near future.Sheng Zhong: Thank you very much, Adam, and great speaking with you,Adam Jonas: And thanks for listening. If you enjoy Thoughts on the Market, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share the podcast with a friend or colleague today.

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! It's part 2 of a mega-2025 Draft Lottery mailbag! Part 2 is all about what the San Jose Sharks should do with the 2025 No. 2 pick. In case you missed it, Part 1 focused on how to improve the Sharks next year, especially on defense. https://youtu.be/LJPWjFPxZUg Let's get to the questions! Jeremy: What would it take to trade up to the No. 1 pick? (2:16) Nick Valderrama: Who would Keegan replace Sheng with? Is there a trade for the San Jose Sharks' No. 2 that we like? Sam: Thoughts about Martone? (18:02) Brad Fitzpatrick: Is Martone a much more serious possibility than we think? Austin Dias: How interested are teams around the NHL in the No. 2 pick? Ben: What does the package look like that would tempt Mike Grier to trade down? Matt Harrison: Who should the Sharks dangle for defensive help? The No. 2 pick? Which prospects? Astoverpix: Trade Musty for defensive help? Dylan Smallwood: Would you make this No. 2 pick/Noah Dobson trade with the New York Islanders? (34:54) GH: No. 2 pick for Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, or Bowen Byram? David: Will the San Jose Sharks make any jersey changes this off-season? Arch Mickel: What's the plan for Sam Dickinson? Beast: Offer Mitch Marner a short-term, max AAV contract? (52:48) Lincoln Race: Pitch for Marner? Boomer: Sheng's hockey background? Juan Rebollo: Do the San Jose Sharks pick more for need in 2026? Zeke: How can you tell if Mike Grier is excited? Should the Sharks target Anthony Stolarz or Joseph Woll? SwedeShark: How likely is it that the Sharks pick Victor Eklund? Joseph: How hard will it be for the Sharks to fill their holes via free agency? Tgraveline: How chaotic will this off-season be league-wide? Chris: San Jose Sharks' roster construction/needs next year? (1:12:43) Just Steve: Which teams do you think that the Sharks are likely to leapfrog in the standings next year? Matthias893: Keegan's favorite book on his bookshelf? Sheng's personal favorite basketball player? Fin Coe: Thoughts on Leo Sahlin Wallenius? James Barrett: What's the most valuable surplus in the San Jose Sharks' system? rphillips19: Where would Michael Misa and Matthew Schaefer be picked if they were in the 2023 Draft, 2024 Draft? Have all successful rebuilds actually drafted their top defensemen? Stephanie k: Is William Eklund the Sharks' most valuable (reasonable) trade piece? (1:37:53) Kyle J from Australia: Where would Sam Dickinson be ranked in the 2025 Draft? Chaz Marshall: Who goes to wing, Michael Misa or Will Smith? Should Misa stay in juniors, go to the NCAA, or the NHL next year? Anthony: How about trading the Dallas Stars' first for defensive help? Shaun Abuzalaf: Offer sheet Fabian Zetterlund?

Will Barbara Lee make actual change to the crime problem in Oakland or will she be an older, less funny Sheng 2.0?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! Keegan, Sheng, and JD Young team up to form a three-headed GM monster! (28:01) We discuss the next step of the San Jose Sharks' rebuild with the Locked On Sharks host. But before we get to JD, we talk about the San Jose Barracuda's playoff run and preview their series against the Colorado Eagles. Patrick Williams of the AHL and FloHockey shares insight on Barracuda-Eagles. (16:55) And now, JD Young! (28:01) What's the strategy if the San Jose Sharks get the No. 1 pick? Who would we pick at No. 2 or 3, if the Sharks lose the Draft Lottery? (44:45) Should the Sharks chase big UFA fish Mitch Marner? We each have a different opinion. (58:30) How should the San Jose Sharks improve the defense? JD has a smart under-the-radar suggestion. (1:17:12) What about in goal? Who should San Jose pair with Yaroslav Askarov? Sheng offers a fun (but wildly improbable) scenario. (1:31:40) Are there any sneaky trades that this three-headed monster would pursue?

