Podcasts about Slovenia

Beppe, a native Italian, started his journey in active travel over two decades ago and, with the help of his wife Heather, co-founded Tourissimo, one of the top adventure travel companies in Italy. With years of expertise designing cycling and adventure tours across all 20 regions of Italy, Beppe and Heather have the inside scoop on the most authentic and unforgettable experiences Italy has to offer.So grab your espresso (or a glass of vino Italiano), and let's explore Italy region by region!Northern Italy: Adventure, Culture, and Alpine BeautyLombardy (Lombardia)Running along the Swiss border, Lombardy is Italy's largest and wealthiest region—a land of striking contrasts and cultural riches. Home to nearly 10 million people, Lombardy contains 12 of Italy's largest cities: Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Mantua, Pavia, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Monza, Sondrio, and Varese. The region blends modern sophistication with old-world charm, from the fashion capital and bustling metropolis of Milan to the serene, postcard-perfect landscapes of Lake Como.Lombardy is dotted with some of Italy's most beloved lakes, including Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Idro, and many more. Picturesque villages like Bellagio offer sun-drenched escapes along Lake Como's shores, while the medieval towns of Bergamo and Mantova enchant visitors with cobblestone streets, sweeping views, and centuries of history.Culinary lovers will be spoiled for choice with Lombardy's 60 Michelin-starred restaurants—3 with three stars, 6 with two stars, and 51 with one star. Be sure to savor the region's iconic Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused dish that's a local staple. Wine enthusiasts won't want to miss a glass of Franciacorta, Italy's sparkling answer to Champagne.November is a wonderful time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It's also the perfect season to explore Lombardy's slice of the Alps, where charming mountain towns await nestled among the peaks. For an unforgettable adventure, consider attending the 2025 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo!Tourissimo Tip– If you are flying into Milan, select the correct airport because Milan has two airports! For info, check out the following Tourissimo blog: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/avoid-this-common-travel-mistake-know-milans-two-airportsVenetoVeneto, the birthplace of Prosecco, Polenta, and the iconic Spritz, is a region rich in charm, culture, and culinary delights. Stretching from the Italian Riviera to the Venetian Pre-Alps and the stunning Dolomites, Veneto is home to both natural beauty and historic towns. Its capital, the enchanting floating city of Venice, is world-famous for its canals, gondolas, labyrinthine streets, and undeniable romance.Each of Venice's islands offers something special: admire the colorful houses of Burano, renowned for its lace-making traditions; visit Murano, celebrated for its centuries-old glassblowing artistry; and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Torcello. Exploring these islands by vaporetto (water bus) offers a quieter, more authentic glimpse into Venetian life. Tourissimo Tip–For a few more suggestions, check out Tourissimo's blog on the Venetian Lagoon: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/our-favorite-destinations-in-the-venetian-lagoonBeyond Venice, Veneto boasts a treasure trove of picturesque towns. Verona, Padua, Vicenza, and Asolo each offer their own distinct history and beauty. Visit Castelfranco Veneto for a charming escape or head to Bardolino to enjoy a boat ride on Italy's largest lake, Lago di Garda. Stroll the waterfront in Castelletto sul Garda or circle the freshwater moat of Cittadella, a red-brick medieval town full of character.In the countryside, the hills of Prosecco promise stunning vineyard views, while the medieval town of Montagnana offers a taste of the past. Nature lovers can visit the volcanic Euganean Hills in Este, and cheese lovers shouldn't miss the small town of Asiago, home to one of Italy's most famous cheeses.Veneto's culinary scene shines with 34 Michelin-starred restaurants—2 with three stars, 3 with two stars, and 29 with one star. Indulge in local specialties like Bigoli in Salsa, a hearty Venetian pasta with anchovy sauce, and toast with a glass of Prosecco, Grappa, or the regional favorite, the Select Spritz. And don't forget—Venetians love to celebrate, so let loose and join the party!Tourissimo Tips–Another fun suggestion is Veneto Marostica, the City of Chess, where they do a living chess match with hundreds of people dressed in medieval costumes every two years: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/marostica-the-city-of-chessPiedmont (Piemonte)Nestled at the foot of the Alps and bordered on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea, Piedmont is one of Italy's most underrated gems. With a diverse landscape that offers adventure and beauty year-round, this region is perfect for both winter skiing and summer hiking and biking, thanks to its stunning Alpine scenery.But Piedmont isn't just about breathtaking views—it's steeped in rich history and cultural significance. As the first capital of Italy, it boasts grand palaces, remarkable art, and sacred relics like the famed Shroud of Turin. The capital city of Turin is a vibrant hub, home to Europe's largest outdoor food market and the monthly Gran Balon flea market, a haven for vintage and antique lovers.Venture beyond the city and you'll discover a region bursting with charm and flavor. Tour the Langhe Hills, a paradise for vineyard visits, and sample Bagna Cauda, a warm anchovy and garlic dip beloved by locals. Wander the lakeside town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, or stroll the cobbled streets of Neive, where views of rolling hills and storybook cottages create an unforgettable setting. In Asti, you can witness the September medieval horse races and visit the majestic Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo. For a true fairy-tale escape, head to Macugnaga in the valley of Monte Rosa, a perfect base for both skiing and hiking. And just outside of Turin lies the hidden gem of Lake Orta, a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.Piedmont's culinary scene is just as spectacular. With 35 Michelin-starred restaurants—2 with three stars, 3 with two stars, and 30 with one star—the region is a paradise for food lovers. Dine in Alba during white truffle season (September to January), and savor iconic regional dishes like Agnolotti del Plin and Coniglio Arrosto. Wine enthusiasts will be in heaven here—Piedmont is the land of Barolo, the "king of wines," and Barbaresco, two of Italy's most prestigious reds.Tourissimo Tips:Piedmont is home to the Slow Food movement: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/why-piedmont-is-renowned-for-its-slow-foodTourissimo Tip–Check out this blog for a guide to a day of eating in Turin: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/a-day-of-eating-in-turinTourissimo Tip–One of the Best Meals of Your Life will be at the Piazza Duomo in Alba!Emilia-RomagnaLocated in central Italy along the Adriatic coast, Emilia-Romagna is a vibrant and diverse region known for its perfect blend of “slow food” and “fast cars.” This area is considered both the culinary and automotive capital of Italy, offering rich traditions, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.Food lovers will be in heaven here. Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of iconic Italian delicacies such as Mortadella, Tortellini in Brodo, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, traditional Balsamic Vinegar, Lambrusco, and egg-based fresh pastas like lasagna, tortellini, and tagliatelle. A visit to Parma lets you savor authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and world-class Prosciutto, as well as enjoy the elegant Teatro Regio opera house.The region also has a need for speed—it's home to legendary automotive brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. For car enthusiasts, the Ferrari Museum in Modena is a must-see. Emilia-Romagna even has a dedicated cycling tourism office, and in summer 2023, it played host to several stages of the Tour de France, which began in nearby Florence.Beyond the food and cars, Emilia-Romagna offers a range of enchanting destinations. The capital city of Bologna is known for its Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the scenic Santuario Madonna di San Luca. In Ravenna, marvel at the dazzling, colorful mosaics and the historic San Vitale Basilica. Along the coast, vibrant seaside resorts like Cervia, Cesenatico, and Rimini create a lively, carnival-like party atmosphere from late May through September. For a more peaceful experience, explore the medieval gem of Brisighella, a lesser-known treasure full of charm.When it comes to fine dining, Emilia-Romagna doesn't disappoint. The region boasts 24 Michelin-starred restaurants, including one three-star, three two-star, and twenty one-star establishments. Visitors are often struck by the warmth and generosity of the locals—some of the most hospitable people in Italy—who express their love through exceptional food and outstanding service.Tourissimo Tips:Did you know that there is a whole other country within Emilia Romagna? https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/san-marino-the-other-small-country-within-italyTourissimo Tip–Pietra di Bismantova was an inspiration for Dante: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/pietra-di-bismantova-the-inspiration-for-dantes-purgatoryTourissimo Tip–You can cross the Rubicon: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/crossing-the-rubiconTrentino-South TyrolNestled along Italy's northern border with Switzerland, Trentino–South Tyrol is a stunning mountainous region that blends Italian and Austrian influences, making it a top destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its striking Alpine scenery, exceptional cuisine, and rich cultural duality, this region offers the best of both worlds.The South Tyrol capital, Bolzano, is renowned for having the highest quality of life in Italy, combining the clean, efficient infrastructure often associated with Germany with the flavorful food and spirited lifestyle of Italian culture.Outdoor adventurers will be captivated by the Dolomites, with their dramatic limestone peaks—ideal for hiking, skiing, and breathtaking vistas. Don't miss the Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest Alpine meadow, which is especially stunning in spring and summer. Explore shimmering Lake Garda and uncover the region's medieval past through spectacular castles like Schloss Tirol, Castel Roncolo, and Castel d'Appiano.Tourissimo Tip–An off-the-beaten-path outdoor paradise can be found in the Alps of Trentino. Check out the Val di Sole. This is one of the areas that Beppe and Heather regularly go to on their personal vacations in Italy: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-wild-dolomitesThe culinary offerings here reflect the region's unique blend of cultures. Traditional dishes range from Bratwurst and Goulash to Italian-style pastas with hearty meats like deer. Foodies should try Speck, a savory smoked ham, perfectly paired with a glass of Gewürztraminer, a fragrant white wine native to the area. The region also produces excellent white wines and lighter reds that pair beautifully with its alpine cuisine.When it comes to fine dining, Trentino–South Tyrol excels with 33 Michelin-starred restaurants, including three three-star, five two-star, and twenty-five one-star establishments, making it one of Italy's most impressive gourmet regions.LiguriaLocated along Italy's rugged northwestern coastline, Liguria—also known as the Italian Riviera—boasts dramatic cliffs, colorful seaside villages, and incredible culinary traditions. The region is best known for the five picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, as well as the glamorous resort towns of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.Tourissimo Tip– If you visit the Cinque Terre, don't forget to look up, and hike up away from the crowds to see the heroic vineyards: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-heroic-winemaking-of-the-cinque-terreBecause of the narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs, many travelers prefer to explore the region via the local train or by public or private boat. If you're planning to hike the famous trails, be aware that entrance permits are now required due to landslides and overtourism.In the regional capital of Genoa, dive into maritime history, visit the iconic San Lorenzo Cathedral, and wander the city's old port area. Just outside Genoa, discover the secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey, accessible only by boat or footpath. In Vernazza, one of the Cinque Terre towns, visit the Doria Castle and the beautiful Santa Margherita Church.Liguria is also a celebrity hotspot, and its cuisine is just as impressive as its scenery. Known as the birthplace of pesto, the region is famous for Pesto alla Genovese, made with a special local basil. Be sure to try the region's olive oil, garlic, cheeses, and exceptional seafood, especially the anchovies. Other regional specialties include Focaccia di Recco, a cheese-filled flatbread, and lighter olive oils that perfectly complement Ligurian dishes.For fine dining, Liguria is home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants, all with one star, offering refined cuisine rooted in the region's coastal and agricultural traditions.Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Friuli)Tucked between Veneto, Austria, and Slovenia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a lesser-known gem that offers a unique blend of Alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and coastal charm. The region features part of the Dolomites, ideal for hiking, skiing, and capturing breathtaking scenery.The capital, Trieste, is a refined port city with a fascinating blend of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences. Don't miss the Miramare Castle, perched over the sea with stunning views. In Cividale del Friuli, stroll through cobbled streets and sample Frico, a savory, crispy dish made of cheese and potatoes, best enjoyed with a glass of Schioppettino, a bold red wine native to the region.For outdoor adventures and relaxation, spend a beach day at Lignano Sabbiadoro, camp in Sistiana, bike the trails around Grado, or explore the ancient Roman ruins in Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the enormous Grotta Gigante (Giant Cave), stroll through Unity of Italy Square, and tour the Revoltella Museum for modern art.Friuli-Venezia Giulia is also home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants, including two two-star establishments and five one-star venues, reflecting the region's quiet but impressive culinary scene.Tourissimo Tip– A hotel that Heather and Beppe love in Cormons is La Subida. It's a unique, high-end, and rustic property nestled in nature that boasts a 1-Michelin star restaurant: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/hotels-we-love-la-subidaAosta ValleyNestled in the northwestern tip of Italy, where it borders Switzerland and France, the Aosta Valley is Italy's smallest and highest region—a true mountain paradise. This alpine jewel is renowned for its dramatic snowcapped peaks, storybook castles, and a unique blend of French and Italian culture, as both languages are spoken here.The region is home to Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco), Europe's highest peak, which straddles the borders of Italy, France, and Switzerland. While the summit lies on the French side, visitors on the Italian side can experience the Skyway Monte Bianco, a breathtaking cable car ride offering panoramic views of the Alps.Key landmarks include the striking Matterhorn, the impressive Fénis and Savoy Castles, and the Bard Fortress, one of the largest and most remarkable fortifications in the Alps. After a day in the mountains, relax in one of the region's thermal spas, and indulge in Fonduta, a rich, velvety cheese fondue perfect for chilly alpine evenings.Wine lovers should sample the region's distinctive red mountain wines, especially Enfer d'Arvier, known for its bold flavor and high-altitude character.Tourissimo Tip–A fun tradition is the Friendship Cup, a communal cup of coffee: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-friendship-cup-of-valle-daostaCentral Italy: History, Art, and Rolling HillsTuscany (Toscana)Tuscany, the heart of the Renaissance, is a captivating region of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and timeless art and architecture. Located just below Italy's northern regions, it's a haven for art lovers, history buffs, and food and wine enthusiasts alike. From Chianti to Brunello di Montalcino, the region offers a wide variety of world-class wines.The regional capital, Florence, is one of Italy's most walkable and safe major cities, making it ideal for solo travelers. Admire its architectural wonders while sipping on Chianti Classico and indulging in a local favorite—Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Must-see landmarks in Florence include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David. For iconic views, head to Piazzale Michelangelo.Beyond Florence, explore the historic cities of Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano, each offering its own charm. Don't miss the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Siena Cathedral, and spend time in the picturesque public squares like Piazza del Campo, Piazza della Signoria, and Piazza del Duomo.For off-the-beaten-path adventures, discover medieval hilltop villages such as Sorano, or head to the Maremma coast for scenic beaches and bold wines. Tuscany also shines in its culinary excellence, boasting 41 Michelin-starred restaurants—including 1 three-star, 5 two-star, and 35 one-star establishments.Tourissimo Tip–3 places in Tuscany you didn't know existed: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/three-places-in-tuscany-you-did-not-know-existedUmbriaUmbria, often called the "Green Heart of Italy," is the country's only completely landlocked region, nestled between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche. Though it lacks large cities, Umbria more than makes up for it with breathtaking natural beauty, medieval towns, and a rich culinary tradition.One of Umbria's most impressive sights is the Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Falls)—the second tallest waterfall in Europe. Nature lovers and photographers alike will be amazed by its dramatic 165-meter drop. The region is also home to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy's most revered saints, and a major pilgrimage destination.Food lovers will delight in Umbria's hearty, earthy cuisine, featuring lentils, mushroom-based dishes, cured meats, and the prized black truffle (Tartufo Nero di Norcia). Pair these specialties with a glass of Sagrantino di Montefalco, a robust red wine unique to the region.Umbria's culinary excellence is further reflected in its four Michelin-starred restaurants: Casa Vissani, Vespasia, Ada, and Elementi. Each holds one Michelin star, offering refined takes on the region's rustic flavors.Tourissimo Tip–Norcia is definitely one of Italy's culinary gems: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/norcia-one-of-italys-culinary-gemsMarcheLocated in central Italy on the Adriatic side, Marche is a beautiful region with a population of 1 million people, known for its charming towns, rich history, and welcoming, hardworking culture. The region offers stunning destinations like Urbino and Ancona, along with pristine beaches such as Spiaggia della Due Sorelle, Parco Naturale Monte San Bartolo, Mezzavalle, and the Riviera del Conero, not to mention many picturesque nature reserves.Must-see landmarks include Castello di Gradara, Palazzo Ducale di Urbino, the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, Tempio del Valadier, and the breathtaking underground Frasassi Caves. Marche's favorite cities and nearby towns also include Gubbio, Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto, and Cascia.For those drawn to religious history, highlights include the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis, the Sacred Convent of Saint Francis, Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, and Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi, as well as the Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia. History lovers should visit Rocca Paolina, Piazza IV Novembre, Fontana Maggiore, Piazza del Comune, and Grotta di Monte Cucco, while museums like Narni Sotterranea, the National Gallery, and Nobile Collegio del Cambio offer rich cultural experiences.This region is famous for its culinary tradition, especially its mastery of seafood, and is home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants — including Uliassi in Senigallia, proudly holding three Michelin stars, along with one two-star and five one-star establishments. No visit would be complete without tasting Olive all'Ascolana, fried stuffed olives that perfectly capture Marche's local flavor. All of this, combined with the region's natural beauty and warm, fun, and friendly locals, makes Marche a truly unforgettable destination in the heart of Italy.Tourissimo Tip–Ascoli Piceno, the town where the Ascoli olive is from, is beautiful, especially at night when it appears to glow: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/ascoli-piceno-the-italian-town-that-glows-at-nightLazioLazio, one of Italy's central regions, though often considered a southern region by Italians, is a place rich with history, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. At its heart is the capital city of Rome, a destination overflowing with opportunities for exploration. Essential sites include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and countless other remarkable attractions. No visit to Rome is complete without savoring its famous dishes, including Cacio e Pepe — a creamy cheese and pepper pasta — along with local favorites like Spaghetti alla Gricia, Pasta all'Amatriciana, and Pasta Carbonara, best enjoyed with a glass of crisp Frascati wine while taking in views of the Colosseum. Lazio as a whole has 107 two-star Michelin restaurants and 105 one-star restaurants. If you find yourself in the Trastevere neighborhood, there are many wonderful popular restaurants, including La Scaletta and Le Mani in Pasta.Another must-see is Vatican City, home to the Vatican and its world-renowned religious and artistic treasures. In December 2025, Rome will host the Jubilee, or Holy Year — a significant Catholic Church event focused on forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal, held only once every 25 years and drawing pilgrims from across the globe.Beyond Rome, Lazio offers a beautiful coastline and peaceful countryside, perfect for travelers seeking quieter escapes. Among its hidden gems is Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman city that once served as the bustling port of Rome, located at the mouth of the Tiber River. With its blend of legendary landmarks, culinary traditions, religious significance, and off-the-beaten-path treasures, Lazio is a captivating region waiting to be explored.Tourissimo Tip–There's a wonderful project underway to create a cycle path around the perimeter of Rome: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/cycling-in-rome-grab-a-bike-and-bike-the-grabAbruzzoAbruzzo, known as Italy's green region, lies in the central-eastern part of the country and boasts a stunning combination of mountains, coastline, and unspoiled nature. Along the beautiful Trabocchi Coast, visitors can admire the historic trabocchi — ingenious wooden fishing structures built by fishermen centuries ago to safely fish the Adriatic waters, many of which have now been converted into charming seaside restaurants where you can dine on fresh seafood while suspended above the waves with sunsets as your backdrop. When it comes to dining, Abruzzo currently boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants; there are three 1-star restaurants and one 3-star restaurant. Food lovers shouldn't miss Arrosticini, the region's famous grilled lamb skewers, or a glass of bold Montepulciano d'Abruzzo red wine. Outdoor enthusiasts have countless opportunities for adventure, from swimming at the Stiffe Caves and strolling the Ponte del Mare to relaxing on the beaches of Riserva Naturale Guidata Punta Aderci and hiking to the iconic Rocca Calascio. Lakeside escapes await at Lago di Scanno and Lago di Barrea, while the towering Gran Sasso d'Italia and the expansive Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, and Lazio e Molise offer breathtaking scenery and pristine trails. The region is home to many national parks — Abruzzo, Lazio, Molise National Park, Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains National Park, and Maiella National Park — perfect for hiking, biking, trail running, and spotting the highest peaks of the Apennine Mountain Range. Cyclists can enjoy the Bike to Coast cycle path, a 131 km (81.4 mile) route running along the Adriatic coast from Pescara to Vasto. History and architecture lovers will appreciate sites like Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, Centro Storico di Sulmona, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, and the Medieval Village of Pacentro. For a uniquely tranquil experience, visit the enchanting Gardens of Ninfa. Abruzzo is also a fabulous winter skiing destination and keeps traditions alive with events like Transumanza, the seasonal migration of livestock, primarily sheep, between the high-altitude pastures of the region. With its mountain majesty, historic villages, flavorful cuisine, and coastal charm, Abruzzo offers something unforgettable for every traveler.Tourissimo Tips:More info on the trabocchi coast: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/abruzzos-trabocchi-coastAbruzzo Bike to Coast is a beautiful bike path along the coast: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/cycling-along-abruzzos-coastMoliseOne of Italy's most untouched and lesser-known regions, Molise is famously nicknamed “the region that doesn't exist,” though it's rich in history, traditions, and natural beauty. This quiet region offers a mix of beaches and mountains, including part of the National Park of Abruzzo within the Apennines mountain range, filled with abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and winter ski opportunities. Tourissimo Tip–The Region That Doesn't Exist: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-italian-region-that-doesnt-existThe capital city, Campobasso, is home to notable sites like Monforte Castle and several Romanesque churches, while the charming coastal town of Termoli draws visitors for its beaches, trabucchi (historic fishing huts now serving fresh seafood), and local specialties like brodetto, a traditional seafood stew. Along the Molise coast in Termoli, dining at a trabucchi offers fresh catches with a side of Adriatic views. History buffs should visit the Samnite ruins in the Pietrabbondante archaeological area, the well-preserved Saepinum Archaeological Area, and landmarks like Lago di Castel San Vincenzo, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Purification, Monforte Castle, and the Basilica of Saint Mary of Sorrow. A must-see is the Marinelli Bell Foundry, founded in 1339. It's the oldest continuously operating bell foundry in the world, Italy's oldest family business, and the official provider of bells to the Vatican. Food lovers can sample Cavatelli, a local pasta specialty, paired with Tintilia, a rare red wine unique to Molise. The region is also home to seven one-star Michelin restaurants and several local food tours that showcase its rustic culinary traditions. While Molise's quiet charm and untouched landscapes make it a special destination, visitors should note that English is not widely spoken, making it a truly authentic Italian experience for those eager to explore one of the country's hidden gems.Southern Italy: Sun, Sea, and Ancient WondersCampania The birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, the Mediterranean Diet, and Mozzarella di Bufala, Campania is one of Italy's most vibrant and culturally rich regions. Home to the bustling regional capital Naples (Napoli), it boasts some of the country's most iconic destinations, including Pompeii, the stunning Amalfi Coast, and the tranquil Cilento Coast.Along the sparkling, deep-blue waters of the Golfo di Napoli, you'll find must-visit coastal towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, as well as the famous islands of Ischia, Capri, and the colorful Procida. Visitors can hike the breathtaking Path of the Gods, explore the hauntingly preserved ruins of Archaeological Pompeii, forever shadowed by the gray cone of Mt. Vesuvius, and savor the region's culinary gems like ultra-fresh seafood and crisp Falanghina wine.History and culture lovers shouldn't miss Sansevero Chapel Museum, San Carlo Theatre, the Catacombs of San Gennaro, and the lush Villa Cimbrone Gardens. Campania also impresses with its historic castles, including the Royal Palace of Caserta, Ovo Castle, and Castello Aragonese d'Ischia. Wine enthusiasts should head to the province of Avellino, known for producing some of the best wines in southern Italy.Tourissimo Tip–Wine is also grown inland on the Amalfi Coast, and there are some vines that are 250 years old (pre-phylloxera): https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/old-vines-on-the-amalfi-coastNature lovers will be drawn to the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and cultural heritage, featuring ancient ruins like Paestum and Velia, the majestic Padula Charterhouse, and idyllic coastal villages.Campania is also a paradise for food lovers, home to 51 Michelin-starred restaurants, including one three-star, eight two-star, and forty-two one-star establishments. From world-famous landmarks to hidden treasures, Campania offers an irresistible blend of history, nature, food, and coastal charm.CalabriaWith its rugged coastlines, dramatic landscapes, and hidden treasures, Calabria is a must-visit region in southern Italy. Known for its bold flavors and rich culinary traditions, visitors should sample 'Nduja, a spicy, spreadable sausage paste, and the region's famous Calabrian chiles. The local cuisine embraces cucina povera, a tradition of simple, hearty dishes featuring handmade pasta made with just flour and water. Calabria offers a growing fine dining scene with six one-star Michelin restaurants. For nature lovers, Calabria is home to three stunning national parks — Sila, Aspromonte, and Pollino — ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and immersing in untouched landscapes. Along the coast, Capo Vaticano stands out as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, offering breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters. History buffs and castle enthusiasts can explore impressive fortresses like Castello Ruffo di Scilla, Castello Murat, Castello di Le Castella, and Castello Aragonese. Don't miss charming towns and villages such as Tropea, famous for its clifftop views and beaches, as well as Scilla, Pentedattilo, and Le Castella. With its authentic culture, stunning coastlines, flavorful cuisine, and rich history, Calabria remains one of Italy's most captivating yet underrated regions.Tourissimo Tip–Way off the beaten path, lies a  unique museum in Mammola, Calabria https://calabriastraordinaria.it/en/news/visit-to-musaba-the-sistine-chapel-of-calabriaPugliaKnown as the Maldives of Italy, Puglia is a sun-drenched region celebrated for its whitewashed hill towns, ancient olive groves, and miles of stunning coastline. With a dry Mediterranean climate and scenery that often feels more Greek than Italian, Puglia is famed for its beaches in Salento, crystal-clear waters, and charming seaside towns. One of its most iconic sights is the fairytale-like trulli houses of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region is also a food lover's paradise, offering specialties like Orecchiette pasta with turnip greens, the classic Fave e Cicoria (fava bean purée with wild chicory), and fresh seafood paired with crisp vegetables. Wine lovers can savor Primitivo, a bold local red. For fine dining, the region boasts nine one-star Michelin restaurants, blending rustic flavors with refined culinary creativity.Puglia is dotted with unique cities and towns worth exploring, including Locorotondo, Otranto, Lecce, Monopoli, Ostuni, Gallipoli, Bari, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare. Nature and history enthusiasts will enjoy visiting extraordinary sites like the Grotte di Castellana, the dramatic Cave of Poetry, the ancient Basilica San Nicola, and the scenic Gargano Peninsula. With its thousand-year-old olive trees, Puglia is the largest olive oil producer in the world, known for its strong, spicy oils. The locals here are famously warm and welcoming, going out of their way to make visitors feel at home.Puglia's blend of natural beauty, rich tradition, and heartfelt hospitality makes it one of Italy's most captivating and underrated destinations.Tourissimo Tip–Here are some of the gems of Puglia: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/some-of-the-gems-of-pugliaBasilicataBasilicata, a remote yet captivating region with a population of just 500,000, offers a wealth of unique experiences despite its secluded location. Among its most intriguing destinations are the ghost town of Craco and the ancient cave city of Matera, both steeped in history and cinematic charm. Other towns worth visiting include Maratea and Palombaroa, each offering its own cultural and scenic appeal.Tourissimo Tip–Matera is magical! https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/destination-highlight-matera-the-city-of-stonesThe region is rich in historical and religious landmarks, such as the Crypt of Original Sin with its remarkable frescoes, and the medieval Melfi Castle. Don't miss the towering Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Maratea, a striking monument that overlooks the Tyrrhenian coast.For a taste of local flavor, try Peperoni Cruschi—crispy, sun-dried peppers that are a beloved regional delicacy. Basilicata is also known for its exceptional wines, especially the bold, full-bodied reds of Aglianico del Vulture DOC, made primarily from the Aglianico grape. White wine lovers will appreciate the region's Greco di Tufo and Fiano varietals as well. Basilicata also has a total of 14 one-star Michelin restaurants. Adventurers can experience an adrenaline rush on The Angel's Flight, a giant zip line that offers stunning views and a thrilling ride through the Lucanian landscape.SicilySicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a world of its own, offering a diverse landscape of coastlines, mountains, and magical towns such as Cefalù, Palermo, Taormina, Catania, Noto, Agrigento, and Syracuse. Palermo serves as the cultural and diplomatic capital of the region, while Catania stands as its business hub.A volcanic island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sicily boasts a rich collection of cultural and natural treasures. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples, the active volcano Mount Etna, the stunning Duomo di Cefalù, and the picturesque islands of Stromboli, Bella, and Ortigia. The region is also home to the renowned Baroque Triangle in the Val di Noto region of southeastern Sicily, where the eight towns of Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, and Scicli have been recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding examples of late Baroque architecture.Sicily's culinary scene is just as impressive. Indulge in traditional Sicilian cannoli, filled with sheep's milk ricotta cheese and always stuffed fresh to order. Take a street food tour to savor local favorites like arancini, and don't miss sipping on a glass of Nero d'Avola, one of Sicily's most famous wines. The region is also internationally celebrated for its top-tier agriculture and winemaking.For a taste of authentic Italian charm beyond the tourist trail, explore the towns featured in I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia—Italy's list of its most beautiful hidden gems. Tourissimo Tip–This is a great tip for all 20 regions of Italy. Find out more here: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/the-most-beautiful-small-towns-in-italyFood lovers will be delighted to know that Sicily is also home to 23 Michelin-starred restaurants, including three two-star establishments and twenty with one star.Tourissimo Tip–If you visit Corleone, you should definitely learn about the legacy of the Mafia. We in North America tend to have a romanticized view of the mafia, but for the locals, the history is more brutal. See some photos and learn more here: https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/letizia-battaglia-groundbreaking-photojournalist-who-fearlessly-documented-the-mafia-in-her-native-sicilySardiniaSardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, is a rugged, rural paradise known for its natural beauty, deep-rooted traditions, and ancient history. The island is home to features like the Apennine Coast, the Adriatic Coast, and the Apennine Mountains. Most of Sardinia's population lives in the capital region of Cagliari, but much of the island remains untouched, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic Italian island life.One of Sardinia's most fascinating distinctions is that the Barbagia region is recognized as a Blue Zone—an area with an unusually high number of centenarians. This longevity is attributed to the region's healthy diet, active lifestyle, and strong sense of community. For outdoor enthusiasts, inland Sardinia offers some of the best biking and hiking experiences in all of Italy.Tourissimo Tip–What is a Blue Zone? https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/blue-zoneThe island's coastlines are just as enticing. Costa Smeralda is often described as paradise on earth, with stunning beaches like Spiaggia di Tuerredda, Cala Goloritzé, and Spiaggia di Porto Giunco perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Don't miss the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena), a protected area with crystal-clear waters and pristine landscapes.Charming towns such as Alghero, Bosa, and Cagliari add to the island's appeal. Many of Sardinia's towns are nestled in the mountains located in the island's center, offering a peaceful and scenic escape.Cultural and historical attractions abound. Must-see sites include the Nora Archaeological Park, Bastione di Saint Remy, Parco Archeologico Naturalistico di Santa Cristina, and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari. For an unforgettable natural wonder, venture into the Frecce delle grotte srl and Neptune's Grotto, stunning sea caves accessible by boat or stairs carved into cliffs.Sardinia is also home to a unique ancient civilization. Scattered across the island are over 7,000 nuraghe—megalithic stone structures built during the Nuragic Age (c. 1900–730 BC). These mysterious, tower-like buildings are the island's most iconic symbol, and some scholars believe there were once over 10,000 nuraghe structures in total.Religious architecture also impresses, with highlights like the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Cecilia, the Church of the Holy Trinity of Saccargia, and the Basilica di San Simplicio showcasing Sardinia's spiritual and artistic heritage.Sardinian cuisine reflects its mountainous geography. Surprisingly, for an island, the diet leans more toward land-based ingredients than seafood. Signature dishes include Porceddu (roast pig), Fregola (a traditional Sardinian pasta), and the adventurous Casu marzu—a sheep's milk cheese intentionally infested with live maggots and considered a local delicacy. Sardinia also holds 16 one-star Michelin restaurants.To accompany these flavors, try a glass of Cannonau red wine, known for its high polyphenol content and potential health benefits, or the refreshing Vermentino white wine, perfect for warm Mediterranean days.Tourissimo Tip–Magic Trick or Pasta Making? https://www.tourissimo.travel/blog/magic-trick-or-pasta-making From the Alps to the Mediterranean, each Italian region is a world of its own. Want to see it all? Check out Tourissimo's amazing trip planning and Italian information at tourissimo.travel! Buon viaggio!From the Alps to the Mediterranean, each Italian region is a world of its own. Want to see it all? Check out Tourissimo's amazing trip planning and Italian information at tourissimo.travel! Buon viaggio! 

