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In recapping the benefits of stupas and the mantras to fill them, Rinpoche advises not to put all kinds of things inside the stupa, such as incomplete Dharma texts or wrong-view texts. He says that we need to be careful because what you put inside a stupa affects the monastery, nunnery, center, or family. It's also necessary to check what kind of person made the offering. If it comes from someone who has broken samaya with the guru, many others will lose faith.Rinpoche emphasizes that everything must be neat with the filling of different mantras in different parts of the stupa. The mantras should not be upside down as this can cause obstacles. The print should be perfectly clear without any smudges. Additionally, the person filling the stupa should be a devoted practitioner.Rinpoche recites the Requesting Prayer to the Lineage Lamas and clarifies some of the translations. In particular, he queries the use of ‘as' in the phrase, ‘to see the guru as Buddha'.Rinpoche explains that when ringing the bell at the end of mantra recitation, the meaning is to bring our awareness into emptiness. The bell signifies the wisdom of emptiness. At all other times, the meaning is an offering. Thus, when we use the bell, we shouldn't just play it, rather we should make an offering.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Strategic Independence After China — Gregory Copley — Copley traces Australia's historical American security dependency to the 1941 Singapore surrender and subsequent reliance on U.S. military protection against regional threats. Copley notes that Canada possesses potential opportunity to fundamentally rethink military procurement and strategic positioning amid escalating political rifts with the Trump administration. Copley observes that both Commonwealthnations are gradually recognizing the diminishing salience of China as a peer threat and consequently reconsidering the necessity of independent strategic capabilities alongside their continuing participation in the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance. 1944 BURMA

Last time we spoke about the beginning of a conflict between the USSR and Japan. In the frost-hardened dawns by the Chaun and Tumen, two powers eye a ridge called Changkufeng, each seeing a prize and fearing a trap. On the Soviet side, weary front-line troops tighten their grip, while Moscow's diplomats coaxed restraint through Seoul and Harbin.  As July unfolds, Tokyo's generals push a dangerous idea: seize the hill with a surprise strike, then bargain for peace. Seoul's 19th Division is readied in secret, trains loaded with men and horses, movement masked, prayers whispered to avoid widening the rift. Japanese scouts in white Hanbok disguise, peering at trenches, wire, and watchful Russians. Russian border guards appear as shadows, counters slipping into place, yet both sides hold their fire. On July 29, a skirmish erupts: a platoon crosses a shallow line, clashes flare, and bodies and banners ripple in the cold air.    #178 Night Attacks and Diplomatic Strains: The Lake Khasan Conflict 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. A second troop train was scheduled to depart Agochi for Nanam on the night of 29 July, carrying back the initial elements of the 75th Infantry. At Haigan, regimental commander Sato was pulling on his boots at 16:00 when the division informed him that fighting had broken out near Shachaofeng since 15:00 and that the Russians were assembling forces in that area. Suetaka ordered Sato's 3rd Battalion, which had not been slated to leave until the following night, to proceed to Kucheng; the remainder of the regiment was to assemble at Agochi. After consulting with Division Staff Officer Saito at Agochi, Sato returned to Haigan with the conclusion that "overall developments did not warrant optimism, it was imperative to prepare to move the entire regiment to the battlefield." One of Sato's first actions was to telephone a recommendation to the division that he be allowed to occupy Hill 52, which commanded the approaches to Changkufeng from south of Khasan. Suetaka approved, and at 17:30, Yamada's company was ordered to proceed to Shikai along with Hirahara's battalion. Meanwhile, Suzuki's 15th Heavy Field Artillery Regiment, which had been among the last units ordered to leave, had finished loading at Agochi by about 15:00. Sato recommended to Suetaka that a portion of Suzuki's regiment be attached to him; this was why Suetaka decided to transfer one of the two batteries to the 75th Infantry. The rest of the heavy artillery concentrated at Kyonghun. Suetaka's orders, issued at 18:20, called for Sato to have two of his battalions, the 1st and 3rd, cross the Tumen as soon as possible, with engineer support. Attached was Narukawa's heavy battery. Sato's mission was twofold: to assist Senda and to watch the enemy in the Changkufeng area. Sato arrived at 21:15 in Shikai. There, he assembled a number of his officers, including Yamada, and explained his plan: the 1st Company plus machine guns were to cross the Tumen from Sozan ahead of the other units, occupy Hill 52 with an element, and concentrate the main body at the foot of Fangchuanting to await Hirahara's battalion. A portion of the 19th Engineers would go to Sozan to assist the 1st Company with its river crossing. Amid heavy rain and darkness, the various units set out at 22:15. The platoon sent to Hill 52 arrived before dawn on the 30th, the rest of the forces somewhat later, though Sato had intended to move everybody across the river by the early hours. On the 29th the engineer regiment commander, Kobayashi, had also arrived at Shikai. He ordered Captain Tomura to handle the crossing in the vicinity of Sozan, as well as preparations for a future offensive with the main body. When Kobayashi reached Kucheng, he learned from Hirahara not only about the front-line situation but also about Sato's important plans: "The K. Sato force is going to cross the river tonight, 29–30 July. A night attack will be launched against Changkufeng on the night of 30–31 July." Kobayashi issued orders to his two commanders to assist the crossing by Nakano's infantry unit, 1st Battalion, 75th Regiment at Matsu'otsuho and Sozan, and, in addition, to cooperate with the position attack by Nakano and help in the assault at Hill 52. Most of these young officers, such as Seutaka dishing out orders were performing what the Japanese termed "dokudan senko" or "arbitrary or independent action". Japanese operational regulations actually contained a section dealing with dokudan senko, by which initiative, not imperiousness, was meant. Two elements were involved: control but encouragement of self-reliant thinking. This subject became important in training officers, all of whom, including such infantry experts as Suetaka, were well acquainted with the requirements. Combat missions were stipulated in operations orders, but, if these were not realistic, initiative was to come into play, though only when there was no time to contact superiors. By the same token, commanders had to be ready to assume full responsibility if matters turned out adversely. "We were disciples of the 'Moltke' system of AGS control, with dual authority vis-à-vis the local forces and the chief of staff."  The Korea Army's version of events on 29 July, there was no mention of any report received from the division prior to 17:30. Details did not reach Seoul, in the form of printed divisional intelligence reports and operational orders, until 1 August. The late afternoon report from Kyonghun provided the Korea Army authorities with little solid information, but Seoul had to notify higher headquarters immediately. Kitano sent messages to Tokyo and Hsinking at 19:15. The command and Kwantung Army were told that, in addition to Senda's assault party, 40 Japanese soldiers were deployed west of Changkufeng and at Yangkuanping. The division's main forces had begun the rail pullback from the 28th, leaving behind only two infantry battalions and a mountain artillery battalion for the time being. At 21:20 on 29 July, Korea Army Headquarters received the text of Suetaka's full report, which concluded: "With a view toward a possible emergency, the division suspended movement back of the 75th Regiment and is making necessary arrangements to have them advance instead. The latest affair derives sheerly from the enemy's unlawful challenge. It is my firm belief that the nature of this incident differs completely from the one at Changkufeng and should be handled separately. At present, since communication with the forward lines is not good, Lieutenant Colonel Senda (who is at the front) has been entrusted with command, but I assume entire responsibility for the consequences." Instead of boarding their trains at Agochi, Sato's regiment and supporting engineers moved to the Manchurian side of the Tumen as soon as possible. Suetaka called Sato's 2nd Battalion to Kyonghun as divisional reserve. Subsequent dispatches claimed that: (1) Senda's unit, which had driven off intruders in the Shachaofeng area once, was engaged against new Soviet forces (sent at 18:20, 29th);  (2) Senda's unit had expelled trespassers, and a combat situation had developed near Shachaofeng (22:00, 29th);  (3) fighting was going on in the vicinity of Shachaofeng (06:40, 30th).  Korea Army Headquarters, however, obtained no more important communication concerning the events of 29 July than a report, sent that evening by Suetaka, that revealed his concern about a possible Soviet attack in the Wuchiatzu sector near the neck of the long Changkufeng appendix.  After the clash at Shachaofeng, a general officer, Morimoto, happened to be visiting Colonels Okido and Tanaka in Nanam. Both of them were said to be of the pronounced opinion that no troubles ought to be provoked with the USSR while the critical Hankow operation lay ahead; yet Suetaka apparently had some intention of striking at the Soviet intruders, using the 75th Regiment. They urged that this policy not be adopted and that Suetaka be approached directly; the channel through Y. Nakamura, the division chief of staff, was hopeless. Although in agreement, General Morimoto declined to approach Suetaka; since the latter seemed to have made up his mind, it would be inappropriate to "meddle" with his command. Suetaka was functioning as an operations chief at that time. Apart from the mobilization staff officer, who was not enthusiastic about aggressive action, the only other officer who may have affected the decisionmaking process was the Hunchun OSS chief, Maj. Tanaka Tetsujiro, a positive type who shared Suetaka's views and was probably with him on the 29th as well as 30th. Although developments at Suetaka's command post were known more as the result of silence than of elucidation, we possessed considerable information about thinking at the Korea Army level: "Suetaka contacted us only after his men had driven out the enemy near Shachaofeng. Till then, the front had been relatively quiet and we were of the opinion all or most of the deployed forces were on their way home. We at Seoul had no foreknowledge of or connection with the 29 July affair. Reports came in; we never sent specific orders. Triggered by the affray at Shachaofeng, the division attacked on its own initiative. It was our understanding that very small Japanese forces had been committed to evict a dozen enemy scouts and that, when a platoon of ours got atop the hill, they observed surprisingly huge hostile concentrations to the rear. This was probably why the platoon pulied back, although much has been made of the desire to obey the nonaggravation policy to the letter. We at Seoul felt that this was a troublesome matter—that our side had done something unnecessary. When the division finally made its report, the army had to reach some decision. There were two irreconcilable ways of looking at things. We might condemn what had been done, and the division ought to be ordered to pull out promptly, having arbitrarily and intolerably acted against the known facts that Imperial sanction for use of force had been withheld and Tokyo had directed evacuation of the moved-up units. The opposing, eventually predominant view was that the division commander's course of action ought to be approved. Perusal of small-scale maps of the locale indicated a clear violation of the frontier, something not proved in the case of Changkufeng. We shared the division commander's interpretation. His BGU had its mission, and he was acting with foresight to solve matters positively and on his own, since he was the man closest to the problem. General Nakamura felt that the latest development was inevitable; our units did not cross the Tumen until the Soviets attacked us in force. Therefore, the division's actions were approved and a report was rendered promptly to Tokyo. It could be said that our outlook served to "cover" the division commander, in a way. But if IGHQ had ordered us to desist, we would have".  Nakamura added: "I was of the opinion the only solution was to drive the Soviet troops outside Manchukuoan territory; therefore, I approved the action by the division." Such sanction had been granted on the basis of information supplied to Seoul by Suetaka on the evening of 29 July, again post facto. At 01:20 on the 30th, Nakamura wired Suetaka a message characterized by gracious phrasing that suggested his grave concern: "One ought to be satisfied with expelling from Manchurian territory the enemy attacking our unit on the . . . heights southwest of Shachaofeng. It is necessary to keep watch on the enemy for the time being, after having pulled back to the heights mentioned above, but we desire that matters be handled carefully to avoid enlargement; in case the foe has already pulled back south of Shachaofeng . . . he need not be attacked." Nakamura also sent a wire to the AGS chief, the War Minister, and the Kwantung Army commander. After conveying the information received from Suetaka, Nakamura continued: "In spite of the fact that our troops have been patient and cautious . . . this latest incident [near Shachaofeng] started with Soviet forces' arrogant border trespassing and . . . unlawful challenge. Therefore, I am convinced that this affair must be dealt with separately from the incident at Changkufeng. Nevertheless, I shall endeavor to handle matters so that the incident will not spread and shall make it my fundamental principle to be satisfied with evicting from Manchurian territory the hostile forces confronting us. The Korea Army chief of staff is being dispatched quickly to handle the incident".  The Korea Army, "painfully slow to act," says a Kwantung Army major, was merely the intermediary link, the executor of Tokyo's desires. In the case of remote Shachaofeng, there was an inevitable gap between on-the-spot occurrences and AGS reactions. By then, Arisue, Kotani, and Arao, Inada's observers, had returned to Japan—an important fact, given the "Moltke" system of staff control. Nevertheless, their return must have exerted significant effects on central operational thinking. Kotani remembered that his AGS subsection had given him a welcome-home party on the night of 29 July when an emergency phone call was received from the duty officer. "It was about the clash at Shachaofeng. The festivities came to an abrupt end and I headed for the office. From then till the cease-fire on 11 August, I remained at the AGS night and day." Since the 19th Division had furnished higher headquarters with minimal information, Tokyo, like Seoul, had only a few ostensible facts to act upon. But this had been the first combat test for the Korea Army, which needed all the encouragement and assistance possible. Although Japanese field armies, notably the Kwantung Army, were notorious for insubordination, one could not overemphasize the fact that the Korea Army was meek and tractable. If Nakamura had concluded that Suetaka acted properly (which reports from Seoul indicated), the AGS could hardly demur. It would have been unrealistic to think that Tokyo, although cautious, was "softer" about the Russian problem than front-line forces. There had been no concern over time lags; details were Seoul's province. Reaction took time at every level of the chain of command. Decision making in the Japanese Army had been a many-layered process. The Army general staff had been of the opinion that initial guidance ought to have been provided to the Korea Army soon, particularly since there had been evidence of failure to convey intentions promptly to the front and no high command staff officer remained to direct matters. After hearing from Seoul twice about the Shachaofeng affair, the responsible Army general staff officers conferred at length. Stress had been laid on the indivisibility of the Shachaofeng and Changkufeng incidents. It had also been evident that further information was required. On that basis, a "handling policy for the Shachaofeng Incident" was drafted, and Tada notified the Korea and Kwantung armies accordingly on 30 July. Nakamura had received the telegram at 16:50 and had its contents retransmitted to Kitano, then at Kyonghun: "Shachaofeng Incident is progressing along lines of our policy, leave things to local units, which have been adhering to the principle of nonenlargement. Have them report on front-line situation without fail."  