We learn more about Sheng's corruption case from the San Leandro city councilman that went to Vietnam with her and the Duongs!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We complete our look at Luo's article from PKC Journal. We discuss straight line bagua and its function within the Gao Style.

The San Jose Hockey Now Podcast is sponsored by Bring Hockey Back! Mike Grier knows that the San Jose Sharks have to be better next year. We discuss Grier's end-of-season availability, and the direction of the Sharks this off-season (3:12). If the San Jose Sharks get the No. 1 pick in the Draft Lottery, could they trade it? Grier revealed on Friday that he got massive offers for the 2024 first-overall that became Macklin Celebrini. We also made up huge offers from the Chicago Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes last year…would you have taken them? What's next for the Sharks' free agents? (36:18) We discuss why Alexandar Georgiev didn't work, besides the obvious, and what free agent goalies could make sense to pair with Yaroslav Askarov? Keegan had a good one. What do we think about the Nikolai Kovalenko situation? (57:00) What do we think of Grier being in no hurry to name a captain for the San Jose Sharks?  Does moving Will Smith back to center preclude the Sharks from signing a center in free agency? Sheng doesn't think so. (1:15:08) Speaking of, did Grier take the Sharks out of the Mitch Marner sweepstakes by saying that he's not excited to offer seven or eight-year contracts to a free agent? (1:20:30)

This week, Leo Sheng from 'The L word: Gen Q' joins Mal to share his story of being adopted in China by an American lesbian couple, transitioning as a young teenager, and attempting to reconnect with his roots today. Leo details his trip to China and the experience of searching for his biological parents post transition.  Thank you to this episode's sponsor! • Blissy - Because you're a listener, Blissy is offering 60-nights risk-free PLUS an additional 30% off when you shop at https://Blissy.com/MADEPOD IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Made It Out was nominated for a Webby! Please vote for us, we have a big surprise for everyone if we win :) https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/limited-series-specials/diversity-equity-inclusion-belonging Follow our guest @ileosheng, follow the podcast @madeitoutpodcast, and follow Mal @malglowenke WANT MORE CONTENT? JOIN OUR SUBSCRIPTION COMMUNITY FOR NEW SHOWS, ASK MAL ANYTHING & MORE!!! madeitout.supercast.com For all other inquiries, please email madeitout@mgmt-entertainment.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Sheng is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aquaria, building air-water infrastructure to produce scalable water systems that create clean drinking water from the air. Aquaria's mission is to safeguard and unlock global access to clean water. As a serial entrepreneur, Brian co-founded The Vanguard, Fresh VC, and he founded Asia Horizon. He served as a General Partner at The Arcview Group, and throughout his career has served as a board member of Eaze, Beam Coffee and FND Technologies. Brian's seed stage portfolio is valued at over $3B with 2 IPOs, Fiscalnote and Clever Leaves. While attending Princeton University, Brian wrote his thesis on atmospheric water generation. Brian was honored as a member of Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2024, and Aquaria was named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2024. https://aquaria.world/https://www.nexuspmg.com/

Last time we spoke about the reunification of Xinjiang. In Yarkland, chaos erupted as inflation soared, forcing Chinese officials to retreat to fortified New City. As insurgents advanced, Colonel Chin's forces looted and fled, igniting violence against Uyghurs and Hindu moneylenders. By April, rebels captured Kashgar, fracturing Chinese control. Amid shifting alliances, Abdullah revealed a conflict among Muslim troops, leading to a brief Uyghur-Kirghiz unity against the Chinese. After the execution of leader Temur, Abdullah seized Yarkland, while Tawfiq Bay rallied forces, leaving the Tungans besieged amidst chaos. In the tumultuous landscape of 1930s Xinjiang, Ma Chongying's Tungan forces, alongside young Uyghur conscripts, captured Kumul and advanced toward Urumqi. Despite fierce battles, including a significant clash at Kitai, Sheng Shihtsai struggled to maintain control amid shifting loyalties and external pressures. As the TIRET emerged under Khoja Niyas Hajji, internal conflicts and Soviet interventions escalated. Ultimately, Ma Chongying retreated to Russia, leaving Sheng in power, but the region remained fraught with tension and uncertainty.   #136 Ishiwara Kanji Part 1: The Man who Began WW2? 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. “The board is set, the pieces are moving. We come to it at last, the great battle of our time.” Famously said by Gandalf the White. 