Podcasts about A Tale of Two Cities

We’re all familiar with the experience of being tourists, but exiles? No way. And yet, we are told in multiple places in the Bible to think of ourselves as exiles here on earth, because this is not our true home. In this message from Revelation 14–18, Pastor J.D. shows us the value of living as exiles in a place that frequently seems alluring but will ultimately pass away. What we are meant to do is fix our eyes on the heavenly city, the one with true, lasting foundations. That, after all, is our eternal home.

The ASX 200 showed solid gains to finish up 49 points at 8,653. Once again, it was the tale of two cities, with the best of times and the worst of times. The banks held steady, with CBA down 0.2%, and WBC doing well, up 2.0%. Insurers also pushed higher, led by QBE up 2.4%, and even ASX up 0.6%, with the Big Bank Basket at $266.54. Elsewhere, industrials were once again stronger, with defensive stocks taking the bull by the horns. WES rose 4.3%, TLS rose 2.0%, and both the supermarket stocks WOW and COL did very well, building on recent gains in the healthcare space. CSL was also strong as it looks to have turned the corner, up 3.5%, with SHL also firm, although SIG fell 5.5% on the back of media speculation that it was looking at buying the Boots chemist chain in the UK. REITs were positive, with GMG up 1.6%, CHC up 1.8%, and other industrials faring okay. Retail also had a good bounce, with JBH up 3.5% and ALL up 2.2%. Technology stocks were still very much in the doghouse, with XRO down 2.0%, TNE down 2.3%, and NXT down 4.1%. Utilities firmed in this environment, and the All-Tech Index fell 1.8%.Meanwhile, resources were once again on the nose, with BHP up 0.2%, and RIO and FMG also falling as iron ore came under pressure. Lithium stocks fell, PLS down 1.7%, and LTR falling a big 8.0%, with MIN also suffering heavy losses. The gold sector was also slammed again as the gold price fell out of bed, with NST down 3.5%, EVN falling 5.0%, and RMS also having a bad day, down 3.8%. Over in the energy space, Woodside slipped slightly, and Santos pushed ahead somewhat, with coal stocks under pressure, WHC down 4.4%, and uranium stocks still on the nose.In corporate news, SDF rose 36.2% after receiving a $6.00 non-binding indicative offer. IGO fell hard after a fire broke out at the Chemical Grade Plant 3 facility at Greenbushes. WES had a good investor day reaction, saying it would drive growth through AI and data monetisation. Citi downgraded banks following the budget changes. In economic news, the ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence rose for the second consecutive week, lifting two points to 70.8.Asian markets weaker. Japan down 1.9% Hong Kong down 0.9%, and China down 1.1%. South Korea falls again.US futures: Dow down 78 and Nasdaq down 132. Oil down 1.5%. Europe opening easier. Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice. 

Enjoy a classic story in English, and learn 15 uses of 'time'. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Conversations They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