The Army general staff and the Korea Army were calling for prudence, but the division, well down the rungs of the ladder of command, was initiating actions that jeopardized the government's basic policy. Earlier quibbling about restraints on "unit-size" elements crossing into Manchuria had been abandoned after the firefight near Shachaofeng on 29 July. At 15:30, Takenouchi's battalion, part of the 76th Regiment, had been directed to assist Senda near Yangkuanping; at 18:20 Suetaka was ordering the 75th Regiment to head for the Kucheng sector and be ready to assault the Russians in the Changkufeng area. Support was to be provided by Kobayashi's engineers, by Iwano's transportation men, and by Suzuki's heavy guns. Of particular interest had been Suetaka's acceptance of Sato's recommendation that elements be sent to occupy Hill 52, a measure linked with a possible Japanese attack against Changkufeng.   Sato had decided by evening that the new situation required rapid deployment of his forces across the river. At Shikai, he conducted a briefing of his officers. Suetaka's orders conveyed orally by staff officers had stipulated: "The division will take steps to secure the border line immediately, even if the situation undergoes change. The Sato unit will advance immediately to the left shore, reinforce Senda's unit, and maintain a strict watch on the enemy in the Changkufeng area." Around 23:20, the last elements ordered forward arrived at Shikai station. Sato instructed only his headquarters and the Ito company to get off. The rest of the troop train primarily the 1st [Nakano's] Battalion was to move on to Hongui. From there, the soldiers proceeded to the Tumen near Sozan. With his staff and Ito's company, Sato trudged in silence through the mud from Shikai to the shore at Matsu'otsuho, starting at 00:30 and reaching the crossing site at 03:00. Reconnaissance had proved satisfactory, Sato remembered.  At the crossings, the hardworking engineers rowed his 1st and 3rd battalions across, company by company. Near dawn, around 04:30, he traversed the river. The movement had been completed in about an hour. When Sato's infantry finally got across, they proceeded to the skirt of Fangchuanting and assembled in secrecy. Not until about 08:00 did the regimental headquarters, Ito's company, and Hirahara's battalion reach Hill 147, already held by Noguchi's company west of Changkufeng. By then, plans had fallen behind schedule by at least several hours because of difficulties in train movement forward. Sato also remembered torrential rains; other officers mentioned darkness. Members of Nakano's battalion pinpointed a shortage of engineer boats from Kucheng. Engineers rowed some boats downstream during the night, but six of them were kept at Matsu'otsuho. This left only three boats for moving the 400 men of the 1st Battalion, the unit slated to storm Changkufeng, across the river at Sozan. Sato had wanted all of his troops across well before dawn on the 30th. A division staff officer rightly thought that Suetaka had already advised Sato, in secret, to "attack at an opportune time," and that the night of 29–30 July had been intended for the surprise assault. "Perhaps there was not enough time for all the attack preparations." Kobayashi's engineers admitted problems in moving boats to Sozan: "Although the water level had gone up because of daily rains recently, there were still many shallows and the current was irregular. Not only was it hard to move downstream, but dense fog also complicated the work. Nevertheless, the units at both sites were able to accomplish the river-crossing operation approximately as scheduled".  Meanwhile, after reconnoitering Soviet defenses along the Manchurian bank, Suzuki, commander of the 15th Heavy Field Artillery Regiment, crossed the Kyonghun Bridge on 30 July with his 1st Battery and established positions on the edge of Shuiliufeng Hill. Once Captain Narukawa was attached to the 75th Infantry on 29 July, he dispatched his 2nd Battery by train to Shikai that night. Although firing sites had been surveyed northwest of Sho-Sozan, the battery had to traverse two weak, narrow bridges in the darkness. With two 15-centimeter howitzers to haul, plus five caissons and wagons, the unit faced tense moments. The gun sites themselves were worrisome: they were scarcely masked from observation from Changkufeng, and the single road to them from the unloading station ran through a paddy area and was similarly exposed. By 1200 hours on 30 July, Sato exerted operational control over the following units: his own forces, Nakano's battalion east of Fangchuanting; Hirahara's reinforced battalion west of Chiangchunfeng; a platoon from Nakajima's infantry company on Hill 52; and Noguchi's company on Hill 147; and from other forces, Senda's 2nd (Kanda) BGU Company; two reinforced companies from Takenouchi's battalion of Okido's 76th Regiment near Shachaofeng; and a 75-mm half-battery from the 25th Mountain Artillery on the Manchurian side with Sato. On the Korean shore, another half-battery comprising two 15-centimeter howitzers from Narukawa's unit of the 15th Heavy Field Artillery was in place. The 19th Engineers operated near the crossing sites, though one platoon remained at Fangchuanting. Sato said, "We were now deployed at last, to cope with any situation." His command post was set in foxholes on open ground at Chiangchunfeng, a central hill that offered excellent observation and control over actions around Changkufeng to the east and Shachaofeng to the north. Not content with suspending the pullout of units and deploying additional combat troops across the Tumen, Suetaka decided to recall division headquarters, mountain artillery, cavalry, signal, medical, and veterinary personnel from Nanam. At dawn on 30 July, Nanam issued orders for Colonel Tanaka to move 500 men and 300 horses to Agochi by rail; most of the increment came from Tanaka's horse-drawn 25th Mountain Artillery. The colonel reached the Korean side of the Tumen at 05:00 on 31 July. The preceding emergency measures were being implemented by Suetaka, even as he received Nakamura's calming telegram of 30 July enjoining nonexpansion. Changkufeng Hill was not even mentioned. Nakamura's concern was typified by Kitano flying to the front. At 10:00 on 30 July, Kitano sent the division chief of staff a cautious follow-up cable: "Based on the consistent policy for handling the Changkufeng Incident and on the army commander's earlier telegram, kindly take steps to ensure careful action in connection with the affair in the Shachaofeng vicinity lest there be enlargement." At 13:45, Nakamura transmitted another restraining message to Suetaka: "The division is to secure … Chiangchunfeng and … the heights southwest of Shachaofeng, using present front-line units. Unless there is an enemy attack, however, resort to force will depend on separate orders." Several hours later, at 16:50, Nakamura received instructions from Tada: the Shachaofeng case was being left to the local forces, who were pursuing the desired policy of nonenlargement, but prompt reporting was desired. At 19:30, the retransmitted message was received by Kitano, already at the front with Suetaka at Kyonghun. After his units had crossed the Tumen on 30 July, Sato Kotoku ordered a strict watch and directed preparations for an assault based on the plans. He conferred with Senda at Chiangchunfeng and observed the enemy. Even after dawn, the frontline commanders who had crossed the river remained uncertain about when the attack would be staged. While Sato's force conducted reconnaissance to prepare for a daytime offensive, orders arrived around 08:00 indicating, "We intend a night attack, so conceal your activities." Daytime movements were prohibited. Sato then explained the impression he had derived from Senda and the intelligence on which he based his estimates: " Exploiting the impasse in diplomatic negotiation, the enemy side had steadily reinforced front-line offensive strength and trespassed anew near Shachaofeng. They now had a battalion and a half of infantry plus 20 artillery pieces in the area, some south of Shachaofeng and the others at four positions immediately east of Lake Khasan. At least a dozen (maybe 20) tanks were deployed in the sector opposite us. About 300 well-armed, active Russian troops were at Changkufeng. I decided that an attack ought to be staged that night. First of all, we were going to chill the insolent enemy by a courageous night assault—a method characteristic of the Imperial Army. Then all kinds of fire power were to be combined in a surprise attack against the positions. Our intention was to jo lt the Russians, demonstrate the true strength of our combat fire, and, by a combination of night and dawn attacks, cut down losses which our left-flank units would have incurred if a night assault alone were staged. We had considered two plans—a night attack against Changkufeng by the 3rd Battalion from the north, or by the 1st Battalion from the south. On 30 July, I decided to execute the second plan, using my 1st (Nakano's) Battalion, to avoid simultaneous involvement around Shachaofeng where the foe was by now alerted."  The Japanese Army ordinarily favored surprise assaults without supporting guns, since firepower was regarded as secondary in close combat and artillery was in short supply. According to the regimental journal, telephone contacts from the morning of the 30th indicated that the division commander shared the same line of thinking as Sato. By noon, Suetaka made his stance explicit. A phone call from Kucheng conveyed to Sato the gist of a critical division order: first, a detailed briefing on Soviet troop concentrations and dispositions, firing positions, troops, and armor south of Shachaofeng; entanglements and forces at Changkufeng; large concentrations behind west of Khasan; tanks and ground formations moving north of the lake; a heavy concentration near the lake to the northwest; one confirmed and two suspected positions along the eastern shore and another with artillery far to the south. Then the order stated that K. Sato's forces, including the Takenouchi battalion from the 76th Infantry, one mountain artillery platoon, and one engineer platoon were to strengthen their positions and, at the same time, promptly evict from Manchurian territory the intruding and advancing enemy. However, pursuit must not be pushed too far lest the border be crossed. Shortly after noon, Suetaka issued another order to form a new force under Senda, who was to strengthen border security along the Shuiliufeng–Hunchun line. As with Sato, Senda was to eject the intruding and advancing enemy from Manchurian soil but not pursue them across the border. By midafternoon, Sato knew not only what he wanted to do but also Suetaka's intentions. At 15:30, he assembled all subordinate officers at Chiangchunfeng and dictated minute attack instructions. Intelligence indicated that the enemy continued to fortify points of importance along the Changkufeng–Shachaofeng line. Sato's plan was to annihilate hostile elements that had crossed the border north and south of Changkufeng. His concept went beyond a frontal assault. While Nakano's battalion would jump off south of Changkufeng, one reinforced company, Takeshita's 10th was to attack north. Since the sun rose at about 05:00, Sato intended to wipe out the enemy during three hours of darkness. Another battalion, Hirahara's 3rd would be held in reserve, with Ito's 6th Company ready to launch a night attack against Changkufeng from the northwest if necessary. Small forces deployed southeast at Hill 52 were to block the arrival of Soviet reinforcements around the southern shores of Khasan. Only after Changkufeng was secured and fire swept the high ground south of Shachaofeng would a reinforced battalion, Takenouchi's 1st from the 76th Regiment undertake a dawn assault to clear the Russians from that sector. An engineer platoon would assist both the night and dawn assault battalions with obstacle clearing. There would be no artillery support until dawn, when the available guns were to provide maximum coverage. Notably, even the movement of a single antitank gun warranted mention. Sato concluded the attack order by directing that each unit mask its intentions after sunset. Takenouchi was to act to check the enemy as soon as the sun went down. In connection with the dawn barrage against the enemy southwest of Shachaofeng, key personnel were to study the best way to exploit sudden fire described as gale and lightning. They were also to be ready to destroy enemy tanks. A green star shell would be fired to signal the success of the night attack. The code words were shojiki "honesty" and ydmo "bravery". At midnight, the regiment commander would be at the northwest foot of Chiangchunfeng. The order stressed typical night-attack precautions: secrecy and concealment, avoidance of confusion, antitank defense, and flare signaling of success. Sato added his own flair with his daily motto as code words and the reference to "whirlwind" fire. Impending action times were explicitly set when the order was issued at 15:30 on the 30th, more than ten hours before the 1st Battalion was to jump off. The key to success in a night assault lay in an absolute prohibition on firing by their side, and bold, courageous charging. Sato reminded his men that life is granted again after death. Nakano then assembled his company commanders east of Fangchuanting and issued his battalion order at 18:30. A few hours after Sato's briefing of the assault commanders, Suetaka arrived at the 75th Regiment command post. This visit late on 30 July is central to allegations that Sato, not Suetaka, conceived and executed the night attack on his own initiative. Divisional orders giving Sato his core mission had already been conveyed by telephone. After 16:00, Suetaka boarded a motorboat at Kucheng and went to the Manchurian side to verify front-line conditions. Soviet snipers south of Yangkuanping fired several shots, but his craft reached the Matsu'otsuho landing and proceeded to Chiangchunfeng to meet Sato. Sato described the situation: "frontline enemy forces had been reinforced steadily and had begun a vigorous offensive. The foe was provoking us, and the matter had grown very serious. I had already issued orders at 15:30 to take the initiative and deal the enemy a smashing blow." 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. On a frost-bitten dawn by the Chaun and Tumen, Russia and Japan lock eyes over Changkufeng. Diplomats urge restraint, yet Tokyo's generals push a bold gamble: seize a hill with a surprise strike and bargain later. Japanese divisions, engineers, and artillery edge toward the border, while Soviet sentries brace for a confrontation that could widen the war. 