1931 was the year the Japanese initiated a 15 year long war with China. For those of you who perhaps joined this podcast recently and don't know, I am Craig and I operate the Pacific War Channel on Youtube. I have been covering the 15 year long China War forever it seems, so when we finally reached this part in our larger story I sat down and thought about how to first tackle this. One thing I really believe needs to be said at the beginning, is a lot of what happened was put into motion by one man, Ishiwara Kanji. For those of you who joined my patreon or later listened to my Ishiwara Kanji series on my channel, this one might be a bit of a refresher. But for those of you who have never heard the name of this man, well let me tell you a story about how a single man caused WW2. Kanji Ishiwara was born on January 18, 1889, in Tsuruoka, located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. He was the second son of a policeman who hailed from a lineage of samurai that had historically served the Shonai Domain. This domain had a notable history, particularly during the Boshin War, where Ishiwara's clan supported the Tokugawa Shogunate. Following the defeat of the Shogunate, clans like Ishiwara's found themselves marginalized in the new political landscape of Meiji Era Japan. The power dynamics shifted significantly, with domains such as Choshu and Satsuma gaining the majority of influential governmental positions, while those that had aligned with the Shogunate were largely excluded from power. At the young age of 13, Ishiwara embarked on his military career by enrolling in a military preparatory school in Sendai. He continued his education for two years at the Central Military Preparatory School in Tokyo, where he honed his skills and knowledge in military affairs. In 1907, he entered the Imperial Japanese Military Academy as a member of its 21st class. After two years of rigorous training, he graduated in July 1909, receiving a commission as a Lieutenant and taking on the role of platoon commander in an infantry regiment stationed in the Tohoku region. In 1910, following Japan's annexation of Korea, Ishiwara's regiment was deployed to the Korean Peninsula, where he served in a small garrison in Ch'unch'on. His time there involved two years of occupation duty, during which he gained valuable experience in military operations and leadership. After returning to Tohoku in 1912, Ishiwara pursued further education and successfully passed the examinations required for entry into the Army Staff College in 1915. His dedication and exceptional performance were evident throughout his studies, culminating in his graduation at the top of his class in November 1918. This achievement earned him a prestigious place among the elite ranks of the Gunto Gumi, a distinguished group within the Japanese military, and he was honored with the imperial sword, a symbol of his status and accomplishments. In 1920, Ishiwara found himself facing a challenging assignment within the Department of Military Training. Eager for a change, he applied for service in China and was subsequently assigned to the Central China Garrison in Hankow. Over the course of a year, he traveled extensively through central China, immersing himself in the culture and landscape before returning to Tokyo in 1921. Upon his return, he took on the role of lecturer at the Army Staff College, where he shared his knowledge and experiences with aspiring military leaders. Despite his desire for another assignment in China, Ishiwara's superiors redirected him to Europe, a common practice for promising young officers at the time. He spent three years in Germany, where he dedicated himself to studying languages and military history. By 1925, at the age of 36 and having attained the rank of Major, he received a prestigious assignment to the faculty of the Army Staff College, where he lectured on the history of warfare. From the outset, Ishiwara distinguished himself as an unconventional officer. His eccentricities were well-known; he was often seen as argumentative and struggled with numerous health issues, including recurrent kidney infections, gastrointestinal problems, tympanitis, and other ailments that plagued him throughout his career. Additionally, his ancestry played a significant role in his military life, particularly in the context of the Japanese military's values during the 1930s. Officers from disgraced clans often felt compelled to demonstrate exceptional loyalty to the Emperor, striving to overcome the stigma associated with their lineage, a legacy of distrust that lingered from the early Meiji period. Ishiwara's character was marked by a certain oddity; he was a nonconformist with a fiercely independent spirit. Many biographers note that while he excelled academically, he often disregarded military decorum, particularly in terms of his dress and personal appearance. Early in his career, he voiced his concerns about perceived inequalities within the military, particularly the favoritism shown towards graduates of the staff college. Such outspoken criticism was considered reckless, yet it reflected his deep-seated beliefs. An avid reader, Ishiwara immersed himself in a wide range of subjects, including politics, religion, history, and philosophy, revealing a restless and inquisitive mind. His unconventional behavior and intellectual pursuits garnered attention from his peers, many of