our deals this week. One disclosed price. The same trade running through all of them — buyers acquiring capability quietly rather than building it.Christian and Ayelet break down what each deal actually signals about where the software and agency markets are heading — plus stick around for the live after-show with Kevin Simonson, CEO of adMixt, on the Interluxe Group acquisition.One deep dive. Three quick hits. One live after-show.What we cover: Why Sprinklr restarted M&A after nearly five years and what choosing ViralMoment first says about the market, the "tale of two cities" in AI exits — top 1% startups clearing the preference stack vs. capability tuck-ins sold as assets, why Asana's $75M StackAI deal is the other side of that coin, and how two ad tech and agency deals (Peer39/Adloox and Interluxe/adMixt) reflect the same buy-not-build logic.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Market and Deals Friday0:30 — Quick market context: the data is backing up the thesis2:50 — Why corporate M&A is surging while PE volume drops4:11 — Deal #1: Sprinklr acquires ViralMoment — video-native social intelligence5:00 — The gap it fills: social moved to video, listening tools are still text-based5:50 — ViralMoment background: founded by Chelsea Hall, Carnegie Mellon, seed-stage6:27 — Sprinklr's earnings context and why this was a buy-not-build asset deal7:30 — The tale of two cities: top 1% AI startups vs. capability tuck-ins8:30 — Sprinklr is hiring an M&A role right now (and Christian's soapbox on the title)9:22 — Deal #2: Asana acquires StackAI for ~$75M — clearing the preference stack10:00 — Why this is the "right tech, right team, right investor" version of the same trade10:30 — The MIT startup angle and the agent execution layer Asana was buying11:01 — Deal #3: Peer39 acquires Adloox from Scope3 — walled garden verification11:50 — Why this matters against DoubleVerify and IAS11:55 — Deal #4: Interluxe Group acquires adMixt — performance firepower for luxury12:56 — The thread tying all four deals together: buy is beating build13:27 — Tease: big announcement next week + after-show with Kevin Simonson of adMixtLinks:Goldman report: https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/ma-volume-expected-to-surge-this-year-despite-economic-uncertaintyEY Parthenon report: https://www.ey.com/en_us/newsroom/2026/06/ey-parthenon-forecasts-resilient-8-percent-growth-in-us-dealmaking-in-2026-despite-geopolitical-and-economic-headwindsConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the shadow of revolution, two cities collide as love, sacrifice, and redemption weave through the lives of unforgettable souls. From the quiet streets of London to the blood-soaked cobblestones of Paris, this timeless classic reveals the power of compassion amid chaos. Join Steve Rimmer for a vivid retelling that brings Dickens' masterpiece to life. 

Share a commentHistory can feel like a pile of unrelated headlines, but Revelation frames it as a storyline with a destination. We follow the thread from Babel's first push for a unified world system to Revelation 17's shocking picture of “Mystery Babylon,” a global religious power that intoxicates nations, partners with kings, and sells spiritual confusion as unity. Along the way, we connect Daniel's panorama of empires to the idea of one last human-ruled kingdom before Christ's reign, so the prophetic pieces fit together instead of floating as disconnected symbols.We also slow down and read Revelation the way John presents it: like a rewind that pauses the action to show the hidden mechanics behind the end times. Why does Babylon get so much attention, even more than the new heaven? We talk about what Babylon represents, why false worship is described as spiritual adultery, and how “religion without the gospel” could surge if the church's salt and light influence is removed. That leads straight into the uncomfortable topic of ecumenism and how unity can be manufactured by draining doctrine until almost anything counts as faith.Then we outline the major traits of religious Babylon in Revelation 17: worldwide influence, political partnership with the beast, stunning wealth, deep perversion, open hostility toward God's people, and a brutal downfall when the Antichrist turns on the very system that helped him rise. We close with the anchor under all of it: God's purpose is fulfilled, and the conflict ends with Babylon falling and Christ taking his rightful throne.If this helped you see Revelation 17 with clearer eyes, subscribe for more, share it with a friend who's curious about Bible prophecy, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. What part of the Babylon storyline feels most relevant right now?Get instant, biblically faithful answers to your Bible questions. https://www.wisdomonline.org/ask Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentHistory can feel like a pile of unrelated headlines, but Revelation frames it as a storyline with a destination. We follow the thread from Babel's first push for a unified world system to Revelation 17's shocking picture of “Mystery Babylon,” a global religious power that intoxicates nations, partners with kings, and sells spiritual confusion as unity. Along the way, we connect Daniel's panorama of empires to the idea of one last human-ruled kingdom before Christ's reign, so the prophetic pieces fit together instead of floating as disconnected symbols.We also slow down and read Revelation the way John presents it: like a rewind that pauses the action to show the hidden mechanics behind the end times. Why does Babylon get so much attention, even more than the new heaven? We talk about what Babylon represents, why false worship is described as spiritual adultery, and how “religion without the gospel” could surge if the church's salt and light influence is removed. That leads straight into the uncomfortable topic of ecumenism and how unity can be manufactured by draining doctrine until almost anything counts as faith.Then we outline the major traits of religious Babylon in Revelation 17: worldwide influence, political partnership with the beast, stunning wealth, deep perversion, open hostility toward God's people, and a brutal downfall when the Antichrist turns on the very system that helped him rise. We close with the anchor under all of it: God's purpose is fulfilled, and the conflict ends with Babylon falling and Christ taking his rightful throne.If this helped you see Revelation 17 with clearer eyes, subscribe for more, share it with a friend who's curious about Bible prophecy, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. What part of the Babylon storyline feels most relevant right now?Get instant, biblically faithful answers to your Bible questions. https://www.wisdomonline.org/ask Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