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/678  We dive deep into the journey of Wim Coorevits, Microsoft's Community Lead for Business Apps, exploring his evolution from Belgian developer to global Microsoft innovator and the changing landscape of business applications.TAKEAWAYS• Started career as a developer in a marketing agency, discovering his passion for bridging technology and business• Became a .NET trainer surrounded by MVPs who inspired his community involvement• Earned MVP status in the Dynamics CRM space through sharing knowledge and expertise• Transitioned to pre-sales, leveraging broad Microsoft technology knowledge to solve business problems• Joined Microsoft as a Partner Technology Strategist before making the leap to product marketing• Relocated from Belgium to the US for a role with Office 365 before finding his way to Power Platform• Became known for creating demos shown "on every single stage in the world" during Power Platform's early days• Now leads the Business Apps community team overseeing evangelism, community forums, advocacy programs, and events• Team builds demos for keynotes and major events, focusing on real customer scenarios rather than fictional companies• Currently developing an event tiering strategy to objectively determine how to support the many community events worldwideToday, Wim's team not only builds the demos you see in major keynotes and launch events but also manages the forums, advocacy programs, and community engagement that sustain the vibrant Business Apps ecosystem. His insights into how Microsoft determines which community events to support and the challenges of scaling community engagement provide a rare glimpse into the strategy behind Microsoft's community presence. This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

New GenerationsGet ConnectedPyry & Ani Winters support pagePyry and Ani Winter are Finns serving in Turku, on Finland's west coast. Recognizing future generations may not find God in the established church, they are focusing on disciple-making movements. These are intended to inspire believers to share Jesus within their social spheres and consistently live the Kingdom ethic.God has given Pyry and Ani a deep love for people, and crystalised their vision for making disciples who make disciples throughout Finland and to the whole of Europe. This led to the establishment of a robust Finnish disciple making network, including active teams in seven cities across the country. Everyday Finns are being trained to make disciples within their relational networks. The Winters provide coaching and training to leaders in Austria, Portugal, and Slovenia. God regularly provides new opportunities for further expansion of the ministry vision.

“I can always return and do the same thing here, but I need to go somewhere and experience a different culture.”This episode with Alenka Moze was a beautiful journey across cultures, creativity, and finding purpose. Alenka is a Slovenian actor, singer, writer, and teacher who has made Vietnam her home. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and following your artistic calling—even when it means starting over in a completely new country.We talked about everything from her first impressions of Vietnam's wild traffic and intense heat, to her love of summer rolls and morning glory. But more than that, we dug into deeper themes—what it means to live in alignment with your passions, the healing power of the arts, and how community theater and emerging vertical films are creating space for creativity in Vietnam.If you're curious about the arts scene in Vietnam, how expats are contributing to creative communities, or just want an inspiring story of someone who's bravely followed her heart—you'll love this one.Key TakeawaysDiscussion about the small Slovenian community in Vietnam and their interactions.Alenka's transition from teaching in Slovenia to pursuing a career in the arts in Vietnam.Reflections on the differing perspectives on the Vietnam War between Slovenians, Americans, and Vietnamese.Alenka's first impressions of Vietnam, including the traffic, heat, and cultural adjustments.The challenges and opportunities of producing English language plays in Vietnam.Chapters and Timestamps00:03:22 - Slovenian"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/676  Andrew Welch, Chris Huntingford, and William Dorrington explore the gap between marketed AI capabilities and technical reality, highlighting how "autonomous agents" often lack true orchestration and memory needed for genuine autonomy.TAKEAWAYS• Home gym innovation with resistance training that uses AI to adjust to your goals and fatigue levels• Analysis of the US AI policy focusing on "US-made AI" compared to more detailed EU and UK frameworks• The increasing fracturing of the global technology landscape with nations prioritizing domestic innovation• Calling out marketing hype around "autonomous agents" that are merely deterministic automation with fancy names• The critical need for memory capabilities in AI to enable true contextual understanding• How delegation skills will become essential as we move toward more capable AI systems• Creative workflows using Copilot for structuring ideas while preserving unique voiceThis year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/675The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the future of meetings in a hybrid world. Jeff Hardison shares insights from Calendly's research showing growing excitement about AI's role in making meetings more effective, while also noting the pendulum swing between asynchronous communication and the irreplaceable value of human connection.   Scheduling software Calendly has evolved from a simple time-finding tool into a comprehensive platform for building meaningful business relationships with over 20 million users worldwide.TAKEAWAYS• Calendly was founded by Tope Awotona, who wanted to solve the problem of coordinating meetings across different schedules and time zones• The platform has expanded beyond basic scheduling to offer team-based coordination, automated notifications, and integration with payment systems like Stripe• Calendly positions itself as "neutral Switzerland" between different platforms, integrating with Microsoft, Google, Zoom, Teams, and various CRM systems• 54% of people surveyed are excited about AI's potential role in making meetings more effective• The future of meetings will balance asynchronous communication tools with synchronous human connection• Video communication skills are increasingly essential as remote work and freelancing continue to grow• Microsoft-specific integrations include Outlook, Teams, Dynamics CRM, and Power AutomateCheck out the Calendly for Microsoft webinar and integration page to learn more about connecting your Microsoft ecosystem with Calendly's scheduling capabilities.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

For our third week of Eurovision previews, we’re joined by Dutch ESC podcaster and media member extraordinaire GJ Kooijman! This week we’re discussing the offerings from Iceland, France, Ireland, Slovenia, […]

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/674Amber Bell shares her journey from receptionist at a GP partner to Microsoft MVP, discovering her passion for training and documentation along the way.TAKEAWAYS• Starting as a receptionist at a Microsoft Great Plains partner in San Diego• Moving up through certifications and discovering a love for training instead of programming• Founding Training Dynamo nine years ago to focus on empowering users through education• Helping clients bridge from GP to Business Central through process review and data cleanup• Finding value in community connections with mentors like Kim Peterson and Anya Jucherski• Emphasizing the importance of involving accounting teams in system transitions• Growing from imposter syndrome to recognizing the value of specialized training skills• Living near the beach in Connecticut with a love for making Mexican food and gardeningIf you have not checked it out already, I do a YouTube series called How to Become an MVP. The link is in the show notes.OTHER RESOURCES:

If you've been in our community for a while, you've probably seen the name Viktor Schauberger pop up.Whenever we post about him—engagement spikes—comments flood in.It's no wonder.He's a legend in electroculture circles.Dubbed the Water Wizard, Schauberger spent his life studying the hidden intelligence of nature.He built spiral flumes that floated timber uphill. Machines that mimicked trout swimming upstream.His belief? That life flows in spirals, not straight lines—and that true innovation comes from observing and cooperating with those patterns.But his work didn't stop at water.Schauberger also turned his attention to agriculture.And he noticed something that most people overlooked:Steel and iron tools, when overused or misapplied, disturb the soil.He saw it firsthand—fields cultivated with iron implements often showed signs of fatigue. Crops weakened. The land grew less responsive.It wasn't that steel was inherently “bad”—in fact, in the right hands and placed with intention, ferromagnetic materials can amplify the Earth's magnetic field.That's the basis of magnetoculture.But left unchecked, iron particulates introduced into the soil from constant tilling or rust can:* Dry out the top layer* Disrupt soil magnetism* Interfere with microbial and energetic balanceSchauberger's solution?Copper.Together with engineer Franz Rosenberger, he designed a series of copper and zinc plows—some modeled on natural patterns, including one that mimicked the digging action of a mole.Yes a mole.The result?Yields increased by 30%.No chemicals. No inputs. Just better tools, aligned with nature's own intelligence.Why Copper Tools Work With Nature, Not Against ItSo—why does it work?Schauberger believed the answer was diamagnetism.Diamagnetic materials like copper, carbon, and water don't hold or distort magnetic fields.Instead, they create a gentle repelling effect—preserving the integrity of the Earth's energetic flow.In other words: copper doesn't interfere. It harmonizes.Ready to upgrade your garden for spring? View the collection → OJ ToolsCopper Tools & Soil Health: What the Research ShowsThis Isn't Just Theory—The Results Show ItIn a 2017 study from Maribor University in Slovenia, researchers compared a traditional steel hoe and a copper (bronze) hoe—handcrafted by OJ Tools—on two identical garden beds.Here's what they found:* ✅ Better water retention* ✅ Improved soil structure* ✅ Higher pH values* ✅ Stronger, more vigorous plant growthLeft = Copper / Right = SteelThe soil that had been worked with copper simply performed better.More hydrated, more alive, and more productive.Creator Spotlight: OJ ToolsThat's why this week, we're shining a light on OJ Tools—a brilliant independent maker crafting hand-forged copper garden tools, rooted in these very principles.Built with care. Designed for harmony.And just in time for spring planting.With a 12 year warranty — they currently ship to the UK and mainland Europe (apologies to our international folks—we're working on options).And just a heads-up: We do receive a small commission if you purchase through our link. But as always—we only recommend what we believe in. These tools aren't just beautiful—they work. And they support a maker doing something deeply aligned with our community's values.Why Copper Tools Make a Difference—for You✅ No Rust = No Soil ContaminationCopper doesn't oxidize like steel, so your soil stays clean and balanced.✅ Supports a Thriving MicrobiomeCopper used sparingly helps beneficial microbes flourish—without disrupting the life underground.✅ Improves Water RetentionCopper may indirectly enhance soil structure and hydration—especially useful in dry spells.✅ Energetically HarmonizedCopper, water, and carbon are all diamagnetic—meaning they work together without interference.✅ Feels Beautiful to UseGardeners often describe copper tools as smoother, more precise, and simply more enjoyable to work with.Let's bring Schauberger's vision to life—one garden at a time.And hey—do you know an incredible maker, toolsmith, or earth-aligned innovator we should feature next?We're always on the lookout for creators doing meaningful work in harmony with nature. Maybe that applies to you!? Just hit reply and let us know.Talk soon,Ray “Copper is Soft so be Gentle” Lee BaconWe will be discussing more about Schauberger's work with water shortly… so join us for upcoming articles in your inbox :) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit electroculture.substack.com/subscribe

This week on our League of Ireland Women's Podcast, Breifne Earley & Aaron Clarke are joined by former Ireland international Meabh de Burca to break down:Ireland's back-to-back wins over Greece – six points, two clean sheets, and a nail-biting finale ahead in the Nations League campaign with revenge of Slovenia now firmly in focus.We celebrate Galway United's Emma Doherty, who's been named Player of the Month for March after a string of standout performances.Reaction to the FAI Women's Amateur Cup third round draw – who's still in, who's making a run, and what ties to keep an eye on.And as always, we preview all the upcoming action in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division this weekend.Watch / Listen on FinalWhistle.ie (8pm) for all the latest insight and analysis.