whom regarded him as a brilliant thinker. While military personnel are typically required to study military history, few pursue it with the same fervor as Ishiwara. He developed a profound obsession with understanding military history beyond the standard curriculum. His critical examination of the Russo-Japanese War led him to conclude that Japan's victory was largely a matter of luck. He believed that Japan had adopted the von Moltke strategy of annihilation, but the sheer size of Russia made it impossible to defeat them swiftly. Ishiwara posited that had Russia been better prepared, Japan would likely have faced defeat, and it was only through a unique set of circumstances that Japan avoided a protracted conflict. This realization prompted Ishiwara to advocate for a significant shift in Japan's defense planning, emphasizing the need to adapt to the realities of modern warfare. His studies extended to World War I, where he critically analyzed the distinctions between short and prolonged conflicts. He recognized that extended wars often evolved into total wars, where political, economic, and social factors became as crucial as military strategy. This line of thinking led him to categorize wars into two types: “kessenteki senso” (decisive war) and “jizokuteki senso” (continuous war). Ishiwara viewed these categories as part of a cyclical pattern throughout history, with each type influencing the other in a dynamic interplay. During his time in Germany, Ishiwara immersed himself in the study of prominent military theorists such as Carl von Clausewitz, Helmuth von Moltke, and Hans Delbrück. He found himself particularly captivated by Delbrück's concepts of Niederwerfungstrategie, or "strategy of annihilation," which emphasizes the importance of achieving victory through decisive battles, and Ermattungsstrategie, meaning "strategy of exhaustion," which focuses on wearing down the enemy over time. These theories resonated deeply with Ishiwara, as he recognized parallels between his own ideas and the insights presented in these influential works. This realization prompted him to analyze historical conflicts, viewing the Napoleonic Wars as the quintessential example of annihilation warfare, while interpreting the campaigns of Frederick the Great as emblematic of exhaustion warfare. As Ishiwara advanced in his studies, he became increasingly convinced, much like many of his contemporaries, that Japan and the United States were inevitably on a collision course toward war, driven by conflicting power dynamics and ideological differences. He anticipated that such a conflict would not be swift but rather a drawn-out struggle characterized by a strategy of exhaustion. However, this led him to grapple with a pressing dilemma: how could Japan effectively prepare for a prolonged war when its natural resources were evidently insufficient to sustain such an endeavor? This predicament prompted him to rethink the broader context of Asia. Ishiwara held a strong belief that Asia was a distinct entity, fundamentally different from the West, and he envisioned a future where Asian nations would liberate themselves and unite in solidarity. His enthusiasm was particularly ignited during the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, while he was a young cadet stationed in Korea. The prospect of China revitalizing itself filled him with hope. However, his later experiences in China led to a profound disillusionment. Throughout the 1920s, he encountered rampant banditry, conflicts during the warlord era, and pervasive chaos and disorder. The widespread poverty and instability he witnessed shattered his earlier optimistic vision of China's potential for progress and reform, leaving him with a more sobering understanding of the challenges facing the region. He wrote this during that time “Looking at the situation in China, I came to harbor grave doubts as to the political capacities of the chinese race and came to feel that, though they were a people of high cultural attainment, it was impossible for them to construct a modern state”. Despite his profound disappointment with the political issues plaguing China, he was equally appalled by the way his Japanese colleagues treated the Chinese people. He vividly recalled feelings of shame when he witnessed fellow colleagues in Hankow disembarking from rickshaws and carelessly tossing coins at the feet of the rickshaw pullers. This behavior struck him as not only disrespectful but also indicative of a broader attitude of racial superiority that he believed needed to be addressed. He frequently expressed in his writings that the Japanese needed to abandon their feelings of racial superiority. Ironically, he often juxtaposed this belief with his conviction that Japan had a duty to guide nations like China toward their rightful destiny. While he advocated for racial equality between Japan and China, he held a markedly different view regarding China's political landscape. Like many of his contemporaries, he believed that China required significant reform and modernization, which he felt Japan was uniquely positioned to facilitate. To Ishiwara, the pressing issue was that if Japan did not assist China