Podcasts about Splendor

Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Rescues Splendor - 09/02/1937Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/harold-s-old-time-radio--4206392/support.

ORDER TODAY Also available on throw blankets, pillows, tops, tees, iPhone cases, and much more! *Redbubble has discounts when purchasing multiple items and also gives 10%-20% discounts on a regular basis. Check back often! See More Products On These Sites DouglasEWelch.com/shop/follow | PixelFed | Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads See my entire catalog DouglasEWelch.com/shop/ –

Psalms 19 leads us to consider God from the expanse of the universe He created to the innermost essence of who we are and what we think. This meditation focuses on the first six verses, taking us out into space to view God's greatness from a heavenly perspective.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Adam Maddock, and Phil Reaser

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on May 5th, 2026. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here.   Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.

In episode 261, Dean talks about a recent play (Tag Team), and Dean and Deron both share what games they like to play when their brains are fried. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider rating us and giving us a review. If you like our YouTube channel, please consider subscribing. If you have questions you would like us to answer on the podcast, please email us at meepletownmail@gmail.com. To support us further, check www.patreon.com/meepletown or www.buymeacoffee.com/meepletown9. Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/uasmBx326h  00:00     Intro 03:44     Tag Team 11:11         Top 5 games to play when your brain is fried 37:30      Honorable Mentions Spoilers Below . . . . . . . Dean 5. 7 Wonders Architects (14:56) 4. Splendor (18:19) 3. Dorfromantik (23:32) 2. Crokinole (26:50) 1. River Valley Glassworks (29:52) Deron 5. Wits & Wagers (16:37) 4. After the Virus (20:48) 3. King of Tokyo (25:25) 2. Love Letter (28:17) 1.Gentle Rain (32:20) Thanks for coming down to MeepleTown!

You are already the diamond. The light has been coming in for years, refracting through every sorrow, every question, every practice, and you have been waiting for a piece of paper to tell you it was real. This episode explores Hod, the Sephiroth of Splendor, and asks what it actually means to receive: not as passive absorption but as the active, creative act that turns tradition into a living third thing. Charlie and Brian walk through the Four Paths of Creation Spirituality to name the difference between obedience culture and genuine receptivity, and close with an embodied practice and blessing for the diamond heart.You left the institution but not the longing. Creation's Paths: A Creation Spirituality Primer is for everyone who still feels the sacred moving through the world and wants a language worthy of that feeling.Creation's Paths is a Christopagan Creation Spirituality community rooted in the conviction that creation is original blessing, not original sin. If this episode found you at the right moment, you are welcome here.New to Creation's Paths? Start here: https://www.creationspaths.com/p/start-hereThe book: Creation's Paths: A Creation Spirituality Primer https://www.amazon.com/dp/1972869019Educational resources: https://wisdomscry.comThis work is listener and reader supported. If it has been nourishing to you, the most direct way to sustain it is a paid Substack subscription: it keeps the teaching flowing and the community growing. All are welcome here regardless of financial capacity. Spiritual nourishment should flow freely to all who seek it.Become a paid subscriber: Other ways to support: Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett Patreon: https://patreon.com/cedorsett Cash App: https://cash.app/$CreationsPathsFind us: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com Threads: https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/0:00 The Certificate I Was Waiting For3:29 Hod: The Sephirah of Splendor5:32 Systems That Train You to Wait9:05 The Soul Is an Instrument That Must Be Played13:20 When Receiving Closes Into Control16:18 You Are Already the Diamond (Via Positiva)17:53 One Plus One Equals Three19:46 Clearing Ground Before the Seed (Via Negativa)27:04 Nobody Gets Lego to Stare at the Bricks (Via Creativa)35:31 Radiate It Out (Via Transformativa)36:45 Practice: Receive and Send39:22 Blessed Are Those with the Diamond Heart Get full access to Creation's Paths at www.creationspaths.com/subscribe

Welcome to Episode 14 of our Ephesians podcast series. In this episode, David Christensen continues through Ephesians 2, focusing on verses 6-7, where Paul reveals the present position of the believer and God's eternal purpose in salvation. Paul teaches that believers are not only made alive with Christ but have also been raised up and […] The post Ephesians 2:6-7 – Salvation's Splendor appeared first on The Rephidim Project.

Five years and 200+ episodes in, Trevor, Tom, and Jen pull up the very first episode of the show and put their original cruise tips on trial. Which ones still hold up? Which ones aged like milk? Spoiler: "turn your phone on airplane mode" is still solid advice, and yes, you should still skip the $30 souvenir drink cup.Along the way: a heads-up that Chichén Itzá is no longer allowing backpacks (effective April 21st), Tim drops this week's Powerball numbers from the future via Speakpipe and confirms Masala Tiger is still on the Splendor, and a tangent about turning Princess medallions into an Infinity Gauntlet that frankly deserves its own episode.Whether you're a brand-new cruiser looking for the basics or a longtime listener who wants to laugh at how baby-faced Tom used to be, this one's for you.

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Until Proven Guilty: Thirst for Justice and Taskmaster: The Escape Room. Then we talk about what's been going on the last few weeks since Dice Tower West - Ambie's trip to Taiwan and what board games she saw there, and what Crystal was able to play after she recovered from being sick. Nominate us for a Golden Geek Award here! 0:00-Intro 0:39-Announcements 2:00-Recent Games - Until Proven Guilty: Thirst for Justice 6:42-Taskmaster: The Escape Room 12:45-Taiwan & Stuff 28:09-Outro 29:22-Bloopers Join our discord Support us directly at https://ko-fi.com/boardgameblitz Or shop at our merch store or our Amazon Storefront This episode was sponsored by Grey Fox Games. Use the code "BLITZ2026" to get 10% off your entire cart. Consolidated Links For the full show notes visit our site at http://www.boardgameblitz.com/posts/435

Paul Simon set the standard for a New American Songbook. Reviewing these selections one is struck by the elegance of his melodies - on a par with that other Paul from Liverpool, but with a lyrical sophistication to rival America's Nobel Laureate poet, Bob Dylan. “America”, as performed here by David Bowie, presents a barren landscape, - mirroring the mundane with the spiritual - to rival the literary prowess of a Hemingway; and the classically inspired “American Tune,” as interpreted by the wizard of New Orleans, Allen Toussaint, quietly goes to the heart of our nation's ambivalence. I can't contain my tears whenever I hear it. Simon and Garfunkel were known as a unified entity. It took awhile for Paul to extricate himself from his childhood performing partner, Artie. Garfunkel, with his singular, choir-boy voice, needed Simon to provide the words for his divine instrument.  But Simon didn't need Garfunkel, and if Artie's acting ambitions hadn't interfered with Paul's musical ones, Simon might never have had the confidence to go it alone. Lucky for us it turned out the way it did. Because, since going solo, Simon has amassed a body of work that defines America's last half century. Ray Charles: Still Crazy After All These YearsDavid Bowie: AmericaJustin Townes Earle: GracelandThem: Richard CoryWailin' Jennys: Loves me Like a RockEverything but the Girl: The Only Living Boy in New YorkAnnie Lennox: Something So RightThe Blue Airplanes: The Boy in the BubbleBlossom Dearie: 59th St. Bridge Song Allen Toussaint: American Tune 