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/673  Microsoft appears to be settling into a more deliberate AI strategy with increasing focus on data governance, security, and Fabric as a central component for AI implementation. The recent clarity around Microsoft's vision suggests a transition from reactionary AI deployment to a more considered approach for long-term value.TAKEAWAYS• Microsoft Fabric and OneLake emerging as an "AI landing zone" for consolidating multi-cloud data • Free mirroring technology for AWS and other platforms reduces barriers to cross-cloud data integration • Business Applications division potentially facing reorganization within the next five years • Dataverse likely moving to Fabric while Copilot Studio shifts to Microsoft 365 • Traditional UI paradigms may disappear as AI interfaces replace menus and navigation elements • Legal involvement becoming critical in AI development for the first time in software history • Increased focus needed on the social and governance aspects of ESG in AI implementation • Serious concerns about AI's potential to facilitate cybercrime and human rights violationsThis year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

Maja Voje, a go-to-market consultant and bestselling author of The Go-To-Market Strategist, has worked with over 800 companies, from Google and Rocket Internet to startups and scale-ups. But even with an impressive career, she's had to make tough calls—like recognizing when it's time to walk away from a role.Maja opens up about:- The fear of overstaying vs. leaving too soon- How she evaluates whether to stick with a role or move on- Lessons from working with limited resources and competing against well-funded companiesThings to listen for:(00:00) The challenge of knowing when to quit(00:47) Growing up in Slovenia and early ambitions(03:17) Discovering growth hacking and marketing(06:52) Challenges and successes in marketing(08:17) Thank you to our sponsors, Navattic & Appcues(15:33) Navigating career transitions and advice(32:49) Overcoming financial constraints in business(35:12) Advice for professionals facing constraints(36:51) The importance of proactivity and learning from mistakes(40:54) Balancing work, health, and personal life(53:32) Navigating social media and business strategies(59:18) Embracing abundance and supporting othersThis episode is presented by:Navattic: Interactive Product Demo Software - https://navattic.com/value Appcues: User Engagement for SaaS - https://appcues.com/value Resources:Connect with Maja:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majavoje/Maja's GTM Solutions: Best-selling Book, Checklists, GTM Bootcamp: https://gtmstrategist.comWeekly newsletter (Substack): https://knowledge.gtmstrategist.com Free resource: ⚡Go-to-Market Power Hour https://gtmstrategist.com/resources/power_hour/ Connect with Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcapland/ Substack: https://media.deliveringvalue.coHire Andrew as your coach: https://deliveringvalue.co/coaching

VIDEO: I monaci di Norcia ➜ https://youtu.be/vVT1yzNXGUYTESTO DELL'ARTICOLO ➜ https://www.bastabugie.it/8125I MONACI BENEDETTINI DI NORCIA: CUSTODI DEL GREGORIANO E... DELLA BIRRA di Andrea Galli Grande festa oggi sulle colline appena fuori Norcia, in via Case Sparse. La comunità dei benedettini che lì risiede rende grazie per tre traguardi raggiunti. In primis i 25 anni di vita: la comunità fu fondata nel 1999 a Roma, dove ebbe i suoi inizi avventurosi prima di approdare fra i monti Sibillini. Poi la fine del restauro del complesso monastico, un antico convento dei cappuccini, dove i monaci si sono trasferiti dopo il terremoto del 2016 che ha distrutto il loro precedente monastero, contiguo alla concattedrale di Norcia. «Avevamo già comprato l'edificio e il terreno dalla diocesi, nel 2007 - spiega dom Benedetto Nivakoff - perché cercavamo un posto più tranquillo e silenzioso rispetto al centro di Norcia, ma il sisma ci ha costretti ad accelerare i nostri progetti». Infine l'elevazione canonica di quello che era tecnicamente un priorato benedettino e dallo scorso 25 maggio è un'abbazia, l'Abbazia di San Benedetto in Monte. Tre traguardi che insieme significano il ritorno pieno, ufficiale e stabile dei figli di san Benedetto nel luogo dove nacque il loro padre e padre del monachesimo d'Occidente, ma da dove gli ultimi benedettini se n'erano andati nel lontano 1810, a causa delle leggi napoleoniche, lasciando un vuoto che è stato riempito solo due secoli dopo, poco meno. A dimostrazione che le radici cristiane dell'Europa e anche delle nostre terre quando sembrano sofferenti, o financo morte, con la giusta linfa si possono riprendere più prontamente di quanto si pensi.La linfa in questo caso è arrivata tramite un religioso statunitense, Cassian Folsom. Nato nel 1955 a Lynn, nel Massachusetts, fattosi benedettino nell'abbazia di Saint Meinrad, nell'Indiana, padre Folsom venne in Italia per approfondire gli studi di liturgia e tra il 1997 e il 2000 ricoprì la carica di vice-rettore del Pontificio ateneo Sant'Anselmo (dove tuttora insegna). Nel 1995, mentre era su un treno diretto a Napoli, aveva avuto però l'ispirazione per un progetto extra accademico, ossia dar vita a una comunità che riprendesse il carisma e lo stile originario dell'ordine benedettino. La fondazione avvenne appunto a Roma nel 1999. Padre Folsom e tre benedettini americani si sistemarono in un piccolo appartamento nella capitale, con una stanza adibita a cappella. Nel 1999 la Santa Sede concesse loro l'approvazione canonica e nel 2000 si manifestò la possibilità di insediarsi a Norcia. Nel 2001 un estimatore di padre Folsom, il cardinale Joseph Ratzinger, si recò in Umbria per celebrare con lui e i suoi confratelli la festa di san Benedetto: per tutti una conferma speciale del cammino intrapreso.«Oggi siamo venti monaci - spiega dom Nivakoff, originario di New York, eletto abate lo scorso 28 maggio - provenienti da dieci Paesi: Italia, Stati Uniti, Germania, Polonia, Portogallo, Gran Bretagna, Brasile, Indonesia, Slovenia e Canada. L'età media è di 30 anni». L'eterogeneità delle nazionalità si deve anche al fatto che all'abbazia arrivano pellegrini, turisti e curiosi da diverse parti del mondo, spesso approfittando di vacanze o viaggi di studio in Italia.Il ritorno alle origini del carisma si riflette nella scelta liturgica fondativa - il rito benedettino antico - in una vita di preghiera particolarmente esigente - sveglia alle 3,30 ogni mattina - e nel recupero degli antichi digiuni dell'ordine - un solo pasto al giorno tra il 15 settembre e il tempo di Pasqua. Ora et labora. Per quanto riguardo il labora, tra l'altro i monaci di Norcia hanno elaborato da una decina d'anni la Birra Nursia, che porta come motto Ut laetificet cor, il prodotto con cui cercano di essere autosufficienti e che si inserisce in una tradizione gloriosa di birre monastiche. «Ora che abbiamo completato il restauro del monastero - chiosa dom Nivakoff - potremo dedicarci con più impegno alla nostra birra, cercando anche di farla conoscere meglio». [...]Nota di BastaBugie: l'articolo dal titolo "Nursia, la birra dei monaci di Norcia vince tre volte" racconta come la birra dei monaci di Norcia sia diventata così apprezzata nel mondo.Ecco l'articolo completo pubblicato sul Sito del Timone il 3 aprile 2025:La prima sede di Birra Nursia, situata accanto alla Basilica di San Benedetto a Norcia, è stata resa inagibile dai terremoti del 2016. Ma i discepoli di San Benedetto che vivono nella sua città natale non hanno mollato il loro "pane liquido", come veniva chiamata la birra nei monasteri durante i periodi di digiuno.Ed ora, che vivono nel ristrutturato monastero di San Benedetto in Monte, da poco elevato ad Abbazia, si godono i premi che la loro Birra Nursia ha raggiunto. Untappd, la più rilevante community al mondo nel settore delle birre artigianali, ha premiato Birra Nursia Tripel con la medaglia d'oro come migliore Belgian Tripel italiana, Birra Nursia Bionda con l'argento come seconda Belgian Blonde del Paese e Birra Nursia Extra, già considerata "imperdibile" da Slow Food, con il bronzo come terza Belgian Strong Dark Ale prodotta nello Stivale. Questi riconoscimenti arrivano in occasione degli Untappd Community Awards e si basano su migliaia di recensioni offerte da esperti e appassionati di birra.Birra Nursia è prodotta dal 2012 dai monaci benedettini di Norcia e le sue tre ricette sono state sviluppate nel solco dell'antica tradizione birraria monastica belga. La sua lavorazione avviene con metodi artigianali, attraverso un processo lungo e attento e facendo uso di ingredienti selezionati tra cui il malto umbro. Dopo il terremoto del 2016 è iniziata un'amichevole collaborazione tra la comunità benedettina e Mastri Birrai Umbri. Affinché Birra Nursia potesse continuare a essere apprezzata in Umbria, in Italia e all'estero, il birrificio di Gualdo Cattaneo ha offerto ai monaci di utilizzare i suoi impianti, a una sola condizione: che fossero i monaci stessi a produrre la birra, per garantire l'autenticità del prodotto e il rispetto delle ricette originali.«Birra Nursia», dice Dom Agostino Wilmeth, monaco dell'Abbazia di San Benedetto in Monte e mastro birraio di Birra Nursia, «è nata dall'idea che una buona bevanda potesse accompagnare le prelibatezze gastronomiche di Norcia, conosciute in tutto il mondo. La nostra birra sostiene la vita dell'Abbazia ma contribuisce anche all'economia della città, che ha tanto sofferto nell'ultimo decennio. Vorremmo condividere simbolicamente questi premi con tutti i nursini: la qualità e la tradizione sono valori forti nella Regola di San Benedetto e qui a Norcia, e Birra Nursia li ha ricevuti in eredità».

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/672We dive deep into the world of AI security with Microsoft's Senior Offensive Security Engineer from the AI Red Team who shares insights into how they test and break AI systems to ensure safety and trustworthiness.TAKEAWAYS• Microsoft requires all AI features to be thoroughly documented and approved by a central board• The AI Red Team tests products adversarially and as regular users to identify vulnerabilities• Red teaming originated in military exercises during the Cold War before being adapted for software security• The team tests for jailbreaks, harmful content generation, data exfiltration, and bias• Team members come from diverse backgrounds including PhDs in machine learning, traditional security, and military experience• New AI modalities like audio, images, and video each present unique security challenges• Mental health support is prioritized since team members regularly encounter disturbing content• Working exclusively with failure modes creates a healthy skepticism about AI capabilities• Hands-on experimentation is recommended for anyone wanting to develop AI skills• Curating your own information sources rather than relying on algorithms helps discover new knowledgeCheck out the Microsoft co-pilot and other AI tools to start experimenting and finding practical ways they can help in your daily work.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

Shane and Colm are joined by former Irish international Méabh De Búrca to look ahead to the game against Greece this afternoon, as our girls seek to bounce back after the Slovenia loss. Off The Ball Breakfast with Optimum Nutrition #UnlockMoreYou