in its development, Western powers would aggressively intervene, further subjugating the nation. He viewed Japan's role as one of liberation for China, rather than domination. Additionally, Ishiwara connected the impending conflict between Japan and the United States to the broader dynamics of Japan-China relations, suggesting that the outcome of this war would significantly impact the future interactions between the two nations. Ishiwara, like many Japanese military officers of his time, subscribed to the concept of Kokutai, a complex and multifaceted cultural phenomenon that served as a spiritual driving force within the Japanese military. The Kokutai can be understood as the essence of Japan's national character. Japan operated as a constitutional monarchy, embodying both the Kokutai (the national body or character) and Seitai (the governmental structure). This duality created a unique ideological framework: one aspect emphasized the traditional reverence for the emperor, while the other focused on the official government apparatus.   To simplify this intricate relationship, one might say, “Japan is governed simultaneously by the emperor and the government.” However, this characterization is inherently confusing, as it encapsulates a significant contradiction. Article 4 of the former Japanese constitution stated, “The emperor is the head of the empire, combining in himself the right of sovereignty, uniting the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, although subject to the consent of the imperial diet.” This provision suggests the existence of an absolute monarch who is nonetheless expected to heed the advice of democratically elected representatives, creating a paradox that would contribute to the tensions leading to the Pacific War. A critical issue that arose from this constitutional framework was that the military was explicitly stated to be under the control of the emperor, rather than the political diet. Consequently, many military leaders perceived themselves as being beholden to the Kokutai, an ideology that evolved significantly from the Meiji era into the Showa era. For instance, consider a high-ranking military officer who views the political elite as corrupt individuals who have effectively taken the emperor hostage, acting against his will and, by extension, against the will of the Japanese people. Such a perspective could lead to radical actions, including attempts to overthrow the government to restore what they believed to be the rightful authority of the emperor. This ideological conflict presents a fascinating and complex rabbit hole that merits further exploration. Ishiwara had a unique view of the Kokutai. In his early education he wrote this about his doubt on understanding it as a principal. “Even though I, myself, because of my training…had come to have an unshakeable faith in the kokutai I began to lack confidence that I could imparts this belief to others –to the common soldier, to the civilian, to non-Japanese”. Ishiwara grappled with a profound question: how could the concept of Kokutai—the national essence of Japan—be relevant beyond the borders of Japan? He pondered how its significance could extend beyond the specific national interests of Japan. If a Japanese soldier were to lay down his life for the Kokutai, what meaning would that sacrifice hold for individuals of different races and nationalities? Furthermore, he sought to understand how the Kokutai's universal value could be connected to other ideologies outside Japan. In his quest for answers, Ishiwara turned to Nichiren Buddhism. This spiritual framework allowed him to weave together his thoughts on warfare, historical narratives, and the national purpose of Japan. Interestingly, Ishiwara did not come from a religious background; he had briefly explored Christianity but did not pursue it further. Similarly, Shintoism did not fully resonate with his beliefs. Nichiren Buddhism, however, presented a compelling alternative. It is characterized by a strong sense of patriotism and an apocalyptic vision, positioning itself as a holy mission intended for all of humanity, with Japan at its center. This belief system embodies a quasi-ideology of world regeneration, casting Japan as a moral leader destined to guide others. Given this context, it is easy to see how the Kokutai and Nichiren Buddhism complemented each other seamlessly. By leveraging the principles of Nichiren Buddhism, Ishiwara envisioned a way to elevate the Kokutai from a strictly nationalistic doctrine to a more universal ideology that could resonate globally. His introduction to these ideas came through Tanaka Chigaku, a prominent figure in the Kokuchukai, or "National Pillar Society," which was a nationalist organization rooted in Nichiren Buddhism and based in Tokyo. This connection provided Ishiwara with a framework to articulate a vision of Japan that transcended its geographical boundaries, linking the Kokutai to a broader, more inclusive mission. After attending a public meeting held by Tanaka, he quickly converted to Kokuchukai and he would write down in his journal “I was attracted to the Nichiren faith's view of the kokutai”. Nichiren buddhism. One