Last time we spoke about the beginning of the first battle of Changsha. From Chongqing, Chiang debated defensive strategies for Hunan, ultimately adopting Plan B after Xue Yue's pleas, focusing on successive resistance north of Changsha to thwart Japanese advances. Japanese forces, under Okamura Yasuji, launched assaults in Jiangxi and Hunan. In Jiangxi, the 106th and 101st Divisions attacked Huibu and Gao'an, where Chinese troops under Luo Zhuoying and Song Kentang fiercely resisted. Gao'an fell briefly but was recaptured by the 32nd Army and the elite 74th Army, with heavy casualties on both sides, as recounted by soldier Liu Qihuai. In Hunan, Japanese units crossed the Xin Qiang River and landed at Yingtian, facing brutal opposition. At Bijia Mountain, Qin Yizhi's 195th Division held for four days; Battalion Commander Shi Enhua's reinforced unit perished entirely, their fragmented remains mourned by locals. Along the Miluo River, Chen Pei's 37th Army fortified positions, repelling waves of Japanese attacks, including suicide squads disguised as civilians. Recruit Yang Peyao's unit endured bombardments, inflicting significant enemy losses before withdrawing at dusk.   #197 The First Battle of Changsha Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Major Luo Wenlang, battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion, 55th Regiment, 19th Division of the 28th Army, harbored a peculiar quirk: he couldn't sleep soundly without unwrapping his leg bindings, a small ritual that anchored him in the chaos of war. Since the war's eruption, such luxuries were rare, and unwrapping his bindings every night became an impossibility, leaving him to endure restless slumbers. Tonight, however, sleep eluded him entirely; he tossed and turned on his makeshift bed, his mind a whirlwind of unrest. Two days after the northern Hunan battle ignited like a powder keg, the 55th Regiment received urgent orders from Division Commander Tang Boyin to race to Wukou in Pingjiang County. Their path wound through Luo Wenlang's hometown of Fulinpu, a twist of fate that stirred conflicting emotions. Entering the village under the cover of night, the entire battalion encamped in the commander's modest family village, with battalion headquarters naturally established in his ancestral home.   Luo yearned to step across that familiar threshold but dreaded it, for his parents remained oblivious to a devastating truth. They slaughtered chickens and prepared meat, hosting the battalion staff with drinks and hospitality, after all, this was their son's unit gracing their home. Luo orchestrated door planks and straw for bedding, posted sentries, and deftly evaded his parents until they retired. Before dawn broke, he mustered the troops, ensured they were fed, and led them onward, slipping away like a shadow. By noon on the 22nd, they reached Wukou, only to receive fresh directives: rush to Yingtian to bolster the 95th Division against the enemy's audacious landings. The 3rd Battalion spearheaded the division's reinforcements, marching relentlessly through day and night, arriving at Dongtang, over 30 kilometers southeast of Yingtian—on the 23rd, hearts sinking upon learning Yingtian had already fallen into enemy clutches.   Luo Wenlang sought out the retreating 95th Division Commander Luo Qi to beg for a mission, his resolve unyielding. Luo Qi, anticipating his arrival, relayed Commander Guan Linzheng's ironclad instructions: The 19th Division's reinforcements would assume Dongtang's defenses. With the main force still en route, Luo Qi tasked Luo's battalion with relieving a segment held by a replacement regiment. He handed over a map, sketching a line with a pencil, a simple stroke that thrust Luo Wenlang and his men onto the front lines of fate. An operations staff was dispatched to guide them to the position and oversee the handover.   As the troops advanced, they encountered scattered soldiers fleeing like startled rabbits; seizing a platoon leader revealed they were indeed from the replacement regiment. Mere minutes from division HQ, the enemy was already closing in, a predator's breath hot on their necks. Luo Wenlang and Deputy Battalion Commander Wu Yacui split the battalion, launching a counterattack on Dongtang from dual routes. Fortune favored them; the Japanese held only an exhausted company, crumbling under a single, ferocious charge. They swiftly deployed two companies to the positions, reserving one as a bulwark. By dusk, the full 55th Regiment arrived, accompanied by the rest of the 19th Division's reinforcements, allowing the battered 95th Division, ravaged at Yingtian, to withdraw for desperate reorganization. The regimental commander positioned Luo's 3rd Battalion on the regiment's vulnerable left wing. In the blink of an eye, it was the 27th, aligning with the 15th of the eighth lunar month. Amid the relentless great battle, few noted the calendar, and the skies hung heavy with clouds. Luo Wenlang twisted on his straw bed, his thoughts a snarled knot of anxiety and memory.   At 11 p.m., gunfire shattered the night; a barrage of machine gun bullets riddled the battalion HQ house, raining thatch and dust upon Luo like fallout from a storm. Catastrophe had struck! Luo surged toward the positions with the bugler—his battalion signal chief—and the reserve force, ascending the hilltop in a frenzy. Halfway up, he spotted 8th Company's Lieutenant Platoon Leader Rong Fayu leading over 20 soldiers in retreat. Bellowing "Why unauthorized retreat?" while brandishing his pistol, he compelled Rong to rally and turn back. The Japanese had launched a nocturnal assault; 8th Company Commander Yi Zuitao lay slain by a fatal shot, over a dozen comrades felled in brutal close combat, the survivors scattered like leaves in the wind; the high ground now belonged to the enemy.   Upon learning of Dongtang's loss, the regimental commander personally led the regimental reserve, his face etched with urgency. Under flickering lantern light, poring over the map with Luo, Division Commander Tang Boyin telephoned, his voice a whipcrack of command: Recapture it before dawn, or both would face the merciless hand of military justice. After seizing the high ground, the enemy hesitated to press further; Luo surmised the darkness concealed paths, and their numbers were not overwhelming. Forgoing the regimental reserve, he led 7th Company's 4 squads and remnants of the routed 8th Company in a stealthy ascent. Near the position, a ravine concealed over 20 8th Company soldiers, rallied by Sergeant Squad Leader Tan Tianrong, who had lurked in wait for reinforcements, dreading exposure at dawn under the enemy's gaze.   Spotting the battalion commander personally spearheading the counterattack, Tan Tianrong's face lit with fierce joy; his men, armed with grenades, surged as the vanguard. Intimate with the terrain even in blindness, they hurled explosives into bunkers, trenches, and works. The commander orchestrated the charge; the Japanese force of 40-50 men crumbled, over half slain or maimed, the remnants fleeing northward to their village stronghold. It was past 4 a.m.; the moon pierced the clouds, bathing the earth in a silvery glow. With positions reclaimed, the night revealed its secret: tonight was Mid-Autumn. Moonlight unraveled the tangled threads of his past; Luo draped his clothes over his shoulders, sat beneath the luminous orb, and wept in solitary anguish.   Before the war, devastating news had arrived: his brother Luo Yinong had been killed in Jiangxi. Luo had three brothers; the eldest shouldered half the family's burdens, their bond unbreakable. The brother had enlisted first in the 50th Army, climbing to battalion commander through sheer valor. He and his younger brother had followed suit, inspired by that call to arms.   Wartime conscription demanded only one per family, but battling the devils was a duty for the nation and its people. His brother had risen to deputy regimental commander before his end. The 50th Army notified him first. Engulfed in battle, there had been no time to console his grieving parents or tend to the funeral; it weighed on his heart like an unyielding stone. His sister-in-law, diligent and unassuming, cared for a young boy and carried another child; the long, arduous days ahead loomed like an endless shadow. The night dew brought a biting chill, the moon an icy sentinel; Luo shivered uncontrollably, his tears mingling with the frost.   The sky hung heavy with overcast gloom, yet the moon lurked beyond the clouds, casting a faint, ethereal light that warded off utter darkness. Along the road, a unit's elongated black shadow snaked southward in hurried silence, a serpent of weary resolve pressing through the night. Qin Yizhi reined in his horse, pausing to gaze back: the queue stretched onward, silent and impeccably orderly, belying the exhaustion of a force scarred by days of ferocious combat, their spirits unbroken amid the shadows. After the Japanese seized the 195th Division's defiant outpost at Bijia Mountain, they surged across the Xin Qiang River in a merciless onslaught. The river, shallow enough to wade knee-deep, offered no true impediment; the real barrier was forged from the defenders' scorching blood, a crimson testament to their unyielding stand. The 195th Division clashed in a maelstrom of cruelty; positions were heaped with corpses time and again, the Xin Qiang's waters churning blood-red in relentless cycles of carnage. From the night of the 23rd to the dawn of the 25th, respite was a forgotten dream; Okamura Yasuji, in a gesture of grim respect, inscribed Qin's name in elegant calligraphy and hung it within his command tent, a haunting trophy of the foe's tenacity.   Following their triumphant landing at Yingtian, the Japanese entangled the Ninth War Zone's left-wing defenders in a protracted snare, their advances grinding slowly like a predator toying with prey, menacing the flanks of the frontal troops with insidious intent. On the evening of the 27th, Xue Yue issued the fateful order for the 15th Army Group to withdraw to the precarious ground between the Miluo River and Shangshan City, ushering this blood-soaked force into an all-night march toward the next defensive crucible. Late into the night, a brief halt was called. Soldiers slumped to the ground, adjusting leg wraps and gear with mechanical precision; logistics teams darted through the ranks, distributing rations like lifelines; cooks, having forged ahead, arrived with steaming pots of rice soup, infusing the air with a rare warmth. Though no clamor broke the hush, a quiet camaraderie enveloped the queue, a fleeting balm against the war's chill.   The division staff claimed a flat expanse beside a farmhouse yard for their respite. Qin settled onto a stone roller used for grinding grain, nibbling at his meager ration and sipping the hot soup that steamed in the cool air. Suddenly, moonlight pierced the clouds, cascading down in silvery streams; the familiar contours of the farmhouse stirred a flood of warmth in his heart, evoking memories of home.   Chongqing, Huangshan Villa. Every window was shrouded in double layers of thick curtains, sealing out any sliver of betraying light, as if the very walls conspired to guard secrets from the encroaching night. Tonight's ethereal protagonist rose languidly from the eastern valley, its orange-red moonlight casting an aura of drowsy reluctance, as though it had not fully shaken off the slumber of the day. The feeble glow dappled the building's roof, balcony, and the surrounding hillsides, intersections, and thickets, where armed shadows lurked, capturing every rustle in the oppressive silence. Only upon close inspection could one discern the faint specks of moonlight glinting off steel helmets. Yet, beyond those fortified walls, another realm pulsed with life, a vibrant contrast to the shadowed vigilance outside. The front hall, living room, and dining room blazed with brilliant light. Vibrant flowers, dominated by chrysanthemums in full, defiant bloom, infused the air with color and fragrance; a phonograph murmured a cheerful Guangdong melody, weaving an atmosphere thick with festive joy, a deliberate illusion amid the storm of war.   Chiang Kai-shek, clad in a flowing black silk gown, strode ahead with poised grace, escorting his guests into the dining room alongside the elegantly attired Soong May-ling, their conversation laced with laughter and warmth. At the table, Soong May-ling's smile was a beacon of diplomacy, as she artfully arranged the seating to suit hierarchies and alliances, while servers in crisp white uniforms moved with nimble precision. This was Chiang Kai-shek's intimate Mid-Autumn family banquet; beyond a handful of pivotal military and political figures, the gathering brimmed with relatives. Guests and kin alike noted Chiang's buoyant spirits tonight; his smiles were wide and genuine, his discourse light and expansive, delving into casual topics with uncharacteristic ease.   In September 1939, China's War of Resistance Against Japan had entered its grueling third year. After the initial cataclysm of turmoil and disarray, the government and military had clawed their way to stability, adapting to this unprecedented historical crucible, with operations finally aligning into a semblance of order. According to figures proclaimed by Minister of Military Affairs He Yingqin to Chinese and foreign reporters on the 13th of this month, Japanese invaders had seized 521 counties across 12 provinces, a vast swath of conquest. Yet, the Japanese imperialists had exacted this toll at a staggering cost. Just prior, on August 30, the Hirannuma Cabinet, installed a mere eight months earlier, had collapsed in mass resignation. Hirannuma Kiichiro's predecessor, Konoe Fumimaro, had similarly bowed out amid governmental failures, chiefly the unmet ambitions in the Sino-Japanese War that he had boldly promised to parliament, exacerbating domestic political and economic woes. Days ago, when Wang Pengsheng briefed Chiang on Japan's turbulent politics, he quipped: "Konoe said three months to destroy China; three months didn't work, nor three years, who knows about 30 or 300. Hirannuma had no solutions, down in eight months. Does Abe have good ideas? How long can he be prime minister?" Indeed, Abe Nobuyuki, Hirannuma's successor, would endure a mere four and a half months before resigning in ignominy. Tonight's feast showcased Chiang's favored cuisines: delicate Jiangsu-Zhejiang dishes mingled with robust Sichuan flavors. Chiang abstained from alcohol, raising his cup in mere symbolic toasts to his guests. During the meal, as if by unspoken accord, no one broached the raging domestic battles or the volatile international landscape; conversations meandered through trivialities, skirting anything heavy or discordant, a fragile bubble of normalcy.   On September 3, Britain and France had declared war on Germany, shattering the global order in a seismic shift. Foreign newspapers already bandied the term "Second World War," a phrase that evoked freshness, exhilaration, and sheer terror in equal measure. China's diplomacy surged with newfound vigor. In April, Ambassador to the US Wang Zhengting had negotiated a $20 million loan with American banks on China's behalf. In May, Stalin responded to Chiang's overtures, agreeing to exchange arms for Chinese tea, wool, raw hides, and more. A month later, the first consignment of light and heavy weapons—including artillery and heavy machine guns—arrived via clandestine routes through Xinjiang and Mongolia, bolstering the central army's frontlines. In August, Hu Shih, Wellington Koo, and Chien Tai represented the Nationalist Government at the 19th League of Nations Assembly, laying bare the Japanese imperialists' atrocities in China before the world and rallying global forces for peace to support China's defiant stand. Soon after, British and American civic groups ignited "China Week" campaigns, pressing their governments to aid the beleaguered nation. Waves of foreign volunteers streamed in from distant shores: doctors, journalists, ordnance engineers, even retired soldiers clamoring to join the fray on the frontlines.   "If we could pull America into this war..." Through Soong May-ling's subtle, persuasive influence, Chiang allowed himself to daydream of that prosperous, dynamic young powerhouse across the vast ocean. Thus, on this Mid-Autumn night, his talk turned to America, to his correspondence with President Roosevelt regarding the "tung oil loan." That saga had unfolded the previous October; T.V. Soong had jetted to America, securing a loan with China's tung oil, a commodity scarce in the US, as collateral. China had boldly requested $400 million; America countered with $25 million, a classic tale of "ask high, settle low." Yet, the funds were secured. One success paved the way for many. Soong May-ling had once confided to Chiang: "In mobilizing US aid for China's resistance, I'll make a difference." When Chiang responded with a smile, "Thank you, Madam," he could scarcely foresee how his beautiful wife's extraordinary prowess in fulfilling this solemn vow would astonish him, etching eternal glory for Chinese women worldwide and elevating Soong May-ling to the zenith of her life's achievements.   The most direct echo of the First Battle of Changsha's thunderous saga resides in the Ninth War Zone's meticulous report on the northern Hunan and southern Hubei operations, submitted to the Chongqing Military Committee and Chiang Kai-shek himself, a faded relic now entombed amid the vast ocean of Nationalist Government military and political archives in Nanjing's Second Historical Archives of China. This document, a painstaking compilation of combat dispatches from divisions, armies, and army groups, stands as a testament to valor and sacrifice. Tragically, time's relentless march and human folly have ravaged this priceless artifact, leaving only shards and whispers to conjure the heart-wrenching inferno of that bloody clash.   "October 24, Year 28. Urgent. To Chongqing. Chairman Chiang. Secret. Submitted by Commander Xue on orders." The rice paper has yellowed to a deep, somber hue, brittle and parched; a careless touch could reduce it to dust. Some pages lie fractured, their remnants affixed to white paper, forever unable to reclaim their original wholeness. Leafing through page by page unleashes a pungent miasma, a scorched, acrid, decayed blend that assaults the senses. Traces of fire and water mar the original rice paper sheets, with countless fragments glued haphazardly to white backings, their sequences lost to eternity.   "...The Xin Qiang River spanning from Lujiao to Leishi Mountain, defending a front of over 110 li..." "Enemy 13th and 33rd Divisions, parts of the Hata Detachment, naval units, and artillery, cavalry, engineers totaling..." "...Began attacking us first with artillery... fortifications completely destroyed, then infantry charged; relying on our officers and men all resolved to coexist with the homeland..." "...And launched balloons to direct artillery... our army braved the cannons... repelled them, corpses filling the river, turning the water red..." "Division casualties also reached over a thousand... failed to inflict greater strikes and annihilate... deep inner guilt, besides vigorously training troops awaiting orders to kill the enemy..." "...Attack casualties heavy, then concentrated large forces... artillery fire so dense like continuous firecrackers for hours... released poison gas, Wang Street garrison all heroically sacrificed, then breached... Zhao Gongwu kowtows, October 15"   Zhao Gongwu commanded the 2nd Division under Zhang Yaoming's 52nd Army. This unit first held the line along the Xin Qiang River, then fell back to northeast of Fengjiang Bridge to staunch the enemy tide once more; after October 6, it hammered southward-marching Japanese from the west in the Yanglin Street and Dajing Street regions. Through these crucibles, the division bled over half its strength. A fragment of an envelope clings to a sheet of white paper, its words faintly visible: "Changsha 126-3 Zhang Yaoming," "Hunan Jinjing Air Mail," "Combat Process by..." and the like. The stamp remains remarkably intact—a philatelic gem now. Measuring 1.5 cm square, it features Sun Yat-sen's portrait at its center, inscribed "Republic of China Post" below, with "5" in the upper right, "fen" to the left, and "5" in each lower corner. I sat at the long table in the spacious, brightly lit reading room, staring vacantly, my thoughts grinding to a halt. These remnants are all that endure for posterity, of that monumental battle, of the scorching blood and vanished lives of countless unnamed Chinese soldiers. With hands that once gripped a rifle, I gently caressed those pages from a bygone era; they were cold, devoid of any lingering breath.   As the full moon of the 15th of the eighth month dissolved into the golden-red blaze of sunrise, Qin Yizhi's 195th Division had already plunged into the rugged mountains and dense forests encircling Fulinpu. Per directives from 15th Army Group Commander Guan Linzheng, the 195th was to forge a new defensive bastion centered on Fulinpu, 40 to 70 kilometers from Changsha. Their mandate: stall the Japanese southward juggernaut, granting precious time for allied forces to muster and fortify around the city. Despite the grueling all-night march, morale soared undimmed. The advance chief of staff doled out positions to each regiment, and the troops dove into fortification labors with fervent zeal. The 195th Division's unyielding stand along the Xin Qiang River had already etched preliminary glory upon this unit in its baptism of fire. "Fame in one battle" echoed as a battle cry throughout the division, where collective honor intertwined with personal valor. Honor and triumph formed the bedrock for soldiers and armies alike. Yet, another fire fueled their resolve.   On September 23, amid the Japanese forcing the Xin Qiang River, Guan Linzheng's voice crackled over the phone to Qin Yizhi: "Facing you is the 6th Division." The 6th Division, a name that ignited fury in Chinese troops and civilians, forever linked to the demonic specter of Tani Hisao. Moments later, the whisper spread like wildfire through every trench: "The Japanese army that perpetrated the Nanjing Massacre is right in front." Agitation rippled through the ranks; some donned fresh uniforms and shoes from their packs, casting aside the worn; others flouted discipline to bid farewells to hometown comrades: "Today we fight to the death here; see you in the next life." "Tell my mother I died fighting the Nanjing Massacre enemies."   Some company commanders commanded their mess sergeants to expend all funds on hearty feasts. All Japanese were foes, but the 6th Division embodied a blood debt, an unforgivable vendetta; the Chinese nation does not lightly forget its tormentors. In the Xin Qiang River maelstrom, the 195th Division battled with heroic ferocity. Some soldiers, in their final breaths, murmured: "Die then; it's worth it." Others lamented slaying too few devils, gritting teeth, eyes refusing to close in eternal regret. Now under Inaba Shiro's command, the 6th Division splintered southward after breaching the Xin Qiang; roughly a thousand hounded the 195th to Fulinpu. On the morning of September 29, the Japanese blundered into the 195th's meticulously laid ambush. Qin Yizhi, pulse racing with excitement and tension, fumbled the binoculars from his guard's hand. His command sliced the air: "Begin." War history chronicles: "The 6th Division advanced south from the Miluo River along the Xinshi-Liqiao road and Xinshi-Fulinpu routes. The over a thousand reaching Fulinpu were ambushed by the Nationalist 195th Division, suffering heavy losses." As Japanese artillery and aircraft unleashed hell upon the 195th's positions, Qin orchestrated a swift southward withdrawal to the environs of Shangshan City. Again, without pause, they erected fortifications and set deadly traps.   On the morning of September 30, the pursuers from Fulinpu closed in on Shangshan, their numbers swollen to over 1,500. Qin Yizhi clenched his jaw, his demeanor icy calm, allowing the Japanese to creep into the kill zone before barking: "Hit them hard!" Combat raged from dawn to dusk, obliterating over 700 foes. Qin ascended a hill, surveying through binoculars, then erupted: "Bad! The enemy is retreating." Upon receiving Qin's telegram, Guan Linzheng scrutinized the map, momentarily stunned, then replied: "Enemy shows no retreat signs yet; proceed per original plan. Your unit to block at Shangshan City line until October 2." Xianning, Okamura Yasuji's 11th Army HQ.   Combat maps bristled with markings, staff officers darting amid ringing phones and clattering telegrams. The colossal red arrow in northern Hunan had fractured into tributaries, surging over 100 km southward from the outset; one tendril pierced to Yong'an City, a mere 30 km from Changsha. Vast swaths of northern Hunan lay conquered, yet Okamura sensed the tide turning, it was time to retreat. The Chinese employed their time-honored gradual resistance, battling while retreating with cunning grace. Some units fell back directly, others amassed on flanks—what portent did that hold? In Okamura's shrewd mind loomed an equally shrewd Xue Yue; he envisioned his adversary methodically weaving a snare.   Post-Yingtian landing, the 15th Army Group's timely evasion had unraveled his "Xiang-Gan Operation Plan" like fragile thread. If encircling and annihilating the Chinese main force proved unattainable, what purpose in pressing onward? Telegrams from 3rd Division's Fujita Susumu, 6th's Inaba Shiro, and 13th's Tanaka Seiichi piled on his desk, pleading to assault Changsha—for headlines and Imperial accolades, perhaps, but blind to their exposed supply lines vulnerable to enemy thrusts? Ground logistics teetered on collapse; the air force resorted to airdrops for isolated regiments. Venturing further south would stretch lines to breaking; a severed artery spelled doom for the vanguard. When would these commanders mature into true stewards of the Imperial Army? Okamura fretted and pitied them in equal measure.   At 4 p.m. on September 30, Okamura decreed a halt to advances at Shangshan and Yong'an. He commenced orchestrating the retreat. Changsha, Yuelu Mountain, Ninth War Zone Command Forward HQ. October 1. Xue Yue stood before the map, Guan's latest telegram clutched in hand. Qin's second missive insisted on Japanese withdrawal, corroborated by 15th Army Group scouts from Yingtian: This morning (October 1), Japanese transports unloaded artillery stowed the previous night, hauling it back to Yueyang; intercepted wires revealed a regiment aborting its southward push, standing idle. Guan assessed the mosaic and commanded counteroffensives: intercept if feasible, pursue relentlessly, deny the Japanese escape; he relayed retreat indicators to Xue. Xue paced the chamber, head bowed in contemplation. Chief of Staff Wu Yizhi, Staff Director Zhao Zili, and their cadre tracked his every step with expectant eyes, awaiting the verdict. Xue's thoughts whirled through military stratagems and beyond.   Pre-war, Xue had segmented the war zone's forces into tripartite blocs: Northern Hunan under Guan Linzheng's 15th, Yang Sen's 27th, and Shang Zhen's 20th Army Groups as "A Cluster"; Northern Jiangxi Nanchang with Yunnan Army Lu Han's 1st Army Group and the 74th Army as "B Cluster"; the Wuning, Xiushui, Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi border guarded by Sichuan Army Wang Lingji's 30th Army Corps, Fan Songpu's Border Advance Army, and 8th Army; augmented by 3 armies' 7 divisions in general reserve. Before the storm broke, Xue pored over maps, tracing every mountain, river, road, and bridge, envisioning burial grounds for the invaders.   Now, beneath Changsha, 200,000 troops formed a tightening net. The "decisive battle in Changsha suburbs" blueprint had been wired to Chongqing. Chiang and the nation yearned for a resounding triumph as the resistance pivoted into a new epoch?! A masterful drama, honed over half a month's toil, neared its crescendo; yet that cunning fox appeared to sniff the trap's metallic tang, freezing in place. "Commander, phone from Minister Chen." "Brother Boling, good news." Chen Cheng's voice brimmed with levity, "Your formal appointment published. What? Ninth War Zone Commander! First to congratulate; document tomorrow." Shedding the "acting" prefix was inevitable; Chiang had intimated as much long ago. But for a man and general, true worth lay not in titles, but in forging indelible feats. Splendor was judged not by underlings, colleagues, or superiors, but by peers in the craft of war.   Unmoved by the promotion, Xue exhaled a profound sigh. Though the 15th's intelligence couldn't confirm a wholesale retreat, preparations for dual contingencies were imperative. Victories came hard; a splendid battle, harder still. He summoned Wu Yizhi and Zhao Zili to devise countermeasures for the enemy's potential flight. October 2, Sichuan Army Yang Sen's 27th Army Group, Yang Gancai's 134th Division special service company, under Company Commander Wan Mingyu, slogged through the profound mountains and forests on the northern Mufu Mountains' flanks. The 134th's covert mandate: infiltrate enemy rear via treacherous terrain, sabotage supply arteries in the Chongyang-Xianning sector, and deliver a dagger to the Japanese spine when opportunity struck, bolstering frontal defenses.   Past 3 p.m., a crystalline mountain stream materialized. Wan decreed a respite. Over 100 soldiers, drained from a half-day's ascent, collapsed like puppets with severed strings. Most propped their torsos with rifles in one hand, fanning hats to ward off the relentless forest mosquitoes with the other. Regaining breath, they devoured rations washed down with stream water. Some unfurled towels and ventured downstream, letting the cool flow rinse away layers of sweat. Then, a muted engine drone encroached from the heavens. Wan peered through the foliage: a low-flying plane vectored southward, its wings emblazoned with the Rising Sun.   A transport; Wan recognized the temporary Japanese airfield near Xianning. With lines overextended, airdrops sustained isolated units. Wan was prying open a can with his bayonet, the tip etching a cross on the lid before levering along the edge; paired with a rice ball, it promised a savory repast. His orderly proffered a cup of fresh stream water; 2nd Platoon Leader Hu Yaozong perched nearby on a rock, smirking, poised to pilfer from the opened tin. Wan warded off this Sichuan Pixian compatriot. The plane droned overhead then.   Both glanced skyward; the platoon quipped: "Open quick, damn, I'll repay two cans later." Commander: "Want cans? Sky has; shoot plane down, enough for two lifetimes, bloat your mother-in-law first." The can hailed from a prior supply raid. Platoon: "You want me to shoot the plane?" Commander: "Bastard! You shooting or not?" The platoon snatched the light machine gun from a tree fork, jamming the butt against his belly, one hand on the grip, aiming crudely: "Come down, you turtle son!" The other hand squeezed the trigger. Wan assumed jest, resuming his task. "Da-da-da..." Wan jolted; the half-opened can tumbled to his feet, spilling Japanese fish onto Chinese soil. Recoil floored the platoon; he hurled the gun like a branding iron, face ashen. Inspecting the trigger, he snarled: "Whose damn fault, why no safety?!" The gunner dashed over; tall and even-tempered: "Safety was on; how'd it fire without pulling?" Wan's initial panic: "Damn! Position exposed."   The company spearheaded the division's reinforced regiment to raze a recent Japanese depot, guarded by a mere company—but exposure doomed the regiment deep in hostile territory. The assault had been plotted for days; pre-departure, Yang Gancai had toasted them. Wan had sworn a blood oath: No return to Sichuan without success. Hu had jested then: "No Sichuan return means wanting Hunan girl as concubine." Banter was fine in peace, but in war's grip, this was no trifling errand. Wan unleashed a torrent of curses, rising to survey the environs. The main force lagged 15 km behind; advance or abort post-blunder? Enemy rear was a labyrinth; this isolated band teetered on a razor's edge. As if to compel a choice, the radio operator approached; Wan itched to lash out. In his fury and indecision, a miracle unfolded.   The transport's engines hacked like a consumptive invalid, then a witness spied the plane banking left, plummeting, its nose inexorably toward a colossal rock 3-4 km distant. It rebounded twice on the stone, nose and left wing crumpling; the fuselage, fragile as parchment, tumbled gently, skewing onto the slope amid splintered trees. Wan gaped, then bellowed: "Assemble!" The men snapped from reverie, charging downhill in a frenzied cascade. One hour later, 134th Deputy Commander and Reinforced Regiment Commander Liu decoded Wan's vanguard transmission via radio. Another hour passed before Liu received Yang Gancai's directive: Abort Mountain Leopard operation; return with documents expeditiously. One day hence, October 3, Okamura Yasuji's original retreat order from October 2 dawn, addressed to northern Hunan's 6th, 33rd Divisions, Nara and Uemura Detachments, plus its Chinese translation, landed on Xue Yue's desk.   Fifteen days later, at the Changsha Victory Celebration, unit accolades were proclaimed; for "shooting down enemy plane, obtaining vital enemy documents," meritorious honors went to 134th Commander Yang Gancai and Deputy Liu. Each received 1000 yuan and one 3rd Class Baoding Medal. Okamura's October 2 order original: Chinese forces retreated to Miluo and Xiushui Rivers banks assembling; to avoid disadvantage, this army should quickly withdraw to original positions, restore combat strength.   Withdrawal plan as follows: … Xue's October 3 order original:   "Northern Hunan frontal units with current posture immediately pursue facing enemy fiercely, must capture in Chongyang-Yueyang south area. ... Pursuit units may detach part to monitor and sweep enemy collection troops; main force execute overtaking pursuit... Already deep behind enemy advance units vigorously destroy enemy transport lines, cut escape routes."   From October 3, Chinese forces unleashed ferocious counteroffensives against the Japanese on three fronts: northern Hunan, southern Hubei, and the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi border; the invaders receded like a vanishing tide, never to reclaim their ground. The 25th and 195th Divisions hounded the 6th Division and Nara Detachment from Fulinpu back to the Miluo River, then to the Xin Qiang River. On October 8, the Japanese fled across the Xin Qiang; the 195th's 566th Brigade surged in pursuit, launching a nocturnal raid on Xitang-Jianshan. Gains were modest, but the enemy, entrenched in their den, resisted with feral tenacity. Qin commanded the brigade's withdrawal southward; northern Hunan operations concluded.   In southern Hubei, the 79th Army chased remnants of the 33rd Division from Sanyan Bridge to Pingjiang, across Nanjiang Bridge, hounding them back to their Tongcheng lair. On the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi border, 30th Army Group Commander Wang Lingji orchestrated a pincer against Japanese at Xiushui. The foes retreated to Sandu, mounting a stubborn defense. Chinese assaults faltered for three days; on the fourth night's blitz, victory crowned their efforts, expelling the invaders to their original Wuning stronghold. With both armies reclaiming pre-war lines, the First Battle of Changsha drew to its resounding close.   Over days, Xue Yue received a deluge of congratulatory telegrams and letters from the Nationalist Government, Military Committee, National Assembly, myriad civic groups, party officials, and social luminaries. As hoped, among them was Chiang Kai-shek's effusive missive, brimming with joy. For Xue Yue, this one sufficed. Chiang Kai-shek's telegram to Xue Yue:   "In this northern Hunan campaign, over half the enemy was annihilated. The triumphant news has invigorated the nation, all due to effective command and soldiers' valor; I commend without reservation. Thoroughly investigate and report meritorious personnel from this battle; also report the dead and wounded for awards and relief. With this initial victory foundation laid, our officers and men's responsibilities grow heavier; urge your subordinates to extra vigilance, redoubled effort, avoiding arrogance or complacency, to amass great achievements, my deepest hopes."   As if countering Chongqing's high-powered broadcasts, Japanese radios in Wuhan, Nanjing, Beiping, and Manchukuo blared at full volume: "In this Xiang-Gan operation, valiant Imperial forces penetrated over 100 km into northern Hunan, sweeping anti-peace elements, routing Chinese central main forces, inflicting over 40,000 enemy casualties, a pivotal triumph advancing the holy war. Having achieved objectives, Imperial troops have victoriously withdrawn..."   In the aftermath of the First Battle of Changsha, the Japanese high command spun a tale of calculated restraint, insisting their assault was merely a spoiling raid, a calculated jab never intended to seize and hold the city indefinitely. With brazen confidence, they downplayed their toll, claiming a mere 850 souls lost to death and 2,700 wounded in the fray, while boastfully asserting they had slain 44,000 Chinese defenders and taken 4,000 captive, painting a picture of overwhelming triumph amid the smoke and ruin. Yet, foreign military observers, peering through the fog of propaganda with detached scrutiny, painted a starkly different canvas. They gauged Chinese losses at a far more tempered 20,000 killed and wounded, a heavy but bearable scar on the nation's resolve, while estimating Japanese casualties soared to around 30,000, a grievous hemorrhage that belied the invaders' claims of minimal sacrifice. Military historian Michael Clodfelter, sifting through the annals of conflict, ventured an even grimmer tally: a staggering 50,000 Japanese casualties endured in the relentless clash, a testament to the ferocity of Chinese resistance and the high price of imperial ambition. In the battle's locale, neither side claimed clear victory, but globally for the resistance, it favored China. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The First Battle of Changsha unfolded in September 1939 during China's War of Resistance Against Japan. Japanese forces under Okamura Yasuji advanced into Hunan and Jiangxi, crossing rivers and capturing key positions like Yingtian amid fierce Chinese defenses led by Xue Yue. 