Can You Segway?Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.So exactly who was going to be sympathetic to their plight, who we cared about?Beyond my fevered dream of making a difference there was a pinch of reality. See, the Cabindans and the people of Zaire were both ethnic Bakongo and the Bakongo of Zaire had also once had their own, independent (until 1914) kingdom which was now part of Angola. The Bakongo were major factions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) -(formerly for a short time known as the nation of Zaire, from here on out to be referred to as the DRC and in the running for the most fucked up place on the planet Earth, more on that later)- and Congo (the nation) yet a minority in Angola. Having an independent nation united along ethnic and linguistic lines made sense and could expect support from their confederates across international boundaries.The Liberation Air ForceThe Earth & Sky operated under one constant dilemma ~ when would Temujin make his return? Since they didn't know and it was their job to be prepared for the eventuality if it happened tomorrow, or a century down the line, they 'stockpiled', and 'stockpiled' and 'stockpiled'.That was why they maintained large horse herds and preserved the ancient arts of Asian bowyers, armoring and weapons-craft. That was why they created secret armories, and sulfur and saltpeter sites when musketry and cannons became the new ways of warfare. They secured sources of phosphates and petroleum when they became the new thing, and so on.All of this boiled over to me being shown yet again I worked with clever, creative and under-handed people. The Khanate came up with a plan for a 'Union' Air Force {Union? More on that later} within 24 hours, and it barely touched any of their existing resources. How did they accomplish this miracle? They had stockpiled and maintained earlier generation aircraft because they didn't know when Temujin would make his re-appearance.They'd also trained pilots and ground crews for those aircraft. As you might imagine, those people grew old just as their equipment did. In time, they went into the Earth & Sky's Inactive Reserves ~ the rank & file over the age of 45. You never were 'too old' to serve in some capacity though most combat-support related work ended at 67.When Temujin made his return and the E&S transformed into the Khanate, those people went to work bringing their lovingly cared for, aging equipment up to combat-alert readiness. If the frontline units were decimated, they would have to serve, despite the grim odds of their survival. It was the terrible acceptance the Chinese would simply possess so much more war-making material than they did.Well, the Khanate kicked the PRC's ass in a titanic ass-whooping no one (else) had seen coming, or would soon forget. Factory production and replacement of worn machines was in stride to have the Khanate's Air Force ready for the next round of warfare when the Cease-fire ended and the Reunification War resumed.Always a lower priority, the Khanate military leadership was considering deactivating dozens of these reserve unit when suddenly the (Mongolian) Ikh khaany khairt akh dáé (me) had this hare-brained scheme about helping rebels in Africa, West Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea coast/Atlantic Ocean, far, far away, and it couldn't look like the Khanate was directly involved.They barely knew where Angola was. They had to look up Cabinda to figure out precisely where that was. They brought in some of their 'reservist' air staff to this briefing and one of them, a woman (roughly a third of the E&S 'fighting'/non-frontline forces were female), knew what was going on. Why?She had studied the combat records and performance of the types of aircraft she'd have to utilize... back in the 1980's and 90's and Angola had been a war zone rife with Soviet (aka Khanate) material back then. Since she was both on the ball, bright and knew the score, the War Council put her in overall command. She knew what was expected of her and off she went, new staff in hand. She was 64 years old, yet as ready and willing to serve as any 20 year old believer in the Cause.Subtlety, scarcity and audacity were the watchwords of the day. The Khanate couldn't afford any of their front-line aircraft for this 'expedition'. They really couldn't afford any of their second-rate stuff either. Fortunately, they had some updated third-rate war-fighting gear still capable of putting up an impressive show in combat ~ providing they weren't going up against a top tier opponents.For the 'volunteers' of the Union Air Force, this could very likely to be a one-way trip. They all needed crash courses (not a word any air force loves, I know) in Portuguese though hastily provided iPhones with 'apps' to act as translators were deemed to be an adequate stop-gap measure. Besides, they were advised to avoid getting captured at all cost. The E&S couldn't afford the exposure. Given the opportunity ~ this assignment really was going above and beyond ~ not one of these forty-six to sixty-seven year olds backed out.No, they rolled out fifty of their antiquated aircraft, designs dating back to the 1950's through the mid-70's, and prepared them for the over 10,000 km journey to where they were 'needed most'. 118 pilots would go (72 active plus 46 replacements) along with 400 ground crew and an equally aged air defense battalion (so their air bases didn't get blown up). Security would be provided by 'outsiders' ~ allies already on the ground and whatever rebels could be scrounged up. After the initial insertion, the Indian Air Force would fly in supplies at night into the Cabinda City and Soyo Airports.The composition,14 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 jet fighters ~ though she entered service in 1959, these planes' electronics were late 20th century and she was a renowned dogfighter. 12 were the Mig-21-97 modernized variant and the other two were Mig-21 UM two-seater trainer variants which could double as reconnaissance fighters if needed.14 Sukhoi Su-22 jet fighter-bombers ~ the original design, called the Su-17, came out in 1970, the first 12 were variants with the 22M4 upgrade were an early-80's package. The other 2 were Su-22U two-seat trainers which, like their Mig-21 comrades, doubled as reconnaissance fighters. The Su-22M4's would be doing the majority of the ground attack missions for the Cabindans, though they could defend themselves in aerial combat if necessary.6 Sukhoi Su-24M2 supersonic attack aircraft ~ the first model rolled off the production lines in the Soviet Union back in 1974. By far the heaviest planes in the Cabindan Air Force, the Su-24M2's would act as their 'bomber force' as well as anti-ship deterrence.8 Mil Mi-24 VM combat helicopters ~ introduced in 1972 was still a lethal combat machine today. Unlike the NATO helicopter force, the Mi-24's did double duty as both attack helicopter and assault transports at the same time.4 Mil Mi-8 utility helicopters, first produced in 1967. Three would act as troop/cargo transports (Mi-8 TP) while the fourth was configured as a mobile hospital (the MI-17 1VA).4 Antonov An-26 turboprop aircraft, two to be used as tactical transports to bring in supplies by day and two specializing in electronic intelligence aka listening to what the enemy was up to. Though it entered production in 1969, many still remained flying today.2 Antonov An-71M AEW&C twin-jet engine aircraft. These were an old, abandoned Soviet design the Earth & Sky had continued working on primarily because the current (1970's) Russian Airborne Early Warning and Control bird had been both huge and rather ineffective ~ it couldn't easily identify low-flying planes in the ground clutter so it was mainly only good at sea. Since the E&S planned to mostly fight over the land,They kept working on the An-71 which was basically 1977's popular An-72 with some pertinent design modifications (placing the engines below the wings instead of above them as on the -72 being a big one). To solve their radar problem, they stole some from the Swedish tech firm Ericsson, which hadn't been foreseen to be a problem before now.See, the Russians in the post-Soviet era created a decent AEW&C craft the E&S gladly stole and copied the shit out of for their front line units and it was working quite nicely ~ the Beriev A-50, and wow, were the boys in the Kremlin pissed off about that these days. Whoops, or was that woot?Now, the Khanate was shipping two An-71's down to Cabinda and somewhere along the line someone just might get a 'feel' for the style of radar and jamming the Cabindans were using aka the Swedish stuff in those An-71's. The Erieye radar system could pick out individual planes at 280 miles. The over-all system could track 60 targets and plot out 10 intercepts simultaneously. NATO, they were not, but in sub-Saharan Africa, there were none better.Anyway, so why was any of this important?Why the old folks with their ancient machines? As revealed, since the Earth & Sky had no idea when Temüjin would return, they were constantly squirreling away equipment. World War 2 gave them unequaled access to Soviet military technology and training.Afterwards, under Josef Stalin's direction, thousands of Russian and German engineers and scientists were exiled to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan who were then snatched up (reportedly died in the gulags/trying to escape) and the E&S began building mirror factories modeled on the 'then current' Soviet production lines.So, by the early 1950's, the E&S was building, flying and maintaining Soviet-style Antonov, Beriev, Ilyushin, Myasishchev, Mikoyan-Gurevich, Sukhoi, Tupolev and Yakovlev airplanes. First in small numbers because their pool of pilots and specialists was so small.The E&S remedied this by creating both their own 'private' flight academies and technical schools. They protected their activities with the judicious use of bribes (they were remarkably successful with their economic endeavors on both side of the Iron Curtain) and murders (including the use of the Ghost Tigers).By 1960, the proto-Khanate had an air force. Through the next two decades they refined and altered their doctrine ~ moving away from the Soviet doctrine to a more pure combined-arms approach (the Soviets divided their air power into four separate arms ~ ADD (Long Range Aviation), FA (Front Aviation), MTA (Military Transport Aviation) and the V-PVO (Soviet Air Defenses ~ which controlled air interceptors).).It wasn't until the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of the various former SSR's that the E&S program really began to hit its stride. Still, while Russia faltered, China's PLAAF (Peoples' Liberation Army Air Force) began to take off. Since the Chinese could produce so much more, the E&S felt it had to keep those older planes and crews up to combat readiness. The younger field crews and pilots flew the newer models as they rolled off the secret production lines.Then the Unification War appeared suddenly, the E&S-turned Khanate Air Force skunked their PLAAF rivals due to two factors, a surprise attack on a strategic level and the fatal poisoning of their pilots and ground crews before they even got into the fight. For those Chinese craft not destroyed on the ground, the effects of Anthrax eroded their fighting edge. Comparable technology gave the Khanate their critical victory and Air Supremacy over the most important battlefields.What did this meant for those out-of-date air crews and pilots who had been training to a razor's edge for a month now? Their assignment had been to face down the Russians if they invaded. They would take their planes up into the fight even though this most likely would mean their deaths, but they had to try.When Operation Fun House put Russia in a position where she wasn't likely to jump on the Khanate, this mission's importance faded. The Russian Air Force was far more stretched than the Khanate's between her agitations in the Baltic and her commitments in the Manchurian, Ukrainian, Chechen and Georgian theaters.With more new planes rolling off the production lines, these reservist units began dropping down the fuel priority list, which meant lowering their flight times thus readiness. Only my hare-brained scheme had short-circuited their timely retirement. Had I realized I was getting people's grandparents killed, I would have probably made the same call anyway. We needed them.The KanateThe Khanate's #1 air superiority dogfighter was the Mig-35F. The #2 was the Mig-29. No one was openly discussing the Khanate's super-stealthy "Su-50", if that was what it was, because its existence 'might' suggest the Khanate also stole technology from the Indian defense industry, along with their laundry list of thefts from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the PRC, Russia and half of NATO.Her top multi-role fighters were the Su-47, Su-35S and Su-30SM. The Su-30 'Flanker-C/MK2/MKI were their 2nd team with plenty of 3rd team Su-27M's still flying combat missions as well.Strike fighters? There weren't enough Su-34's to go around yet, so the Su-25MS remained the Khanate's dedicated Close Air Assault model.Medium transport aircraft? The An-32RE and An-38. They had small, large and gargantuan transports as well.Bombers? The rather ancient jet-powered Tu-160M2's and Tu-22M2's as well as the even older yet still worthwhile turboprops ~ from 1956's ~ the Tu-95M S16.Helicopters? While they still flew updated variants of the Mil Mi-8/17 as military transports, the more optimized Kamov Ka-52 and Mil Mi-28 had replaced them in the assault role.Bizarrely, the Khanate had overrun several Chinese production lines of the aircraft frames and components ~ enough to complete fairly modern PLAAF (Peoples Liberation Army Air Force) FC-1 and J-10 (both are small multi-role fighter remarkably similar to the US F-16 with the FC-1 being the more advanced model, using shared Chinese-Pakistani technology and was designed for export,).They did have nearly two dozen to send, but they didn't have the pilots and ground crews trained to work with them, plus the FC-1 cost roughly $32 million which wasn't fundage any legitimate Cabindan rebels could get their hands on, much less $768 million (and that would just be for the planes, not the weeks' worth of fuel, parts and munitions necessary for what was forthcoming).Meanwhile, except for the An-26, which you could get for under $700,000 and the An-71, which were only rendered valuable via 'black market tech', none of the turboprop and jet aircraft the Khanate was sending were what any sane military would normally want. The helicopters were expensive ~ the 'new' models Mi-24's cost $32 million while the Mi-17's set you back $17 million. The one's heading to Cabinda didn't look 'new'.The Opposition:In contrast, the Angolan Air Force appeared far larger and more modern. Appearances can be deceptive, and they were. Sure, the models of Russian and Soviet-made aircraft they had in their inventory had the higher numbers ~ the Su-25, -27 and -30 ~ plus they had Mig-21bis's, Mig-23's and Su-22's, but things like training and up-keep didn't appear to be priorities for the Angolans.When you took into account the rampant corruption infecting all levels of Angolan government, the conscript nature of their military, the weakness of their technical educational system, the complexity of any modern combat aircraft and the reality that poor sods forced into being Air Force ground crewmen hardly made the most inspired technicians, or most diligent care-takers of their 'valuable' stockpiles (which their officers all too often sold on the black market anyway), things didn't just look bleak for the Angolan Air Force, they were a tsunami of cumulative factors heading them for an epic disaster.It wasn't only their enemies who derided their Air Force's lack of readiness. Their allies constantly scolded them about it too. Instead of trying to fix their current inventory, the Angolans kept shopping around for new stuff. Since 'new'-new aircraft was beyond what they wanted to spend (aka put too much of a dent in the money they were siphoning off to their private off-shore accounts), they bought 'used' gear from former Soviet states ~ Belarus, Russia and Ukraine ~ who sold them stuff they had left abandoned in revetments (open to the elements to slowly rot) on the cheap.To add to the insanity, the Angolans failed to keep up their maintenance agreements so their newly fixed high-tech machines often either couldn't fly, or flew without critical systems, like radar, avionics and even radios. Maybe that wasn't for the worst because after spending millions on these occasionally-mobile paperweights, the Angolans bought the least technologically advanced missile, gun and rocket systems they could get to put on these flying misfortunes.On the spread sheets, Angola had 18 Su-30K's, 18 Su-27, 12 Su-25's, 14 Su-22's, 22 Mig-23's, 23 Mig-21bis's and 6 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano (a turboprop aircraft tailor-made for counter-insurgency operations), 105 helicopters with some combative ability and 21 planes with some airlift capacity. That equated to 81 either air superiority, or multi-role jet fighters versus the 12 Union Air Force (actually the Bakongo Uni o de Cabinda e Zaire, For as Armadas de Liberta  o, For a Area ~ Liberation Armed Forces, Air Force (BUCZ-FAL-FA) Mig-21-97's.It would seem lopsided except for the thousands of hours of flight experience the 'Unionists' enjoyed over their Angolan rivals. You also needed to take into account the long training and fanatic dedication of their ground crews to their pilots and their craft. Then you needed to take into account every Unionist aircraft, while an older airframe design, had updated (usually to the year 2000) technology lovingly cared for, as if the survival of their People demanded it.A second and even more critical factor was the element of surprise. At least the PRC and the PLAAF had contingencies for attacks from their neighbors in the forefront of their strategic planning. The Angolans? The only country with ANY air force in the vicinity was the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and they had ceased being a threat with the end of Apartheid and the rise of majority Black rule in that country nearly two decades earlier.In the pre-dawn hours of 'Union Independence Day', the FAL-FA was going to smash every Angolan Air base and air defense facility within 375 miles of Cabinda (the city). Every three hours after that, they would be hitting another target within their designated 'Exclusion Zone'. Yes, this 'Exclusion Zone' included a 'tiny' bit of DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) territory. The DRC didn't have an air force to challenge them though, so,Inside this 'Exclusion Zone', anything moving by sea, river, road, rail, or air without Unionist governmental approval was subject to attack, which would require neutral parties to acknowledge some semblance of a free and independent B U C Z. Worse for Angola, this 'Zone' included Angola's capital and its largest port, Luanda, plus four more of their ten largest urban centers. This could be an economic, military and humanitarian catastrophe if mishandled.The Angolan Army did not have significant anti-aircraft assets. Why would they? Remember, no one around them had much of an air force to worry about. The FAL-FA in turn could hit military convoys with TV-guided munitions 'beyond line of sight', rendering what they did have useless. It got worse for the Army after dark. The FAL-FA could and would fly at night whereas the average Angolan formation had Zip-Zero-Nadda night fighting capacity.Then geography added its own mountain of woes. As far as Cabinda was concerned, there was no direct land line to their border from Angola. Their coastal road only went as far as the port of Soyo where the Congo River hit the South Atlantic Ocean. Across that massive gap was the DRC where the road was not picked back up. Far up the coast was the DRC town of Muanda (with an airport) and though they did have a road which went north, it did not continue to the Cabindan border.Nope. To get at Cabinda from the south meant a long, torturous travel through northeastern Angola, into the heart of the DRC then entailed hooking west to some point 'close' to the Cabindan frontier before finally hoofing it overland through partially cleared farmland and jungle. Mind you, the DRC didn't have a native air force capable of protecting the Angolans in their territory so,In fact the only 'road' to Cabinda came from the Republic of Congo (Congo) to the north and even that was a twisted route along some really bad, swampy terrain. This had been the pathway of conquest the Angolans took 39 years earlier. The difference being the tiny bands of pro-independence Cabindan guerillas back then couldn't hold a candle to the Amazons fighting to free Cabinda this time around in numbers, zeal, training and up-to-date equipment.Next option ~ to come by sea. They would face a few, stiff problems, such as the FAL-FA having ship-killer missiles, the Angolan Navy not being able to defend them and the Unionists having no compunction to not strike Pointe-Noire in the 'not so neutral' Republic of the Congo if they somehow began unloading Angolan troops. It seemed the Republic of the Congo didn't have much of an Air Force either.Before you think the FAL-FA was biting off more than they could chew, Cabinda, the province, was shaped somewhat like the US State of Delaware, was half the size of Connecticut (Cabinda was 2,810 sq. mi. to Conn.'s 5,543 sq. mi.) and only the western 20% was relatively open countryside where the Angolan Army's only advantage ~ they possessed armed fighting vehicles while the 'Unionists' did not (at this stage of planning) ~ could hopefully come into play.Centered at their capital, Cabinda (City), jets could reach any point along their border within eight minutes. Helicopters could make it in fifteen. To be safe, some of the FAL-FA would base at the town of Belize which was in the northern upcountry and much tougher to get at with the added advantage the Angolans wouldn't be expecting the FAL-FA to be using the abandoned airfield there, at least initially.Where they afraid attacking Angolan troops in the DRC would invite war with the DRC? Sure, but letting the Angolans reach the border unscathed was worse. Besides, the DRC was in such a mess it needed 23,000 UN Peacekeepers within her borders just to keep the country from falling apart. Barring outside, read European, intervention, did "Democratically-elected since 2001" President (for Life) Joseph Kabila want the FAL-FA to start dropping bombs on his capital, Kinshasa, which was well within reach of all their aircraft?Congo (the country), to the north, wasn't being propped up by the UN, or anything else except ill intentions. In reality, it hardly had much of a military at all. Its officer corps was chosen for political reliability, not merit, or capability. Their technology was old Cold War stuff with little effort to update anything and, if you suspected corruption might be a problem across all spectrums of life, you would 'probably' be right about that too.If you suspected the current President had been in charge for a while, you would be correct again (1979-1992 then 2001- and the 'whoops' was when he accidently let his country experiment with democracy which led to two civil wars). If you suspected he was a life-long Communist (along with the Presidents of the DRC and Angola), you'd be right about that as well. Somehow their shared Marxist-Leninist-Communist ideology hadn't quite translated over to alleviating the grinding poverty in any of those countries despite their vast mineral wealth,At this point in the region's history, little Cabinda had everything to gain by striving for independence and the vast majority of 'warriors' who could possibly be sent against her had terribly little to gain fighting and dying trying to stop them from achieving her goal. After all, their lives weren't going to get any better and with the Amazons ability ~ nay willingness ~ to commit battlefield atrocities, those leaders were going to find it hard going to keep sending their men off to die.And then, it got even worse.See, what I had pointed out was there were two oil refineries in Angola, and neither was in Cabinda. Cabinda would need a refinery to start making good on their oil wealth ~ aka economically bribe off the Western economies already shaken over the Khanate's first round of aggressions.But wait! There was an oil refinery just across the Congo River from Cabinda ~ which meant it was attached to mainland Angola. That had to be a passel of impossible news, right?Nope. As I said earlier, it seemed the people of northern Angola were the same racial group as the Cabindans AND majority Catholic while the ruling clique wasn't part of their ethnic confederacy plus the farther south and east into Angola you went, the less Catholic it became.But it got better. This province was historically its own little independent kingdom (called the Kingdom of Kongo) to boot! It had been abolished by Portugal back in 1914.The 'good' news didn't end there. Now, it wasn't as if the leadership of Angola was spreading the wealth around to the People much anyway, but these northerners had been particularly left out of this Marxist version of 'Trickle Down' economics.How bad was this? This northwestern province ~ called Zaire ~ didn't have any railroads, or paved roads, linking it to the rest of the freaking country. The 'coastal road' entered the province, but about a third of the way up ran into this river, which they'd failed to bridge (you had to use a single track bridge farther to the northeast, if you can believe it). It wasn't even a big river. It was still an obstacle though.How did the Angolan government and military planned to get around? Why by air and sea, of course. Well, actually by air. Angola didn't have much of a merchant marine, or Navy, to make sealift a serious consideration. Within hours of the 'Union Declaration of Independence' anything flying anywhere north of the Luanda, the capital of Angola, would essentially be asking to be blown out of the sky.Along the border between Zaire province and the rest of Angola were precisely two chokepoints. By 'chokepoints', I meant places where a squad (10 trained, modernly-equipped troopers) could either see everything for miles & miles over pretty much empty space along a river valley and the only bridge separating Zaire province from the south, or overlook a ravine which the only road had to pass through because of otherwise bad-ass, broken terrain.Two.Zaire Province had roughly the same population as Cabinda ~ 600,000. Unlike Cabinda, which consisted of Cabinda City plus a few tiny towns and rugged jungles, Zaire had two cities ~ Soyo, with her seventy thousand souls plus the refinery at the mouth of the Congo River, and M'banza-Kongo, the historical capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, spiritual center of the Bakongo People (who included the Cabindans) and set up in the highlands strategically very reminiscent of Điện Biàn Phủ.Of Zaire's provincial towns, the only other strategic one was N'Zeto with her crappy Atlantic port facility and 2,230 meter grass airport. The town was the northern terminus of the National Road 100 ~ the Coastal Road. It terminated because of the Mebridege River. There wasn't a bridge at N'Zeto though there was a small one several miles upstream. N'Zeto was also where the road from provinces east of Zaire ended up, so you had to have N'Zeto ~ and that tiny bridge ~ to move troops overland anywhere else in Zaire Province.So you would think it would be easy for the Angolan Army to defend then, except of how the Amazons planned to operate. They would infiltrate the area first then 'rise up in rebellion'. Their problem was the scope of the operation had magnified in risk of exposure, duration and forces necessary for success.The serious issue before Saint Marie and the Host in Africa were the first two. They could actually move Amazons from Brazil and North America to bolster their numbers for the upcoming offensive. Even in the short-short term, equipment wouldn't be a serious problem. What the Amazons dreaded was being left in a protracted slugfest with the Angolan Army which the Condottieri could jump in on. The Amazons exceedingly preferred to strike first then vanish.There was reason to believe a tiny number could have stayed behind in Cabinda to help the locals prepare their military until they could defend themselves. They would need more than a hundred Amazons if Cabinda wanted to incorporate Zaire. The answer was to call back their newfound buddy, the Great Khan. While he didn't have much else he could spare (the Khanate was ramping up for their invasion of the Middle East after all, the Kurds needed the help), he had other allies he could call on.India couldn't help initially since they were supposed to supply the 'Peace-keepers' once a cease-fire had been arranged. That left Temujin with his solid ally, Vietnam, and his far shakier allies, the Republic of China and Japan.First off ~ Japan could not help, which meant they couldn't supply troops who might very well end up dead, or far worse, captured.. What they did have was a surplus of older equipment the ROC troops were familiar with, so while the ROC was gearing up for their own invasion of mainland China in February, they were willing to help the Chinese kill Angolans, off the books, of course.The ROC was sending fifteen hundred troops the Khanate's way to help in this West African adventure with the understanding they'd be coming home by year's end. With Vietnam adding over eight hundred of her own Special Forces, the Amazons had the tiny 'allied' army they could leave shielding Cabinda/Zaire once the first round of blood-letting was over.To be 'fair', the Republic of China and Vietnam asked for 'volunteers'. It wasn't like either country was going to declare war on Angola directly. Nearly a thousand members of Vietnam's elite 126th Regiment of the 5th Brigade (Đặc cáng bộ) took early retirement then misplaced their equipment as they went to update their visas and inoculations before heading out for the DRC (some would be slipping over the DRC/Cabindan border).On Taiwan, it was the men and women of the 602nd Air Cavalry Brigade, 871st Special Operations Group and 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion who felt the sudden desire to 'seek enlightenment elsewhere, preferably on another continent'.They too were off to the Democratic Republic of Congo, man that country was a mess and their border security wasn't worth writing home about, that's for damn sure, via multiple Southeast Asian nations. Besides, they were being issued fraudulently visas which showed them to be from the People's Republic of China, not the ROC/Taiwan. If they were captured, they were to pretend to "be working for a Communist Revolution inside Angola and thus to be setting all of Africa on fire!" aka be Mainland Chinese.There, in the DRC, these Chinese stumbled across, some Japanese. These folks hadn't retired. No. They were on an extended assignment for the UN's mission in, the DRC. OH! And look! They'd brought tons of surplus, outdated Japanese Self Defense Forces' equipment with them, and there just so happened to be some Taiwanese who had experience in using such equipment (both used US-style gear).And here was Colonel Yoshihiro Isami of the Chūō Sokuō Shūdan (Japan's Central Readiness Force) wondering why he and his hastily assembled team had just unloaded,18 Fuji/Bell AH-1S Cobra Attack helicopters,6 Kawasaki OH-6D Loach Scout helicopters,12 Fuji-Bell 204-B-2 Hiyodori Utility helicopters,6 Kawasaki/Boeing CH-47JA Chinook Transport helicopters and4 Mitsubishi M U-2L-1 Photo Reconnaissance Aircraft.Yep! 46 more aircraft for the FAL-FA!Oh, and if this wasn't 'bad enough', the Chinese hadn't come alone. They'd brought some old aircraft from their homes to aid in the upcoming struggle. Once more, these things were relics of the Cold War yet both capable fighting machines and, given the sorry state of the opposition, definitely quite deadly. A dozen F-5E Tiger 2000 configured primarily for air superiority plus two RF-5E Tigergazer for reconnaissance, pilots plus ground crews, of course.Thus, on the eve of battle, the FAL-FA had become a true threat. Sure, all of its planes (and half of its pilots) were pretty old, but they were combat-tested and in numbers and experience no other Sub-Saharan African nation could match.The Liberation Ground Forces:But wait, there was still the niggling little problem of what all those fellas were going to fight with once they were on the ground. Assault/Battle rifles, carbines, rifles, pistols, PDW, SMGs as bullets, grenades and RPG's were all terrifyingly easy to obtain. The coast of West Africa was hardly the Port of London as far as customs security went. They were going to need some bigger toys and their host nations were going to need all their native hardware for their upcoming battles at home.And it wasn't like you could advertise for used IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), APCs (armored personnel carriers) and tanks on e-Bay, Amazon.com, or Twitter. If something modern US, or NATO, was captured rolling around the beautiful Angolan countryside, shooting up hostile Angolans, all kinds of head would roll in all kinds of countries, unless the country,A) had an Executive Branch and Judiciary who wouldn't ask (or be answering) too many uncomfortable questions,B) wasn't all that vulnerable to international pressure,C) really needed the money and,D) didn't give a fuck their toys would soon be seen on BBC/CNN/Al Jazeera blowing the ever-living crap out of a ton of Africans aka doing what they were advertised to do and doing it very well in the hands of capable professionals.And politics was kind enough to hand the freedom-loving people of Cabinda & Zaire a winner, and it wasn't even from strangers, or at least people all that strange to their part of the Globe. If you would have no idea who to look for, you wouldn't be alone.That was the magic of the choice. See, the last three decades had seen the entire Globe take a colossal dump on them as a Nation and a People. They were highly unpopular for all sorts of things, such as Crimes Against Humanity and 'no', we were not talking about the Khanate.We would be talking about Република Србија / Republika Srbija aka Serbia aka the former Yugoslavia who had watched all their satellite minions (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia) slip away. Despite being reduced to a tiny fraction of their former selves thus fighting two incredibly brutal and bloody World Wars for nothing, Serbia insisted on maintaining a robust armaments industry.Mind you, they didn't make the very best stuff on the planet. That didn't stop them from trying though. Of equal importance was their geographic location and the above mentioned desire for some hard currency without asking too many questions. The geography was simple, you could move even heavy gear unnoticed from central Serbia to the Montenegrin port of Bar by rail and load them up on freighters and off to the Congo you went.The Serbians produced an APC called the BVP M-80A's which weren't blowing anyone's minds away when they started rolling off the production lines back in 1982, plus some over-eager types on the Serbian Army's payroll sweetened the deal by offering 'the rebels' some BVP M-80 KC's and a KB as well.Then they slathered on the sugary-sweet Maple syrup by upgrading a few of the M-80A's to BVP M-98A's. Why would they be so generous? The KC's and KB were the Command & Control variants, so that made sense (C = company & B = battalion commander). The -98A had never been tested in the field before and they were kind of curious how the new turrets (which was the major difference) would behave. 'Our' procurement agents didn't quibble. We needed the gear.Besides, these Slavic entrepreneurs gave them an inside track on some 'disarmed/mothballed' Czech (introduced in 1963) armored mobile ambulances and Polish BWP-1 (first rolled out in 1966) APC's which were either in, or could be quickly configured into, the support variants those ground-fighters would need. The 'disarmed' part was 'fixable', thanks to both the Serbians and Finland. The 'missing' basic weaponry was something the Serbians could replace with virtually identical equipment.It just kept getting better. Unknown to me at the time, the Finnish firm, Patria Hágglunds, had sold twenty-two of their 'most excellent' AMOS turrets ~ they are a twin 120 mm mortar system ~ then the deal fell through. Whoops! Should have guarded that warehouse better. Those bitches were on a cargo plane bound for Albania inside of six hours.The ammunition for them was rather unique. Thankfully, it was uniquely sold by the Swiss, who had no trouble selling it to Serbia, thank you very much! Twenty-two BWP-1's became mobile artillery for the Unionist freedom fighters, though I understood the ship ride with the Serbian and Chinese technicians was loads of fun as they struggled to figured out how to attach those state-of-the-art death-dealing turrets to those ancient contraptions.To compensate, the Serbians added (aka as long as our money was good) two Nora B-52 155 mm 52-calibre mobile artillery pieces and one battery of Orkan CER MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) for long-range artillery, two batteries of their Oganj 2000 ER MRLS for medium range carnage and six batteries of their M-94 MRLS for 'close support' as well. More field-testing new gear for the "freedom fighters" We also managed to 'purchase' ten M-84AS Main Battle tanks plus an M-84A1 armor recovery vehicle. It should have been twelve tanks, but two had 'loading issues'.Not to be deterred, our busy little procurement-beavers discovered four tanks no one was using, in neighboring Croatia. Why wasn't anyone immediately keen on their placement? They were two sets of prototypes, Croatia's improvements on the M-84; the M-95 Degman which was a 'failed redesign' and the M-84D, which was a vast up-grade for the M-84 line which had been sidelined by the 2008 Global economic collapse, after which the project stagnated.It seemed they were all in working order because late one night 'my people' exited a Croatian Army base with them, never to be seen again, until two weeks later when an intrepid news crew caught the distinctive form of the M-95 sending some sweet 125 mm loving the Angolan Army's way. Whoops yet again! At least they hit what they were aiming at and destroyed what they hit, right?By then, millions of other people would be going 'what the fuck?' right along with them as Cabinda's camouflage- and mask-wearing rebel army was laying the smack-down on the Angolans. That was okay; over a million 'free Cabindan Unionists' were in the same boat. Over a thousand Asians with their mostly-female militant translators were right there to prop up their 'Unionist Allies', but then they were the ones with the tanks, armored vehicles, planes and guns, so they were less worried than most.To pilot these tanks, APC, IFV and man this artillery, they had to go back to the Khanate. Sure enough, they had some old tankers used to crewing the T-72 from which the M-84's and -95 Degman were derived. They'd also need drivers for those BVP M-80A's and Polish BWP-1's and OT-64 SKOT's... who were, again, derived from old Soviet tech (just much better). The Serbian artillery was similar enough to Soviet stuff, but with enough new tech to make it 'more fun' for the reservists to 'figure out' how to use.More volunteers for the Liberation Armed Forces! More Apple sales, great apps and voice modulation software so that the vehicle commanders would be heard communicating in Portuguese if someone was eavesdropping. As a final offering the Turkish Navy spontaneously developed some plans to test their long range capabilities by going to, the South Atlantic.On the final leg they would have six frigates and two submarines, enough to give any navy in the region, which wasn't Brazil, something to think about. This was a show of force, not an actual threat though. If anyone called their bluff, the Khanate-Turkish forces would have to pull back. These were not assets my Brother, the Great Khan, could afford to gamble and lose.If someone didn't call that bluff, he was also sending two smaller, older corvettes and three even smaller, but newer, fast attack boats, a "gift" to the Unionists ASAP. The frigates would then race home, they had 'other' issues to deal with while the submarines would hang around for a bit. The naval gift was necessitated by the reality the Unionists would have to press their claim to their off-shore riches and that required a naval force Angola couldn't hope to counter.As things were developing, it was reckoned since a build-up of such momentous land and air power couldn't be disguised, it had to happen in a matter of days ~ four was decided to be the minimum amount of time. More than that and the government of the Democratic Republic might start asking far too many questions our hefty bribes and dubious paperwork couldn't cover. Less than that would leave the task forces launching operations with too little a chance of success.Our biggest advantage was audacity. The buildup would happen 100 km up the Congo River from Soyo, the primary target of the Southern Invasion, in the DRC's second largest port city, Boma. Though across the river was Angolan territory, there was nothing there. The city of roughly 160,000 would provide adequate cover for the initial stage of the invasion.There they grouped their vehicles & Khanate drivers with Amazon and Vietnamese combat teams. The Japanese were doing the same for their 'Chinese' counterparts for their helicopter-borne forces. Getting all their equipment in working order in the short time left was critical as was creating some level of unit dynamic. Things were chaotic. No one was happy. They were all going in anyway.What had gone wrong?While most children her age were texting their schoolmates, or tackling their homework, Aya Ruger ~ the alias of Nasusara Assiyaiá hamai ~ was getting briefings of her global, secret empire worth hundreds of billions and those of her equally nefarious compatriots. She received a very abbreviated version of what the Regents received, delivered by a member of Shawnee Arinniti's staff.When Aya hopped off her chair unexpectedly, everyone tensed. Her bodyguards' hands went to their sidearms and Lorraine (her sister by blood), also in the room on this occasion, stood and prepared to tackle her 'former' sibling to the ground if the situation escalated into an assassination attempt. No such attack was generated, so the security ratcheted down and the attendant returned her focus to her Queen. Aya paced four steps, turned and retraced her way then repeated the action three more times."How many people live in the combined areas?" she asked."The combined areas? Of Cabinda and Zaire?""Yes.""I," the woman referenced her material, "roughly 1.1 million.""What is the yearly value of the offshore oil and natural gas production?""Forty-nine billion, eighty hundred and sixty-seven million by our best estimates at this time,""How many live in Soyo City proper?""Roughly 70,000.""We take Soyo," she spoke in a small yet deliberate voice. "We take and hold Soyo as an independent city-state within the Cabindan-Zaire Union. From the maps it appears Soyo is a series of islands. It has a port and airport. It has an open border to an ocean with weaker neighbors all around.""What of the, Zairians?""Bakongo. As a people they are called the Bakongo," Aya looked up at the briefer. "We relocate those who need to work in Soyo into a new city, built at our expense, beyond the southernmost water barrier. The rest we pay to relocate elsewhere in Zaire, or Cabinda."By the looks of those around her, Aya realized she needed to further explain her decisions."This is more than some concrete home base for our People," she began patiently. "In the same way it gives our enemies a clearly delineated target to attack us, it is a statement to our allies we won't cut and run if things go truly bad.""In the same way it will provide us with diplomatic recognition beyond what tenuous handouts we are getting from Cáel Wakko Ishara's efforts through JIKIT. Also, it is a reminder we are not like the other Secret Societies in one fundamental way, we are not a business concern, or a religion. We are a People and people deserve some sort of homeland. We have gone for so long without.""But Soyo?" the aide protested. "We have no ties to it, and it backs up to, nothing.""Northern Turkey and southern Slovakia mean nothing to us now as well," Aya debated. "No place on Earth is any more precious than another. As for backing up to nothing, no. You are incorrect. It backs into a promise from our allies in the Earth & Sky that if we need support, they know where to park their planes and ships."Aya was surrounded with unhappy, disbelieving looks."The Great Khan is my mamētu meáeda," she reminded them, "and I have every reason to believe he completely grasps the concept's benefits and obligations."The looks confirmed 'but he's a man' to the tiny Queen."Aya, are you sure about this?" Lorraine was the first to break decorum."Absolutely. Do you know what he sent me when he was informed of my, ascension to the Queendom?""No," Lorraine admitted."We must go horse-riding sometime soon, Daughter of Cáel, Queen of the Amazons."More uncertain and unconvinced looks."He didn't congratulate me, or send any gifts. He could have and you would think he would have, but he didn't. He knew the hearts of me & my Atta and we weren't in the celebratory mood. No. The Great Khan sent one sentence which offered solace and quiet, atop a horse on a windswept bit of steppe."Nothing.Sigh. "I know this sounds Cáel-ish," Aya admitted, "but I strongly believe this is what we should do. We are giving the Cabindans and Bakongo in Zaire independence and the promise of a much better life than what they now face. We will be putting thousands of our sisters' lives on the line to accomplish this feat and well over two hundred million dollars.""What about governance of the city ~ Soyo?" the aide forged ahead."Amazon law," Aya didn't hesitate. "We will make allowances for the security forces of visiting dignitaries and specific allied personnel, but otherwise it will be one massive Amazon urban freehold.""I cannot imagine the Golden Mare, or the Regents, will be pleased," the attendant bowed her head."It is a matter of interconnectivity," Aya walked up and touched the woman's cheek with the back of her small hand. "We could liberate then abandon Cabinda with the hope a small band could help them keep their independence. Except we need the refinery at Soyo so the people of Cabinda can truly support that liberty.""So, we must keep Soyo and to keep Soyo, we must keep Zaire province. There is no other lesser border which makes strategic sense ~ a river, highlands, a massive river, an ocean ~ those are sustainable frontiers. You can't simply keep Soyo and not expect the enemy to strike and destroy that refinery, thus we must take Zaire province.""But the Bakongo of Zaire cannot defend themselves and will not be able to do so for at least a year, if not longer. That means we must do so, and for doing so, they will give us Soyo and we will be honest stewards of their oil wealth. We cannot expect any other power to defend this new Union and if we don't have a land stake we will be portrayed as mercenaries and expelled by hostile international forces.""So, for this project to have any chance of success, we must stay, fight and have an acknowledged presence, and if you can think of an alternative, please let me know," she exhaled."What if the Cabindans and Bakongo resist?""It is 'us', or the Angolans and they know how horrible the Angolans can be. Didn't you say the average person their lives on just $2 a day?""Yes.""We can do better than that," Aya insisted."How?" the aide persisted. "I mean, 'how in a way which will be quickly evident and meaningful?'""Oh," Aya's tiny brow furrowed. Her nose twitched as she rummaged through the vast storehouse of her brain."Get me in touch with William A. Miller, Director of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service. He should be able to help me navigate the pathways toward getting aid and advisors into those two provinces ASAP.""I'll let Katrina know," the attendant made the notation on her pad."No. Contact him directly," Aya intervened. "We established a, rapport when we met. I think he might responded positively to a chance to mentor me in foreign relations.""Really?" Lorraine's brows arched."Yes," Aya chirped."Are you sure, Nasusara?" the attendant stared. She used 'Nasusara' whenever she thought Aya had a 'horrible' idea instead of a merely a 'bad' one."Yes. He owes me. Last time we met I didn't shoot him.""Didn't?" the woman twitched."Yes. I drew down on him with my captured Chinese QSW-06. I didn't want to kill him, but I felt I was about to have to kill Deputy National Security Advisor Blinken and he was the only other person in the room both armed and capable of stopping me.""Why is he still alive?""Cáel Ishara saw through my distraction and then took my gun from me, asked for it actually," she shyly confessed."Would you have shot him?" the aide inquired."What do you think?" Aya smiled.And Then:So, given t