When one thing spawns another, you have to cover both and on this week's episode we do just that!

Share a commentGet instant, biblically faithful answers to your Bible questions. https://www.wisdomonline.org/ask Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Share a commentGet instant, biblically faithful answers to your Bible questions. https://www.wisdomonline.org/ask Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

Washington D.C. in the 1850s was a tale of two cities. It was the Capitol city of a rapidly expanding new nation while at the same time ground zero for a politically fractured and divided nation hurtling toward disunion. Standing in the middle of it all was Montgomery C. Meigs, a military engineer who led the construction of two massive public works projects at the same time: the expansion of the Capitol building and an aqueduct to provide water to the residents growing city. Meigs would go on to serve as Quartermaster for the Union Army under Abraham Lincoln. Meigs was an innovator, public servant, and one of the most important patriots of the nineteenth century.   This week Bob welcomes author and journalist Robert O'Harrow Jr. to discuss his 2016 book, The Quartermaster: Montgomery C. Meigs, Lincoln's General, Master Builder of the Union Army.   For thirty years Robert O'Harrow Jr. was an investigative journalist and contributing writer at The Washington Post and was among the first national journalists to cover cybersecurity. In 2017, he part of the team that won a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of notorious Alabama political Roy Moore.   This episode originally aired as RTN #281 on August 21, 2023. This rebroadcast was edited by Ben Sawyer.

5/13/2026If you were blessed by this message, please feel free to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.svbaptistchurch.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠ There you will find links to our other social platforms, years of recorded messages, statement of faith, and more.For online giving: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://svbckuna.churchtrac.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠God bless you!

Sean Tumilson compares the early 21st century to the late 18th century as described by Charles Dickens in his legendary book "A Tale of Two Cities."If you enjoy this daily show, tap ‘Follow' on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. And leave us a quick rating — it really helps others discover KeepTalking.

Rajiv talks with Mike Ni (Constellation Research) about why AI makes old go-to-market playbooks less useful and why experience, judgment, and outcome thinking become the real edge. We break down enterprise-grade context, closed-loop learning, and what changes when humans start managing both people and AI agents.• LLMs commoditizing expertise while elevating experience and question quality• Aligning go-to-market work to outcomes as roles converge across marketing and sales• Humans becoming the bottleneck through constant review and context switching• Defining enterprise context through semantics, memory, and traceability• Replacing dashboards with learning loops and decision automation that improves over time• Comparing Meta's closed-loop AI ROI with Microsoft's slower enterprise payoff• Rethinking SaaS pricing as seat counts fall and value shifts toward decisions and platforms• System integrators pivoting from stitching apps to redesigning end-to-end AI-enabled processesYour best “proven” playbook might already be obsolete, and AI is the reason. From Park City, Utah, we sit down with returning guest Mike Ni, VP and principal analyst at Constellation Research, to unpack what happens when large language models commoditize expertise and the real differentiator becomes experience, judgment, and asking better questions. If you lead go-to-market, marketing, sales, RevOps, or product, the stakes are no longer incremental improvements. The pressure is to design for outcomes and build systems that learn faster than your competitors.We dig into why humans are suddenly the bottleneck in AI-enabled workflows, and how burnout shows up when people sit in the middle of automated flows doing nonstop review and context switching. That leads to a provocative shift: managers won't just manage humans, they'll manage AI agents too. To make that workable, enterprise AI needs more than a clever chatbot. It needs context you can trust: shared semantics, stateful memory, and decision traceability so inputs stay fresh, constrained, and permission-aware at execution time.We also break down “dashboards die, decision loops live”, why closed-loop learning makes ROI provable, and the tale of two cities between Meta's immediate AI payoff and Microsoft's more gated enterprise story. Then we get practical about SaaS pricing pressure as seats decline, plus how system integrators can move from integration tax to building unified systems of context while controlling token costs with the right mix of ML and generative AI.Mike Ni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelni/Mike Ni is the VP & Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, Inc., having previously served as the CMO of Openprise, CGO Coveo and CPO at Avangatel. Drawing on over 25 years of executive experience, Mike specializes in driving growth for SaaS companies and brings deep expertise in product strategy, go-to-market execution, and RevOps-enabled journey orchestration.  In his current role, he covers the fast-evolving Data-to-Decision Automation landscape. Mike also holds an impressive "trifecta" of degrees: a BS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, an MS in Systems Engineering from Stanford, and an MBA from Harvard Business SchoolWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