element of Kokuchukai's Nichirenism that strongly attracted Ishiwara was its aggressive passages. He justified much of Japan's military actions on the Asian continent by drawing parallels to Nichiren's concept of wielding the sword to uphold righteousness. He frequently quoted Nichiren's assertion that “the significance of the art of war appears in the wonderful law.” Ishiwara became deeply immersed in Nichiren's teachings and came to believe in its prophecy of a “Zendai mimon no dai toso,” or a titanic world conflict unprecedented in human history, akin to a global Armageddon. Following this conflict, he envisioned a period of universal and eternal peace under the harmony of “the wonderful law.” While in Germany, Ishiwara became convinced that if Japan and the United States were destined for war and the U.S. emerged victorious, the kokutai would be obliterated. He traveled back to Japan via the Trans-Siberian Railway, stopping in Harbin, where he met with Nichiren followers. He shared his thoughts on a “final war,” asserting that it would arise from religious prophecy and his military analysis. He cautioned that Japan must prepare for this impending conflict, declaring that “the final war is fast approaching.” Upon returning to Japan in 1925, he was filled with determination to lecture at the Army Staff College about this final war. His audience consisted of the army's promising young officers, to whom he taught about Frederican and Napoleonic campaigns, Moltke, World War I, and, of course, his insights on the looming conflict. The Army Staff College repeatedly requested him to expand his lectures due to their popularity. In 1927, he drafted an essay titled “Genzai oyobi shorai Nihon no kokubo / Japan's Present and Future National Defense,” in which he discussed the inevitable war between the U.S. and Japan. This essay garnered significant attention from his colleagues. Later, in April 1931, he briefed his fellow Kwantung officers using this essay, advocating for decisive action on the Asian mainland. In 1928, he was scheduled to give another course on European warfare, but he contracted influenza and had to take a leave of absence. As he was recovering, he developed tympanitis in his ear, which required a six-month hospitalization. This was just one of many health issues that would affect him over time. Eventually, he became involved in an elite study group focused on war theories, led by Major Suzuki. This group included young reformist officers who discussed political and military matters. He continued his work on the concept of total war and ultimately wrote “Sensoshi taikan / General Outline of the History of War,” which he presented as a lecture to Kwantung officers in Changch'un, Manchuria, on July 4, 1929. The work underwent revisions in 1931 and 1938 and was published as a book of the same title after 1941. As he began lecturing using Sensoshi taiken he also circulated amongst an inner circle within the Kwantung army “kokuun tenkai no konpon kokusakutaru man-mo mondai kaiketsuan / Plan for the solution of the Manchuria and Mongolia problem as a basic national policy to revolutionize our country's destiny”, what a title. As you might guess the plan called for occupying Manchuria in preparation for the upcoming war with America. By the way, all of his lectures and works would gain so much fame, he was asked in 1936 to adapt the materials for a text on military history for Emperor Hirohito.  The 1930s were a particularly tense period for Japan. The Japanese leadership perceived Marxism as a pervasive threat, believing it was undermining the nation. Many liberal voices argued that the military budget was excessive and called for cuts. To Ishiwara, this was madness; he questioned how Japan could afford to disarm. While Marxists claimed that communism would rescue Japan, liberals argued that true democracy was the answer. In contrast, Ishiwara and many in the military believed that the Kokutai would be Japan's salvation. Ishiwara advocated his final theories of warfare, asserting that the impending apocalypse would not lead to an American synthesis, but rather a decisive victory for the Japanese Kokutai that would unify the world. “Japan must be victorious not for the sake of her own national interest, but for the salvation of the world. The last war in human history is approaching, Nichiren's titanic world conflict, unprecedented in human history”. From the outset of his initial theories, Ishiwara was convinced that the final war would be characterized by a strategy of exhaustion. However, World War I and the advancements of the 1920s introduced new technologies like tanks, poison gas, and airplanes. The airplane, in particular, led Ishiwara to believe that the defensive stalemate observed in World War I was nearing its end. He argued that airpower could deliver bomb loads beyond all known defenses, including naval surface units, fortifications, and armies equipped with automatic weapons. Ishiwara predicted that the final war would unleash unimaginable horrors on the world's greatest cities. Cities like London, Shanghai, Paris, and even Tokyo could be devastated within a single day of the outbreak of hostilities. Air