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 96: www.ESV.org/Psalm96 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: A Journey Through Tara: Capturing Spring's Splendor Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sr/episode/2026-04-07-22-34-01-sr Story Transcript:Sr: Кроз ужурбани хол београдске гимназије, одјекивали су звуци цикуса и весеља.En: Through the bustling halls of the Belgrade Gymnasium, echoed the sounds of shouting and joy.Sr: Милена је стајала испред табле, украшене ускршњим шарама, држећи свој фотоапарат.En: Milena stood in front of the board, decorated with Easter patterns, holding her camera.Sr: Мисао о предстојећем излету у Национални парк Тара чинила ју је узбуђеном, али и нервозном.En: The thought of the upcoming trip to Tara National Park made her excited, but also nervous.Sr: "Јеси ли спремна за природну авантуру?" упита Вук, пријатељ из одељења, прилазећи са свом својом уобичајеном неопрезношћу.En: "Are you ready for a nature adventure?" asked Vuk, a friend from the class, approaching with his usual carelessness.Sr: "Још не знам шта да понесем, али занима ме шта ћемо тамо видети!"En: "I still don't know what to bring, but I'm curious about what we'll see there!"Sr: "Тара је прелепа у пролеће," одговори Милена, покушавајући да сакрије забринутост.En: "Tara is beautiful in the spring," replied Milena, trying to hide her concern.Sr: "Волела бих да тамо ухватим сваки детаљ."En: "I would love to capture every detail there."Sr: Када су се сви окупили око великог аутобуса, Милена је сметено претражила торбу.En: When everyone gathered around the big bus, Milena frantically searched through her bag.Sr: Са ужасом је схватила да је заборавила батерију за фотоапарат код куће.En: With horror, she realized that she had forgotten the battery for her camera at home.Sr: Сва је унутра паничила, страхујући да ће њен план пропасти и да ће Вук можда скренути с пута због своје импулсивности.En: Inside, she panicked, fearing her plan would fail and that Vuk might go off track due to his impulsiveness.Sr: Док је путовање напредовало, природа око њих пленила је пажњу.En: As the journey progressed, the nature around them captivated their attention.Sr: Милена је на крају пришла Вуку, уплашено објашњавајући свој проблем.En: Milena finally approached Vuk, fearfully explaining her problem.Sr: "Не могу да верујем да сам оставила батерију... Не знам шта ћу сад."En: "I can't believe I left the battery… I don't know what to do now."Sr: Вук се насмејао, погледао је вирбушком радозналости.En: Vuk laughed, looking at her with a whirlpool of curiosity.Sr: "Можда имам нешто што би помогло," рекао је и из џепа извадио преносиви пуњач.En: "Maybe I have something that would help," he said, pulling a portable charger from his pocket.Sr: "Срећом, уклапа се у твој апарат."En: "Luckily, it fits your camera."Sr: Са великим олакшањем и захвалношћу, Милена је прихватила.En: With great relief and gratitude, Milena accepted it.Sr: Тара је изгледала величанствено у рано пролеће: густе шуме, зелени пропланци, и небројено шарено цвеће.En: Tara looked magnificent in early spring: dense forests, green meadows, and countless colorful flowers.Sr: Док су истраживали парк, Милена је, са пажњом и стрпљењем, објашњавала Вуку значај сигурности.En: While exploring the park, Milena carefully and patiently explained to Vuk the importance of safety.Sr: Њено намерно задржавање с Вуком исплатило се, као што ју је он одвео на скривену осматрачницу, где су се отворали прелепи видици.En: Her deliberate holding back with Vuk paid off when he led her to a hidden lookout point, offering beautiful vistas.Sr: Стајајући уз Вука, док су гледали далеко испод, Милена је нашла савршен кадар.En: Standing next to Vuk, as they looked far below, Milena found the perfect frame.Sr: Тако, не само да је овековечила лепоту пролећа, већ је стекла и новог савезника у авантурама.En: Thus, she not only immortalized the beauty of spring but also gained a new ally in adventures.Sr: Кроз овај излет, Милена је открила укус за спонтаност, док је Вук научио да придодаје значај одговорности.En: Through this trip, Milena discovered a taste for spontaneity, while Vuk learned to add importance to responsibility.Sr: Заједно, уживали су у природним благодетима Таре, знајући да ће ови тренуци дуго остати у њиховим сећањима.En: Together, they enjoyed the natural treasures of Tara, knowing that these moments would remain in their memories for a long time. Vocabulary Words:bustling: ужурбаниechoed: одјекивалиshouting: цикусаdecorated: украшенеupcoming: предстојећемcarelessness: неопрезношћуconcern: забринутостfrantically: сметеноimpulsiveness: импулсивностиcaptivated: пленилаpanicked: паничилаwhirlpool: вирбушкомportable: преносивиcharger: пуњачrelief: олакшањемgratitude: захвалношћуmagnificent: величанственоmeadows: пропланциcountless: небројеноcolorful: шареноcarefully: пажњомpatiently: стрпљењемdeliberate: намерноlookout: осматрачницуvistas: видициframe: кадарimmortalized: овековечилаally: савезникаspontaneity: спонтаностresponsibility: одговорности