Mahdi Sheikh joins Elena Bellafante, Deputy Editor for eClinicalMedicine, to discuss the evidence that regular use of pharmaceutical opioids for pain management may be associated with a higher risk of developing certain cancers, particularly those already known to be linked to opium consumption.Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(25)00371-2/fulltextContinue this conversation on social!Follow us today at...https://thelancet.bsky.social/https://instagram.com/thelancetgrouphttps://facebook.com/thelancetmedicaljournalhttps://linkedIn.com/company/the-lancethttps://youtube.com/thelancettv

Bureau of Meteorology Website Renovation Fails — Jeremy Zakis — Zakis reported on the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), which failed to accurately predict the La Niña weather cycle and subsequent rainfall patterns. A $96.5 million website renovation project resulted in a broken, non-intuitive digital platform that systematically downplayed rainfall severity in visual representations. The project's exorbitant cost, attributed partly to expensive consulting fees and extensive testing protocols, has prompted investigation by the Australian federal government regarding waste and contract oversight. 1913 BRISBANE

Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains why Buddha manifested relics. He says that it was explained in the Golden Light Sutra that the Buddha showed a short lifespan to benefit sentient beings. The activity of passing away and leaving relics shows the skillful means of the Buddha. By prostrating, making offerings, and serving the relic, you are able to abandon the eight non-freedoms. You will also meet a virtuous friend, not give up bodhicitta, increase unimaginable merit, and quickly go beyond samsara. Also, each time you see Buddha's relic, it purifies one thousand eons of negative karma.Rinpoche says that one time he went to Chenrezig Institute and noticed that the atmosphere had changed. It had become very peaceful and calm. Then, he realized it was because of the new prayer wheel. This was one of the first prayer wheels in the FPMT organization. Rinpoche says that the prayer wheel inspiration came from Geshe Lama Konchog, who told him where he could find a text that refers to the incredible benefits of prayer wheels. Rinpoche read this text, put it on his head, and declared that he would spread this practice all over the world.Rinpoche talks about Geshe Lama Konchog, who left five-colored relics. He says that these relics are very unusual; they indicate someone who has attained Buddha's five wisdoms. Rinpoche praises the way Geshe Lama Konchog lived austerely and practiced Dharma.Rinpoche also discusses Zina's life story and the emergence of the FPMT organization. He talks about how they first met in Darjeeling and how she passed away while doing a long retreat in Nepal. Rinpoche says that he checked with two lamas, and both asserted that she had gone to a pure realm.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Lama Zopa Rinpoche reads the General Confession in the presence of two relics. He clarifies some of the points and explains how to mediate on how everything is merely labeled.Rinpoche then recites the increasing effect mantra, the mala blessing mantra, and the mantra for blessing the feet. He describes the benefits of these mantras. Next, he gives the oral transmission and a detailed commentary of the blessing the speech practice. He says that if you do this practice, it perfects the power of speech, increases whatever recitation you do by ten million times, and prevents the power of mantra being destroyed by black foods. He describes the visualizations, mantras, and prayers of this practice.To conclude, Rinpoche asserts that everyone should recite Chenrezig and Medicine Buddha mantras. The Chenrezig mantra is needed to develop compassion, achieve bodhicitta, and fulfill the wishes of all beings. The Medicine Buddha mantra is needed for success as it pacifies obstacles. Rinpoche says that as long as you are still breathing, even if you don't do other prayers, you should at least recite these two mantras.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Episode Info As Senior Vice President, Laurna leads the company's Western State Product and Club Experience teams, which are responsible for the performance of personal lines insurance products across CSAA Insurance Group's Western markets. She also oversees the Club & Agency Experience teams, which are responsible for the operations and experience of CSAA's largest distribution channel, AAA clubs. Laurna started her insurance career at CSAA Insurance Group as an Actuarial Analyst and rose rapidly through the company's ranks. Subsequent roles of increased responsibility include Actuarial Supervisor and State Product Manager/Executive, before being promoted to VP in 2020. She has a degree in Applied Mathematics with a focus on Actuarial Science from UC Berkeley. She also is an Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society and sits on the board of the California FAIR Plan and the Advisory Board for the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center (WIRC) at San Jose State University. Born in Liverpool, UK, Laurna has lived in California since 2001. In her spare time, she enjoys playing games with her children and traveling with friends and family. Episode Overview: Laurna Castillo, SVP at CSAA Insurance Group, discusses the evolving landscape of the insurance industry, particularly in California. Recorded live at ITC Vegas 2025, the conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities facing insurers today. Key Topics Discussed: Commitment to California: Laurna discusses CSAA's longstanding commitment to the California market, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged despite the challenges posed by natural disasters like wildfires. The conversation highlights CSAA's strategic approach to maintaining viability in a tough market, focusing on careful rate management and community engagement. Wildfire Mitigation and Community Engagement: The episode explores CSAA's proactive measures in wildfire mitigation, including collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Laurna shares insights on the societal and educational aspects of encouraging property owners to adopt fire-safe practices. Regulatory Changes and Industry Adaptation: Discussion on the new sustainable insurance strategy introduced by the Department of Insurance and its implications for the industry. Laurna explains how these regulatory changes allow insurers to incorporate catastrophe models and reinsurance costs into their rates, a significant shift from past practices. Future Outlook: The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the potential paths out of the current insurance availability crisis in California. Laurna emphasizes the need for a long-term commitment to market stability and resilience, highlighting the generational nature of these efforts. Conclusion: Join us for this engaging episode as Laurna Castillo provides a comprehensive view of the insurance industry's future, focusing on innovation, resilience, and community involvement. Whether you're an industry professional or simply interested in the future of insurance, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the challenges ahead. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

Craig Unger describes his high-profile investigation at Newsweek, which surprisingly resulted in three articles denying the October Surprise occurred, a result Unger called a great disgrace in the history of American journalism. The subsequent Congressional investigation, led by Lee Hamilton, was dismissed by Unger as a complete whitewash that accepted weak alibis for Bill Casey. Unger was warned by investigative legend Seymour Hersh that he would be crushed if he continued his pursuit. Unger's colleague, Bob Perry, later found a massive archive of 23 gigabytes of documents containing secrets relevant to the investigation, abandoned in cardboard boxes in a former ladies' room under a tampon dispenser in a House office building. Guest: Craig Unger.

2. TITUS'S SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Nero's forced suicide in 68 AD and the subsequent chaos confirmed Josephus's prophecy, leading to Vespasian being proclaimed emperor in 69 AD. Vespasian left his son Titus to lay siege to Jerusalem in 70 AD. Though Jerusalem was a strong fortress, the defenders were critically weakened by infighting among three rebel factions and their own destruction of the city's necessary grain supply. 1687

Lama Zopa Rinpoche reads some verses from Phabongkha Dechen Nyingpo's Calling the Guru from Afar and discusses the meaning. He talks about the rarity of finding a precious human body and meeting the Dharma. In every second, you have the unmistaken choice to either create the cause to be born in hell or to achieve enlightenment. Having this incredible opportunity is only due to the kindness of the guru.Rinpoche says that all happiness comes from bodhicitta. Whatever way we can benefit others, we must do it. To illustrate, he gives the example of a van that Roger bought, and they covered with mantras, images of deities, and Dharma messages. In this way, whoever sees, touches, remembers, or dreams of this van purifies all their sufferings and achieves enlightenment.Rinpoche says that there's nobody to work for except other sentient beings. To free them from all suffering and bring them to enlightenment, you first need to achieve the omniscient mind and then full enlightenment. To do that, you need to actualize the steps of the path to enlightenment. Rinpoche explains that this means not just meditating on what you like and leaving aside what you don't like, such as the lower realm sufferings or impermanence and death. Without renunciation of samsara, you cannot realize compassion and bodhicitta. Thus, you cannot enter the Mahayana path.Having the realization of bodhicitta is not enough, one must also realize emptiness through dependent arising. Rinpoche says that the borderline of existing and not existing is extremely subtle. Phenomena exist in mere name, merely imputed by mind. He says that the analysis of emptiness is completed when one realizes the unification of emptiness and dependent arising. If it comes to this point of realizing the subtle dependent arising, then your realization of emptiness is correct. If it doesn't lead to this point—if it leads to either nihilism or externalism—that is not realizing the Middle Way view.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Lama Zopa Rinpoche gives an extensive presentation on the benefits of making stupas. He says that it's so easy to benefit other sentient beings by making holy objects, such as statues and stupas. The minute it's completed, it becomes an object of purification. It purifies sentient beings' negative karma and plants the seed of enlightenment because of the powerful mantras and sutras held within. Rinpoche gives the example of the benefits of the Diamond-Cutter Sutra and the Mitukpa mantra. Just seeing the holy object from afar brings so many benefits, but if you make offerings, prostrate, and circumambulate, then you collect even greater merit.Rinpoche says that it's important to know the benefits of making holy objects and how they offer extensive benefits to sentient beings. He outlines the ten benefits of building a stupa according to Puten Rinpoche. He also talks about the eighteen benefits of building a stupa mentioned in the Sutra Clarifying the Aspects of Karma (which are similar to the ten benefits mentioned by Puten Rinpoche).Next, Rinpoche explains the mantra to recite before building a stupa and the mantras to place inside the life-tree of the stupa. He outlines the enormous benefits of these mantras. He also talks about the mala blessing mantras, which multiply the number of mantras and the merit. He says that this is a way to take the greatest benefit in your life.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Everyone's brains seem to be on high alert in the digital age, although society has become more accepting of mental health struggles and treatment. In this, the first part of a series, we examine the challenges facing high school students. Subsequent stories will look at first responders and seniors. Kaitlyn Holder is a fitting choice to help anxious and depressed students at Beacon High School. Just a few years ago, she got so anxious attending her college classes that she would vomit on her way to the bus. Holder started this year as academic coordinator for Beacon High School's new Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT) program, which helps students transition back to school after extended absences due to mental health. Holder's job is to help those returning catch up on missed work. "I see myself in these students," said Holder, 25, who is often mistaken for a teenager. "In high school, I had a lot of anxiety around my performance. So much of my self-worth was tied to my grades." She graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 2018 with all A's. But her anxiety worsened when she went to the University of Albany, moving away for the first time from her parents and her beloved pet kitty Shy. "Gradually, it just became harder to wake up on time and to get myself ready. I started missing classes because I was so anxious," she said. During the pandemic, Holder found it hard to leave her college apartment and wouldn't turn on her camera during online classes. "I actually lost credit in a lot of classes for not showing my face or speaking during the Zoom calls," she said. As a teen with autism and depression, social media made it worse. "A lot of my day was just spent sleeping. When I was awake, I was reading terrible news articles. The TikTok algorithm knows a lot. And if you are sad, and you're getting sad content on your page, and you're interacting with it, that's all going to bring you down. I only engaged in negativity online." Eventually some professors helped her find campus mental health resources, let her do more work at home and generally offered encouragement. "If I didn't have those teachers supporting me. I don't know if I would have graduated," said Holder, who finished on time with a 2.8 GPA in linguistics. While she still struggles with anxiety and depression, Holder has deleted TikTok from her phone and rarely goes on social media or watches the news. In January, she hopes to complete an online master's degree in special education from the University of Mount St. Vincent in the Bronx. She's telling her story because she wants her students to know they're not alone. "It's important for kids to know that teachers are human and we struggle," she said. Holder's is a challenge facing many young people in the Highlands and across the country: anxiety and depression worsened or created by social media. According to the National Survey of Children's Health, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the prevalence of teen anxiety has increased 61 percent - from 10 to 16 percent - since 2016. Depression increased 45 percent - from 5.8 to 8.4 percent. To help, Highlands schools are increasing staffing and programs. At Haldane, the district in 2024 added a third school counselor and went from 1.5 school psychologists to two full-time. The district also has two social workers. Last year, a group of Haldane teachers and administrators read The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt. At the Garrison School, which goes through eighth grade, the district in recent years has begun teaching students about social and emotional intelligence in several ways, including the Yale RULER program, where students learn to Regulate, Understand, Label, Express and Regulate their emotions. Greg Stowell, the superintendent, said that issues of depression and anxiety are increasingly prevalent, even at the younger grade levels, and the district, now offers therapy t...

Jeffrey Epstein's financial relationship with JPMorgan Chase ran deep — and lasted far longer than it ever should have. From the late 1990s until 2013, JPMorgan acted as Epstein's primary bank, managing his wealth, routing payments, and processing more than $1 billion in transactions even after his 2008 sex-crime conviction. Internal compliance teams repeatedly flagged Epstein's suspicious activity — massive monthly cash withdrawals, wire transfers to foreign accounts, and payments to women listed as “assistants.” Yet those warnings were ignored or overridden by senior executives, including Jes Staley, who maintained close personal contact with Epstein and allegedly visited him multiple times at his Manhattan townhouse and private island. The bank only cut ties in 2013, years after regulators had already raised red flags and long after Epstein's name had become synonymous with criminality.Subsequent lawsuits exposed just how intertwined the relationship was. The U.S. Virgin Islands and Epstein's victims both accused JPMorgan of enabling his trafficking operation by providing unrestricted financial access, arguing the bank “knowingly facilitated” his crimes to retain a lucrative client. The bank settled for $290 million with Epstein's victims and $75 million with the USVI, while internal communications revealed that top leadership — including Mary Erdoes and Jes Staley — had authority to drop Epstein but didn't. Emails showed Staley referring to Epstein with familiar tone and discussing visits to his properties. Even after his conviction, Epstein remained a valued client, reflecting how profit and personal connections outweighed compliance or morality. The scandal didn't just tarnish JPMorgan's reputation — it exposed how the world's most powerful financial institutions became complicit in shielding a predator for the sake of money and influence.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Anthony Swofford is an American writer and former U.S. Marine, best known for his memoir, Jarhead, which details his experiences in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War as part of a Surveillance and Target Acquisition/Scout-Sniper platoon. He received the PEN/Martha Albrand Award for the Art of the Memoir for Jarhead.  A feature film of Jarhead, directed by Sam Mendes and featuring Jake Gyllenhall, playing Tony Swofford, was released in 2005.Subsequent to his military service, Tony pursued writing, earning a B.A. from UC Davis and an M.F.A. from the renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop. He's taught at the University of Iowa, Lewis and Clark College, and currently Carnegie-Mellon University.  I've read Jarhead and watched the movie multiple times and can tell you Tony's story is as harrowing as it is darkly funny. I was blown away by the depths of Tony's beautifully written, dare I say poetic telling of such a deeply personal, nerve-wracking experience. I've also read another of Tony's memoirs, Hotels, Hospitals, and Jails, which is an equally wild ride through his personal and family life, especially dealing with his ailing father who was trying to maintain his boisterous lifestyle as his body was failing him.  Both books are brilliantly written. I highly recommend them to you, as well as his novel, Exit A.Tony has also published fiction and nonfiction in numerous major publications. including The New York Times and Harper's. 