bombardment would deliver victory and he would be quite right about that in regards to what would happen to Japan. He believed such a war would be waged only once and “we will enter an age where war will become impossible because of the ultimate development of war technology”. Ishiwara contended that Japan should exert direct or indirect control over Manchuria and, to a lesser extent, certain regions of China. He claimed that Japan had a moral responsibility to the Asian continent and a unique connection to Manchuria and China. He emphasized the need to stabilize China, as its people faced threats from chaos, corruption, and conflict. Ishiwara argued that Japan would ultimately need to take a more proactive role in stabilizing China, especially in Manchuria, for the sake of peace and the well-being of the Chinese population. He wrote in 1930 “To save China, which has known no peace, is the mission of Japan, a mission, which, at the same time, is the only means for the salvation of Japan itself. To accomplish this task it is an urgent matter that the interference of the United States be eliminated”. Ironically, he was advocating that in order to prepare for a conflict with the US, Japan must take a stronger hand in Manchuria and China…which would probably force the United States to confront her. He advocated against the strategy of a decisive battle at sea, instead emphasizing a continental strategy. “If the worst comes about and the war at sea turns against us, if proper measures have been taken, Japanese forces on the Asian mainland can be made self-sufficient and the war continued.” Above all else, Manchuria was the key, alongside parts of Mongolia and China.  In 1931, he started advocating for reforms in China, suggesting that it would be beneficial for the country to accept guidance from Japan. He viewed China as Japan's most important ally in the event of a conflict with the United States. He argued that Japan should make every effort to avoid getting involved in a war with China and should strive to prevent any actions that might provoke such a situation. Yet as he continued his writing he began to see the diplomatic issues play out between China and Japan and came to the conclusion, “every attempt should be made to avoid provoking China, but in the event that it is impossible to bring about China's understanding, then Nanking should be swiftly attacked and north and central China occupied” way to go 0-60. His attitudes to Britain and Russia were quite similar, every effort should be made to remain friendly, but in the case of war Hong Kong and Malaya should be quickly occupied or in the case of the USSR, predetermined objectives inside Siberia should be seized quickly. Let's delve into the historical landscape of Manchuria during the late 1920s, a period marked by intense geopolitical maneuvering among Russia, China, and Japan. The region found itself caught in a complex struggle for dominance, exacerbated by the fragmentation of Chinese authority due to rampant warlordism. This instability effectively severed Manchuria's ties to the rest of China, creating an opportunity for Japan to solidify and expand its influence. The situation in Manchuria, often referred to as the "Manchurian Problem," revolved around a pivotal question for Japanese policymakers: How could Japan consolidate its hold over Manchuria and further its interests in the face of an increasingly assertive China? Japan identified three primary strategies to address this challenge: Control of the South Manchuria Railway: Securing this vital transportation artery would grant Japan significant leverage over southern Manchuria. However, this strategy was fraught with complications, as it necessitated ongoing confrontations with Chinese political forces that opposed Japanese dominance. Utilization of the Kwantung Army: This military force stationed in Manchuria was crucial for projecting Japanese power. Members of the Kwantung Army were particularly concerned about the Northern Expedition led by Chiang Kai-shek, which threatened the stability of their ally, Zhang Zuolin, known as the "Tiger of Manchuria." While Zhang had been cooperative and acted in Japan's interests, his support could not be guaranteed indefinitely. Japanese Colonization: This approach involved encouraging Japanese settlers to move into Manchuria, thereby establishing a demographic presence that could help legitimize Japan's claims to the territory. This method, often likened to a “filibuster,” aimed to create a Japanese cultural and economic foothold in the region. Each of these strategies presented distinct pathways forward, each with its own implications for the future of Manchuria and its relationship with China. The Kwantung Army, in particular, was increasingly alarmed by the rise of anti-Japanese sentiment as the Northern Expedition advanced northward. The army viewed Manchuria not only as a territory of strategic interest but also as a crucial buffer against the Soviet Union. The growing instability posed by Chiang Kai-shek's forces and the potential loss of influence over Zhang Zuolin were significant threats that needed to be addressed. Ultimately, many within the Kwantung