Isaiah 60:4-9  1 Corinthians 15:35-49

AP Table Talk: RaceIn this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dig into the race mechanic, where players compete toward a shared finish line and the first to cross it ends the game. From childhood staples like Chutes and Ladders and Candy Land to modern classics like Catan, Splendor, Heat: Pedal to the Metal, and Cosmoctopus, they unpack how race structures create tension, pacing, and dramatic finishes. Along the way, they explore design tradeoffs around luck, runaway leaders, player interaction, and why some games feel like races without truly using the mechanic at all.If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you'll get the next episode delivered directly to you. We'd also love it if you took some time to rate the show! We live to lift others with learning.  So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit. Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.comUniversity XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP.Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/161GBLV_2026_Registration_Pre-Roll GBLV_2026_Registration_Post-RollSupport the show

**Come see WTO/99 at The Balboa Theater SF on Sunday, April 26th 7:30pm, hosted by Hit Factory featuring a post-screening Q&A w/ director Ian Bell. Tickets are available here.**Prolific filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay joins us to discuss her newest feature The Serpent's Skin (expanding this week to Los Angeles and San Francisco) alongside the high-gloss, sugary sweet, and characteristically transgressive Gregg Araki film Splendor. Structured as a prototypical romantic comedy, the film subverts the classic love triangle dynamic to explore the unique dynamics and language of intimacy that develops between a romantically committed threesome. We begin with a discussion of Alice's latest film The Serpent's Path - a lush, bold trans lesbian fantasy that wears its debts to teen classics like The Craft and Buffy the Vampire Slayer proudly on its sleeve. Then, we dive into the 90s work of Gregg Araki, and how Splendor subverts the expectations laid by the director's previous films in the Teen Apocalypse trilogy while losing none of the director's antagonisms toward the stricutres of heteronormative American society. Finally, we interrogate the film's subtle complexities, how Araki navigates the shifting dynamics of the threesome within the language of the romcom, and how the film pushes past the trap of "selling out vs. buying in" customary to so many films of the decade. See The Serpent's Skin, now playing in NY, SF & LA.Follow Alice Maio Mackay on Twitter. Get access to all of our premium episodes and bonus content by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.....Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish. 