After Slovenia’s EMA 2025 national final, Rory and Tim sat down to discuss the show, the songs, and the winner ‘How Much Time Do We Have Left’ by Klemen. What did you think of EMA 2025? How do you feel ‘How Much Time Do We Have Left’ might do at Eurovision? As always, let us […] The post TES Recaps: EMA 2025 (Slovenia) appeared first on That Eurovision Site.

A conversation in honor of International Women's Day between Vital Voices CEO and co-Founder Alyse Nelson and Nika Kovač, the founding director of the 8th of March Research Institute, a movement-building organization that uses storytelling and advocacy to confront gender and economic inequalities across Slovenia.

Alanna Cunnane is joined by COYGIG Pod stalwarts Karen Duggan and Scarlett Herron to preview Ireland's upcoming games versus Greece and look back on the weekend that was in the WSL.What will Carla Ward do to rejuvenate the squad after their shell-shocking loss to Slovenia? Who will clinch the Champions League spots in the WSL? Find out all of that and more on this week's episode.The COYGIG Pod on Off The Ball is in association with Cadbury, the official snack partner to the Republic of Ireland's Women's National Team.#CadburySupporterAndAHalf | @Cadbury|reland

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Pamela Kyel, author of the book Charm City Spouse's Club. Award-winning author Pamela Kyel was born and raised in Edgewood, Maryland—north of Charm City. It's kind of a running joke that when you live near a large, well-known city, you tell people that's where you're from. So, unofficially, she's from Baltimore!   She followed the drum of the Air Force for 25 years. She joined her husband on six assignments—OCONUS (Outside Continental United States), aka overseas, and CONUS (Continental United States). Along the way, they added two children and numerous pets, not counting the half-a-dozen cats that came with their house in Italy. She has traveled extensively across the states and Europe, with her favorite overseas locations being Paris and Slovenia, among stateside favorites such as Rocky Mountain National Park and Door County, Wisconsin.   Family is important to her, and nowhere is that more evident than in her Charm City Mystery Series. When you've lived across the world from mothers and brothers, you adapt and overcome. You create family—and they stay with you long after the career ends. Her military family resides in Virginia, Texas, and North and South Carolina—with many still on active duty worldwide.   Writing came out of their duty station in Illinois. She picked up her computer while sitting with her elementary-age child through covid classes and thought, I can write a book. And the rest is history. While her original novel will never see the light of day, she grew and expanded her confidence in what she was doing. She was good at this, and she would have something to show for it one day. In a little over three years, she'd trod the agent querying circuit and amended her goal. Now, she just needed to hold her book in her hand. It was necessary. With that in mind, she sent out three queries to small publishers, and for her, the third time was the charm. The Wild Rose Press picked up her book and offered a contract. Less than a year later, she now held all those years of hard work in her hand.    In my book review, I stated Charm City Spouses Club is the second installment of the Charm City Mystery series. If you loved Special Agent Laci Duvall, AFOSI in the first book, you won't be disappointed in the second! This time, Laci is at a friendly baseball game between the Air Force and Army's Special Investigative Teams. However, the friendly game turns deadly when the president of the military spouse's club turns up dead in the bathroom.   The list of potential murder suspects is long - from jealous women who wanted to be president to unhappy club officers who hated the president's cruel nature, to unhappy neighbors and everyone in between.   But Laci isn't just trying to solve a murder. She is figuring out how to work in tandem with another military agency all while fighting the new agent in her own office who wants to make a name for herself by taking over the investigation without Laci's direction or approval.   Once again, we see Laci's humor, charm, and insights into the world around her. This is a book you won't want to miss. Put it on your TBR   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Pamela Kyel Website: https://pamelakyel.com/ FB: @PamelaKyelAuthor IG: @PamelaKyel LinkedIn: @pamelakyel   Purchase Charm City Spouse's Club on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/3QnwvYK Ebook: https://amzn.to/4gGQxrH   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   #pamelakyel #charmcityspousesclub #cozymystery #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/670 Join us for a captivating conversation with Rahan Arif, the dynamic CEO and founder of Lowcodera, who pulls back the curtain on his inspiring journey through the tech world. From the early days of building websites in university to navigating the impactful realms of Microsoft technologies and SharePoint, Rahan shares how these experiences paved his path to entrepreneurship. He also reveals how he balances this high-stakes career with the joys of family, food, and travel, and how these personal passions keep him grounded. Learn from his insights on the increasing costs of travel due to inflation and his memorable family trips to Europe and Dubai. TAKEAWAYS• Rahan's background in website development and early IT experiences • Transitioning from SharePoint to a focus on Power Platform • Identifying gaps in the functionality and appearance of Power Apps • Launching Low Code Era to address these challenges with PCF components • Introduction of the generative AI app-building platform for faster development • The concept of "App in an Hour" and collaborative prototyping • Revolutionizing how businesses approach and envision app solutions • The future potential of low-code integrations and democratizing development This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

A momentous episode as The Chipping Forecast announces its new partnership with Peter Millar. Our trio celebrate by wondering if it would be possible for Andrew to break 100 at DLF and by further considering whether Eddie should be Prime Minister to improve Trans-Atlantic trade. They then discuss the win for Min Woo Lee in Houston, plus the good form of Scheffler and McIlroy and the fact that Laurie Canter is heading to The Masters. They also ponder the nature of friendship and bemoan the fact that Peter Millar is unlikely to see an uplift in sales in either Belarus or Slovenia. For more details on The Big Golf Race for Prostate Cancer UK, visit biggolfrace.prostatecanceruk.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Božidar Radišic has been a vocal cannabis activist for almost two decades, he is the president of FIST – human rights association, a member of IACM – International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines and founder of the Research Nature institute in Ljubljana (http://www.researchnature.com/).Thusfar, Božidar has organized seven international scientific conferences aimed at demystifying cannabis (http://demystifyingcannabis.org/gallery).The 6th conference held in Ljubljana in 2019 was also the first conference of the kind to be part of the licensed training program of the Medical Chamber of Slovenia and the Chamber of Nursing and Midwifery Services of Slovenia.He regulary lectures and participates at cannabis-related seminars and other events in Slovenia and abroad. He is known as a tireless activist and medical cannabis advocate in Slovenia, EU and the Western Balkans.The RN Institute monitors the quality of cannabis products and to that aim established its own laboratory providing HPLC and GC/MS analysis.As a result, it has gained a deep insight into cannabis use among patients and the quality of products on the market.