Army believed that the only viable solution to secure Japan's interests in Manchuria would be to formally detach the region from China, a move that would likely require military intervention. This belief underscored the precarious balance of power in Manchuria during this tumultuous period and foreshadowed the escalating conflicts that would shape the region's future. In June 1927, senior officers of the Kwantung Army were summoned to a crucial meeting convened by Premier Tanaka Giichi. The primary objective of this gathering was to establish Japan's strategic policy regarding China and Manchuria. Within the ranks of the Kwantung Army, a more radical faction led by Colonel Komoto Daisaku was determined to eliminate Zhang Zuolin, who had increasingly become perceived as a significant barrier to Japanese ambitions in Manchuria. This faction's resolve culminated in the assassination of Zhang Zuolin in 1928, an event infamously known as the Huanggutun Incident, where a bomb was placed on the train tracks to ensure his demise. However, the outcome of this assassination did not unfold as the Kwantung Army officers had anticipated. Instead of the anticipated rise of their chosen puppet leader, General Yang Yuting, control of Manchuria fell to Zhang Zuolin's son, Zhang Xueliang. Unsurprisingly, Zhang Xueliang was deeply angered by the murder of his father and was far from compliant with Japanese interests. Consequently, the Kwantung Army found itself in a precarious position, as their aggressive policies in Manchuria backfired, leading to a situation that was even more unfavorable than before. The investigation into the assassination was notably half-hearted, resulting in the dismissal of Colonel Komoto from his position. This political fallout also led to the collapse of Tanaka's cabinet, leaving the Kwantung Army feeling both embarrassed and enraged over their diminished influence in Manchuria. The Japanese colonists residing in Manchuria, feeling increasingly threatened, began to call upon the Kwantung Army for protection against Chinese nationalists who sought to expel them from the region. In this climate of uncertainty, the Kwantung Army was left scrambling for strategies to detach Manchuria from Chinese control. In 1928, Lieutenant Colonel Ishiwara was consulted extensively by Kwantung officers regarding his perspectives on the Manchurian situation. Although he had not yet fully developed his Final War theory at this time, he articulated the fundamental principles behind it, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to assert control over Manchuria. Over the following years, Kwantung officers made concerted efforts to shape policy in favor of their interests in Manchuria, with Ishiwara's ideas gaining traction and stimulating discussions among his high-ranking peers. By October 1928, Ishiwara successfully secured a position on the Kwantung Army staff as an operations officer, with Colonel Komoto Daisaku as his primary supporter. Komoto recognized Ishiwara as the dynamic force needed to advance the aggressive Manchurian policies that the Kwantung Army sought to implement. This collaboration marked a significant turning point in the Kwantung Army's approach to Manchuria, as they aimed to solidify their control and influence in the region amidst growing tensions. When Ishiwara arrived at Port Arthur, he encountered a chaotic and demoralized atmosphere at the headquarters of the Kwantung Army. This turmoil was largely a consequence of the disastrous bombing of Zhang Zuolin, which had resulted in significant operational failures. The investigation into this assassination triggered numerous changes within the Kwantung Army's leadership, many of which were quite restrictive and stifling. Despite the catastrophic impact of the Zhang Zuolin incident on Komoto's career, he continued to advocate for a forceful resolution to the escalating Manchurian crisis. Ishiwara appeared to share this perspective, and during the early months of 1929, he collaborated closely with Komoto to devise military operations aimed at countering Chinese forces in the Mukden region. However, by the spring of 1929, Komoto's position became increasingly precarious, leading to his official dismissal. By May, he had been reassigned to a relatively insignificant divisional post in Japan, and by June, he was completely removed from the army. Nevertheless, this did not signify the end of his influence over Manchurian affairs. His successor was Lieutenant Colonel Itagaki Seishiro, a longtime associate of Ishiwara from their days at the Sendai Military Preparatory School. This connection suggested that while Komoto may have been sidelined, the strategic direction in Manchuria would continue to be shaped by familiar faces and longstanding relationships. 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. A young, brilliant but perhaps insane man named Ishiwara Kanji began a fruitful military career. After spending considerable time in China, Ishiwara came to a dramatic conclusion, China needed to be saved, and to do so Japan needed to invade Manchuria. He began lecturing like minded youth and built a cult following, directing Japan towards war with China.