If you have any questions or comments, send Pastor John a text.Pastor John Bornschein and Dr. Steve Ford examine Daniel 7, Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4 as we read of the Vision of Jesus Christ. Support the showProduced by Calvary Fellowship Fountain Valley church. Learn more at www.CalvaryFountain.com

Celebrating St. Patrick’s feast day on Trending with Timmerie: Episode Guide Saint Patrick’s battle with the Druid priests (3:15) The Lorica of St. Patrick & understanding God’s dominion over creation (23:17) Easter basket recommendations (38:03) Resources mentioned: The Day God's Helper Came https://ascensionpress.com/products/the-day-gods-helper-came?srsltid=AfmBOopOtysIWnpqOQDIrhOCgMCjPP5ptCcP5B3B8H0dDHfm5H8o4lUA Pray and Paint Rosary Books https://ascensionpress.com/products/pray-and-paint-mysteries-of-the-rosary-bundle?_pos=5&_sid=b75759399&_ss=r Arise: A 50-Day Journey into the Mystery of the Resurrection https://sophiainstitute.com/product/arise/ My First Interactive Rosary Book https://ascensionpress.com/products/my-first-interactive-rosary-book Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland: dePaola https://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Patron-Ireland-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0823410773 My First Examen Board Book: Catholic Kids Devotional on Daily Examen Prayer https://thelittleroseshop.com/products/my-first-examen-board-book https://shininglightdolls.com/ For Adults: Arise https://sophiainstitute.com/product/arise/?srsltid=AfmBOopXtwwx7lST1KNp0eP5d_Q3QiPFbbdpiMOWPIo5rD425YrJ6bZD Catholic Feast Days Cookbook https://www.catholiccompany.com/products/catholic-feast-days-a-cookbook-for-connecting-faith-and-food?variant=52363700404533&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=1453680900&hsa_cam=22788846930&hsa_grp=184931947320&hsa_ad=763821639775&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=pla-296303633664&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22788846930&gbraid=0AAAAAD_gYDF7obSdieVDhdDqTlR2UmgUC&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9-PNBhDfARIsABHN6-2zSpLwVIpKdPcKejVo66mt-NJPoileMYvbMwcm7sYdvVT2YNN9FN4aAswbEALw_wcB Catholic All Year https://ignatius.com/the-catholic-all-year-compendium-caycp/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23211240367&gbraid=0AAAAAD_ZLxg5M1hktxJEryy8WZECf-qyg&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9-PNBhDfARIsABHN6-1Ka94S-qiBp46gNa17YqlYz5i7Rm6wzM30FddiOsG8FedkJjjsI0MaAnBLEALw_wcB The Lorica Prayer – Saint Patrick’s Breast Plate Prayer I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation. I arise today Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom. I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In obedience of angels, In service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In preachings of the apostles, In faiths of confessors, In innocence of virgins, In deeds of righteous men. I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's hosts to save me From snares of the devil, From temptations of vices, From every one who desires me ill, Afar and anear, Alone or in a multitude. I summon today all these powers between me and evil, Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of women and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul. Christ shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that reward may come to me in abundance. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me. I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through a confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation St. Patrick (ca. 377)

We will be overwhelmed by…. 1. The Scene of Heaven v.9-11  2.  The Story of Heaven v.12-14  3.  The Size of Heaven v.15-17             -You measure what matters 4.  The Splendor of Heaven v.18-21 - How often do you dream or think of heaven? When I learn of a place of great beauty, some questions come to mind… Where is it? How do I get there? When can I go?Can I take others with me?

“Pop Culture Happy Hour” co-host Aisha Harris was herself a confused teen when she first watched Elia Kazan and William Inge's confused-teen tale “Splendor in the Grass”; she joins us to discuss the timelessness of its conflicts, the mastery of Kazan's direction, and the absolutely scorching chemistry of leads Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-heat-minute-productions/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Neil Young's otherworldly ability to morph between raging metalhead to the most sentimental of romantics never fails to astound. Always uncompromising, this cranky Canadian has been inflexible in his stance to be unencumbered - and, prolific - recording over 45 solo albums, not to mention those classics created with Buffalo Springfield and CSN&Y. Surviving polio as a child, and a brain aneurysm in middle age, he kept coming back stronger than ever.  I've seen him live twice: at the Greek Theater during the Greendale tour, then again a couple of years back when my son and I flew to Tucson to celebrate the slower, less blazing, but still mesmerizing octogenarian troubadour. His music has been a touchstone throughout my life, starting with the iconic Reprise album “Everybody Knows This is Nowhere” which contained Down by the River - a dorm room sing along. His vast catalogue makes it difficult to pick only ten covers, but the range here is evident, swinging from Pearl Jam's live version of Keep on Rockin' in the Free World to Emmylou Harris's wistful floatation on Daniel Lanois's diaphanous Wrecking Ball. Neil's own vocal style is so distinctive that it's tempting to disregard how beautiful some of his melodies are. I think you'll find that this line up does them justice.HEART OF GOLD (JOHNNY CASH)MR. SOUL (THE EVERLY BROTHERS)ON THE BEACH (BOZ SCAGGS)KEEP ON ROCKING IN THE FREE WORLD (PEARL JAM)A MAN NEEDS A MAID (DALA)BIRDS (THE METERS)LOTTA LOVE (NICOLETTE LARSON)WRECKING BALL (EMMYLOU HARRIS)BROKEN ARROW (WILCO)HELPLESS (NICK CAVE)

Part 2! In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we journey back to the 16th century to explore the Splendor Solis, one of the most visually stunning and philosophically profound alchemical manuscripts ever created. We delve into the vibrant sequence of its twenty-two elaborate illustrations, tracing the symbolic narrative of the alchemical process from its initial stages through to completion. Our discussion focuses on the recurring themes of transformation, the necessity of symbolic death, and the ultimate promise of rebirth as depicted in these ancient plates. Join us as we reflect on how these hermetic allegories of internal refinement parallel the spiritual architecture of our own modern traditions. 

Welcome to the latest episode of the Meditative Prayers Podcast, where Zach Clinton thoughtfully guides us on an enlightening journey. In this installment, we delve into the transformative path of embracing each day with grace and purpose, a practice that resonates deeply within our faith. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of our spiritual expedition, we encounter moments when life's trials threaten to cast shadows on our path. Yet, amidst these challenges, take heart in the knowledge that, with the Lord as our constant companion, we are empowered to rise above adversity and unearth renewed strength. Join us on this insightful exploration as we draw wisdom from the timeless verses of Ecclesiastes 3:11 in the revered King James Version. Together, we delve into its profound teachings, equipping us to navigate and transcend moments of vulnerability, finding solace and strength in our shared faith journey. If you're seeking to enrich your spiritual journey and immerse yourself in more Christian meditation, heartfelt prayers, and peaceful sleep content, we encourage you to download the Pray.com app. Embracing the practice of praying before slumber is more than just a routine; it's an avenue to recenter your heart, aligning it with God's purpose. Let Pray.com’s Meditative Prayer be a nightly companion, deepening your bond with the Almighty and settling your spirit for a serene night's rest. Zach Clinton is from the American Association of Christian Counselors, for more information please visit: https://aacc.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Masonic Roundtable, we journey back to the 16th century to explore the Splendor Solis, one of the most visually stunning and philosophically profound alchemical manuscripts ever created. We delve into the vibrant sequence of its twenty-two elaborate illustrations, tracing the symbolic narrative of the alchemical process from its initial stages through to completion. Our discussion focuses on the recurring themes of transformation, the necessity of symbolic death, and the ultimate promise of rebirth as depicted in these ancient plates. Join us as we reflect on how these hermetic allegories of internal refinement parallel the spiritual architecture of our own modern traditions.

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Blooms and Resilience: A Day at Keukenhof's Floral Splendor Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-03-02-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Het zonlicht viel zachtjes op de prachtige Keukenhof-tuinen.En: The sunlight softly graced the beautiful Keukenhof gardens.Nl: De tulpen bloeiden in een zee van kleuren, en het rook naar lente.En: The tulips were blooming in a sea of colors, and it smelled like spring.Nl: Hanneke liep naast Thijs, haar partner, en Bram, haar jeugdvriend.En: Hanneke walked beside Thijs, her partner, and Bram, her childhood friend.Nl: Ze waren vandaag hier om de beroemde tulpen te bewonderen.En: They were there today to admire the famous tulips.Nl: Hanneke hield van de natuur.En: Hanneke loved nature.Nl: Ze genoot van de frisse lucht en de eindeloze rijen bloemen.En: She enjoyed the fresh air and the endless rows of flowers.Nl: Maar diep van binnen voelde ze zich een beetje ongerust.En: But deep down, she felt a bit uneasy.Nl: Ze had een geheime angst voor medische noodsituaties en wilde absoluut niet dat er iets verkeerd zou gaan.En: She had a secret fear of medical emergencies and absolutely did not want anything to go wrong.Nl: Bram keek om zich heen, zichtbaar verwonderd.En: Bram looked around, visibly amazed.Nl: "Wat is het hier prachtig!"En: "It's so beautiful here!"Nl: zei hij terwijl hij zijn camera tevoorschijn haalde.En: he said as he pulled out his camera.Nl: Hij was helemaal uit een ander land gekomen om dit te zien.En: He had come all the way from another country to see this.Nl: "Hanneke, lukt het?"En: "Hanneke, are you okay?"Nl: vroeg Thijs kalm.En: asked Thijs calmly.Nl: Hij voelde haar spanning, ook al probeerde ze het te verbergen.En: He sensed her tension, even though she tried to hide it.Nl: "Ja, natuurlijk," antwoordde Hanneke met een lichte glimlach, maar in haar sloffen voelde ze al een tinteling.En: "Yes, of course," Hanneke replied with a slight smile, but she already felt a tingling in her feet.Nl: Haar neus begon te kriebelen.En: Her nose started to itch.Nl: Terwijl ze doorliepen, voelde Hanneke haar keel benauwd worden.En: As they continued walking, Hanneke felt her throat tightening.Nl: Ze probeerde rustig te blijven.En: She tried to stay calm.Nl: "Misschien is het gewoon de geur," dacht ze.En: "Maybe it's just the smell," she thought.Nl: Maar al snel ging het van jeuken naar een zware kramp.En: But soon it went from itching to a heavy cramp.Nl: "Is alles goed?"En: "Is everything alright?"Nl: vroeg Bram terwijl hij een tulpenveld fotografeerde.En: asked Bram while photographing a tulip field.Nl: Hanneke knikte dapper, maar haar ogen begonnen te tranen.En: Hanneke nodded bravely, but her eyes began to water.Nl: Ze wilde het moment niet verpesten, vooral niet voor Bram, die zo enthousiast was.En: She didn't want to ruin the moment, especially for Bram, who was so enthusiastic.Nl: Maar toen ze verder liepen, trok de wereld zich om haar heen terug.En: But as they walked further, the world around her started to shrink.Nl: Haar ademhaling werd korter.En: Her breathing became shorter.Nl: "Thijs..." fluisterde ze met zwakke stem voordat ze tussen de tulpen zakte.En: "Thijs..." she whispered weakly before collapsing among the tulips.Nl: Thijs en Bram zagen haar vallen en renden snel naar haar toe.En: Thijs and Bram saw her fall and quickly rushed to her side.Nl: "Hanneke!"En: "Hanneke!"Nl: riep Thijs gespannen, zijn gezicht bleek.En: Thijs shouted tensely, his face pale.Nl: Bram hielp haar overeind te zetten terwijl Thijs hulp ging zoeken.En: Bram helped her sit up while Thijs went to find help.Nl: Nog nooit had Hanneke zich zo kwetsbaar gevoeld, maar ze wist dat ze hulp nodig had.En: Never had Hanneke felt so vulnerable, but she knew she needed help.Nl: Medische personeelsleden, die snel ter plaatse waren, gaven haar de juiste zorg.En: Medical staff, who arrived quickly on the scene, provided her with the proper care.Nl: De benauwdheid trok langzaam weg, en ze voelde zich weer helder worden.En: The tightness slowly subsided, and she began to feel clear again.Nl: Thijs hield haar hand vast en glimlachte geruststellend.En: Thijs held her hand and smiled reassuringly.Nl: "Het is oké," zei hij zachtjes.En: "It's okay," he said softly.Nl: Later, ver weg van de bloemen, zaten ze samen op een grasveld voor een rustige picknick.En: Later, far away from the flowers, they sat together on a grassy field for a quiet picnic.Nl: Hanneke was dankbaar voor de steun van Thijs en Bram.En: Hanneke was grateful for the support of Thijs and Bram.Nl: Ze keek naar haar vrienden en besefte dat het oké was om toe te geven als iets moeilijk was.En: She looked at her friends and realized that it was okay to admit when something was difficult.Nl: De middag eindigde vreedzaam.En: The afternoon ended peacefully.Nl: Hanneke genoot van de zon en de rust, zonder zorgen.En: Hanneke enjoyed the sun and the tranquility, without any worries.Nl: Ze had geleerd dat het vragen om hulp geen zwakte is, maar juist kracht.En: She had learned that asking for help is not a weakness, but rather a strength.Nl: En zo werd het een dag om nooit te vergeten, in de schoonheid van de Keukenhof.En: And so it became a day never to forget, in the beauty of the Keukenhof. Vocabulary Words:graced: vielblooming: bloeidenuneasy: ongerustemergencies: noodsituatiescramp: kramptingling: tintelingitch: jeukenvulnerable: kwetsbaarproper care: juiste zorgtranquility: rustreeassuringly: geruststellendadmire: bewonderensecret: geheimesensed: voeldehide: verbergentightness: benauwdheidsubside: wegtrekkengrassy: grasveldgrateful: dankbaarworries: zorgenadmit: toegevenstrength: krachtpatient: patiëntchildhood: jeugdbravely: dappershrink: terugtrekkenpale: bleekfright: angstsupport: steunenjoyed: genoten

Queen Esther didnt just wear royal robes - she clothed herself in malchut, spiritual royalty itself. When we surrender completely to Gods will and put on righteousness, His light can break through any amount of darkness. The post Clothed in Glory and Splendor appeared first on Emmaus Road Fellowship.