A "Man of the Cloth", Jimmy G.'s earliest aspirations were to be in service to the Episcopal Church. Though strict in many ways, when it came to drinking, Jimmy and his friends found plenty of opportunities to raid liquor cabinets across their neighborhood. By his teens, Jimmy was outdrinking his friends. His years in college and then seminary were rife with drinking as Jimmy wrestled with deep-seated feelings that left him at odds with Church teachings. By the time he was ordained as a priest, with the accompanying stress and strain of the job, Jimmy's use of alcohol flew past ordinary use. Without stopping at misuse, he crashed head-on into abuse. Alcoholism that is.... Subsequent years saw Jimmy as a functional alcoholic, doing his very important job with more and more daily support from the bottle. Married with children, Jimmy and his wife somehow managed the outward perception that all was fine in their lives while the upheaval caused by his worsening disease was tearing the family apart.                                                                                                  By 2018, Jimmy had had enough and surrendered to AA and the divine intervention of the higher power demonstrated to him through the people and Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. By working the 12 Steps in earnest, Jimmy has bolstered his spiritual condition to be of maximum service to both his AA family and his parishioners. But I'll let him tell you about that in the next sixty minutes of AA Recovery Interviews with my friend and AA brother, Jimmy G.         If you've enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It's a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.  I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who've never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It's also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you'd like to read along with the audio. [Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA's 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]         

From 2019–2021, coverage consistently depicted Prince Andrew and his team pushing hard to undermine Virginia Giuffre's credibility rather than engage with her claims on the merits. In late-2019, after Giuffre's BBC Panorama interview, palace messaging and friendly coverage stressed doubts about the photo and Andrew's “no recollection” line; by 2021, reporting showed aides and lawyers probing angles to attack her reliability—including a planned “false memories” argument and efforts to question her psychologist and husband as the civil case geared up.Subsequent document leaks (reported in 2025 but describing actions around the 2011 photo publication) sharpened what those 2019–2021 stories were circling: emails suggesting Andrew claimed Giuffre had a U.S. criminal record and that he'd provided her date of birth and Social Security number to a Met protection officer—moves now being “actively looked into” by London police. These reports, alongside the 2011 “we are in this together” email to Epstein surfaced by UK outlets, retroactively frame the 2019–2021 period as part of a longer-running scramble to dig up dirt and discredit Giuffre.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Jeffrey Epstein's financial relationship with JPMorgan Chase ran deep — and lasted far longer than it ever should have. From the late 1990s until 2013, JPMorgan acted as Epstein's primary bank, managing his wealth, routing payments, and processing more than $1 billion in transactions even after his 2008 sex-crime conviction. Internal compliance teams repeatedly flagged Epstein's suspicious activity — massive monthly cash withdrawals, wire transfers to foreign accounts, and payments to women listed as “assistants.” Yet those warnings were ignored or overridden by senior executives, including Jes Staley, who maintained close personal contact with Epstein and allegedly visited him multiple times at his Manhattan townhouse and private island. The bank only cut ties in 2013, years after regulators had already raised red flags and long after Epstein's name had become synonymous with criminality.Subsequent lawsuits exposed just how intertwined the relationship was. The U.S. Virgin Islands and Epstein's victims both accused JPMorgan of enabling his trafficking operation by providing unrestricted financial access, arguing the bank “knowingly facilitated” his crimes to retain a lucrative client. The bank settled for $290 million with Epstein's victims and $75 million with the USVI, while internal communications revealed that top leadership — including Mary Erdoes and Jes Staley — had authority to drop Epstein but didn't. Emails showed Staley referring to Epstein with familiar tone and discussing visits to his properties. Even after his conviction, Epstein remained a valued client, reflecting how profit and personal connections outweighed compliance or morality. The scandal didn't just tarnish JPMorgan's reputation — it exposed how the world's most powerful financial institutions became complicit in shielding a predator for the sake of money and influence.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche reads the Mahamudra lineage prayer and explains the fundamental meaning of mahamudra. He says it is the unification of emptiness and dependent arising. No phenomena exist without being empty. All phenomena are sealed by emptiness; they exist by dependent arising, being merely imputed by the mind, related to the base. Rinpoche also outlines the supreme mahamudra, which is the path of unification.Rinpoche continues reading the Mahamudra lineage prayer and explains how to meditate on the points. He says that by knowing the life stories of the lineage lamas, so much faith is generated. For example, by knowing Lama Tsongkhapa's life story, it's easier to develop devotion. Rinpoche also explains how to see each lineage lama and your own guru as one. He says that when we say ‘Lama Tsongkhapa', it's not that. ‘Lama' means your own root guru, so you are looking at it as one. In this way, the Mahamudra lineage prayer is combined with guru yoga.Rinpoche cites a lama who said, ‘I have no other meditation except the guru'. By this, he meant there's no deity you visualize that is not the guru.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

"Get your hands dirty: credibility in Japan is built in the field, not the boardroom". "Bridges beat barriers: headquarters alignment turns local problems into solvable projects". "Make people proud: structured "poster sessions" spark ownership, ideas and nemawashi". "Decisions at the edge: push market choices to those closest to customers, then coach". "Trust travels: clear logic, calm feedback, and consistency convert caution into commitment". Belgian-born power-electronics engineer turned global executive, Erwin Yseijin leads Semikron Danfoss in Japan with more than three decades across Japan, Germany, and Taiwan. Beginning as a hardware engineer in switch-mode power supplies and motor drives, he joined a Japanese semiconductor firm in Munich in 1989 and relocated to Japan in 1992, learning operations, production planning, quotations, and logistics from the inside. Subsequent leadership roles at Infineon included Japan and a five-year post-merger integration in Taiwan overseeing ~50 R&D engineers and close OEM relationships across PCs, routers, and wireless. After a gallium-nitride startup stint in Dresden, he joined Semikron, later Semikron Danfoss, leading APAC reorganisation, factory consolidation, and a direct-plus-distribution sales model, before becoming Japan President. Fluent in the technical, commercial, and cultural languages of the region, he specialises in aligning headquarters and local teams, and in building pragmatic, customer-led organisations in Japan. Erwin Yasvin exemplifies the hands-on leader who earns trust in Japan by showing up where problems live. His credo—"get your hands dirty"—is not metaphorical. When customers escalate issues, he goes with sales to uncover root causes and secure head-office commitments on the spot. That credibility shortens cycles in a market where 100% quality is table stakes and where the service "extra mile" extends even a decade beyond a nominal warranty. A European by training and temperament, he learned Japanese corporate practice from the inside in the early 1990s, when multilayered hierarchies still defined decision flow. Rather than railing against the pyramid, he mined its upside: leaders who rise through layers bring practical judgement and empathy for shop-floor realities. Yet he also streamlined speed by bridging headquarters and Japan—translating commercial logic, technical constraints, and customer detail into decisions the field can act on. He builds voice and pride through "poster sessions": monthly forums where team members present customers, markets, wins, and bottlenecks to peers. That design triggers nemawashi—quiet pre-alignment—and fosters cross-functional curiosity. By picking one or two ideas from each session and ensuring execution, he turns speaking up into visible impact. Decision rights sit with those closest to the market. Each salesperson owns one or two verticals—motor drives, wind, solar, energy storage, UPS—with accountability for target customers, competitive intel, product needs, and pricing. Headquarters supports with budgets for samples and after-warranty analysis, signalling trust with money. Where ambiguity or urgency is high—such as the 2022 exchange-rate shock—he decomposes the "working package" into digestible actions, avoiding paralysis. Mistakes are coached privately and framed as leadership accountability: if an error occurred, expectations weren't clear enough. Monthly one-on-ones, written agendas, and evidence-led conversations establish a durable logic chain that travels across language boundaries. Culture-wise, he neither copies a Japanese firm nor imposes a foreign pace. Instead, he articulates values—efficient workdays, transparent processes, skill development—while adapting compensation to local norms through a hybrid bonus model that blends guaranteed and performance-tied elements. Asked how outsiders should lead in Japan, Yasvin stresses credibility, example, and constancy: be present in the hard moments, don't over-promise, and speak in clear, digestible steps. In a country where consensus and detail orientation are prized, leaders win by aligning logic with respect—turning caution into momentum without sacrificing quality. Q&A Summary What makes leadership in Japan unique? Japan blends layered hierarchies with high expectations for managers to understand field-level problems. Leaders gain status less by slogan and more by track record. Consensus is built through nemawashi and formalised via ringi-sho, with detail-rich documentation that honours uncertainty avoidance while preserving quality. The upside of layers is decision empathy; the downside can be speed—unless leaders bridge across functions and headquarters. Why do global executives struggle? Many push headquarters logic without translating it into local realities: customer expectations of zero defects; service beyond written warranty; and process fidelity (e.g., traceability standards) that must integrate into Japanese customers' own systems. Leaders also misread how "pride" shows up—quietly, not publicly—and miss mechanisms (like poster sessions) that let people contribute without confrontation. Is Japan truly risk-averse? Not exactly; it's uncertainty-averse. When leaders clarify the "box" and broaden it gradually, teams will step forward. Decomposing problems (e.g., FX pass-through frameworks) turns ambiguity into executable steps. Decision intelligence—structured data, clear thresholds, defined triggers—reduces uncertainty and enables action without violating quality norms. What leadership style actually works? Lead by example; be visibly present at customer flashpoints. Push decisions to the edge (market owners), back them with budgets, and coach in private. Use structured forums to surface ideas, then implement a few to prove that speaking up matters. Keep corporate values intact (efficient workdays, skill building) while tuning incentives to local practice. How can technology help? Operational dashboards that tie customer issues to root-cause analytics, plus digital twins of power-module reliability and logistics flows, elevate conversations from anecdote to evidence. Traceability systems aligned to global standards reduce manual re-entry and delays, while decision thresholds (e.g., FX bands) automate price updates and ensure fair, consistent application. Does language proficiency matter? Helpful, not decisive. Clear logic, written agendas, data, and diagrams travel farther than perfect grammar. Leaders who frame problems visually, confirm next actions, and close the loop consistently can overcome linguistic gaps, while continuing to study Japanese accelerates trust and nuance. What's the ultimate leadership lesson? Credibility compounds. Show up in the hard moments, keep promises small and solid, convert ideas into implementation, and protect quality while increasing speed through better alignment. Over time, trust becomes a structural advantage with customers and within the team. About the Author Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

From 2019–2021, coverage consistently depicted Prince Andrew and his team pushing hard to undermine Virginia Giuffre's credibility rather than engage with her claims on the merits. In late-2019, after Giuffre's BBC Panorama interview, palace messaging and friendly coverage stressed doubts about the photo and Andrew's “no recollection” line; by 2021, reporting showed aides and lawyers probing angles to attack her reliability—including a planned “false memories” argument and efforts to question her psychologist and husband as the civil case geared up.Subsequent document leaks (reported in 2025 but describing actions around the 2011 photo publication) sharpened what those 2019–2021 stories were circling: emails suggesting Andrew claimed Giuffre had a U.S. criminal record and that he'd provided her date of birth and Social Security number to a Met protection officer—moves now being “actively looked into” by London police. These reports, alongside the 2011 “we are in this together” email to Epstein surfaced by UK outlets, retroactively frame the 2019–2021 period as part of a longer-running scramble to dig up dirt and discredit Giuffre.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

On Labor History Today: In 2005 the Guinness Brewery at Park Royal, West London closed after seven decades of production. Tim Strangleman spent the last six months of the Brewery's life working with a photographer to record in words and picture the site before it closed. Subsequent research revealed an incredibly rich story of corporate cultural change and the transformation of work and the workplace. Drawing on material from his 2019 book, Voices of Guinness: An Oral History of the Park Royal Brewery, Strangleman, Professor of Sociology, in the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, reflects on what that story tells us about work meaning, identity and organizational life in the second decade of the twenty-first century. Our show – which originally aired on October 24, 2021 -- is excerpted from Strangleman's Zoom presentation at the October 5, 2021 edition of Our Daily Work/Our Daily Lives, the lecture series sponsored by the Michigan Traditional Arts Program and the Labor Education Program at Michigan State University. To get on the ODW/ODL email list email John Beck at mailto:beckj@msu.edu Click here for photos of the Park Royal Guinness Brewery.   And, on Labor History in 2:00, the year was 1940; that was the day that the federally mandated 40-hour work week went into effect for U.S. workers. Produced by Chris Garlock. To contribute a labor history item, email laborhistorytoday@gmail.com Labor History Today is produced by the Labor Heritage Foundation and the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University. #LaborRadioPod #History #WorkingClass #ClassStruggle @GeorgetownKILWP #LaborHistory @UMDMLA @ILLaborHistory @AFLCIO @MichiganTradArts @MSUSHRLR @DIndustrialKent @SSPSSR @OxUniPress

Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains that the Ten Innermost Jewels of the Kadampa Geshes is mainly aimed toward Sangha and those doing a lifetime retreat. Even though most of us are unable to practice like the Kadampa geshes, reciting the Ten Innermost Jewels leaves a positive imprint so that we can practice like them in the future.Rinpoche reads the bodhicitta motivation aimed toward freeing hell beings, hungry ghosts, animals, human beings, sura beings, asura beings, and intermediate state beings. He continues with the tsog offering and Praise in Eight Lines. He says that it's important to make strong requests to actualize the three principals of the path in this very lifetime without delay.Rinpoche concludes with dedications and the Medicine Buddha practice. He explains how to visualize and pray to each of the seven Medicine Buddhas, while dedicating it to those who are sick as well as those who have passed away.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

How do you stay “patiently aggressive” when the freight market keeps throwing curveballs? What's the right balance between playing offense and protecting your cash flow? In this episode, James Currier is back to discuss how the smartest players in the freight game are moving right now, expanding into new services like dedicated haul and final mile, locking in smart contracts instead of chasing spot rates, and seizing M&A opportunities while others retreat.  We dig into why financial discipline, detailed P&L reviews, and strong vendor relationships are the real game-changers in today's volatile market. From navigating tariffs and rising insurance costs to understanding when to buy, refinance, or wait, you shouldn't miss this conversation on strategy, resilience, and growth for carriers and fleets who are ready to win!   About James Currier James Currier is the Chief Revenue Officer at Finloc USA, where James leads the sales team across the country in a relentless pursuit for increased market share in the equipment finance field. After starting his professional career as a Business Analyst in the healthcare field, James came to realize that his passions were best suited to dealing with people and organizations aiming for growth. After a two year contract was completed with Fraser & Interior Health Authorities in British Columbia, a career change ensued and James has not looked back since. Combining the analytical fundamentals learned in healthcare and a natural gravitation towards people and business development, James has thrived in a sales career since 2012, leading, managing, and training dozens of people over the past several years. Subsequent to the completion of a >$400MM acquisition at his previous company, James made the jump to Finloc where he was first tasked with hiring and redeveloping the Ontario, Canada market. James was then assigned to manage the US division for Finloc as a player/coach, originating new asset-based financing opportunities and finding, attracting, and training new talent. James has worked in an exceptionally diverse range of roles since the age of 15, starting as a minor hockey league referee. His openness to new experience has allowed James to experience positions as a head of high-profile security, high-adventure whitewater rafter guide, Corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces Infantry Reserve, business analyst, VIP/Private security operative, personal support worker, guitar teacher, and sales leader. As a well-versed hobbyist who enjoys learning and new experiences, James enjoys coaching/playing/watching hockey, swimming, guitar, hunting, fly fishing, boating/canoeing, cycling, hiking, woodworking, motorcycling, reading, DIY projects, and evening walks with his wife, 2 boys, and golden retriever.   Connect with James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-currier-clfp-232b0842/?originalSubdomain=ca  Email: james.currier@finloc.com  

Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains that the Ten Innermost Jewels of the Kadampa Geshes is mainly aimed toward Sangha and those doing a lifetime retreat. Even though most of us are unable to practice like the Kadampa geshes, reciting the Ten Innermost Jewels leaves a positive imprint so that we can practice like them in the future.Rinpoche reads the bodhicitta motivation aimed toward freeing hell beings, hungry ghosts, animals, human beings, sura beings, asura beings, and intermediate state beings. He continues with the tsog offering and Praise in Eight Lines. He says that it's important to make strong requests to actualize the three principals of the path in this very lifetime without delay.Rinpoche concludes with dedications and the Medicine Buddha practice. He explains how to visualize and pray to each of the seven Medicine Buddhas, while dedicating it to those who are sick as well as those who have passed away.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org//

This is a preview of a premium Design Better episode. Visit our Substack to hear the whole interview, for bonus content, and more: ⁠https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/fitz-and-the-tantrums With the 150th official episode of Design Better, we've got something special for you. For many of us, if we haven't had creative success by our 40's, we feel like we may have missed the boat. But Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick of Fitz and the Tantrums didn't achieve pop star status until he was well into his 40's, and now that he's in his 50's he feels like he's just getting started. Haven't heard of Fitz and the Tantrums? Yes you have...their hit single "HandClap" has rocked stadiums at sporting events around the world. In our conversation, Fitz reveals how the band prototypes their live performances and why constraint has been essential to their creative evolution. He talks to us about the parallels of songwriting and product design, the importance of reading the room—whether it's 50 or 50,000 people—and why the best performances, like the best designs, create space for the audience to become co-creators. Fitz also opens up about how even after achieving his creative dreams, there was an emptiness that he struggled with, and where he found true happiness. Bio Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (born Michael Sean Fitzpatrick on July 21, 1970) is a French-American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the frontman and creative force behind the indie pop and neo-soul band Fitz and the Tantrums. Born in Montluçon, France and raised in Los Angeles, Fitzpatrick studied vocal music in high school and later attended the California Institute of the Arts, where he explored experimental film. Before forming his own band, he worked behind the scenes as a sound engineer, collaborating with producer Mickey Petralia. In 2008, Fitzpatrick bought a used church organ for fifty dollars and wrote “Breakin' the Chains of Love” that same night — the song that would inspire the creation of Fitz and the Tantrums. As lead vocalist and keyboardist, he helped the group rise quickly with their debut album Pickin' Up the Pieces (2010), which drew praise for its blend of Motown soul, indie pop, and modern energy. Subsequent albums such as More Than Just a Dream and their self-titled 2016 release, featuring the breakout hit “HandClap,” cemented the band's place in the modern pop landscape.

Jeffrey Epstein's pattern of abuse was long-running and systematic: beginning with credible allegations in Palm Beach in 2005 and stretching across decades, Epstein cultivated vulnerable girls through grooming, money, and promises of modeling or work, then trafficked and sexually exploited them. Investigations, victim affidavits, and later federal indictments show repeated conduct in Florida and New York (and allegations of international trafficking), with dozens of women ultimately coming forward to describe similar schemes of enticement, coercion, and delegation of abuse to associates. The 2008 plea deal in Florida — a non-prosecution agreement that treated many allegations as state-level misdemeanors and granted immunity protections — allowed Epstein to avoid federal accountability for years and left many victims feeling their claims were minimized or legally blocked from fuller exposure.Subsequent developments — the 2019 federal indictment, the unsealing of court records and victim statements, Department of Justice reviews of the 2008 NPA, and the ongoing release of seized files and civil filings — have documented the scale and persistence of the abuse while also exposing how legal protections, institutional failures, and financial secrecy helped shield Epstein's network. Flight logs, property searches, witness interviews, and civil litigation consistently mapped the same playbook: recruitment of underage girls, payments and hush-money tactics, and use of staff and associates to facilitate access. Even with many documents now public, significant questions remain about the full scope of Epstein's enablers, the flows of his finances, and who benefited from the secrecy that let the abuse go on for so long.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Jeffrey Epstein's pattern of abuse was long-running and systematic: beginning with credible allegations in Palm Beach in 2005 and stretching across decades, Epstein cultivated vulnerable girls through grooming, money, and promises of modeling or work, then trafficked and sexually exploited them. Investigations, victim affidavits, and later federal indictments show repeated conduct in Florida and New York (and allegations of international trafficking), with dozens of women ultimately coming forward to describe similar schemes of enticement, coercion, and delegation of abuse to associates. The 2008 plea deal in Florida — a non-prosecution agreement that treated many allegations as state-level misdemeanors and granted immunity protections — allowed Epstein to avoid federal accountability for years and left many victims feeling their claims were minimized or legally blocked from fuller exposure.Subsequent developments — the 2019 federal indictment, the unsealing of court records and victim statements, Department of Justice reviews of the 2008 NPA, and the ongoing release of seized files and civil filings — have documented the scale and persistence of the abuse while also exposing how legal protections, institutional failures, and financial secrecy helped shield Epstein's network. Flight logs, property searches, witness interviews, and civil litigation consistently mapped the same playbook: recruitment of underage girls, payments and hush-money tactics, and use of staff and associates to facilitate access. Even with many documents now public, significant questions remain about the full scope of Epstein's enablers, the flows of his finances, and who benefited from the secrecy that let the abuse go on for so long.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

We're excited to share a new podcast from The Intercept called Collateral Damage. The investigative series examines the half-century-long war on drugs, its enduring ripple effects, and the devastating consequences of building a massive war machine aimed at the public itself. Hosted by Radley Balko, an investigative journalist who has been covering the drug war and the criminal justice system for more than 20 years, each episode takes an in-depth look at someone who was unjustly killed in the drug war. This is Episode One: Dirty Business. In 2006, a 92-year-old Atlanta woman was gunned down in her own home by police during a drug raid. The police initially claimed the woman was a marijuana dealer who fired a gun at them. The story might have ended there. But an informant bravely came forward to set the record straight. Subsequent investigations and reports revealed that the police had raided the wrong home, killed an innocent woman, then planted marijuana in her basement to cover up their mistake.In the ensuing months, we'd learn that the Atlanta Police Department's narcotics unit routinely conducted mistaken raids on terrified people. The problem was driven by perverse federal, state, and local financial incentives that pushed cops to take shortcuts in procuring warrants for drug raids in order to boost their arrest and seizure statistics. Most of those incentives are still in place today.The raids haven't stopped. And neither have the deaths.Subscribe and listen to the full series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episodes every Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche emphasizes that this perfect human body is more precious than skies of wish-fulfilling gems. It enables you to achieve any happiness you want. Therefore, it's important not to waste it. Rinpoche cites Shantideva, who said that while one is ignorant, don't sleep. Rinpoche explains that this not only refers to sleep, but also the mind being distracted by meaningless activities, particularly the eight worldly dharmas.Rinpoche mentions that watching TV can waste time and life. Like many activities, if it's following the evil thought of the eight worldly dharmas, then so much life is wasted. However, he says that if you watch with the idea of lamrim and think about how samsara is in the nature of suffering, it becomes inspiration to seek liberation. You can see how people are totally living in hallucination.Rinpoche talks about the correct motivation to have when raising a child. He suggests viewing them with compassion as one of the numberless sentient beings, not as an object of attachment and self-cherishing. He also elaborates on the proper attitude to have when offering charity to a beggar and helping in a Dharma center. He says that it's very important to have the proper motivation to make your activities beneficial. This makes life meaningful.Rinpoche discusses universal education. He says that education about how to live life inwardly is more important than external aspects, but this is lacking in schools, colleges, and universities. If people aren't educated about the good heart, then whatever they do only becomes a cause of samsara. Thus, people need education about the good heart; they need to learn the psychology of how attachment destroys life. They also need to learn tolerance, patience, rejoicing, and forgiveness. Rinpoche says these qualities are essential for living a happy and meaningful life.Rinpoche concludes by talking about prostrations. He says that this is another extremely important daily practice to make life meaningful. He outlines the ten benefits of prostrations and describes how to do them properly. Rinpoche says that how much purification and merit you attain mainly depends on the quality of your prostrations not the quantity.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Joseph Sternberg details China's economic "pickle," resulting from the property bubble collapse and failure of its export-led model. The subsequent glut of goods risks deflation, which Beijing calls "involution," dangerously exacerbating vast debt problems. He notes that Xi Jinping resists market-led "creative destruction," prioritizing state control. Sternberg then analyzes London protests, concluding they are motivated by anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment, irrespective of the Gaza peace talks. PM Starmer calling the protests "unbritish" reflects the government's difficulty in addressing these issues legally 1910 SHIPWRECKED

Joseph Sternberg details China's economic "pickle," resulting from the property bubble collapse and failure of its export-led model. The subsequent glut of goods risks deflation, which Beijing calls "involution," dangerously exacerbating vast debt problems. He notes that Xi Jinping resists market-led "creative destruction," prioritizing state control. Sternberg then analyzes London protests, concluding they are motivated by anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment, irrespective of the Gaza peace talks. PM Starmer calling the protests "unbritish" reflects the government's difficulty in addressing these issues legally 1910 HALIBUT ALASKA

Lama Zopa Rinpoche says that bearing hardships while doing this retreat purifies negative karma in the same manner as when doing a nyung-nä. He mentions how bodhisattvas bear hardships for other sentient beings, even if it causes life danger. They enjoy it so much because they can see the benefit for others.Rinpoche says that he wants to speak out on behalf of all the millipedes, worms, and other insects. He says that it's important to help insects circumambulate holy objects. He mentions several stories about insects that collected merit in this way and then later attained a higher rebirth. In the same way, we can bring countless benefits to insects and animals by taking them around relics, statues, stupas, and scriptures. It directs their life towards enlightenment, it's only going up.Rinpoche states that the essence of Buddhism is compassion. Buddha was inspired by compassion to achieve enlightenment, complete the two types of merit, and show us the whole path to enlightenment. Thus, holy objects have so much power because they came from Buddha's compassion.Rinpoche talks about the realization of remembering the kindness of each insect by recognizing that it has been our mother numberless times. We should feel like that with every sentient being—whether it's a person or an insect—anyone you see, then immediately you feel that they are so kind, precious, and close to your heart.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

The World of Eora is a news & lore podcast about the fantasy setting created by Obsidian Entertainment for their cRPG series, Pillars of Eternity, and their action RPG: Avowed.This week we look at four of the stronghold adventures from Pillars of Eternity and discuss the lore found within. Such topics include the Pwgra creature, Brishalgwin Mindhunters, Memory-eating beetles, Ixamitl Plains folk, and more.worldofeora@gmail.com@worldofeorako-fi.com/worldofeora

Lama Zopa Rinpoche gives the oral transmissions of the long and short Namgyalma mantras and the Twenty-one Taras' praise.Next, Rinpoche discusses how the first realization of lamrim is to switch from thinking about the happiness of this life to thinking about future lives. This transformation is achieved by training the mind in the eight freedoms, ten richnesses, impermanence, the sufferings of the lower realms, refuge, and karma. In this way, the happiness of this life becomes unimportant because there's no attachment to the four desirable objects (pleasure, material gain, praise, and good reputation). When there's attachment to these objects, there's no inner peace and happiness because you never get satisfaction by following desire. While the mind is totally overwhelmed by attachment, there's no space for loving kindness and compassion. At that time, the mind is not thinking about impermanence and death. Moreover, it obscures one from seeing the ultimate nature of the I, the aggregates, and phenomena.Rinpoche says that until we have the realization of renunciation of samsara, we have to meditate on true suffering and the cause of suffering. This becomes the preliminary. Afterwards, the thought to free others from samsara arises, which makes it easy to generate compassion. From this, great compassion arises, and this leads to bodhicitta. However, if renunciation to one's own samsara is not felt strongly, then you won't have much thought of becoming free from this. Then, there's no real feeling of deep compassion; it becomes just words. Then, bodhicitta—the thought to achieve enlightenment for them—also becomes just words.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

An OMG Investigation Has Proven That Epstein Was A CIA/Mossad Asset, Resulting In The Subsequent Coverup! Plus, James Comey, Letitia James & Others To Be Indicted In Four Days! Plus, Alex Jones Conducts “Becoming Hitler” Social Experiment!