Sure! Based on the transcript from Mindframes Episode 90 – "Death of a Unicorn", here are listener-friendly notes:  Episode 90: Death of a Unicorn A Mindframes Film Conversation Guests:

What's the purpose of restaurant reviews? The Food Chain looks at who is qualified to write a review, how helpful they are today and the impact they can have on a business. In this programme Ruth Alexander speaks to Giles Coren, restaurant critic for The Times newspaper in the UK, Opeyemi Famakin, online reviewer and influencer in Nigeria, and Ana Roš, chef and owner of the Hiša Franko restaurant in Slovenia which holds three Michelin stars. If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk Presenter by Ruth Alexander. Produced by Beatrice Pickup and Bisi Adebayo. (Image: from left to right, Giles Coren, Opeyemi Famakin and Ana Roš. Credits: BBC, Opeyemi Famakin and Suzan Gabrijan)

Honouring the god within: Exploring Ayurvedic wisdom and listening to the messages of your soul, mind, and body. In this episode, Lauren Grace is joined by Lena Jung for an enriching discussion on aligning your inner spirit and navigating life with intention and heart. They explore topics including: The god within you Living a compassionate life Humanitarian work and its impact Honouring and listening to your soul's purpose An overview of Ayurvedic practices Connecting to your soul's calling Living a balanced and purposeful life and so much more Tune in now. ----more---- Listen to our first episode here: The afterlife, walking with spirit, experiencing miracles and seeing through the eyes of love with Lena Jung https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-afterlife-walking-with-spirit-experiencing/id1513783755?i=1000670727070 Welcome to The Afterlight Podcast with Lauren Grace, a spiritual podcast full of stories and conversations that prove we're never alone. Lauren Grace, host of The Afterlight Podcast, is a high-impact coach and medium dedicated to helping professionals deepen their connection to their soul so they can experience more freedom, fulfillment, and purpose.   Connect with Lauren Grace, Lauren Grace Inspirations: Lauren on Social @LaurenGraceInspirations Website: https://laurengraceinspirations.com Want to work with Lauren? Book a Free Discovery Call with Lauren: https://laurengraceinspirations.com Free Offers: https://laurengraceinspirations.com/freeoffers   The Afterlight Podcast:  The Afterlight Podcast on Social @theafterlightpodcast To be a guest, apply here: www.theafterlightpodcast.com Sign up for our newsletter: https://laurengraceinspirations.com/contact   Meet Lena Jung Born in Slovenia, the "green pearl of Europe," Lena grew up as a lone wolf, finding solace in nature and her inner world. After the passing of her husband in 2023, Lena connected with his soul, which then led her to communicate with The Drops, a collective group of high-vibrational beings from the Source. Their guidance and love helped Lena heal and reignited her purpose of serving others on their spiritual paths. In addition to her channeling work with The Drops, Lena offers a wide range of healing modalities, including Ayurvedic consultations (Postgraduate Certificate in Ayurveda), Shamanic journeys (certified through the Four Winds Society), and Jungian coaching (certified Jungian coach). Her vast experience includes two PhDs, an Executive MBA, and over 20 years in media and energy businesses. Connect with Lena here: https://www.lenajung.com  

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/669 Peter Ruiter shares his journey from PHP developer to Microsoft MVP, highlighting his career transformation and expertise in Microsoft's contact center technology.• Born in the Netherlands with a family that spans continents – wife from Argentina, two sons aged 14 and 10• Started in Media Technology, working with PHP and marketing automation before transitioning to Microsoft technologies• Currently serves as Principal Solution Architect and Cloud Domain Lead at Capgemini• Leads Power Platform initiatives within Capgemini Netherlands, focusing on complex Dynamics projects• Passionate about Microsoft's contact center capabilities which integrate Teams, Dynamics, and Azure Communication Services• Explains how Microsoft's platform approach gives it advantages over competitors like Genesis and Amazon Connect• Provides insight into the practical considerations of implementing contact center solutions, including cost comparisons• Planning to speak at the BizApps Summit in Düsseldorf and attend the MVP SummitOTHER RESOURCES: Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7 This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

We kick off our 2025 Eurovision Review Season with #EurovisionSky poster Ted Van Houten to discuss the entries from Albania, Slovenia, Belgium, Ukraine, and Poland. About Ted Ted is a transportation planner in Washington, DC. As someone who loves European geopolitics, obscure pop music, and being a homosexual, Ted was destined to be a Eurovision fan as soon as he found out about it. Other than Eurovision, Ted enjoys trivia competitions (both online and at his local bar), tennis, reality television, and making puns on Bluesky that get less likes than he wishes they would. Evolution Summary

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/668 Microsoft's digital technology specialist from Singapore shares insights on enterprise-scale Power Platform implementations and how AI is transforming business processes across industries. We explore the psychology behind enterprise architects' resistance to low-code platforms and examine real-world success stories from major banks and global organizations.TAKEAWAYS• The psychological barriers enterprise architects face when considering low-code platforms• Parallels between historical resistance to .NET and today's hesitation about Power Platform• Case study of a major bank that improved performance 12-fold by migrating from legacy ERP• How a UK bank used Power Automate to fix a critical integration in hours instead of weeks• The impact of agentic AI on eliminating "performance leaks" in organizational workflows• Transforming contact centers with intelligent routing and AI-powered agent assistance• Why smaller organizations without legacy data "baggage" are well-positioned for AI adoption• How the Power Platform enables consolidation of business processes similar to data lakesThis year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

This week on the Eurovoix Podcast, the build-up to Basel goes to the next level as our Eurovision song previews return.Franciska van Waarden is your host as the Wrap-Up team starts its deep dive into the line-up to see who's contending for the Eurovision crown. First up, we drink from Tommy Cash's Espresso Macchiato for Estonia, preview Slovenia, Poland and Iceland's chances, hear from KAJ as we ask whether "Bara Bada Bastu" can really win it all and preview the first of the Big 5 - Italy.We're also on top of all the big news this week, from a whole handful of song revamps to the latest acts announced for this year's Eurovision pre-party season. You'll also hear all the updates from Eurovision's big Heads of Delegation meeting, including new faces at the top and the first piece of running order information for this year's contest. And, at the end of the show, the whole team is here to choose an entry for our annual Eurovision sweepstake - so, who do you think will make the right pick?If you all the latest Eurovision news, insights and interviews (including with the UK's act soon!), then all you have to do is remember Monday. Listen to Wrap-Up every week from 07:00 CET!CREDITSCreated and Produced by: James StephensonHost: Franciska van WaardenContributors: Alistair Brown, Daniel Stridh, Darshan Bijuvignesh, Davide Conte, James Stephenson, Julien De-re, Meg Davies, Neil Farren, Sem Anne van Dijk, Steven Heap, Tamara VecicEditor: James StephensonAnd from Eurovision 2025: KAJ (Sweden 2025)Want to know more about Eurovision? Read all the latest news from the contest at Eurovoix.Follow Eurovoix on XFollow Eurovoix on InstagramFollow Eurovoix on Facebook

Lindsey ConroyOwner, Lead GuideAdZENturesLindsey is an avid traveler and has designed a life that is centered around movement, travel, unique experiences and social interactions…and yoga. She has been practicing yoga for the past 13 years and after a few years of practice, decided she wanted to learn more while having no intention to teach…that changed very quickly. She received her teaching certification in 2011 and has loved the path that yoga has taken her down since diving deeper into the lifestyle and practice.After 6 years in the corporate world, gaining experience in Marketing and Business Management, Lindsey decided to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur and focusing on her passions. In 2014 she left the corporate world to focus on yoga full-time. In deciding to do so, she spent the next 11 months traveling around the world to teach and study yoga. During this time she discovered her passion for outdoor yoga as well as the main location for our international AdZENtures Retreats – Slovenia.In 2016 she landed in Austin where she officially began the creation of our Yoga Experience Company, AdZENtures. Lindsey currently spends half the year in the U.S. and half the year abroad leading international Experiential Retreats on behalf of our team, primarily in Slovenia.She is very passionate about travel, adventure, nature and yoga; by leading these AdZENtures she is truly living her passion. She also loves her dog, friends and family.summaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins interviews Lindsey Conroy, the owner and lead guide of AdZENtures. Lindsey shares her journey from a corporate marketing career to founding an experiential travel company focused on mindful experiences. She discusses the impact of yoga on her life, her transformative study abroad experiences, and the decision to travel the world for a year to research and develop her business concept. The conversation highlights the importance of cultural immersion, adventure, and wellness in travel, as well as the challenges and realities of starting a business. In this conversation, Lindsey shares her journey from running a traditional yoga studio to creating unique travel experiences that combine yoga with cultural immersion and outdoor adventures. She discusses the financial pressures of owning a studio, the transformative power of travel, and how she developed a business model that allows people to experience yoga and adventure in a more relaxed and engaging way. Lindsey emphasizes the importance of connection, personal growth, and the joy of exploring new cultures through travel.takeawaysAdZENtures combines adventure with mindfulness and wellness.Yoga transformed Lindsey's perspective on physical and mental health.Study abroad experiences can profoundly change one's worldview.Traveling can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.Cultural immersion is essential for meaningful travel experiences.The journey to entrepreneurship often involves significant research and development.Financial planning is crucial when transitioning careers.Experiences outside of comfort zones can lead to empowerment.Networking with other business owners can provide valuable insights.The reality of starting a business requires commitment and grounding. Running a studio can be financially stressful.Traveling with locals offers a unique perspective.Creating a business model that prioritizes experiences is key.Yoga can b Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

For a limited time, upgrade to ‘The Storm's' paid tier for $5 per month or $55 per year. You'll also receive a free year of Slopes Premium, a $29.99 value - valid for annual subscriptions only. Monthly subscriptions do not qualify for free Slopes promotion. Valid for new subscriptions only.WhoIain Martin, Host of The Ski PodcastRecorded onJanuary 30, 2025About The Ski PodcastFrom the show's website:Want to [know] more about the world of skiing? The Ski Podcast is a UK-based podcast hosted by Iain Martin.With different guests every episode, we cover all aspects of skiing and snowboarding from resorts to racing, Ski Sunday to slush.In 2021, we were voted ‘Best Wintersports Podcast‘ in the Sports Podcast Awards. In 2023, we were shortlisted as ‘Best Broadcast Programme' in the Travel Media Awards.Why I interviewed himWe did a swap. Iain hosted me on his show in January (I also hosted Iain in January, but since The Storm sometimes moves at the pace of mammal gestation, here we are at the end of March; Martin published our episode the day after we recorded it).But that's OK (according to me), because our conversation is evergreen. Martin is embedded in EuroSki the same way that I cycle around U.S. AmeriSki. That we wander from similarly improbable non-ski outposts – Brighton, England and NYC – is a funny coincidence. But what interested me most about a potential podcast conversation is the Encyclopedia EuroSkiTannica stored in Martin's brain.I don't understand skiing in Europe. It is too big, too rambling, too interconnected, too above-treeline, too transit-oriented, too affordable, too absent the Brobot ‘tude that poisons so much of the American ski experience. The fact that some French idiot is facing potential jail time for launching a snowball into a random grandfather's skull (filming the act and posting it on TikTok, of course) only underscores my point: in America, we would cancel the grandfather for not respecting the struggle so obvious in the boy's act of disobedience. In a weird twist for a ski writer, I am much more familiar with summer Europe than winter Europe. I've skied the continent a couple of times, but warm-weather cross-continental EuroTreks by train and by car have occupied months of my life. When I try to understand EuroSki, my brain short-circuits. I tease the Euros because each European ski area seems to contain between two and 27 distinct ski areas, because the trail markings are the wrong color, because they speak in the strange code of the “km” and “cm” - but I'm really making fun of myself for Not Getting It. Martin gets it. And he good-naturedly walks me through a series of questions that follow this same basic pattern: “In America, we charge $109 for a hamburger that tastes like it's been pulled out of a shipping container that went overboard in 1944. But I hear you have good and cheap food in Europe – true?” I don't mind sounding like a d*****s if the result is good information for all of us, and thankfully I achieved both of those things on this podcast.What we talked aboutThe European winter so far; how a UK-based skier moves back and forth to the Alps; easy car-free travel from the U.S. directly to Alps ski areas; is ski traffic a thing in Europe?; EuroSki 101; what does “ski area” mean in Europe; Euro snow pockets; climate change realities versus media narratives in Europe; what to make of ski areas closing around the Alps; snowmaking in Europe; comparing the Euro stereotype of the leisurely skier to reality; an aging skier population; Euro liftline queuing etiquette and how it mirrors a nation's driving culture; “the idea that you wouldn't bring the bar down is completely alien to me; I mean everybody brings the bar down on the chairlift”; why an Epic or Ikon Pass may not be your best option to ski in Europe; why lift ticket prices are so much cheaper in Europe than in the U.S.; Most consumers “are not even aware” that Vail has started purchasing Swiss resorts; ownership structure at Euro resorts; Vail to buy Verbier?; multimountain pass options in Europe; are Euros buying Epic and Ikon to ski locally or to travel to North America?; must-ski European ski areas; Euro ski-guide culture; and quirky ski areas.What I got wrongWe discussed Epic Pass' lodging requirement for Verbier, which is in effect for this winter, but which Vail removed for the 2025-26 ski season.Why now was a good time for this interviewI present to you, again, the EuroSki Chart – a list of all 26 European ski areas that have aligned themselves with a U.S.-based multi-mountain pass:The large majority of these have joined Ski NATO (a joke, not a political take Brah), in the past five years. And while purchasing a U.S. megapass is not necessary to access EuroHills in the same way it is to ski the Rockies – doing so may, in fact, be counterproductive – just the notion of having access to these Connecticut-sized ski areas via a pass that you're buying anyway is enough to get people considering a flight east for their turns.And you know what? They should. At this point, a mass abandonment of the Mountain West by the tourists that sustain it is the only thing that may drive the region to seriously reconsider the robbery-by-you-showed-up-here-all-stupid lift ticket prices, car-centric transit infrastructure, and sclerotic building policies that are making American mountain towns impossibly expensive and inconvenient to live in or to visit. In many cases, a EuroSkiTrip costs far less than an AmeriSki trip - especially if you're not the sort to buy a ski pass in March 2025 so that you can ski in February 2026. And though the flights will generally cost more, the logistics of airport-to-ski-resort-and-back generally make more sense. In Europe they have trains. In Europe those trains stop in villages where you can walk to your hotel and then walk to the lifts the next morning. In Europe you can walk up to the ticket window and trade a block of cheese for a lift ticket. In Europe they put the bar down. In Europe a sandwich, brownie, and a Coke doesn't cost $152. And while you can spend $152 on a EuroLunch, it probably means that you drank seven liters of wine and will need a sled evac to the village.“Oh so why don't you just go live there then if it's so perfect?”Shut up, Reductive Argument Bro. Everyplace is great and also sucks in its own special way. I'm just throwing around contrasts.There are plenty of things I don't like about EuroSki: the emphasis on pistes, the emphasis on trams, the often curt and indifferent employees, the “injury insurance” that would require a special session of the European Union to pay out a claim. And the lack of trees. Especially the lack of trees. But more families are opting for a week in Europe over the $25,000 Experience of a Lifetime in the American West, and I totally understand why.A quote often attributed to Winston Churchill reads, “You can always trust the Americans to do the right thing, after they have exhausted all the alternatives.” Unfortunately, it appears to be apocryphal. But I wish it wasn't. Because it's true. And I do think we'll eventually figure out that there is a continent-wide case study in how to retrofit our mountain towns for a more cost- and transit-accessible version of lift-served skiing. But it's gonna take a while.Podcast NotesOn U.S. ski areas opening this winter that haven't done so “in a long time”A strong snow year has allowed at least 11 U.S. ski areas to open after missing one or several winters, including:* Cloudmont, Alabama (yes I'm serious)* Pinnacle, Maine* Covington and Sault Seal, ropetows outfit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula* Norway Mountain, Michigan – resurrected by new owner after multi-year closure* Tower Mountain, a ropetow bump in Michigan's Lower Peninsula* Bear Paw, Montana* Hatley Pointe, North Carolina opened under new ownership, who took last year off to gut-renovate the hill* Warner Canyon, Oregon, an all-natural-snow, volunteer-run outfit, opened in December after a poor 2023-24 snow year.* Bellows Falls ski tow, a molehill run by the Rockingham Recreation in Vermont, opened for the first time in five years after a series of snowy weeks across New England* Lyndon Outing Club, another volunteer-run ropetow operation in Vermont, sat out last winter with low snow but opened this yearOn the “subway map” of transit-accessible Euro skiingI mean this is just incredible:The map lives on Martin's Ski Flight Free site, which encourages skiers to reduce their carbon footprints. I am not good at doing this, largely because such a notion is a fantasy in America as presently constructed.But just imagine a similar system in America. The nation is huge, of course, and we're not building a functional transcontinental passenger railroad overnight (or maybe ever). But there are several areas of regional density where such networks could, at a minimum, connect airports or city centers with destination ski areas, including:* Reno Airport (from the east), and the San Francisco Bay area (to the west) to the ring of more than a dozen Tahoe resorts (or at least stops at lake- or interstate-adjacent Sugar Bowl, Palisades, Homewood, Northstar, Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak, and Heavenly)* Denver Union Station and Denver airport to Loveland, Keystone, Breck, Copper, Vail, Beaver Creek, and - a stretch - Aspen and Steamboat, with bus connections to A-Basin, Ski Cooper, and Sunlight* SLC airport east to Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, Brighton, Park City, and Deer Valley, and north to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain* Penn Station in Manhattan up along Vermont's Green Mountain Spine: Mount Snow, Stratton, Bromley, Killington, Pico, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, Bolton Valley, Stowe, Smugglers' Notch, Jay Peak, with bus connections to Magic and Middlebury Snowbowl* Boston up the I-93 corridor: Tenney, Waterville Valley, Loon, Cannon, and Bretton Woods, with a spur to Conway and Cranmore, Attitash, Wildcat, and Sunday River; bus connections to Black New Hampshire, Sunapee, Gunstock, Ragged, and Mount AbramYes, there's the train from Denver to Winter Park (and ambitions to extend the line to Steamboat), which is terrific, but placing that itsy-bitsy spur next to the EuroSystem and saying “look at our neato train” is like a toddler flexing his toy jet to the pilots as he boards a 757. And they smile and say, “Whoa there, Shooter! Now have a seat while we burn off 4,000 gallons of jet fuel accelerating this f****r to 500 miles per hour.”On the number of ski areas in EuropeI've detailed how difficult it is to itemize the 500-ish active ski areas in America, but the task is nearly incomprehensible in Europe, which has as many as eight times the number of ski areas. Here are a few estimates:* Skiresort.info counts 3,949 ski areas (as of today; the number changes daily) in Europe: list | map* Wikipedia doesn't provide a number, but it does have a very long list* Statista counts a bit more than 2,200, but their list excludes most of Eastern EuropeOn Euro non-ski media and climate change catastropheOf these countless European ski areas, a few shutter or threaten to each year. The resulting media cycle is predictable and dumb. In The Snow concisely summarizes how this pattern unfolds by analyzing coverage of the recent near loss of L'Alpe du Grand Serre, France (emphasis mine):A ski resort that few people outside its local vicinity had ever heard of was the latest to make headlines around the world a month ago as it announced it was going to cease ski operations.‘French ski resort in Alps shuts due to shortage of snow' reported The Independent, ‘Another European ski resort is closing due to lack of snow' said Time Out, The Mirror went for ”Devastation” as another European ski resort closes due to vanishing snow‘ whilst The Guardian did a deeper dive with, ‘Fears for future of ski tourism as resorts adapt to thawing snow season.' The story also appeared in dozens more publications around the world.The only problem is that the ski area in question, L'Alpe du Grand Serre, has decided it isn't closing its ski area after all, at least not this winter.Instead, after the news of the closure threat was publicised, the French government announced financial support, as did the local municipality of La Morte, and a number of major players in the ski industry. In addition, a public crowdfunding campaign raised almost €200,000, prompting the officials who made the original closure decision to reconsider. Things will now be reassessed in a year's time.There has not been the same global media coverage of the news that L'Alpe du Grand Serre isn't closing after all.It's not the first resort where money has been found to keep slopes open after widespread publicity of a closure threat. La Chapelle d'Abondance was apparently on the rocks in 2020 but will be fully open this winter and similarly Austria's Heiligenblut which was said to be at risk of permanently closure in the summer will be open as normal.Of course, ski areas do permanently close, just like any business, and climate change is making the multiple challenges that smaller, lower ski areas face, even more difficult. But in the near-term bigger problems are often things like justifying spends on essential equipment upgrades, rapidly increasing power costs and changing consumer habits that are the bigger problems right now. The latter apparently exacerbated by media stories implying that ski holidays are under severe threat by climate change.These increasingly frequent stories always have the same structure of focusing on one small ski area that's in trouble, taken from the many thousands in the Alps that few regular skiers have heard of. The stories imply (by ensuring that no context is provided), that this is a major resort and typical of many others. Last year some reports implied, again by avoiding giving any context, that a ski area in trouble that is actually close to Rome, was in the Alps.This is, of course, not to pretend that climate change does not pose an existential threat to ski holidays, but just to say that ski resorts have been closing for many decades for multiple reasons and that most of these reports do not give all the facts or paint the full picture.On no cars in ZermattIf the Little Cottonwood activists really cared about the environment in their precious canyon, they wouldn't be advocating for alternate rubber-wheeled transit up to Alta and Snowbird – they'd be demanding that the road be closed and replaced by a train or gondola or both, and that the ski resorts become a pedestrian-only enclave dotted with only as many electric vehicles as it took to manage the essential business of the towns and the ski resorts.If this sounds improbable, just look to Zermatt, which has banned gas cars for decades. Skiers arrive by train. Nearly 6,000 people live there year-round. It is amazing what humans can build when the car is considered as an accessory to life, rather than its central organizing principle.On driving in EuropeDriving in Europe is… something else. I've driven in, let's see: Iceland, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. That last one is the scariest but they're all a little scary. Drivers' speeds seem to be limited by nothing other than physics, passing on blind curves is common even on mountain switchbacks, roads outside of major arterials often collapse into one lane, and Euros for some reason don't believe in placing signs at intersections to indicate street names. Thank God for GPS. I'll admit that it's all a little thrilling once the disorientation wears off, and there are things to love about driving in Europe: roundabouts are used in place of traffic lights wherever possible, the density of cars tends to be less (likely due to the high cost of gas and plentiful mass transit options), sprawl tends to be more contained, the limited-access highways are extremely well-kept, and the drivers on those limited-access highways actually understand what the lanes are for (slow, right; fast, left).It may seem contradictory that I am at once a transit advocate and an enthusiastic road-tripper. But I've lived in New York City, home of the United States' best mass-transit system, for 23 years, and have owned a car for 19 of them. There is a logic here: in general, I use the subway or my bicycle to move around the city, and the car to get out of it (this is the only way to get to most ski areas in the region, at least midweek). I appreciate the options, and I wish more parts of America offered a better mix.On chairs without barsIt's a strange anachronism that the United States is still home to hundreds of chairlifts that lack safety bars. ANSI standards now require them on new lift builds (as far as I can tell), but many chairlifts built without bars from the 1990s and earlier appear to have been grandfathered into our contemporary system. This is not the case in the Eastern U.S. where, as far as I'm aware, every chairlift with the exception of a handful in Pennsylvania have safety bars – New York and many New England states require them by law (and require riders to use them). Things get dicey in the Midwest, which has, as a region, been far slower to upgrade its lift fleets than bigger mountains in the East and West. Many ski areas, however, have retrofit their old lifts with bars – I was surprised to find them on the lifts at Sundown, Iowa; Chestnut, Illinois; and Mont du Lac, Wisconsin, for example. Vail and Alterra appear to retrofit all chairlifts with safety bars once they purchase a ski area. But many ski areas across the Mountain West still spin old chairs, including, surprisingly, dozens of mountains in California, Oregon, and Washington, states that tends to have more East Coast-ish outlooks on safety and regulation.On Compagnie des AlpesAccording to Martin, the closest thing Europe has to a Vail- or Alterra-style conglomerate is Compagnie des Alpes, which operates (but does not appear to own) 10 ski areas in the French Alps, and holds ownership stakes in five more. It's kind of an amazing list:Here's the company's acquisition timeline, which includes the ski areas, along with a bunch of amusement parks and hotels:Clearly the path of least resistance to a EuroVail conflagration would be to shovel this pile of coal into the furnace. Martin referenced Tignes' forthcoming exit from the group, to join forces with ski resort Sainte-Foy on June 1, 2026 – teasing a smaller potential EuroVail acquisition. Tignes, however, would not be the first resort to exit CdA's umbrella – Les 2 Alpes left in 2020.On EuroSkiPassesThe EuroMegaPass market is, like EuroSkiing itself, unintelligible to Americans (at least to this American). There are, however, options. Martin offers the Swiss-centric Magic Pass as perhaps the most prominent. It offers access to 92 ski areas (map). You are probably expecting me to make a chart. I will not be making a chart.S**t I need to publish this article before I cave to my irrepressible urge to make a chart.OK this podcast is already 51 days old do not make a chart you moron.I think we're good here.I hope.I will also not be making a chart to track the 12 ski resorts accessible on Austria's Ski Plus City Pass Stubai Innsbruck Unlimited Freedom Pass.The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