Parshas Tetzaveh & Purim: The Hidden Splendor In Parshas Tetzaveh, the Torah details the priestly garments of the Kohen Gadol, described as “l'kavod u'l'tifaret” - for dignity and splendor.  This episode explores how the Mishkan, the Kohanim, and the concept of tiferet reveal a powerful truth: holiness is not removed from the physical world — it is revealed through it. As we approach Purim and read the Megillah, we uncover how G-d's presence operates through hidden miracles, woven into natural events. ✨ Splendor is not always loud. Sometimes it is hidden in plain sight.

David Bowie, aka David Jones, aka Ziggy Stardust, aka Aladdin Sane, aka The Thin White Duke, aka The Man Who Fell to Earth had a vision of a future where everybody would be androgynous. Maybe the trans movement of today found its initial voice with him back in the ‘70s, when he proclaimed “make way for the homo superior.” Like so many others at the time, I glimpsed this insight that proposed expanding beyond the narrow labels to which I had been assigned. Like an annunciating alien, David Bowie descended upon the earth to spread his message of an evolving species by employing his celestial musicianship and ethereal beauty. His music inspired others, as we will see from the following playlist, as did this ideal that combined rock and roll with science fiction and glamour. Remaining faithful to the promise of his beatific vision, before he died Bowie prepared a final statement to be delivered posthumously: “Lazarus” in which he greeted us from the cosmos: “Look, I'm in heaven…” Even in death he remained eternally loving, and ever hopeful for our advancement.All the Young Dudes (Mott the Hoople)The Man Who Sold the World (Nirvana) / The Man Who Sold The World, 1970Life on Mars (Seu Jorges) / Hunky Dory, 1971Space Oddity (Brandi Carlisle) / David Bowie, 1969Rebel Rebel (Rickie Lee Jones) / Diamond Dogs, 1974Andy Warhol (Stone Temple Pilots) / Hunky Dory, 19715 Years (Cowboy Junkies) / The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, 1972Heroes (Peter Gabriel) / Heroes, 1977Under Pressure (Karen O and Willie Nelson) / Hot Space (w/ Queen), 1981Ziggy Stardust (Bauhaus) / The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, 1972

     This week- two films about alternative family structures.     One night Veronica meets Abel, a freelance music journalist, at a concert and sparks fly. That same night she meets Zed, a drummer, and sparks fly. She begins dating both men and eventually brings them together in a polyamorous cohabitation. Despite some simmering tension between Zed and Abel, Veronica is mostly content with her life... until she meets successful up and coming director Mike, a recently single serial monogamist, and learns she is pregnant. Will Veronica choose her nontraditional love or throw it all aside for security and tradition? A modernist take on screwball romantic comedy from Greg Araki, one of the indie auteurs of the New Queer Cinema movement, Splendor.     Sarah Jane is an orphan hired to do live-in secretarial work for a reclusive author of works on the paranormal and occult. His latest work eerily reflects her recurring nightmares about a bloody ritual to summon the cult's demonic master. Trying to settle into her new situation in a new town, she keeps meeting unsettling people and situations. Soon she enlists the help of the local vicar to figure out what is going on. Widely regarded as the turning point for the low budget cult filmmaker whose five decade career spanned every genre with a prolific output, Michael J. Murphy's Moonchild.     All that and Dave gets weird, Kevin champions to overlooked, Craig gets jealous of recording software, and Tyler keeps sweating in... anticipation... Join us, won't you?   Episode 452- Poly Wants A Sacrifice

What is a cover song? It's an act of devotion, an organic transmission from the essence of one soul into and through another. And, sometimes, by way of the revelations of time and lived experience, one might even surpass the original. Prior to the era of electronic recording, no one “owned” their songs; they were passed on from generation to generation, and neighbor to neighbor - shared and mutating like the living organisms they were. We still retain an instinct to study art through imitation, but if the original exists, why bother? Because we are inspired - (meaning our beings are filled with the breath of their genius) - and we want to capture, and share a bit of that magic. The Splendid Bohemians are proud to present a new series called “Cover Art - The Splendor of the Cover Song,” in which we'll choose a selection of great covers of artists we cherish, by other artists that we love, or want to know more about, or have been surprised by.  For our maiden voyage we chose Van Morrison - one of the most dynamic and multi-faceted songwriters of his generation.  We'll go beyond the expected choices like “Gloria” and “Brown Eyed Girl” (two of the most covered numbers in Rock) to explore the deeper recesses of Van's catalogue, and excavate some precious musical gems. Enjoy!Below is the list of selections, the artists, and the source material:WILD NIGHT / JOHN MELLENCAMP AND MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO ( From: Tupelo Honey, 1971)BRIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD / RAUL MALO (From: Into the Music, 1979)INTO THE MYSTIC / ALLMAN BROTHERS (From: Moondance, 1970)THE WAY YOUNG LOVERS DO / JEFF BUCKLEY (From: Astral Weeks, 1968)GLAD TIDINGS / MERRY CLAYTON (From: Moondance, 1970)MOONDANCE / GREG BROWN (From: Moondance, 1970) SLIM SLO SLIDER / JOHNNY RIVERS (From: Astral Weeks, 1968)MADAME GEORGE / MARIANNE FAITHFUL (From: Astral Weeks, 1968)FULL FORCE GALE / ELVIS COSTELLO (From: Into the Music, 1979)BRAND NEW DAY / ESTHER PHILLIPS WITH THE DIXIE FLYERS (From: Moondance, 1970)

Welcome back Pauper fam! This week we sat down with local friend and Discord regular Jonathan Collins (aka Brute) for a laidback discussion and storytime episode, mostly centered around Jonathan's first constructed Magic experience being competitive Pauper! From getting the round 3 bye at locals to finishing 9th on breakers at the 2nd Common Ground Cup in just a few weeks time, we dig into his journey learning Terror and the format at large. Lots of laughs to be had and plenty of insight for newer players, whether in paper or on MTGO. Thank you as always for listening!Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/kdvSavFkpzCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CommonGroundMTGKalikaiz's MTGO Tips & Tricks: https://youtube.com/shorts/IqajdYRVBIY?si=dlxvvE6lmevLr_c7Pillow Talk - A New Competitive MtG Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sqrmiaZasZhzlHyOFQPOH?si=XbgDrvWiQdqiqPxgONLFzw&t=1932Upcoming Pauper Events:The 3rd Common Ground Cup ($2k Pauper Tournament) - Saturday January 31st @ Game Knight, Columbia TN: https://topdeck.gg/event/the-3rd-common-ground-cup  Featuring live-streamed coverage and commentary, plus a trophy and more for the winner! CGCup3 Livestream: Twitch: twitch.tv/gameknighttn | YouTube: youtube.com/@GameKnightTNNorth Carolina-Area Listeners: Check out the Piedmont Pauper League @ Dragon's Hoard, Greensboro NC! 6 monthly tournaments culminate in a grand prize: travel stipend and entry into CGCup4 this summer! January event registration is now open: https://www.spicerack.gg/events/2834147The Cascadia Pauper Circuit presented by Pauper PNW: www.PauperPNW.org First Seattle-area events are February 21st and March 8th!Nashville-Area Thursday Pauper League @ Middle TN Gaming in Bellevue: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-Tennessee-Gaming-61567309793600/Any questions or feedback for us? Email us at: commongroundmtgpod@gmail.comhttps://twitter.com/CamPlaysMagichttps://twitter.com/Hippo_1124Thomas' BlueSky: @thomasdoesalot.bsky.social Hippo's BlueSky: @hippo2112.bsky.social 

Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Bridging the Divide: A Family Reunion Amid Santiago's Splendor Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2026-01-13-08-38-20-es Story Transcript:Es: El sol de verano brillaba intensamente sobre el Parque Metropolitano de Santiago.En: The summer sun shone intensely over the Parque Metropolitano de @es{Santiago}.Es: El aire estaba lleno de risas y el murmullo de personas disfrutando sus vacaciones post Año Nuevo.En: The air was filled with laughter and the murmur of people enjoying their post-New Year vacations.Es: Marisol caminaba lentamente por los senderos, disfrutando el verde vibrante de los jardines.En: Marisol walked slowly along the paths, enjoying the vibrant green of the gardens.Es: Había llegado a Santiago para unas breves vacaciones, pero tenía otro propósito importante: reencontrarse con su hermano Joaquín.En: She had come to Santiago for a brief vacation, but she had another important purpose: to reunite with her brother Joaquín.Es: Marisol y Joaquín no se habían hablado por mucho tiempo.En: Marisol and Joaquín had not spoken to each other for a long time.Es: La distancia entre ellos no era solo física, sino también emocional.En: The distance between them was not only physical, but also emotional.Es: Joaquín vivía en Santiago, mientras que Marisol había pasado años en el extranjero.En: Joaquín lived in Santiago, while Marisol had spent years abroad.Es: La vida había complicado su relación, y el orgullo había alzado muros difíciles de derribar.En: Life had complicated their relationship, and pride had raised walls difficult to tear down.Es: Pero Marisol estaba decidida a intentarlo.En: But Marisol was determined to try.Es: Cerca de una frondosa arboleda, se encontraba Camila, su siempre sonriente prima.En: Near a lush grove was Camila, her always smiling cousin.Es: "¡Marisol!En: "Marisol!"Es: ", gritó Camila, agitando la mano con entusiasmo.En: Camila shouted, waving her hand enthusiastically.Es: Marisol sonrió al verla.En: Marisol smiled at the sight of her.Es: Camila siempre tenía esa energía positiva que iluminaba la habitación.En: Camila always had that positive energy that illuminated the room.Es: Era la mediadora nata de la familia, siempre buscando reconciliar a los demás.En: She was the natural mediator of the family, always seeking to reconcile others.Es: "Joaquín está aquí también, sabes", mencionó Camila con un guiño.En: "Joaquín is here too, you know," Camila mentioned with a wink.Es: Marisol asintió, sintiendo una mezcla de ansias y nerviosismo.En: Marisol nodded, feeling a mixture of anxiety and nervousness.Es: No había planificado cómo sería ese encuentro.En: She hadn't planned how that encounter would be.Es: Marisol y Camila caminaron hasta un área más tranquila del parque.En: Marisol and Camila walked to a quieter area of the park.Es: Allí, entre los caminos de piedra y flores coloridas, encontraron a Joaquín.En: There, among the stone paths and colorful flowers, they found Joaquín.Es: Estaba sentado en un banco, su mirada perdida en las lejanas montañas Andes.En: He was sitting on a bench, his gaze lost in the distant Andes mountains.Es: Marisol respiró profundo y se acercó.En: Marisol took a deep breath and approached.Es: "Hola, Joaquín", saludó con voz suave.En: "Hi, Joaquín," she greeted in a soft voice.Es: Joaquín levantó la vista, un poco sorprendido pero manteniendo su expresión neutral.En: Joaquín looked up, a bit surprised but maintaining a neutral expression.Es: "Hola, Marisol", respondió con tono reservado.En: "Hi, Marisol," he responded in a reserved tone.Es: El silencio se apoderó del momento por un instante.En: Silence took over the moment for an instant.Es: Camila miró a ambos con una mezcla de esperanza y expectativa.En: Camila looked at both with a mixture of hope and expectation.Es: Sabía que este era un momento crucial para sus primos.En: She knew this was a crucial moment for her cousins.Es: Marisol decidió no esperar más.En: Marisol decided not to wait any longer.Es: "Joaquín, he estado pensando mucho... sobre nosotros, sobre todo lo que ha pasado.En: "Joaquín, I have been thinking a lot... about us, about everything that has happened.Es: Estoy aquí porque quiero arreglar las cosas", dijo, tratando de mantener la voz firme.En: I am here because I want to fix things," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.Es: Joaquín suspiró.En: Joaquín sighed.Es: Las palabras de su hermana le tocaron una fibra sensible.En: His sister's words touched a sensitive chord.Es: "Yo... siempre he querido lo mismo, pero no sabía cómo", confesó, su voz mostrando la vulnerabilidad que pocas veces permitía.En: "I... always wanted the same, but I didn't know how," he confessed, his voice showing the vulnerability he rarely allowed.Es: Hablaron durante lo que pareció ser una eternidad.En: They talked for what seemed like an eternity.Es: Marisol explicó sus temores, sus arrepentimientos, mientras Joaquín escuchaba con atención.En: Marisol explained her fears, her regrets, while Joaquín listened attentively.Es: Camila se mantuvo a un lado, dejando su energía positiva como una presencia silenciosa.En: Camila remained to the side, leaving her positive energy as a silent presence.Es: Finalmente, Joaquín rompió el ciclo de resentimiento.En: Finally, Joaquín broke the cycle of resentment.Es: "Quizás podamos empezar por vernos más seguido, hablar más", sugirió con un atisbo de sonrisa.En: "Maybe we can start by seeing each other more often, talking more," he suggested with a hint of a smile.Es: Marisol sonrió ampliamente.En: Marisol beamed.Es: "Me encantaría, Joaquín", respondió con alivio.En: "I would love that, Joaquín," she responded with relief.Es: Con el sol comenzando a descender, teñido el cielo con tonos naranjas y rosados, Marisol y Joaquín dejaron atrás viejas barreras.En: With the sun beginning to set, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, Marisol and Joaquín left behind old barriers.Es: Caminaron juntos, hermanados nuevamente, prometiéndose un nuevo comienzo.En: They walked together, reunited once more, promising each other a new beginning.Es: Ambos entendieron que el perdón y el compromiso eran claves para mantener su vínculo.En: Both understood that forgiveness and commitment were key to maintaining their bond.Es: Ese día en el parque, entre la naturaleza y risas ajenas, marcaron el inicio de algo nuevo.En: That day in the park, amidst nature and the laughter of others, marked the beginning of something new.Es: Marisol sintió cómo el peso de los años se aligeraba, y Joaquín soltó su dolor pasado, dejando espacio para la esperanza.En: Marisol felt the weight of the years lighten, and Joaquín let go of his past pain, making room for hope.Es: La familia, a pesar de todo, era lo más importante.En: The family, despite everything, was the most important thing. Vocabulary Words:the sun: el solintensely: intensamentethe whisper: el murmullothe purpose: el propósitothe distance: la distanciathe pride: el orgulloto raise: alzarthe walls: los murosto tear down: derribarlush: frondosathe grove: la arboledato reconcile: reconciliaranxiety: ansiasthe gaze: la miradadistant: lejanasto greet: saludarto maintain: mantenerhope: esperanzaexpectation: expectativato fix: arreglarthe fear: el temorthe regret: el arrepentimientoto listen attentively: escuchar con atenciónthe resentment: el resentimientohint: atisbothe relief: el alivioto set (The sun): descenderto promise: prometerthe bond: el vínculothe nature: la naturaleza