Paroxysmal movement disorders refer to a group of highly heterogeneous disorders that present with attacks of involuntary movements without loss of consciousness. These disorders demonstrate considerable and ever-expanding genetic and clinical heterogeneity, so an accurate clinical diagnosis has key therapeutic implications. In this episode, Kait Nevel, MD, speaks with Abhimanyu Mahajan, MD, MHS, FAAN, author of the article “Paroxysmal Movement Disorders” in the Continuum® August 2025 Movement Disorders issue. Dr. Nevel is a Continuum® Audio interviewer and a neurologist and neuro-oncologist at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Mahajan is an assistant professor of neurology and rehabilitation medicine at the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. Additional Resources Read the article: Paroxysmal Movement Disorders Subscribe to Continuum®: shop.lww.com/Continuum Earn CME (available only to AAN members): continpub.com/AudioCME Continuum® Aloud (verbatim audio-book style recordings of articles available only to Continuum® subscribers): continpub.com/Aloud More about the American Academy of Neurology: aan.com Social Media facebook.com/continuumcme @ContinuumAAN Host: @IUneurodocmom Guest: @MahajanMD Full episode transcript available here Dr Jones: This is Doctor Lyell Jones, editor in chief of Continuum. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio. Be sure to visit the links in the episode notes for information about earning CME, subscribing to the journal, and exclusive access to interviews not featured on the podcast. Dr Nevel: Hello, this is Dr Kait Nevel. Today I'm interviewing doctor Abhi Mahajan about his article on diagnosis and management of paroxysmal movement disorders, which appears in the August 2025 Continuum issue on movement disorders. Abhi, welcome to the podcast and please introduce yourself to the audience. Dr Mahajan: Thank you, Kait. Thank you for inviting me. My name is Abhi Mahajan. I'm an assistant professor of neurology and rehabilitation medicine at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. I'm happy to be here. Dr Nevel: Wonderful. Well, I'm really excited to talk to you about your article today on this very interesting and unique set of movement disorders. So, before we get into your article a little bit more, I think just kind of the set the stage for the discussion so that we're all on the same page. Could you start us off with some definitions? What are paroxysmal movement disorders? And generally, how do we start to kind of categorize these in our minds? Dr Mahajan: So, the term paroxysmal movement disorders refers to a group of highly heterogeneous disorders. These may present with attacks of involuntary movements, commonly a combination of dystonia and chorea, or ataxia, or both. These movements are typically without loss of consciousness and may follow, may follow, so with or without known triggers. In terms of the classification, these have been classified in a number of ways. Classically, these have been classified based on the trigger. So, if the paroxysmal movement disorder follows activity, these are called kinesigenic, paroxysmal, kinesigenic dyskinesia. If they are not followed by activity, they're called non kinesigenic dyskinesia and then if they've followed prolonged activity or exercise they're called paroxysmal exercise induced dyskinesia. There's a separate but related group of protogynous movement disorders called episodic attacks here that can have their own triggers. Initially this was the classification that was said. Subsequent classifications have placed their focus on the ideology of these attacks that could be familiar or acquired and of course understanding of familiar or genetic causes of paroxysmal movement disorders keeps on expanding and so on and so forth. And more recently, response to pharmacotherapy and specific clinical features have also been introduced into the classification. Dr Nevel: Great, thank you for that. Can you share with us what you think is the most important takeaway from your article for the practicing neurologist? Dr Mahajan: Absolutely. I think it's important to recognize that everything that looks and sounds bizarre should not be dismissed as malingering. Such hyperkinetic and again in quotations, “bizarre movements”. They may appear functional to the untrained eye or the lazy eye. These movements can be diagnosed. Paroxysmal movement disorders can be diagnosed with a good clinical history and exam and may be treated with a lot of success with medications that are readily available and cheap. So, you can actually make a huge amount of difference to your patients' lives by practicing old-school neurology. Dr Nevel: That's great, thank you so much for that. I can imagine that scenario does come up where somebody is thought to have a functional neurological disorder but really has a proximal movement disorder. You mentioned that in your article, how it's important to distinguish between these two, how there can be similarities at times. Do you mind giving us a little bit more in terms of how do we differentiate between functional neurologic disorder and paroxysmal movement disorder? Dr Mahajan: So clinical differentiation of functional neurological disorder from paroxysmal movement disorders, of course it's really important as a management is completely different, but it can be quite challenging. There's certainly an overlap. So, there can be an overlap with presentation, with phenomenology. Paroxysmal nature is common to both of them. In addition, FND and PMD's may commonly share triggers, whether they are movement, physical exercise. Other triggers include emotional stimuli, even touch or auditory stimuli. What makes it even more challenging is that FND's may coexist with other neurological disorders, including paroxysmal movement disorders. However, there are certain specific phenom phenotypic differences that have been reported. So specific presentations, for example the paroxysms may look different. Each paroxysm may look different in functional neurological disorders, specific phenotypes like paroxysmal akinesia. So, these are long duration episodes with eyes closed. Certain kinds of paroxysmal hyperkinesia with ataxia and dystonia have been reported. Of course. More commonly we see PNES of paroxysmal nonepileptic spells or seizures that may be considered paroxysmal movement disorders but represent completely different etiology which is FND. Within the world of movement disorders, functional jerks may resemble propiospinal myoclonus which is a completely different entity. Overall, there are certain things that help separate functional movement disorders from paroxysmal movement disorders, such as an acute onset variable and inconsistent phenomenology. They can be suggestibility, distractibility, entrainment, the use of an EMG may show a B-potential (Bereitschaftspotential) preceding the movement in patients with FND. So, all of these cues are really helpful. Dr Nevel: Great, thanks. When you're seeing a patient who's reporting to these paroxysmal uncontrollable movements, what kind of features of their story really tips you off that this might be a proximal movement disorder? Dr Mahajan: Often these patients have been diagnosed with functional neurological disorders and they come to us. But for me, whenever the patient and or the family talk about episodic movements, I think about these. Honestly, we must be aware that there is a possibility that the movements that the patients are reporting that you may not see in clinic. Maybe there are obvious movement disorders. Specifically, there's certain clues that you should always ask for in the history, for example, ask for the age of onset, a description of movements. Patients typically have videos or families have videos. You may not be able to see them in clinic. The regularity of frequency of these movements, how long the attacks are, is there any family history of or not? On the basis of triggers, whether, as I mentioned before, do these follow exercise? Prolonged exercise? Or neither of the above? What is the presentation in between attacks, which I think is a very important clinical clue. Your examination may be limited to videos, but it's important not just to examine the video which represents the patient during an attack, but in between attacks. That is important. And of course, I suspect we'll get to the treatment, but the treatment can follow just this part, the history and physical exam. It may be refined with further testing, including genetic testing. Dr Nevel: Great. On the note of genetic testing, when you do suspect a diagnosis of paroxysmal movement disorder, what are some key points for the provider to be aware of about genetic testing? How do we go about that? I know that there are lots of different options for genetic testing and it gets complicated. What do you suggest? Dr Mahajan: Traditionally, things were a little bit easier, right, because we had a couple of genes that have been associated with the robust movement disorders. So, genetic testing included single gene testing, testing for PRRT2 followed by SLC2A. And if these were negative, you said, well, this is not a genetic ideology for paroxysmal movement disorders. Of course, with time that has changed. There's an increase in known genes and variants. There is increased genetic entropy. So, the same genetic mutation may present with many phenotypes and different genetic mutations may present with the similar phenotype. Single gene testing is not a high yield approach. Overall genetic investigations for paroxysmal movement disorders use next generation sequencing or whole exome sequence panels which allow for sequencing of multiple genes simultaneously. The reported diagnostic yield with let's say next generation sequencing is around 35 to 50 percent. Specific labs at centers have developed their own panels which may improve the yield of course. In children, microarray may be considered, especially the presentation includes epilepsy or intellectual disability because copy number variations may not be detected by a whole exome sequencing or next generation sequencing. Overall, I will tell you that I'm certainly not an expert in genetics, so whenever you're considering genetic testing, if possible, please utilize the expertise of a genetic counsellor. Families want to know, especially as an understanding of the molecular underpinnings and knowledge about associated mutations or variations keeps on expanding. We need to incorporate their expertise. A variant of unknown significance, which is quite a common result with genetic testing, may not be a variant of unknown significance next year may be reclassified as pathogenic. So, this is extremely important. Dr Nevel: Yeah. That's such a good point. Thank you. And you just mentioned that there are some genetic mutations that can lead to multiple different phenotypes. Seemingly similar phenotypes can be associated with various genetic mutations. What's our understanding of that? Do we have an understanding of that? Why there is this seeming disconnect at times between the specific genetic mutation and the phenotype? Dr Mahajan: That is a tough question to answer for all paroxysmal movement disorders because the answer may be specific to a specific mutation. I think a great example is the CACNA1A mutation. It is a common cause of episodic ataxia type 2. Depending on when the patient presents, you can have a whole gamut of clinical presentations. So, if the patient is 1 year old, the patient can present with epileptic encephalopathy. Two to 5 years, it can be benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy. Five to 10 years, can present with learning difficulties with absence epilepsy and then of course later, greater than 10 years, with episodic ataxia (type) 2 hemiplegic migraine and then a presentation with progressive ataxia and hemiplegic migraines has also been reported. So not just episodic progressive form of ataxia has also been reported. I think overall these disorders are very rare. They are even more infrequently diagnosed than their prevalence. As such, the point that different genetic mutations present with different phenotypes, or the same genetic mutation I may present with different phenotypes could also represent this part. Understanding of the clinical presentation is really incomplete and forever growing. There's a new case report or case series every other month, which makes this a little bit challenging, but that's all the more reason for learning about them and for constant vigilance for patients who show up to our clinic. Dr Nevel: Yeah, absolutely. What is our current understanding of the associated pathophysiology of these conditions and the pathophysiology relating to the genetics? And then how does that relate to the treatment of these conditions? Dr Mahajan: So, a number of different disease mechanisms have been proposed. Traditionally, these were all thought to be ion channelopathies, but a number of different processes have been proposed now. So, depending on the genetic mutation that you talk about. So certain mutations can involve ion channels such as CACMA1A, ATP1A3. It can involve solute carriers, synaptic vesicle fusion, energy metabolism such as ECHS1, synthesis of neurotransmitters such as GCH1. So, there are multiple processes that may be involved. I think overall for the practicing clinician such as me, I think there is a greater need for us to understand the underlying genetics and associated phenotypes and the molecular mechanisms specifically because these can actually influence treatment decisions, right? So, you mentioned that specific genetic testing understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism can influence specific treatments. As an example, a patient presenting with proximal nocturnal dyskinesia with mutation in the ADCY5 gene may respond beautifully to caffeine. Other examples if you have SLC2A1, so gluc-1 (glucose transporter type 1) mutation, a ketogenic diet may work really well. If you have PDHA1 mutation that may respond to thiamine and so on and so forth. There are certain patients where paroxysmal movement disorders are highly disabling and you may consider deep brain stimulation. That's another reason why it may be important to understand genetic mutations because there is literature on response to DBS with certain mutations versus others. Helps like counselling for patients and families, and of course introduces time, effort, and money spent in additional testing. Dr Nevel: Other than genetic testing, what other diagnostic work up do you consider when you're evaluating patients with a suspected paroxysmal movement disorder? Are there specific things in the history or on exam that would prompt you to do certain testing to look for perhaps other things in your differential when you're first evaluating a patient? Dr Mahajan: In this article, I provide a flow chart that helps me assess these patients as well. I think overall the history taking and neurological exam outside of these paroxysms is really important. So, the clinical exam in between these episodic events, for example, for history, specific examples include, well, when do these paroxysms happen? Do they happen or are they precipitated with meals that might indicate that there's something to do with glucose metabolism? Do they follow exercise? So, a specific example is in Moyamoya disease, they can be limb shaking that follows exercise. So, which gives you a clue to what the etiology could be. Of course, family history is important, but again, talking about the exam in between episodes, you know, this is actually a great point because out– we've talked about genetics, we've talked about idiopathic paroxysmal movement disorders, –but a number of these disorders are because of acquired causes. Well, of course it's important because acquired causes such as autoimmune causes, so multiple sclerosis, ADEM, lupus, LGI1, all of these NMDAR, I mentioned Moyamoya disease and metabolic causes. Of course, you can consider FND as under-acquired as well. But all of these causes have very different treatments and they have very different prognosis. So, I think it's extremely important for us to look into the history with a fine comb and then examine these patients in between these episodes and keep our mind open about acquired causes as well. Dr Nevel: When you evaluate these patients, are you routinely ordering vascular imaging and autoimmune kind of serologies and things like that to evaluate for these other acquired causes or it does it really just depend on the clinical presentation of the patient? Dr Mahajan: It mostly depends on the clinical presentation. I mean, if the exam is let's say completely normal, there are no other risk factors in a thirty year old, then you know, with a normal exam, normal history, no other risk factors. I may not order an MRI of the brain. But if the patient is 55 or 60 (years) with vascular risk factors, then you have to be mindful that this could be a TIA. If the patient has let's say in the 30s and in between these episodes too has basically has a sequel of these paroxysms, then you may want to consider autoimmune. I think the understanding of paraneoplastic, even autoimmune disorders, is expanding as well. So, you know the pattern matters. So, if all of this is subacute started a few months ago, then I have a low threshold for ordering testing for autoimmune and paraneoplastic ideology is simply because it makes such a huge difference in terms of how you approach the treatment and the long-term prognosis. Dr Nevel: Yeah, absolutely. What do you find most challenging about the management of patients with paroxysmal movement disorders? And then also what is most rewarding? Dr Mahajan: I think the answer to both those questions is, is the same. The first thing is there's so much advancement in what we know and how we understand these disorders so regularly that it's really hard to keep on track. Even for this article, it took me a few months to write this article, and between the time and I started and when I ended, there were new papers to include new case reports, case series, right? So, these are rare disorders. So most of our understanding for these disorders comes from case reports and case series, and it's in a constant state of advancement. I think that is the most challenging part, but it's also the most interesting part as well. I think the challenging and interesting part is the heterogeneity of presentation as well. These can involve just one part of your body, your entire body can present with paroxysmal events, with multiple different phenomenologies and they might change over time. So overall, it's highly rewarding to diagnose such patients in clinic. As I said before, you can make a sizeable difference with the medication which is usually inexpensive, which is obviously a great point to mention these days in our health system. But with anti-seizure drugs, you can put the right diagnosis, you can make a huge difference. I just wanted to make a point that this is not minimizing in any way the validity or the importance of diagnosing patients with functional neurological disorders correctly. Both of them are as organic. The importance is the treatment is completely different. So, if you're diagnosing somebody with FND and they do have FND and they get cognitive behavioral therapy and they get better, that's fantastic. But if somebody has paroxysmal movement disorders and they undergo cognitive behavioral therapy and they're not doing well, that doesn't help anybody. Dr Nevel: One hundred percent. As providers, obviously we all want to help our patients and having the correct diagnosis, you know, is the first step. What is most interesting to you about paroxysmal movement disorders? Dr Mahajan: So outside of the above, there are some unanswered questions that I find very interesting. Specifically, the overlap with epilepsy is very interesting, including shared genes, the episodic nature, presence of triggers, therapeutic response to anti-seizure drugs. All of this I think deserves further study. In the clinic, you may find that epilepsy and prognosis for movement disorders may occur in the same individual or in a family. Episodic ataxia has been associated with seizures. Traditionally this dichotomy of an ictal focus. If it's cortical then it's epilepsy, if it's subcortical then it's prognosis for movement disorders. This is thought to be overly simplistic. There can be co-occurrence of seizures and paroxysmal movement disorders in the same patient and that has led to this continuum between these two that has been proposed. This is something that needs to be looked into in more detail. Our colleagues in Epilepsy may scoff this, but there's concept of basal ganglia epilepsy manifesting as paroxysmal movement disorders was proposed in the past. And there was this case report that was published out of Italy where there was ictal discharge from the supplementary sensory motor cortex with a concomitant discharge from the ipsilateral coordinate nucleus in a patient with paroxysmal kinesigenic cardioarthidosis. So again, you know, basal ganglia epilepsy, no matter what you call it, the idea is that there is a clear overlap between these two conditions. And I think that is fascinating. Dr Nevel: Really interesting stuff. Well, thank you so much for chatting with me today. Dr Mahajan: Thank you, Kait. And thank you to the Continuum for inviting me to write this article and for this chance to speak about it. I'm excited about how it turned out, and I hope readers enjoy it as well. Dr Nevel: Today again, I've been interviewing doctor Abhi Mahajan about his article on diagnosis and management of paroxysmal movement disorders, which appears in the August 2025 Continuum issue on movement disorders. I encourage all of our listeners to be sure to check out the Continuum Audio episodes from this and other issues. As always, please read the Continuum articles where you can find a lot more information than what we were able to cover in our discussion today. And thank you for our listeners for joining today. And thank you, Abhi, so much for sharing your knowledge with us today. Dr Monteith: This is Dr Teshamae Monteith, associate editor of Continuum Audio. If you've enjoyed this episode, you'll love the journal, which is full of in depth and clinically relevant information important for neurology practitioners. Use the link in the episode notes to learn more and subscribe. AAN members, you can get CME for listening to this interview by completing the evaluation at continpub.com/audioCME. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio.