The unloading of Bashar al-Assad in December was a hopeful moment for Syria. The installation of his successor, jihadist commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, was a more nervous one. We discuss the mood among civilians with journalist Zaina Erhaim and Monocle’s Hannah Lucinda Smith, following the latter’s trip to Damascus in February. We also hear Slovenia’s foreign affairs minister, Tanja Fajon, who has met Syria’s interim president, and consider the implications for the country’s neighbours with Faysal Itani, the senior director of Middle East programs at the New Lines Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In late 2024, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing the Irish government of extreme anti-Israel policies, antisemitic rhetoric, and double standards. Meanwhile, the small Jewish community in Ireland, numbering nearly 3,000, has faced antisemitism in the streets. AJC's Director of International Jewish Affairs, Rabbi Andrew Baker, joins us to discuss his recent meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, examples of antisemitic activity in Ireland, including Holocaust inversion and the chilling impact of widespread anti-Israel sentiment on Irish Jews. He also shares insights on Ireland's adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and the future of Holocaust remembrance in the country. ___ Resources: AJC Directly Addresses Antisemitism and Vilification of Israel in Ireland with the Prime Minister Listen – AJC Podcasts: -The Forgotten Exodus: with Hen Mazzig, Einat Admony, and more. -People of the Pod:  U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Gaza Reconstruction, Israeli Security, and the Future of Middle East Diplomacy Why Germany's Antisemitic Far-Right Party is Thriving Instead of Disappearing Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. __ Transcript of Conversation with Andrew Baker: Manya Brachear Pashman:   In December, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing the Irish government of extreme anti-Israel policies, antisemitic rhetoric, and double standards. Meanwhile, the small Jewish community in Ireland, numbering nearly 3000 has faced antisemitism in the streets. With us now to discuss the situation in Ireland, and his meeting with the Irish Prime Minister last week, is AJC's Director of International Jewish Affairs, Rabbi Andrew Baker, who also serves as the personal representative on combating antisemitism in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Andy, welcome to People of the Pod.  Andrew Baker:   Great to be here, Manya. Manya Brachear Pashman:   This situation did not develop overnight. Can you take our listeners back to the first clues that the relationship between Israel and Ireland was deteriorating? Andrew Baker:   Ireland has a small Jewish community, perhaps about 3000 people. And a significant number of them, maybe upwards toward 1000, also people with Israeli citizenship who moved to Ireland to work there with a number of the social media tech companies based in Ireland. Over the years, and certainly even predating October 7, in Ireland there's been a fairly high degree of anti-Israel animus. It's not dissimilar to what we may find in a number of other northern European countries. They view the political scene in the Middle East through a certain prism that creates and maybe amplifies this form of animus.  But that said, there have also been, I think, issues between this community and government policy, even as it's reflected in ceremonies marking Holocaust remembrance in Ireland. In many cases, the particular focus in that history of what happened to the Jewish people in Europe during World War II, the genocide of the Holocaust. While there may be commemoration events, in principle to market, they've really, in many ways, washed out the Jewish nature of that.  In 2016 I was an invited speaker to the official Holocaust Commemoration Day in Ireland. Almost the entire focus was on the refugees, at the time coming in from North Africa and the Middle East. I was actually the only person who spoke the word antisemitism at that event. You also had an effort through legislation to really separate out Israel, the occupied territories, as they understood it, and the name of this bill that was passed by the legislature was called the Occupied Territories Bill. Which sought to separate Israel, at least the territories commercially from Ireland, but it would have a very onerous impact, frankly, on any anyone, certainly members of the Jewish community, who would choose to visit Israel. If they purchased a kippa in The Old City of Jerusalem, brought it back with them to Ireland, under this law, if it were enacted, they could literally be arrested for that action.  So I think also at the time I made a visit there in 2019 in my OSC role, Israel was preparing to host the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, and there was a very public campaign in Ireland to boycott the Eurovision contest. Advertisements calling for this on the side of buses, people in the state media already indicating that they were going to refuse to attend. So you had this sort of environment in Ireland, again, a good number of years before what happened on October 7, which really changed everything throughout Europe. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And now there has been a more moderate government recently elected in Ireland. Prime Minister Micheál Martin was in the United States last week in Washington, DC, and you actually met with him when he was here, correct?  Andrew Baker:   That's correct.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Did you share some of these concerns? Did you address, for example, the Occupied Territories Bill with him? Andrew Baker:   Yes, we spent a bit over an hour together. I was joined also by Marina Rosenberg from the ADL. Our two organizations met. There were some initial plans that other organizations would also participate, but in the end, it was the two of us. One of the most significant issues that has arisen, it's partly why Israel closed its embassy, was the fact that Ireland has joined with South Africa in the charges brought before the ICJ, the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide. So our goal at this meeting was to raise a number of these issues, including that, including the status of the Occupied Territories bill.  But also, really to impress on him that the community itself was feeling, sieged, if you will, by these developments. And so we wanted him to understand that the anti-Israel animus, which at times, crosses over to a form of antisemitism, has had a direct impact on the Jews in Ireland.  It also was brought to the fore only this past January at this year's International Holocaust Remembrance event, Michael Higgins, the Irish president, spoke, even though the Jewish community had actually urged that he not be given a platform. He used the opportunity to focus on the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. And again, by that, drawing an analogy between Israel, between the Jewish experience during the Holocaust and somehow Israel's treatment of Palestinians today. So this, too, was an issue we brought up with the Prime Minister. Manya Brachear Pashman:   But this prime minister has made some overtures to address antisemitism, right? I mean, his administration, for example, just announced it was adopting the working definition. Andrew Baker:   Yes, in fact, several weeks before coming to Washington, the prime minister did announce that Ireland would accept the international Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. And we also have a set of global guidelines that some, I think, over over 30 countries now have adopted, that lay out measures that government should take. So we did, of course, discuss this with the prime minister. He indicated to us that he was in the process of appointing a national coordinator, someone who could sort of oversee the development of national strategy to combat anti semitism. This is a very important step, by the way, it's one that almost all, with only a couple of exceptions, EU Member States, have already done. So. It is good that Ireland is doing this. Of course, it comes quite late to the game in this the IHRA definition is very important, because it offers old and new examples of antisemitism, and to digress only for a moment, this IHRA definition began as the definition endorsed presented by the European monitoring center on racism and xenophobia, already 20 years ago. And in my AJC role at that time, I worked closely with the EUMC in the drafting and the adoption of that definition. And notably, it speaks about antisemitism related to Israel. Frankly, if one had that definition in front of him or her, you would be able to look at some of the actions, even by members of government, and certainly the President's own remarks in January, and say, well, this could constitute a form of antisemitism itself. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And did he address the bill legislation that is so troublesome? Andrew Baker:   Yes, he did. He indicated to us that the Occupied Territories Bill as drafted is probably unconstitutional, since it really concerns international trade and economics. This is the purview of Brussels for all EU member states. So in that regard, they're really not expected or permitted to have their own economic international policy. He also said it was probably unenforceable.  Now I asked him to simply dispel with this bill altogether. That was not something that he could agree to, but he did inform me that it would be, at least for now, off the legislative calendar. So we know there are others in Ireland who are pushing for that law to be redrafted and enacted. So this was somewhat reassuring to be told that no, at least this will not happen this year. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Though he adopted the IRA working definition, I know that he also received some pressure from activists to dispense of that, to not adopt it and to reject it. And he assured them that it was not legally binding.  Was that discouraging to hear? Or did he seem to be willing to implement it in training of law enforcement and education of students?  Andrew Baker:   Look, these are the very elements that we speak of when we speak about employing the IHRA definition. And as you said, it's identified as a non legally binding definition, but it ought to be used to advise, to inform law enforcement, the judiciary, if and when they address incidents of antisemitism. Again, he made the decision to adopt the definition, to accept the global guidelines only, only a few weeks ago, really. So how it will be used to what extent remains to be seen. I have to say we, and my ADL colleague indicated we're certainly prepared to work with the government to offer advice on how these things can be employed. We hope that they'll consider and take up our offer, but at this point, we have to see what happens. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You mentioned that the small Jewish community there is largely Israeli expats doing business. And they were certainly uncomfortable at Holocaust Remembrance event. Are there other examples of harassment or antisemitic behavior, assaults, protests. What are they seeing on a day to day basis? Andrew Baker:   Yes, first, I mean, the majority of the community are not Israelis, but there's a significant number who are. And I think what they're finding is, it's not unique, but it's intensive for them, that in schools, in the workplace, there's a high level of discomfort. And a result of this, where people may have the choice they will try not to identify publicly in some way that would signal to others that they're Jewish. There are incidents. There haven't really been violent attacks but clearly kids in school have been harassed and made to feel uncomfortable. Because they're Jewish because of this sort of strong anti-Israel animus.  There was, only shortly after we had our meeting, an incident in one of the resort towns in Ireland where Israeli tourists in a restaurant were harassed by other patrons. They were cursed. They were spit at. It was the sort of thing, and the local council did issue a kind of apology. But I think it illustrates that when you have such a high level of anti-Israel animus, which at times can be just a harshly critical view of Israel or Israel's government, but it can spill over and create a sense that there is, as we've termed it, a kind of ambient antisemitism. It is sort of in the atmosphere, and so it does have an impact on this small Jewish community. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Last year, Israel recalled its ambassador to Dublin. It closed its embassy in December, but in May, it actually recalled its ambassador, after Ireland announced, along with other countries, Norway, Spain, Slovenia, that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And I'm curious if there's something about Ireland's history that informs this approach? Andrew Baker:   I think that's partly true. Look, first of all, Ireland had a somewhat checkered role, even during the Holocaust. You know, the Irish Ambassador government signed a condolence book when Adolf Hitler died. And it accepted German refugees after the war, but it was really quite reluctant to accept even some small number of Jewish refugees. And I think over time, Ireland in its own fight for independence with Great Britain, maybe drew the same analogy to Palestinians. This notion of being a colonialist subject. Perhaps there are those connections that people make as well.  But in the case with the Israeli ambassador first being withdrawn, and then the embassy closed, unfortunately, much of the normal diplomatic relations that an ambassador wants to do, is expected to do, were really precluded from Israeli Ambassador Erlich. Gatherings of political parties where diplomats as a kind of standard rule, invited to attend, she was not invited. Other events the same was true. So there was also a frustration to be ambassador in what ought to be a friendly country, a fellow democracy, a member of the European Union, and yet to be made a kind of de facto persona non grata was a quite troubling experience. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So whether there was an ambassador or an embassy there didn't seem to matter. They were still being excluded from diplomatic events already. Andrew Baker:   The Israeli government made the decision that they needed to do something dramatic to express the state of affairs and this discomfort, and that was first through recalling the ambassador, but ultimately, As you pointed out, essentially closing the embassy, that's a dramatic step, and some might disagree, particularly if you have Israeli citizens that would otherwise want the services of an embassy in that country, but they believe this was one way of sending a message, and I think it was a message that was received.  I would point out that following our meeting with the Prime Minister, it drew significant attention in the Irish press. Perhaps one of the most prominent read newspapers in Ireland, The Independent, this past Sunday, had an editorial that spoke about our meeting with the Prime Minister and really called on the government to reassess its relationship with Israel. In other words, to try and repair that relationship. So if it leads to that, then I think we will feel it was well worth it. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Going back to the Holocaust Remembrance events that seem to be a continuing issue. Did you speak with the Prime Minister about the Jewish community perhaps having a role in organizing those commemorations from now on? Andrew Baker:   We did. The fact is, there has been a Holocaust Educational Trust organization that had some government support, but it's separate from the Jewish community that has been responsible for organizing these events. As I noted when I was invited in 2016, this was the organization that organized it, but it has sort of fallen out of favor with the Jewish community. There have been internal tensions, and again, as a result of this last event in January, the Jewish community has asked the government to really be given the authority to to organize these events.  I have to point out that it does have, typically, the participation of senior figures in the government. When I was there, the prime minister at the time spoke, and members of the High Court participated, the Mayor of Dublin. So I think that level of participation is important and should continue. But I think the problem we're seeing is that even that history is being instrumentalized, so we need to be certain that doesn't continue. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Andy, a number of Jewish leaders declined to meet with Prime Minister Martin, given the tension and animosity Jews in Ireland have been facing. Why did you meet with him?  Andrew Baker:   AJC values, sees itself as playing an important diplomatic role, not simply with Ireland, but with various countries. And while some other organizations felt in the end, they should not participate, because by not talking to the Irish Prime Minister that was sending a message, our approach is rather quite the opposite. It's important to talk. I'm not sure that it's always the easiest conversations, and the results may not always be all that we would hope them to be, but I want to say we're in this for the long haul. We've been back and forth to Ireland, with other countries, of course, as well over the years. We hope that those visits and these meetings will continue. Frankly, it's only by this kind of ongoing engagement, I believe that we can really make a difference, and that's what we're all about. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well Andy, thank you so much for joining us.  Andrew Baker:  You're welcome, Manya.

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/667Join us for a captivating episode exploring the transformative journey of Soren, a senior consultant and MVP in the Power Platform community. From his humble beginnings to becoming a thought leader, Soren opens up about his experiences and insights. He emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the tools within the Power Platform, making it accessible to anyone looking to embark on a career in tech. Soren's stories reveal how curiosity and adaptation can turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.  TAKEAWAYS • Soren's introduction to the Power Platform and Projectum • Importance of user-friendly tools for citizen developers • Enhancing skills in the tech landscape with AI intersections • Real-world examples of user empowerment through technology • Insights into potential future trends in the industry • Career advice for aspiring Power Platform developers  OTHER RESOURCES:

1) Striscia di Gaza. Dopo la ripresa dei bombardamenti l'esercito israeliano annuncia il lancio di operazioni di terra. La violazione degli accordi di Doha è l'ultimo tentativo disperato di Netanyahu per sfuggire ai processi penali. (Paola Caridi) 2) Ucraina. Il campo e le prove di dialogo tra Trump e Putin restringono il margine di manovra del presidente Zelensky. Il punto di Esteri 3) A Washington scontro senza precedenti tra corte suprema e casa bianca. DalL' esito della crisi costituzionale in corso dipende il futuro degli Stati Uniti come democrazia 4) Una commissione d'inchiesta per l'ambasciatore Attanasio assassinato 4 anni fa in repubblica democratica del Congo . La richiesta oggi dell'Associazione “Amici di Luca” durante un incontro in Regione Lombardia. (Valentina D'Amico) 5) Progetti sostenibili. Il recupero del lungo fiume di Lubiana è tra i simboli della rigenerazione urbana nella capitale della Slovenia.

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/666  We explore whether AI is overhyped or dangerously underhyped, examining the disconnect between those creating AI technology and those selling it without adequately addressing trustworthy AI concerns.TAKEAWAYS• The Microsoft AI Tour event demonstrated excellent technical content with a strong focus on trustworthy AI• There's a dangerous disconnect between people who make AI technology and those who sell it regarding responsible AI implementation• Trustworthy AI doesn't mean stopping innovation but preventing potential calamities• The scale of AI's impact may be drastically underestimated, similar to our inability to truly comprehend "65 million years since dinosaurs"• AI enables processing information at unprecedented scale, creating extraordinary risks in surveillance and human rights contexts• Corporate discussions about completely replacing customer service departments with AI raise serious socioeconomic concerns• Shadow AI applications being developed without proper governance represent significant risks• Containing AI's risks while harnessing its benefits requires education, curiosity, and political wisdom• Book recommendations: "The Coming Wave" by Mustafa Suleiman and "Origin" by Dan BrownGet educated and don't rely on echo chambers or news articles - read in-depth material from experts to form your own opinions about AI's trajectory and implications.OTHER RESOURCES90 Day Mentoring Challenge - https://www.90daymc.com/  Support the show - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nz365guy This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/665 Stevie Sims shares his journey from chemical plant operator to lead Power Platform developer at Shell, demonstrating how business expertise combined with low-code tools can transform organizations.TAKEAWAYS• Started career in operations, climbing towers and turning valves before discovering Excel• Hurricane Ida became a pivotal moment when he built a Power BI dashboard to manage recovery• Transitioned from citizen developer to fusion team member building complex apps and automations• Believes companies should encourage operational experts to upskill with technical tools• Emphasizes the importance of business knowledge when developing technical solutions• Advocates for "ring-fencing" talented citizen developers for focused development periods• Prevents duplicate development efforts through idea triage and solution sharing• Featured in new book "All Hands on Tech: AI-Powered Citizen Developer Revolution"Check out "All Hands on Tech" by Ian Barkin and Tom Davenport, featuring Steve's story and other inspiring examples from the low-code no-code space.This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

� 播客标题：第一印象：如何让人对你印象深刻？"First impressions last." 第一印象往往影响深远。今天我们会探讨第一印象的重要性，分享一个个人故事，提供一些有用的小技巧，并学习五个与第一印象相关的英语词汇！一句关于第一印象的中英格言"You never get a second chance to make a first impression.""你永远不会有第二次机会来创造第一印象。"这句话的意思是，当你第一次见到某人时，你给对方的印象将可能深深影响你们的关系，所以我们要好好把握每一次见面机会！一个关于第一印象的个人故事� Host (Lily):I want to share a personal story about my first impression of someone I met through Tinder.（我想分享一个关于我如何在 Tinder 上认识某人的故事。）I met Mattic, a guy from Slovenia, at a café near Chingmai University.（我在清迈大学附近的一家咖啡馆见到了 Mattic，他来自斯洛文尼亚。）At first, I thought he was a bit shy, but after talking for a while, I realized he was very talkative and deep-thinking.（刚开始，我觉得他有点害羞，但聊了一会儿后，我发现他其实很健谈，也很有想法。）Mattic 通过 Tinder 的个人简介对我产生了第一印象。他说：� "She had a really nice description which got me intrigued to her. And it was in English, which is a rare case for Tinder in Thailand."（"她的个人简介写得很好，让我对她产生了兴趣。而且是用英语写的，这在泰国的 Tinder 上很少见。"）� 光是简介就能影响对方对你的第一印象！这也提醒我们，不只是外表，言语表达也是建立好印象的重要关键！当我们终于在清迈大学湖畔的咖啡馆见面时，他的想法得到了确认。他说：� "So the first impression is now that we are sitting on the coffee. So basically it confirmed what I had in mind. Like, she is a really interesting person. I think we can have a really deep conversation because I hate small talks."（"当我们真正坐下来喝咖啡时，我的第一印象被证实了。她是一个很有趣的人，我们可以有很深入的对话，因为我讨厌表面的寒暄。"）� 第一印象的影响持续到我们的谈话内容。我们的聊天十分自然开放，让 Mattic 觉得很惊讶，因为他通常不会在第一次见面时分享太多个人故事。他补充说：� "I tend not to share things of my life with someone that I meet for the first time. And I think I'm sharing quite a lot with her, so that means that she's a really trustworthy person."（"我通常不会在第一次见面时分享太多个人故事，但这次我分享了很多，这意味着她是一个很值得信任的人。"）� 所以，第一印象不只是"看到"对方的样子，更是从对话、肢体语言和相处方式中，慢慢建立起的感觉。他会再次约我出去吗？（Would He Ask Me Out Again?）Mattic 的回答是：� "I would ask you out again because I think there's a lot of things that are still hidden in there that need to be discovered. Definitely!"（"我会再约你，因为我觉得还有很多值得探索的事，绝对会！"）� 第一印象并不代表全部，但它确实影响我们是否愿意更进一步了解对方。那么，如何让自己的第一印象更加分呢？接下来，我将分享 5 个简单实用的第一印象提升技巧！什么是第一印象？（What is a first impression?）First impressions are the initial thoughts or feelings someone has about you within the first few seconds of meeting.（第一印象是别人在见到你的前几秒内，对你产生的最初想法或感觉。）为什么第一印象很重要？（Why are first impressions important?）Because they can influence how people perceive you, trust you, and interact with you.（因为它们会影响别人如何看待你、是否信任你，以及与你互动的方式。）5 个让你提升第一印象的技巧（Tips for a Great First Impression）Dress appropriately.（穿着得体。）You don't have to wear a suit, but dressing neatly shows respect.（你不需要穿西装，但干净整洁的穿着能显示你的尊重。）Smile genuinely.（真诚地微笑。）A smile makes you look friendly and approachable.（微笑能让你看起来更友好、更容易亲近。）Make eye contact.（保持眼神交流。）It shows confidence and attentiveness.（这能展现自信，让人感觉你在专心聆听。）Listen actively.（积极倾听。）People love to be heard. Ask questions and show interest.（人们喜欢被倾听，提出问题并展现兴趣。）Be yourself.（做你自己。）Authenticity is key. People appreciate honesty and sincerity.（真诚是关键，人们会欣赏你的诚实和真挚。）5 个与第一印象相关的英语单词在这集播客里，我们学习了 5 个与第一印象有关的英语词汇！First impression（第一印象）� Your first impression matters a lot in a job interview.�（在工作面试中，第一印象非常重要。）Approachable（平易近人）� A friendly smile makes you more approachable.�（友好的微笑会让你看起来更容易亲近。）Charismatic（有魅力的）� She is a charismatic speaker who captivates her audience.�（她是一位有魅力的演讲者，能吸引观众。）Genuine（真诚的）� A genuine compliment can make someone's day.�（一个真诚的赞美可以让别人开心一整天。）Confidence（自信）� Confidence is key when making a first impression.�（在建立第一印象时，自信是关键。）行动呼吁（Call to Action）� Host (Lily):Alright, my dear listeners, now it's your turn!（好了，亲爱的听众们，现在轮到你们了！）Think about a time when you made a strong first impression.（回想一下你曾经留下深刻第一印象的时刻。）Share your experience in the comments or send me a voice message!（在评论区分享你的经验，或者给我发语音消息！）Try using today's vocabulary in real life!（尝试在日常生活中使用今天学到的词汇！）现在就到 ⁠Flywithlily.com⁠，下载离开舒适圈中英语挑战手册吧！

I eat a tin of smoked oysters (there's literally no downside), Snape and Slovenia, X and stochastic terrorism, Tophiachu and the carjacking, Snark subs and moral righteousness, Dax and the black bull, Vickers and the black bull, Ralph and the white mare, and the worst superchat segment ever recorded.