Order of Service: - Prelude - Hymn 166 - Arise and Shine in Splendor: vv. 1, 2, 4, 6 - Hebrews 2:11-15: For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.” Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 128 - Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Prof. Tom Rank (Preacher), Laura Matzke (Organist)

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Capturing New Year's Splendor: Haruto's Shibuya Snapshot Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-03-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 渋谷の交差点は、まるで人の波が押し寄せる海のようでした。En: The Shibuya crossing was like a sea with waves of people surging through.Ja: 冬の冷たい風が、そこを歩く人々の頬を赤く染めます。En: The cold winter wind turned the cheeks of the people walking there red.Ja: 新年の始まりを祝うために、たくさんの人がお買い物に出かけ、新しい年を迎える準備をしていました。En: Many people went out shopping to celebrate the beginning of the new year, preparing to welcome it.Ja: 遥斗は、交差点の片隅に立っていました。En: Haruto was standing in a corner of the intersection.Ja: 彼はカメラを肩にかけ、周囲を観察していました。En: With a camera slung over his shoulder, he was observing the surroundings.Ja: 彼は内気な性格であり、人込みの中で一人静かに過ごすことが好きでした。En: He had a shy personality and liked spending time quietly alone in a crowd.Ja: しかし、この瞬間を逃したくなかったのです。En: However, he didn't want to miss this moment.Ja: 新年の活気と喜びを写真に収めたいと思っていました。En: He wanted to capture the excitement and joy of the new year in his photographs.Ja: しかし、交差点はあまりにも混雑していて、良い構図を見つけるのが難しかったです。En: However, the intersection was so crowded that it was difficult to find a good composition.Ja: 人々は絶え間なく行き交い、彼の視界をさえぎります。En: People constantly moved back and forth, blocking his vision.Ja: 焦燥感が募り、プレッシャーを感じていました。しかし、彼は諦めませんでした。En: He felt a growing sense of impatience and pressure, but he did not give up.Ja: 遥斗はふと、目の前にある新年飾りのために建てられた仮設の小さな構造に気が付きました。En: Suddenly, Haruto noticed a small temporary structure built for New Year's decorations right in front of him.Ja: 少し不安を感じながらも、遥斗はそこに登ることを決心しました。En: Feeling a bit uneasy, he decided to climb up there.Ja: 上からの風景を見渡せば、きっと素晴らしい瞬間を撮影できると信じたのです。En: He believed that if he could see the view from above, he would be able to capture a wonderful moment.Ja: 慎重にその構造に登った彼の目に映ったのは、まばゆい光景でした。En: Climbing carefully onto the structure, he was greeted by a dazzling scene.Ja: 曇り空の隙間から、太陽が突如顔を出しました。En: The sun suddenly peeked through a gap in the cloudy sky.Ja: 光は渋谷の交差点を照らし、人々の動きと交わり、まるで映画のような瞬間を作り出しました。En: The light illuminated the Shibuya intersection, blending with the movement of the people, creating a moment as if from a movie.Ja: 「これだ！」と遥斗は思い、シャッターを切りました。En: "This is it!" thought Haruto, and he pressed the shutter.Ja: 彼はそのバランスを保ちながら、何枚かの写真を撮りました。En: Maintaining his balance, he took several photos.Ja: 彼の心に達成感と喜びが広がります。En: A sense of achievement and joy spread through his heart.Ja: 撮影が終わった後、遥斗は地上に降り、撮った写真を確認しました。En: After finishing the shoot, Haruto descended to the ground and reviewed the photos he had taken.Ja: そして、一枚の写真が彼の望んでいたすべてを表現していると気付きました。En: He realized that one of the photos expressed everything he had hoped for.Ja: 年の初めにこうした写真を生み出せたことに、彼は自信を得ました。En: Creating such a photo at the beginning of the year gave him confidence.Ja: 遥斗は、混雑の中でも美しさを見つけることができると学びました。En: Haruto learned that he could find beauty even in the midst of a crowd.Ja: 彼の心に、後悔なく、充実感が満ちました。En: His heart was filled with a sense of fulfillment without any regret.Ja: モノクロームの世界を越えて、彼の精神もまた色にあふれていました。En: Beyond the monochrome world, his spirit was also overflowing with color. Vocabulary Words:surging: 押し寄せるcheeks: 頬observing: 観察shy: 内気composition: 構図impatience: 焦燥感pressure: プレッシャーtemporary: 仮設uneasy: 不安dazzling: まばゆいgap: 隙間illuminated: 照らしblend: 交わりshutter: シャッターbalance: バランスachievement: 達成感fulfillment: 充実感realized: 気付きましたconfidence: 自信beauty: 美しさregret: 後悔monochrome: モノクロームoverflowing: あふれていましたintersection: 交差点personality: 性格crowded: 混雑descended: 降りdecorate: 飾りcaptured: 収めたいstructure: 構造

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Mystery in the Forbidden City's Snowy Splendor Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-02-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 故宫的冬天，一片银装素裹，雪花轻轻飘落，给这座宏伟的皇宫添上了一层神秘的面纱。En: In the winter, the Forbidden City is a scene of silver attire; snowflakes gently fall, adding a mysterious veil to the grand imperial palace.Zh: 春节将至，故宫的工作人员忙得不可开交，准备新春展览。En: As the Spring Festival approaches, the staff at the Forbidden City are incredibly busy preparing for the new year exhibition.Zh: 然而一件意外事件却给大家带来了巨大的压力。En: However, an unexpected incident brings immense pressure to everyone.Zh: 丽华是一位历史学家，专注于研究古代文物。En: Lihua is a historian specializing in the study of ancient artifacts.Zh: 她今天发现一件重要的文物失踪，这让她担心不已。En: Today, she discovered that an important artifact has gone missing, which worries her greatly.Zh: 这件文物代表着朝代的辉煌历史，对故宫和即将到来的春节庆典都意义重大。En: This artifact represents the glorious history of a dynasty and holds significant meaning for the Forbidden City and the upcoming Spring Festival celebration.Zh: 她觉得自己有责任找到它。En: She feels responsible for finding it.Zh: 海是故宫的保安。En: Hai is a security officer at the Forbidden City.Zh: 他每天都尽职尽责，保护着这里的历史宝藏。En: He diligently protects the historical treasures there every day.Zh: 然而那天晚上，他却心事重重，因为他对文物失踪的事情隐瞒了一些真相。En: However, that night, he was troubled because he was hiding some truth about the missing artifact.Zh: 梅是一位精细的策展人，此时倍感压力，因为新年展览迫在眉睫，而一切都要万无一失。En: Mei is a meticulous curator who feels immense pressure, as the new year exhibition is imminent and everything must be perfect.Zh: 丽华决定不再依靠官方程序，她要自己开始调查。En: Lihua decided not to rely on official procedures; she wanted to start her own investigation.Zh: 她说服海和梅加入调查。En: She persuaded Hai and Mei to join the investigation.Zh: 虽然两人都心存疑虑，但最终接受了她的提议。En: Although both had doubts, they eventually accepted her proposal.Zh: 他们三人小心翼翼地寻找线索，迎着冬日的寒冷，在故宫的每一个角落探索。En: The three of them carefully searched for clues, braving the winter cold and exploring every corner of the Forbidden City.Zh: 经过几天的努力，终于，他们找到了有关当晚情况的线索。En: After several days of effort, they finally found clues about what happened that night.Zh: 原来海为了保护这件珍贵的文物，在发现展示的柜子有结构裂缝后，悄悄地将其移到一个安全的地方。En: It turned out that Hai, wanting to protect this precious artifact, had discreetly moved it to a safe place after discovering a structural crack in the display case.Zh: 他怕引起恐慌，所以没来得及告诉其他人。En: He was afraid to cause panic, so he didn't have the chance to inform others.Zh: 丽华理解了海的良苦用心，同时也意识到自己需要更加信任和沟通团队。En: Lihua understood Hai's good intentions and realized that she needed to trust and communicate with her team more.Zh: 最终，三个人齐心协力，迅速修复了展示柜，并将文物重新放置于其中。En: In the end, the three of them worked together to quickly repair the display case and place the artifact back in it.Zh: 就在春节前夜，这件文物重回展览，仿佛一切都没发生过。En: On the eve of the Spring Festival, the artifact returned to the exhibition, as if nothing had happened.Zh: 春节庆典如期举行。En: The Spring Festival celebration was held as scheduled.Zh: 故宫里张灯结彩，欢声笑语不断。En: The Forbidden City was adorned with lanterns, and filled with continuous laughter and joy.Zh: 丽华看着重新展出的文物，心中感慨万千。En: Lihua looked at the artifact on display, filled with deep emotions.Zh: 经过这次风波，她深刻体会到了团队合作和交流的重要性。En: Through this ordeal, she profoundly understood the importance of teamwork and communication.Zh: 海的诚实和梅的细致也让她更加尊重和信任同事。En: Hai's honesty and Mei's meticulousness also earned her greater respect and trust for her colleagues.Zh: 故宫再次恢复了往日的平静与华丽。En: The Forbidden City returned to its usual tranquility and splendor.Zh: 雪花的轻舞仿佛在为成功解决难题的人们送上美好的祝福。En: The gentle dance of the snowflakes seemed to bless those who successfully solved the problem.Zh: 丽华、海和梅在这个新年中收获了珍贵的友情和信赖，在庆典的美好氛围中，共同迎接充满希望的新年。En: Lihua, Hai, and Mei gained precious friendships and trust in this new year, welcoming the hopeful new year in the delightful ambiance of the celebration. Vocabulary Words:scene: 一片imperial: 皇宫veil: 面纱exhibition: 展览immense: 巨大的artifact: 文物glorious: 辉煌dynasty: 朝代diligently: 尽职尽责troubled: 心事重重meticulous: 精细的imminent: 迫在眉睫persuaded: 说服braving: 迎着exploring: 探索clues: 线索discreetly: 悄悄地structural: 结构crack: 裂缝panicked: 恐慌intentions: 良苦用心communicate: 沟通curator: 策展人trust: 信任profoundly: 深刻splendor: 华丽ordeal: 风波adorned: 张灯结彩tranquility: 平静ambiance: 氛围