The Whistleblower Protection Act needs to be promoted heavily in the state of Minnesota.The term "Whistleblower Protection Act" (WPA) primarily refers to the U.S. federal law enacted in 1989, which shields federal employees who report government waste, fraud, and abuse from retaliation. Subsequent legislation, like the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (WPEA), has strengthened these protections. The scope of whistleblower protections in the United States extends beyond the original WPA to cover employees of federal contractors and specific industries. Several federal agencies, including the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), enforce these laws. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Whistleblower Protection Act needs to be promoted heavily in the state of Minnesota.The term "Whistleblower Protection Act" (WPA) primarily refers to the U.S. federal law enacted in 1989, which shields federal employees who report government waste, fraud, and abuse from retaliation. Subsequent legislation, like the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (WPEA), has strengthened these protections. The scope of whistleblower protections in the United States extends beyond the original WPA to cover employees of federal contractors and specific industries. Several federal agencies, including the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), enforce these laws. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this groundbreaking interview, retired U.S. Air Force test pilot Dan Isbell breaks 45 years of silence on his close-range UAP encounters, including a pivotal 1980 sighting at Upper Heyford that aligns with the Rendlesham Forest incident—often called England's Roswell. With a career spanning over 70 aircraft types, from F-111s carrying nuclear payloads to U-2s at the edge of space, Isbell offers a credible, engineering-grounded perspective on anomalous craft that defy known physics.Major themes explored include: Isbell's first UAP sighting—a silent, triangular craft with plasma-like lights hovering instantaneously, observed near nuclear storage sites. Subsequent encounters involving directed beams, expanding plasma orbs, and tracking phenomena, raising questions about non-human intelligence. Deeper implications for fringe science, including plasma cosmology, zero-point energy, and challenges to mainstream physics like Big Bang theory and gravity-centric models. Connections to remote viewing, reverse engineering, black projects, and consciousness, blending high-level aviation stories with revelatory insights.00:00 Intro 03:26 Aviation Career Beginnings 10:34 F-111 Missions & Terrain Following Radar 19:15 F-16 Blocks & Functional Check Flights 30:26 U-2 Challenges & High-Altitude Flights 41:27 Directed Energy Weapons & Pentagon Roles 57:54 Upper Heyford & Alert Duties 64:58 The 1980 Upper Heyford UAP Sighting 76:21 Rendlesham Forest Connection 87:25 Subsequent UAP Encounters 97:39 Plasma Cosmology & Fringe Science 112:49 Tracking, Disclosure & Final Thoughts Watch Professor Simon's Dan Isbell take here:    • Dan Isbell - Kept UFO Secret - 45 Years  Chris Lehto is a former F-16 pilot with 18 years of experience in the Air Force. He managed multi-million dollar simulator contracts, was an Electronic Attack SME for the Aggressors (OPFOR), and commanded the US Detachment at TLP for NATO Fighter Pilot Training. Chris fought in Iraq for 5 months in 2006. He spent 3 years in Turkey as an exchange pilot and is fluent in Turkish. Chris is also a certified crash safety investigator, having investigated Air Force accidents for four years. Lehto has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Materials Science from the Air Force Academy and a Master's in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University. He was stationed in various locations worldwide, including South Korea, Italy, Alaska, Turkey, and Spain. Lehto's YouTube channel, "Lehto Files," focuses on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) research, future tech insights, and sharing knowledge. His approach is scientific and aims to illuminate these phenomena and provide informative content. He also shares his expertise on aviation safety and accident analysis. Lehto believes in the power of open dialogue and the importance of a censor-free internet. Lehto covers a range of topics, including: • Analysis of aviation accidents, such as the collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. • Identification of drones, drawing on his Air Force security forces experience. • Insights into Alternate Physics - promoting his Fractal Holographic Universe Theory • Discussions of UAPs and related topics. • Insights into space exploration, including his experience at the launch of SpaceX's Starship SN25.Join this channel for exclusive access:    / @chrislehtof16  Follow on social X: https://x.com/LehtoFilesTikTok:   / lehtofiles  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...Instagram:   / reels  Support the channel and get exclusive content at   / chrislehto  Invest in UAP Society NFTs! https://opensea.io/collection/uapeezSharing my referral link for when you order your Tesla. You'll get 500 € off the purchase of a Tesla product. https://www.tesla.com/referral/christ...Donate eth to: chrislehto.eth full ETH address is 0x26E3c9b2A5E5b6B7FB54f5F0120B0E4840EB7B24Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lehto-files-investigating-uaps--5990774/support.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche emphasizes that the five powerful mantras (Namgyalma, Mitukpa, Kunrig, Stainless Pinnacle, and Wish-granting Wheel) are very powerful for purification. When someone has died, if you recite these mantras while thinking of them, it protects them from the lower realms. Even if they're already born in the lower realms, they will transcend into a higher realm. It's also very powerful to recite for living people and animals.Rinpoche advises that before death comes, we must ensure that we have a good rebirth. This is not the ultimate achievement of this life; however, if we're unable to achieve enlightenment in this life, we need a good rebirth (either in a pure land or the perfect human rebirth) to complete the path to enlightenment.Rinpoche highlights how all the suffering in this life is the result of self-cherishing. Conversely, all happiness and realizations of the path to enlightenment are the result of bodhicitta. Bodhicitta comes from the root, compassion. Compassion is generated by depending on the kindness of every single sentient being. Therefore, all our present, past, and future happiness—including enlightenment—is received by the kindness of every sentient being. Rinpoche encourages us to meditate on the kindness we've received from every hell being, preta being, hungry ghost, animal, human being, sura being, asura being, and intermediate stage being. Rinpoche concludes by stating that there's nobody to cherish other than sentient beings. Therefore, we must free them from all suffering and its causes and lead them to enlightenment. With this motivation, we take the oral transmissions and recite the mantras.Rinpoche bestows the oral transmissions of the Mitukpa, Kunrig, Namgyalma (short version), and Stainless Pinnacle mantras. He also bestows the Milarepa mantra, which he received from His Holiness Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche, who is the incarnation of Marpa's son, Dharma Dode. Lama Zopa says that the Milarepa mantra is also a powerful purification for a dying person. Reciting it causes you to be born in the pure land of Milarepa, and then you receive teachings from Milarepa.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Interview with Jiyoung Ahn, PhD, author of Oral Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome and Subsequent Risk for Pancreatic Cancer. Hosted by Vivek Subbiah, MD. Related Content: Oral Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome and Subsequent Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

Skulk! Comedian! Musician! Story-teller! Friend! Delight! More! Skulk and I have a great chat about this project and more! THE MANY INCESSANT LIVES & SUBSEQUENT DEATHS DESERVED OF SKULK, The HULKING is a fictional video podcast built on music, performance, storytelling, and Ai visuals. Following the War to End All Wars and having depleted most of our resources, all people - by choice or by force - move to The City That's Always Falling Apart to try and stave off extinction. Giant forces inhabiting this final city both personify our desires and attempt to sway our fates, but an oafish beast known as Skulk tries to save us all. At times dark, goofy, aggressive, honest, and full of hope, The Many Incessant Lives and Subsequent Deaths Deserved of Skulk, The Hulking explores the decisions we make as a people - an allegory for our globalized world, the weaponization of capitalism, and the age-old ‘problem' of the human condition. Skulk, The Hulking is an ogre-like dolt trying to help a world that has fallen apart, yet he seems only to find unique paths to an early demise, while an Earth - knowing unfortunately that he's the planet's last hope - keeps bringing him back to life. He is a giant force that represents us all, trying to figure things out, wading through the muckiest parts of life, fighting the forces that none of us have the energy to fight against, making the choices none of us wants to make, failing miserably, like all of us probably would. No one even wants him to do it but man, his hope just can't be killed…or maybe he's just an idiot. In this story, things are rarely all-bad or all-good. The audience is asked whether they approve of the reasons they do what they do and if the ends justify the means.  Characters in the podcast originally appeared in Skulk (the band's) live shows and music videos. Lady Baghead and the Followers of Baghead were originally depictions of Rene Magritte's surrealist painting “The Lovers”. Hammerhands, a wrecking ball of hate with hammers for hands was played in Skulk music videos by Henry Zebrowski (Last Podcast on the Left, Wolf of Wall Street). And Camelman - originally a prancing merrymaker in a camel mask who pulled popsicles from his whitey tighties and handed them to the concert crowd - has evolved into the gangly overlord of our tantilizing addictions. With visuals created using MidJourney, the ‘near misses' of Ai creation become a style. When creating with Ai, it is nearly impossible to recreate the same exact character with subsequent prompts. Yet since Skulk is constantly dying and being re-born out of whatever material the earth can find at the time, these glitches are given context and woven into the tale. The differing looks of the central characters becomes commentary on how we all appear differently based on the observers' biases, and of course all Ai is ‘nurtured' by our culture's biases. Each podcast episode ends with Ai-altered music videos from Skulk (the band). Says Skulk (the artist) “I believe people fight against Generative Ai for the wrong reasons. It is a tool. How, not if it is used is the question. I believe what people actually want is regulation of Ai.  It is when it can be used for harm that it gets sketchy.” The goal is to help the audience question, with a mind further-opended, why those in power, their enemies, and they themselves do and believe the things they do and believe.  MORE ABOUT SKULK: Skulk, The Hulking (Steve Pasieka) is a multifaceted artist whose creative journey spans music, comedy, and technology. Part of Chicago's improv scene in the early 2000s, he eventually co-founded the improv group pH. His commitment to his craft led him to train at renowned institutions iO and The Annoyance, eventually joining the iO house team, The Chorus, and earning coaching by improv legend Noah Gregoropoulos. After moving to New York, Skulk transitioned to music, founding Skulk, The Hulking - fusing theatrical performance, socio-political lyrics and dark electronic beats. Opening for iconic musicians like Capadonna of Wu-Tang Clan and C-Knowledge of Digable Planets, the project grew to a full band releasing three albums. Recently, Skulk has become a skilled user of AI tools, creating images through MidJourney, animating visuals with MotionLeap, and exploring the artistic potential of generative AI. He believes that AI, like any tool, is only as good as the meaning and care you put into it, which he explores in his most recent project. The Many Incessant Lives and Subsequent Deaths Deserved of Skulk, The Hulking brings together many facets of Skulk's past work in a fictional video podcast built on music, performance, Ai and storytelling. AND THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST HALF OF OUR CHAT! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon.