Jure in Anže o sanjah in Mozartovi scatologiji. Če ti je Opazovalnica všeč, jo lahko podpreš in dobiš mini dodatno epizodo. Hvala. Opazovalnica #126 Zapiski: Jean Markič (@jeanmarkic) • Instagram photos and videos Kdo bo zmagal v teku na 60 metrov Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2001 – Wikipedia Royal St. George’s Golf Club […]

We're sharing our episode a few days early this week and it contains two segments. Jay Ward Hunger Strike First up, a recent interview with James “Jay” Ward. Jay was featured in a show about a year ago: he went into prison at 15 years old in Ohio and has been in for 19 years at this point. He participated in the 2018 Nationwide Prisoner Strike as well as other self-advocacy protests since and is trying to raise funds with his outside supporters to pay for a lawyer to help him win his release as his mandatory minimum date comes up next year. When this was recorded, Jay was 11 days into a hunger strike demanding a return of his personal items and a transfer to a space where he won't be targeted for violence by gangs, alongside a couple of other requests listed in his letter at the end of this post. You can hear how tired he is from subsisting only on water for the last week and a half, struggling to keep focus and concentrate on the conversation throughout our chat. You can find his gofundme for updates and ways to donate.  If you want to support his hunger strike, his supporters are requesting people call between 9am and 5pm central time (Mon-Fri) the following numbers to voice concern for the safety and conditions of James Ward A517461 on hunger strike : Mansfield Correctional Institution at 419-525-4455 and ask to talk to Warden Harold May the Central ODRC office at 614-387-0588 At the bottom of our show notes you can find Jay's public announcement of his circumstances and requests. You can also email your concerns to drc.manci@odrc.state.ohio.us as well as to the ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith (via annette.chambers-smith@odrc.state.ohio.us ). Jay is wanting people to reach out to contact him via his mailing address (below) or JPay.com (using the info in his mailing address): James Ward A517461 Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Mail Processing Center (OMPC) 884 Coitsville-Hubbard Road Youngstown, Ohio 44505 Antifascist Voices in Europe Then you'll hear an interview conducted by our comrades at crna luknja in Ljubljana, Slovenia with antifascists countering neonazi demonstrations in Budapest, Hungary, and Sofia, Bulgaria. This was featured in the latest episode of B(A)D News from the A-Radio Network, a monthly podcast from a network that we affiliate with and worth checking out for “angry voices from around the world”. Finally, you'll hear Sean Swain's promise for a brighter, goldener era for the USA (and subsequently the world) Announcements Malik Muhammad Phone Zap There's a phone zap currently on to move 2020 "Palestinian pansexual Muslim... anarchist antifascist, anti-racist abolitionist" prisoner Malik Muhammad out of solitary confinement at Snake River Correctional in Oregon. Call Snake River Correctional with the following demands weekdays between 9am and 5pm pacific time: Return Malik to general inmate population; Restore communications rights and mail; Return all books and possessions immediately; End the persecution now! Master Control: 541-881-5018 Superintendent: 541-881-5002 Inspector: 541-881-5081 Chaplains: 541-881-4624, 541-881-4625, 541-881-4626, 541-881-4686 General Line: 541-881-5000 Please write to Malik and let him know you stand with him! Malik Muhammad #23935744 Snake River Correctional Institution 777 Stanton Blvd Ontario, OR 97914-8335 *Note*: Please include page numbers and return addresses on each page because the prison typically does not give inmates the envelopes. Update on Fund Raising and supporting TFSR A quick update to the patreon request we made in recent episodes: We're back where we were a month ago, covering the basic costs. Big thanks to those who stepped up to help! We have other costs beyond that (printing and mailing our small contribution to prisoner zines per month, replenishing our stickers, equipment upgrades) that we could also use support in if you have a few bucks a month. We have that patreon with it's early audio releases and other thank-yous, or anonymized payments via liberapay that can be one-time or recurring. We also have a big cartel store with some merch and can take payments via venmo and paypal. These are linked at https://thefinalstrawradio.noblogs.org/donate If you appreciate the work we do but don't have the extra money, the best way to contribute is to get involved in face to face organizing where you are, integrating movements against oppression and capitalism into your life and brings others along with you since we can't get there without each other. If you want to support the podcast without money, you can spread word about the podcast by getting in touch, offering up graphic skills, helping us proof our transcripts, talking about us to friends, incorporating our zines or episodes into a discussion group, sending zines to prisoners, rating us on google and apple podcasts or spreading word on social media. We also take audio submissions and if you're interested in getting involved, the production and interviews don't get us paid but they open up avenues to talk to authors about their ideas as well as raise awareness and involvement in social struggles and pick up the skills along the way. And if you live in a place with a community radio station, public radio station or college radio station and want to hear us on the airwaves, get a few friends together and reach out to suggest our free, weekly radio show and hopefully some of the ideas will filter out to your neighbors. More info at our Radio tab. Thanks for listening! Statement from Jay on his conditions This is Jay's letter to the head of the Ohio DRC: Dear Annette chambers-smith This is James Ward from ManCI. The last time I wrote to you I had explained a lot to you that has been going on here concerning my safety. And after that letter the administration got mad at me for going to you because they have not been trying to do anything to really ensure my safety here at Mansfield. And I'm writing you again because I don't know who else to go to with my recent situation and concerns, because nobody has been helpful. And currently, my safety is back at risk. About 7 months ago right before the admin got the letter I sent you, UMC Henry got me placed in unit 4B (the faith based block here), mainly for my safety concerns. Every block that I've been put in since I been here, I've became a victim to gangs and have also got a hit put on me, which UMC Henry and the rest other admin doesn't want to believe although they seen and heard proof. So it makes it to where I have to go on PC invest, suicide watch or hunger strike to ensure my safety. But I honestly don't like being in the hole unless I legitimately did something wrong. So my current situation is that I am on hunger strike to ensure my safety, but also for other reasons that I will explain. When I got put in 4B, its an inmate that the unit refers to as frank (4B/128 bottom) and they basically let him control the operation of the block. How? He's been in that block for a long time and manages the faith base programs, etc. But due to the reputation he has built up with the unit staff, Sgt Knowlton and others believes everything he tells them. So when I first got moved over their, I was honestly selling food to people that didn't have any. But frank went to the unit and told them that I was selling drugs to try and get me moved out of the block. The unit called me over and talked to me about it and I stopped selling food for awhile. I was do in everything I was required to do and haven't got no ticket. Recently, I was trying to organize a group meal for people that really didn't have much. And an inmate named Green wanted to be involved. But when I told Green that a prisoner support group was going to do a fundraiser to raise the money for the meal he backed out. He then went to inmate frank and told frank that I was trying to scam people and get them outside cases. Franks celly told me that frank said this and was going to put a stop to what I was doing. Next thing you know I'm on the list to move out of the block ( I was sent to 2B). I then sent a kite to Sgt. Knowlton and basically asked him why I got moved and also told him things that frank and others are doing in that block, but he disregarded everything I told him and only told me "you were doing too much, use your imagination". So I then kited UMC Henry and told him what happened and he said he'd look into it. But before Henry could let me know anything, my Cally told me that someone wanted him to take the hit on me. I then went on suicide watch to ensure my safety. Because PC invest has not gotten me anything and they put you in a cell with someone else that can have their family look you up. That's what people do here (sneak thru your stuff to find your ID number and have their family look you up). And I also started my hunger strike because I know that the admin won't do anything to help me. Recently, henry talked to me and said that he will investigate what happened in 4B, but that a hunger strike isn't how I will get moved back. But for me to go to a regular block while he investigates. And I get it that a hunger strike is not the way to get moved back, but I refuse to go to a regular block where my safety will be at risk. Henry wanting me to go to a regular block while he investigates is like saying go get jumped on while I look into this. 4C is the only block here that I will be safe in, because its the intake block (all of the new people that don't know anything about e hit on me goes to that block), but Henry will not put me there. During the time that I was on PC invest before I got moved to 4B, I found out that property of mine came up missing from the TPU vault. While I was in TPU I was writing complaints on LT. Brooks and Sgt. Risner for not allowing me to do my 2.4. The end result was that the active AIIS at the time (B. Lower) and the IIS D. Blankenship falsified a modified response to my complaint to make it seem like I was lying and that they found the items in my cell. But 2 days before Lower came to search my cell, I was called to the inspectors office concerning my lost property because someone in your office wanted to know what property was I talking about in my complaint. So I told them everything and that a theft report was filed. But the theft report was not put on onbase yet, so lower had to contact the block officer that wrote it (officer Comstock). So they called me back up to the inspectors office and offered to reimburse me with $42+ on my commissary and a few items from contraband. So I told them I'd think about it. They called me back up the next day and I told them I didn't want it because they wouldn't replace everything I was missing. So the next day after that is when lower came to search my cell. And when he left he told me that I should have taken the deal. After that, IIS Blankenship wrote 13 false statements in her modified response, which is a criminal offence that I can prove with the paperwork that I have. And now they have lower walking around as a Lt. Blankenship was already caught falsifying state documents in Darryl Smith' lawsuit. I been 5 years R.I.B ticket free. 3 of those years was when I was in level 4. I been here 2 years with no real trouble. The first year when I went up for my security review it was said that I needed time to adjust. This past year when I went up, the admin recommended level decrease. But then I find out that I didn't get my level dropped, because an incident that took place 8 years ago and isn't true. The BOC said that my level decrease was denied because I tried to kill a staff. I've never been a threat to anybody since I been locked up. And the time that they referred to is when I had just got put in a regular cell on suicide watch. They didn't have a crisis cell to use. So the cuff port had to stay open. And I had joked with the officer saying that I found a razor, so without really knowing if I had one he sprayed me in the face with OC. So they removed me from the cell to clean it, but they never found a razor. And I told them not to put that officer back on my watch cuz he sprayed me for no reason, and I was honestly mad. But they put him back on my watch. So to try and get him off my watch, in a fast motion I acted like I was reaching out to grab him. He was too far from the door for me to grab or anything, but he wrote me up saying that I tried to cut him with a razor. And they never allowed me to go to my R.I.B or SMP hearing. But that happened 8 years ago. And majority of that time since then I have continuously show a dramatic change in my behavior with no R.I.B tickets. I believe the only reason my level decrease was denied is because UMC Henry contacted someone in your office to find something that they can use against me to hold me here. Because I have wrote complaints against Henry and wrote that letter to you. And he knows how much I been wanting to leave this prison, but he won't transfer me even though my safety is continuously at risk here. Lastly! I have chronic damage in both of my shoulders that causes them to be able to dislocate if I'm not paying attention to how I use my arms, mainly only when it comes to having my arms outstretched or if I have to climb something. The last time I was placed on the top bunk, my left shoulder dislocated when I was trying to climb up. I feel backwards and busted my head open on a dresser, then on the floor. And that is in my medical record from when I was at W.C.I. And since then, I have had many other dislocations that is in my medical record. I was given bottom rack restriction each time, but I never really needed it since I been at level 4. Since I been here I been trying to get it back but medical tells me its not required for my injuries. They gave it to me for 3 months and that was it. If my shoulder dislocates while trying to climb onto the top bunk and I bust my head open again, then I can sue the medical department for negligence and deliberate indifference because I have told them about my chronic dislocations and they choose not to do anything about it. All I ask for: 1) My property to be replaced 2) My bottom bunk restriction 3) My level decreased so I can leave ManCI 4) If I can't get 3, then I ask to be placed in 4C for the remaining time that I'm at ManCI These are reasonable request and within reason.

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/663   Step into the world of AI with our latest episode, where Dewain Robinson from Microsoft unpacks the transformative power of Copilot Studio and intelligent agents in 2025. As organizations gear up to integrate advanced AI solutions, the discussion delves into what this shift means for everyday tasks and overall productivity. From understanding the distinction between copilots and agents to exploring real-life case studies demonstrating innovation in action and unexpected value, listeners will gain actionable insights into the future of AI.  This vibrant discussion is not just about technology; it's about shaping the future of work—witnessing AI evolve from a mere tool to an essential colleague. Grab your headphones and join us to prepare for the AI revolutions that lie ahead. Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! TAKEAWAYS • Understanding Copilot Studio and its capabilities  • The rise of autonomous agents in 2025  • User-friendly AI systems boosting creativity over simplicity  • Case studies demonstrating the transformational value of AI  • Preparing for the future: AI as an enabler, not a replacement  This year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening

Gregor was a boulder & lead climber from team Slovenia but he recently retired a few months ago from competitions. In this episode, we'll get insight into the powerful Slovenian team, how he made the decision to retire and all the planning around it, what it's like climbing with Janja, and we get to hear him geek out about holds and hold shaping.Guest links:Gregor's InstagramReference links:Gregor's hold brandThank you Mad Rock for sponsoring this episode! Use code 'notrealclimber' for 10% off your ENTIRE order, even if you're a returning customer! https://madrock.com/Learn more about the podcast at www.thatsnotrealclimbingpodcast.comFollow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcastJoin the FREE community in Discord! https://discord.gg/QTa668g8zpJoin Patreon for a welcome gift, deleted scenes, and question priority: www.patreon.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcastTimestamps of discussion topics0:00 - Intro1:21 - Mad Rock Shoutout!!2:08 - Spray wall noob questions5:34 - Feeling competitive against his brother10:45 - Why Slovenia is so dominant at climbing17:13 - Slovenian team training and funding19:36 - Slovenian young guns to watch out for21:21 - Career highlights and traveling25:35 - Being a picky eater on the road27:57 - Competing with migraines30:55 - Making the decision to retire37:52 - How to be okay with "getting weaker"42:14 - Setting vs competing45:43 - IFSC setting aspirations47:55 - What is hold shaping52:52 - Do we really need more holds?55:40 - IG Q: what's your creative process for designing a new hold?1:02:23 - Hot takes on hold shaping and no tex1:06:30 - Discord Q: How do you see World Cup routesetting changing in the next 10 years?1:10:18 - DISCORD Q: Does hold shaping inspire your setting more or vice versa?1:11:41 - DISCORD Q: What's it like climbing with Janja?1:19:09 - Matt Groom trolling1:20:44 - Final thoughts and where to find Gregor

East Central Europe Since 1989 (Routledge, 2025)  examines politics, economics, media, religious institutions, transitional justice, gender inequality, and literature, highlighting the overt functions, latent functions, and side effects associated with each sphere. Communism in East Central Europe had cracks from the beginning, as uprisings in East Germany in 1953 and Hungary in 1956 demonstrated. But with the establishment of the Independent Trade Union Solidarity in Poland in the Summer of 1980, communism went into steady decline and, between 1988 and 1991, crumbled. What followed has been an unsteady transition to various forms of often corrupt pluralism with democracy doing best in the Czech Republic (with the exception of the years 2017-2021) and Slovenia, and worst in Hungary, Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This volume will be of interest not only to specialists in East Central Europe but also to graduate and undergraduate students, members of the diplomatic corps, and general readers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

East Central Europe Since 1989 (Routledge, 2025)  examines politics, economics, media, religious institutions, transitional justice, gender inequality, and literature, highlighting the overt functions, latent functions, and side effects associated with each sphere. Communism in East Central Europe had cracks from the beginning, as uprisings in East Germany in 1953 and Hungary in 1956 demonstrated. But with the establishment of the Independent Trade Union Solidarity in Poland in the Summer of 1980, communism went into steady decline and, between 1988 and 1991, crumbled. What followed has been an unsteady transition to various forms of often corrupt pluralism with democracy doing best in the Czech Republic (with the exception of the years 2017-2021) and Slovenia, and worst in Hungary, Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This volume will be of interest not only to specialists in East Central Europe but also to graduate and undergraduate students, members of the diplomatic corps, and general readers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/german-studies

Delve into the remote outposts and refuges across the globe where travelers have stopped along the course of their adventures. Then hear about the highest views in Wales — and how to reach them — and learn about the country's slate mining heritage. And from Alps to caves, vineyards to beehives, catch the buzz of the natural wonders on display in Slovenia. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Moltz is back, Lex gets angry and Dan is Slovenia-curious.There are new iPads. (And other things but we recorded yesterday.)Apple has won a lawsuit about iCloud storage.Apple is challenging the (alleged) UK encryption order.Apple's C1 modem is actually pretty good.Lex fears fan death.We don't want this guy becoming pope because he'd have to change his name.If you want to help out the show and get some great bonus content, consider becoming a Rebound Prime member! Just go to prime.reboundcast.com to check it out!You can now also support the show by buying shirts, iPhone cases, mugs, hats and other items featuring our catchphrase, "TECHNOLOGY" and now shirts, hats and mugs featuring our stylish logo!

A tiny, unremarkable beetle hiding in the caves of Slovenia has an infamously unfortunate name—one that has sparked heated debates in the scientific world.A Beetle By Any Other Name Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and get exclusive access to bonus episodes. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVMFULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/661  Step into the ever-evolving world of technology with this episode focused on the Microsoft Power Platform and Business Central. Brad Prendergast shares his journey from being a senior developer to a mentor, providing rich insights into the significance of practical training and the profound effects of mentorship in one's career. Discover how commonly successful practitioners emphasize hands-on learning experiences that build emotional resilience and understanding—a necessity as the tech landscape consistently morphs with new challenges such as AI. Join us for enlightening discussions, personal stories, and expert insights that aim to elevate your understanding of the Microsoft landscape. Ready to enhance your career? Subscribe now and be part of exploring the future of business and technology! TAKEAWAYS• Understanding training's profound impact on tech careers  • Exploring the importance of mentorship in personal growth  • Insight into the rapid evolution of Microsoft Business Central  • Leveraging AI for productivity in the workplace  • The ever-changing landscape of technology-focused learning  • Engaging anecdotes from the guest's career journeyThis year we're adding a new show to our line up - The AI Advantage. We'll discuss the skills you need to thrive in an AI-enabled world. DynamicsMinds is a world-class event in Slovenia that brings together Microsoft product managers, industry leaders, and dedicated users to explore the latest in Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, and Copilot.Early bird tickets are on sale now and listeners of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast get 10% off with the code MIPVIP144bff https://www.dynamicsminds.com/register/?voucher=MIPVIP144bff Accelerate your Microsoft career with the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge We've helped 1,300+ people across 70+ countries establish successful careers in the Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 ecosystem.Benefit from expert guidance, a supportive community, and a clear career roadmap. A lot can change in 90 days, get started today!Support the showIf you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin.Thanks for listening