Welcome to Day 2763 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2763 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 104:1-9 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2763 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred sixty-three of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Wisdom-Trek: The Architect of Light – Robed in Splendor, Riding the Wind. Today, we embark on a grand new expedition. We are stepping into the vast, open cathedral of creation as we begin our journey through Psalm One Hundred Four. We will be exploring the opening movement, verses one through nine, in the New Living Translation. In our previous treks through Psalm One Hundred Three, we heard King David command his soul to "Bless the Lord." That psalm was a masterpiece of historical and redemptive praise. It focused on forgiveness, healing, and God's fatherly compassion toward our frailty. It ended in the heavenly throne room, with the angels and the armies of heaven joining the song. Psalm One Hundred Four begins with the exact same phrase: "Let all that I am praise the Lord." But the focus shifts entirely. If Psalm One Hundred Three was about the God of Grace, Psalm One Hundred Four is about the God of Nature. This is a poetic retelling of Genesis Chapter One. It describes Yahweh not just as the Redeemer of Israel, but as the Cosmic Architect who builds the universe like a house, wraps Himself in light like a garment, and rides the wind like a chariot. It challenges the pagan worldviews of the ancient Near East head-on, declaring that the storms, the sea, and the sun are not rival gods—they are merely the tools and servants of the One True King. So, let us open our eyes to the wonders of the world and behold the glory of the Builder. The First Segment is: The Royal Vestments: Light and Space. Psalm One Hundred Four: verses one through two. Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty.  You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; The psalmist begins with a personal burst of adoration: "Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are!" This isn't just a statement of size; it is a statement of status. "Greatness" (gadol) here implies royal magnificence. The psalmist immediately describes God using the imagery of a King getting dressed for a state occasion. But this King does not put on silk or velvet. "You are robed with honor and majesty. You are dressed in a robe of light." In the Ancient Israelite worldview, light was the very first element of creation ("Let there be light"). Here, the psalmist poetically imagines that before God created the world, He wrapped Himself in that primal light. Light is His uniform. It signifies purity, glory, and visibility. While the pagan gods were often associated with

Gothic splendor OpenAI gen cathedrals gargoyle-guarded soaring spires. Horror novels novelize. Stained glass stained.Get the top 40+ AI Models for $20 at AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiAI Chat YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JaedenSchaferJoin my AI Hustle Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Luke 2: 8-20From the series titled Behold the King.Pastor John King– December 21, 2025.

 The Arduous Southern Tour and Charleston's Splendor — Nathaniel Philbrick — In 1791, Washington undertook a grueling three-month, 2,000-mile tour of the American South over "impassable" roads designed to unite the fragmented southern states with the federal government. This journey into "terra incognita" required construction of a custom carriage and immense logistical coordination involving supplies, security, and official ceremonies. In Charleston, Washingtonwas welcomed with extraordinary luxury built entirely upon the institution of slavery and enslaved labor. Philbrickinterweaves his personal research methodology, describing the role of librarians in historical investigation, and recounts climbing the spire of St. Michael's Church. Standing 186 feet in the air where Washington historically stood created a "historical vortex," dramatically bridging the temporal gap between the eighteenth century and contemporary historical consciousness. 1755

[00:30] January 6 Pipe-Bomber Arrested (28 minutes) After nearly five years, the January 6 pipe-bomber was finally arrested yesterday. The big question is: Why did it take so long? The media has suggested since Jan. 6, 2021, that the pipe-bomber was a right-wing, white supremacist, but it turns out the bomber was a black man who supported left-wing causes. [28:00] A Look Back at the Royal Wedding (24 minutes) Herbert W. Armstrong called Prince Charles and Lady Diana's 1981 wedding “Britain's last gasp of joy and splendor.” Successful marriages and families must be based on biblical principles and family roles. [52:00] WorldWatch (4 minutes)

Holiday Countdowns, Eddie Murphy, & So Much More. Listen. Leave a Review. Get Patreon. Enjoy!! Check out The Cover to Cover Patreon! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/franjola⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ COVER TO COVER MERCH!!! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----------------------------------- VISIT OUR SPONSORS!! ----------------------------------- Eat Healthy AND Convenient with FACTOR! Get 50% Off with Code: covertocover50off Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠factormeals.com/covertocover50off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Get Lifted, But Not Too High, with LUMI! Get 30% Off Your Order Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lumigummies.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use Code COVER ------------------------------ Shave Your Parts with MANSCAPED! Get 20% Off + Free Shipping Code: COVER Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.manscaped.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Conquer your wellness with THRIVE! $30 Off Your First Order + A FREE $60 gift. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thrivemarket.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ CASH-MERE Outside, How Bout Dat? With QUINCE! Get Free Shipping + 365 Days Return Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.quince.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Take a Mental Health Break with BETTERHELP! This episode is Sponsored by Betterhelp, get 10% off your first month, Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp.com/c2c⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Shop Healthy, Eat Healthy with HUNGRYROOT! Get 40% off and A Free Gift FOR LIFE Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hungryroot.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code: COVER ------------------------------ Bake Better Bread with WILDGRAIN! Get $30 off and Free Croissants FOR LIFE Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wildgrain.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Code: COVER ------------------------------ Feel Good AND Mean It with HEADSPACE! Get 2 Months Free Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ headspace.com/franjola⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Make Your House a Home with WAYFAIR! $30 Off Your First Order + A FREE $60 gift. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wayfair.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Better Mobile at a Better Price with MINT MOBILE! Get 3 Months for $15/Month + Free Shipping Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MintMobile.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Find Proper Healthcare with ZOCDOC! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠zocdoc.com/cover⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the perfect doctor. ------------------------------ Follow Chris: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.franjola.fun/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisfranjola/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Alex:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/conn.tv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Conn.TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's Spiritual Foundation Episode, I talk about Haggai 2: 1- 9. I talk about how nostalgia can be an idol or be valuable. I also talk about how God is with us but we sometimes get wrapped up in the wrong things.   Show Notes and Resources.

The reign of Mughal emperor of India Akbar the Great was more than four centuries ago, but for Dances of India President Nartana Premachandra, the story of his court — and its welcoming of all nationalities, religions and perspectives — is as salient as ever. She shares some of that history in her original dance-theater production, “Nine Jewels: Music, Art, & Splendor in the Court of Akbar the Great,” which takes the stage this weekend as part of Dances of India's 48th annual performance.

Seek wisdom and you will find her.

I've been pretty obsessed with the idea of forgiveness the last few years, trying to tease apart when it empowers and when it becomes something that appeases the worst kind of behavior. So when my friend Katy told me about Wilma Derksen, a woman who chose forgiveness in the face of unimaginable tragedy, I had to figure out how she was able to do it. PLAYLIST (in order of appearance): https://blackdecelerant.bandcamp.com/track/three https://isikkural.bandcamp.com/track/grown-one-iota https://florelaurentienne.bandcamp.com/track/kamouraska https://tambien.bandcamp.com/track/drop https://isikkural.bandcamp.com/track/interlude-2 https://tambien.bandcamp.com/track/vespere https://mlesprg.bandcamp.com/track/dock https://rvng.bandcamp.com/track/father-of-light https://mlesprg.bandcamp.com/track/synth-2-2 https://dialect-trax.bandcamp.com/track/half-moon https://msage.bandcamp.com/track/crick-foam https://florelaurentienne.bandcamp.com/track/fleuve-v https://florelaurentienne.bandcamp.com/track/1991 https://paulineannastrom.bandcamp.com/track/morning-splendor More information about Candace Derksen can be found here: https://www.candacederksen.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Interview Date: April 13th, 2025Episode Summary:International choreographer, aerialist, and performer Johanna Sapakie (Cirque du Soleil, Super Bowl LIV with Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers, Dita Las Vegas) drops a masterclass in longevity and reinvention. From creating her own “scholarship program” after a studio closed, to bold networking that led to her first agent within months, Johanna shows how resourcefulness plus relentless training turn opportunities into credits. She breaks down the leap from dancer to aerialist/pole artist, how Hustlers led straight to the Super Bowl, and why the real separator isn't trick difficulty—it's entertainment value. We also cover working with A-list artists, targeted demo reels, practical grip/endurance tips, and her current creative leadership role revamping Ringling Brothers. If you're an aspiring pro, this episode is your blueprint for asking clearly, training smart, and staying in the game—decades in.Shownotes:(0:00) — Introductions & career pivots during pandemic(11:46)— Builds DIY scholarship training program(18:48) — First agent & early industry mentors(23:44) — Discovering aerial work, first opportunities(30:28) — Cirque du Soleil breakthrough moment(32:33) — Pole artistry, JLo & Hustlers36:49 — Inside JLo's work ethic & process(42:46) — Training evolution: 20s, 30s, 40s(45:23) — Creative directing Ringling & Dita Las Vegas(50:47) — Entertainment value outlasts technical tricksBiography:Johanna Sapakie is an accomplished Artistic Director, Choreographer and Performer. Johanna has been involved in many projects on stage and on camera including the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show, Hustlers and Medicine with JLo, Cirque Du Soleil's Michael Jackson ONE and Viva ELVIS, Dancing With the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, The Tournament of Roses Parade, RuPaul's Drag Race Live, Shiners Nashville, the Arabesque Festival at the Kennedy Center, Songs of Soul and Inspiration with Debbie Allen, the re- release of Michael Jackson's “Blood on the Dance Floor”, Miley Cyrus: Live in Concert World Tour, 2 tours for Madonna and Splendor by Dragone. Johanna is also an accomplished aerial acrobat and performs on many different apparatus including tissú, lyra, spans, hammock, acro & aerial pole, and aerial heart . She has just recently completed the creation of the new residency Dita Las Vegas: A Jubilant Revue as their acrobatic and associate choreographer. Johanna also proudly teaches master classes and workshops around the world in pole, aerial acrobatics and dance. She excels at artist development and act creation.Connect on social media:Instagram: Www.instagram.com/johannasapakiereal

Welcome, my devilish fiends!Join me as we trace the roots of the vampire back to the women who came before her: Lamia, Lilith, and the succubi.These "monstrous" figures haunted ancient myth and medieval imagination, embodying male fears of female power, pleasure, and autonomy. Long before Dracula, they turned desire into danger and defiance into sin. Their stories reveal how myth and theology worked together to make women's power appear monstrous and how those same fears still shape the vampire we know today. So, close your doors and windows, turn off the lights, get cozy, and join me... ***Listener Discretion is Strongly Advised*******************Sources & References:Epic of Gilgamesh – references to lilītu demons.The Alphabet of Ben Sira.The Zohar (Book of Splendor).Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana.Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger, Malleus Maleficarum.King James VI of Scotland, Daemonologie.John Keats, Lamia.Sarah Iles Johnston, Restless Dead: Encounters Between the Living and the Dead in Ancient Greece (University of California Press, 1999).Daniel Ogden, Drakōn: Dragon Myth and Serpent Cult in the Greek and Roman Worlds (Oxford University Press, 2013).Judith Plaskow, The Coming of Lilith: Essays on Feminism, Judaism, and Sexual Ethics, 1972–2003 (Beacon Press, 2005).Gershom Scholem, Kabbalah (Quadrangle/New York Times Book Co., 1974).Raphael Patai, The Hebrew Goddess (Wayne State University Press, 1990).Jeffrey Burton Russell, Witchcraft in the Middle Ages (Cornell University Press, 1972).Deborah Lyons, Dangerous Gifts: Gender and Exchange in Ancient Greece (Princeton University Press, 1997).Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, Dictionary of Women in Religious Art (Oxford University Press, 1996).Nina Auerbach, Our Vampires, Ourselves (University of Chicago Press, 1995).Paul Barber, Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality (Yale University Press, 1988).Barbara Creed, The Monstrous-Feminine: Film, Feminism, Psychoanalysis (Routledge, 1993).Marina Warner, From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1995).****************Leave Us a 5* Rating, it really helps the show!Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-unlocked-the-podcast/id1522636282Spotify Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/37MLxC8eRob1D0ZcgcCorA****************Follow Us on Social Media & Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!YouTube:@beautyunlockedspodcasthourTikTok:tiktok.com/@beautyunlockedthepod****************MUSIC & SOUND FX:"Beast by Beast" by Edward Karl Hanson"An Obsession" by DayonEpidemic SoundFind the perfect track on Epidemic Sound for your content and take it to the next level! See what the hype is all about!