Are you enjoying this? Are you not? Tell us what to do more of, and what you'd like to hear less of. The Reykjavík Grapevine's Iceland Roundup brings you the top news with a healthy dash of local views. In this episode, Grapevine publisher Jón Trausti Sigurðarson is joined by Heimildin journalist Aðalsteinn Kjartansson, and Grapevine friend and contributor Sindri Eldon to roundup the stories making headlines in recent weeks. On the docket this week are: ✨ Migratory criminal birdsOn Saturday night, the police and their special forces arrested three persons at a Hells Angels party in Kópavogur. A Hells Angel was first spotted in Iceland in 2009 and the police worry that this special kind of criminal migratory bird, might start taking up wintering grounds in Iceland, or god forbid; breeding grounds.✨No football for air traffic controllers on shift Isavia, a public company responsible for managing and servicing Icelandic airports, has changed their rules to make sure air traffic controllers can not watch football games while on the job. Subsequent to an air traffic incident in February 2024, when two airplanes almost collided near Reykjavík airport – it came to light that the air traffic controllers on shift during the incident were busy watching a Premier League game between Liverpool and Chelsea. The changed rules state that air traffic controllers are prohibited from using "an electronic device through which material intended for entertainment is transmitted” while on shift.✨ Douglas Dakota revisitedMan who crash-landed the most famous airplane hulk in Iceland, revisits site of crash. Gregh Fletcher, who crash-landed a Douglas Dakota DC-3 C-47 on Sólheimasandur back in 1973, came back to visit the site of the crash. The landing, which was skillfully conducted by Fletcher, saving himself and his crew of 6. Greg also got to meet the President of Iceland.✨ Alþingi is back from vacation!Alþingi convened again after summer on Tuesday. President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, addressed the parliament during the opening ceremony. ✨ And more stuffWhere we also discuss the identity crisis of the Independence Party, the fact that the chairman of the Center Party is the only Icelandic political figure to bring up Charlie Kirk publicly. We discuss the history of political assassinations in Iceland (the last one was in 1550) and how so many trends on show up in Iceland, years or decades after they do in the rest of the world.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SHOW SUPPORTSupport the Grapevine's reporting by becoming a member of our High Five Club: https://steadyhq.com/en/rvkgrapevine/You can also support the Grapevine by shopping in our online store: https://shop.grapevine.is------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is a Reykjavík Grapevine podcast.The Reykjavík Grapevine is a free alternative magazine in English published 18 times per year, biweekly during the spring and summer, and monthly during the autumn and winter. The magazine covers everything Iceland-related, with a special focus culture, music, food and travel. The Reykjavík Grapevine's goal is to serve as a trustworthy and reliable source of information for those living in Iceland, visiting Iceland or interested in Iceland. Thanks to our dedicated readership and excellent distribution network, the Reykjavík Grapevine is Iceland's most read English-language publication. You may not agree with what we write or publish, but at least it's not sponsored content.www.grapevine.is

Lama Zopa Rinpoche describes how to do the Lama Chöpa chants based on His Holiness Song Rinpoche's tunes from Gaden Shartse Monastery (supposed to be also from Pabongka's lineage). He says that in the past, the chanting came from enlightened beings. It came out of their bodhicitta to benefit sentient beings, and with their realization, so it carries their blessings.Rinpoche advises that when the chants are done nicely, it brings several benefits. It moves the minds of sentient beings and helps transform their minds into Dharma. When the chants are done slowly, they help by giving one time to think about the deep meaning of the meditation. The tunes can also persuade the holy minds of the protectors. Thus, the chanting can both benefit sentient beings and be an offering to the merit field.Rinpoche demonstrates the chants and suggests recording, practicing, and writing down the rhythms. He gives detailed instructions of the chants and shows the differences between the slow and fast chants.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

JOIN SHERI HORN HASAN @ FOR THIS WEEK'S "ASTROLOGICALLY SPEAKING" PODCAST WHICH DROPS SEPTEMBER 5 @ https://www.karmicevolution.com/astrologically-speakingAs we head toward this week's Pisces Full Moon lunar eclipse on September 7, we know we'll be seeing not only the emergence of the themes of this month's set of eclipses, but also the stark reality of how they are manifesting at this point in time. The themes of all eclipse series generally manifest within the collective before their arrival. And this month's eclipses—including tomorrow's September 7 Pisces Full Moon lunar eclipse which occurs at 15-degrees & 23-minutes of this empathic sign of collective energies at 11:09 a.m. PT & 2:09 p.m. ET—clearly illustrate this.It's been at least since February 21 when Attorney General Pam Bondi promised to release the Epstein “list.” Subsequent actions & reactions have taken place since, but the interest in bringing justice for the perpetrators of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of hundreds—if not thousands—of young girls & women—has been prominent in the news since.This month's set of eclipses—both the September 7 Pisces Full Moon lunar eclipse & the Virgo New Moon solar eclipse on September 21—carry the same themes. Eclipses generally belong to a set of two (sometimes three) which occur twice annually & are defined as a part of the longer-term Saros Series. Each series has its own interpretation.“This Saros Series appears to be concerned with the bringing to the surfaces of long-term worries about loved ones, health, or issues to do with paperwork or communication,” according to astrologer Bernadette Brady who's analyzed the meanings of Saros series eclipses in her book “Predictive Astrology, The Eagle And The Lark.”“This could manifest as a worrying piece of news about a loved one or responsibilities with paperwork coming home to roost. Any news will have a sense of destiny or fatedness about it,” she concludes.As those of us who pay attention know, “release the Epstein files!” has been a cry heard throughout the collective for months. However, it's as the themes of this eclipse series began to manifest that these cries have grown louder, to the point where survivors of Epstein & Maxwell's abuse whose health has suffered from it, have now decided to make themselves known the world.The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein & his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell took to the steps of the U.S. Capitol on September 3--only days before the September 7 lunar eclipse--it was to implore Congress to pass the "Epstein Files Transparency Act." Doing so would “force the release of all unclassified records related to the disgraced financier held by President Donald Trump's administration,” according to Reuters. "This is about ending secrecy wherever abuse of power takes root," said Anouska De Georgiou, a former model and actress who was one of about ten self-described Epstein victims who spoke about her experience at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol." Newsweek ran this story after reporting on what was said during this Epstein survivors' press conference on September 3, starting with this headline: “'We know the names'…Victims threaten to compile own list of abusers” The article continues: “ Jeffrey Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips said that she and fellow victims planned to compile their own list of abusers from within the disgraced financier's friends and associates, after the Trump administration denied the existence of an Epstein "client list." "We know the names. Many of us were abused by them," she said at Wednesday's Capitol Hill rally.”As Brady noted in her book about this series of eclipses: "Paperwork coming home to roost," anyone???Be sure to join us for all this Astro News You Can Use--& more about this series of eclipses—such as the years during which they occurred in the past, which might jog your memory as to whether they factored importantly into your life then! (I know they did mine!) In addition, we discuss the repercussions of Saturn's recent retrograde back into Pisces, the Mars in Libra square to Jupiter in Cancer, Uranus's station retrograde at 1-degree Gemini, & the events they've already triggered. As well as events related to the upcoming September 5/6 station of Uranus retrograde combined with its closeness to the September 7 lunar eclipse.These include the 6 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan, which has caused 2,200 deaths to date, the defiance of international law by the Trump Administration when it “blew up” the Venezuelan boat it “suspected” of carrying drug cartel Tren de Aragua gang members & killing 11 aboard in international waters in defiance of internationally excepted maritime law (Saturn Rx in Pisces; Neptune still in Aries, anyone?)And then there's the number of legal cases ending Trump's unlawful use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants without due process by declaring the U.S. has been invaded & it “at war” & the judicial smackdown of his claim that he can unilaterally impose tariffs on any country he chooses without Congressional approval. And the judicially directed "unfreezing" of the $2.2 Billion the Trump Administration had withheld in funding from Harvard University.And…so…much…more!Tune in to “Karmic Evolution's Astrological Speaking” podcast, which drops today, September 5 @ https://www.karmicevolution.com/astrologically-speakingor on any of your favorite podcast stations for deeper astrological analysis of all this! See you soon! Namaste… #karmicevolution, #astronewsyouanduse, #astrologicallyspeaking, #eclipseseaon, #piscesfullmoonlunareclipse

Lama Zopa Rinpoche says that Lama Tsongkhapa gave very clear explanations about the difficult points of sutra and tantra. He points out that this is not just his personal view but is commonly known. He cites His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma, who praised Lama Tsongkhapa's clear explanation of the path. Lama Zopa mentions that all four traditions can lead to enlightenment if practiced correctly.Next, Rinpoche analyses the existence of the letter M. He distinguishes between the base and the label of the letter M. He says that the minute you see M on the base, it's mistaken. When you see a real M, in the sense of independent and existing from its own side, this is a hallucination. If you search for the M in any of the lines or in the collection of all these lines together, you can't find it.Rinpoche highlights the difference between the Prasangika and Svatantrika schools. He says that in the Svatantrika view, the I is findable on the aggregates; it is findable on the base. However, in the Prasangika school, it is unfindable.Rinpoche says that the first thing we have to realize is that the real I as it appears to us—in the sense of independent, truly existent from its own side—is totally empty. He explains that everything is merely imputed by the mind—the label, the base, everything. Everything exists in mere name and is totally empty of existing from its own side.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

Dr. Dominic Maneen shares insights on OMT in sports medicine, covering his AT to DO transition and OMT applications for common conditions. Q: How did you transition from an Athletic Trainer (ATC) to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)? A: I transitioned to practicing sports medicine without surgery, as that field didn't align with my interests. I explored osteopathic medicine, identifying the core difference between DOs and MDs as a dedicated course in osteopathic principles. I maintained my athletic training certification to foster understanding and collaboration with ATCs, and a second course focusing on the musculoskeletal system further ignited my passion. During medical school, I also pursued an MBA, gaining insights into medical billing. Q: Can you describe your athletic training (AT) experience at HBU? A: I completed my undergraduate studies at UT, then worked as an ATC for baseball and softball at HBU. I entered the profession serendipitously, drawn by the phrase "sports medicine." It required rapid maturation, as I assumed an adult role despite being only slightly older than the athletes. I collaborated with Richy Valdez and several GAs, and student athletic trainers were indispensable since it was impossible to simultaneously oversee both baseball and softball. I recall an incident involving twin softball players: one sister not playing, the other on deck, with an accidental practice swing hitting the sister, necessitating a golf cart ride to the adjacent facility. Q: Why is low back pain a significant health concern, and how is it related to depression and lifestyle? A: Low back pain is the second most common reason people visit the doctor, with depression being the first. Patients typically present with symptoms that indirectly lead to a depression diagnosis, rather than overtly stating "depression." A sedentary lifestyle is often termed "the new smoking" in medicine, leading to tight, unused muscles. Hands-on manipulation therapy can be beneficial, and simple exercises like push-ups can improve posture by strengthening the neck muscles that support the head. Many individuals struggle with core muscle activation; focusing on proper technique and guiding them to engage their core will lead to increased strength over time. Q: How do you address flat feet in patients? A: Patients often present with concurrent back and knee pain. Structural analysis can reveal the cause, leading to recommendations for inserts or corrective devices for arch support, rather than immediate surgical intervention. Subsequent efforts focus on improving knee mechanics to alleviate symptoms. Q: What is your approach to concussion management? A: Myofascial release may sometimes require trigger point injections. However, most concussion cases can be effectively managed with muscle energy techniques. In older patients, some form of osteopathic manipulation may be necessary. Q: What are the key anatomy considerations for the neck? A: It is crucial to understand that the neck's complexity extends beyond superficial muscles like the scalenes and deltoids; smaller, deeper muscles also play a significant role in neck function. Q: What are your tips for the Athletic Training Room? A: Prioritize hands-on manipulation therapy and muscle energy techniques with athletes, rather than solely relying on stationary bikes or treadmills for warm-up.

//The Wire//2300Z August 5, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: DHS DELETES ISRAELI MANDATE FROM DISASTER AID CONDITIONS, NO EXPLANATION GIVEN. SECOND EARTHQUAKE STRIKES NEW YORK. CANADIAN WILDFIRES CONTINUE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Canada: Significant wildfires continue to burn throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which has prompted air quality concerns for much of the American northeast and the Great Lakes regions, due to the smoke.-HomeFront-New York: Another earthquake struck New York City earlier this morning, which reached an estimated magnitude of 2.7. No major damage was reported.Missouri: Overnight an arson attack was reported in Clayton, with multiple vehicles set on fire outside of the residence of an Israeli soldier (who is a dual citizen living in the US). Various anti-Israeli graffiti was also observed spray painted in the street at the scene.Washington D.C. - Following the fallout of yesterday's scandal, the Department of Homeland Security has re-updated their Terms and Conditions to remove the inflammatory language. No explanation was given for why the language was ever included in the first place.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Concerning yesterday's saga involving the DHS covertly changing their Terms and Conditions for disaster aid, the following general timeline may be helpful for understanding the sequence of events as they unfolded. This is important to document for the historical record, if nothing else, since the old version of this PDF has been deleted from public view.1. On April 18th, 2025 the Department of Homeland Security updated their Terms and Conditions that all 50 States must abide by in order to get federal aid (specifically, purchases of equipment with federal grant money).2. In these Terms and Conditions, a single line item was added, mandating that if states want FEMA grant money, they have to pledge allegiance to Israel and promise to not boycott Israeli companies.3. Nobody notices this policy change for several months.4. Yesterday morning (August 4th, 2025) Reuters finally notices this change, and pushes the news story out, as they do.5. Immediately, the reaction on social media is that this story is fake, due to how incredulous it sounds and the already poor reputation of most media groups.6. A few hours after the story went viral, the actual PDF file on the DHS website was altered and re-uploaded…with the sections pertaining to Israel missing. No outward changes were apparent on the website; the file name, version number, and upload date were all the same. However, the content was different.7. As time elapsed (and as people heard about this story), anyone who checked the DHS website  after exactly 4:30pm (when the file was changed) saw the updated PDF file, which had no mention of Israel.8. This led many to think that the whole story was fake, not knowing that a change had occurred.9. Subsequent analysis of the metadata of the NEW file, and archived copies of the OLD file confirm that shenanigans are afoot, and the file was changed, last being edited by a senior attorney who works for the DHS.10.  A few hours later, the DHS (speaking directly to journalists) confirmed that the policy change did occur. The DHS did not provide any explanation as to why this policy was ever in effect in the first place, or who made the decision to include this policy change.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground//END REPORT//

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 2, 2025 is: palimpsest • PAL-imp-sest • noun Palimpsest in its original use refers to writing material (such as a parchment manuscript) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased; the underlying text is said to be “in palimpsest.” Palimpsest in extended use refers to something that has usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface. // Scholars believe the motive for making palimpsests was often economic—reusing parchment was cheaper than preparing a new skin. // The ancient city is an architectural palimpsest. See the entry > Examples: “My aim was to trace the course of … the Aqua Marcia, built between 144 and 140 B.C. by Julius Caesar's ancestor Quintus Marcius Rex. … The original tuff arches carried the Marcia across a steep ravine. Subsequent retaining walls and buttresses have transformed the bridge into a palimpsest of building styles.” — David Laskin, The New York Times, 24 Apr. 2024 Did you know? Long ago, writing surfaces were so highly valued that they were often used more than once. Palimpsest in its original use referred to an early form of recycling in which an old document was erased to make room for a new one when parchment ran short. (The word is from the Greek palimpsēstos, meaning “scraped again.”) Fortunately for modern scholars, the erasing process wasn't completely effective, so the original could often be distinguished under the newer writing. De republica, by Roman statesman and orator Cicero, is one of many documents recovered from a palimpsest. Nowadays, the word palimpsest can refer not only to such a document but to anything that has multiple layers apparent beneath the surface.