The Seattle Times leaves out key detail about man who allegedly kidnapped, raped teen girl. Suspect still at large in assault of elderly man. Downtown Seattle is a tale of two cities. Foster families in Washington state may no longer be required to adhere to radical gender ideology.

By the time you read this sentence, the AI landscape has already changed, says Bala Muthiah, Director of Engineering for Lyft.“It's like A Tale of Two Cities,” he says, citing the tension between champions and skeptics. “There are dreamers, and we need them. And there is a realism when code goes to production.”In this conversation with Daniel and Peter, Bala shares his insights about how to balance aspirations around the great potential of AI with a healthy dose of realism about its capabilities and use cases.Tune in to learn:A framework to help apply AI with a “human first” approachWhat you should NOT do to promote AI literacyWhy leaders should let go of AI FOMOUltimately, Bala encourages leaders to be curious. “As a leader, the number one job is to help your team be their best,” he says. Being curious “is always going to be the winning formula.”Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com—Sign up for Stewart Leadership's newsletter: https://stewartleadership.com/newsletter/—Resources and LinksBala Muthiah LinkedInStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:4 Mistakes Leaders Make with AI–and What to Do Instead4 Ways to Encourage a Healthy Failure CultureThe AI Integration RoadmapHow to Stay Relevant at Work6 Ways to Gain Support for Organizational ChangeThe 4 Steps for Managing Constant Change in the Workplace4 Ways to Develop a Strategy of Adaptation5 Signs You're Ready for Digital Transformation—#leadership #podcast #leadershippodcast #leadershipdevelopment #StewartLeadership #LeadershipGrowthPodcastIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. 

If you'd told Gabe and Asher on August 7th — the day the U.S. announced a 39% tariff on Switzerland — that the holding companies would close out 2025 with their watch businesses up, they wouldn't have believed it. But that's what happened. Richemont's watch division grew 7% year over year. Swatch Group posted 7.2%. LVMH's watches and jewelry held flat while fashion softened around it. The top line says remarkable resilience. The bottom line tells a more complicated story. Profits are largely flat. Currency and tariff drag is real. And the recovery is being driven by a strategic shift toward what Richemont and LVMH call "permanent luxury" — fewer watches, made at the higher end, with more specialized supply chains. That shift is a tale of two cities for suppliers: brutal under $10K, a quiet boon at the high end. Gabe and Asher dig into what it means for independents, why the Sellita movement Asher saw in Geneva shows how the market adapts, and whether the grand reorganization of the industry is creating a system that's harder for new brands to break into. The episode closes on Swatch Group, where ISS has backed activist Steven Wood for a board seat. Asher takes the hypothetical seat and lays out what he'd change: less obsession with covering price points, more focus on creative point of view, and real activation of the R&D and supplier capabilities Swatch already owns. Openwork is a weekly podcast about how the watch industry actually works. An unfiltered look behind the scenes — no press releases, no hype, and no sponsored takes. Hosted by Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, co-founders of Collective Horology. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can find us online at collectivehorology.com. To get in touch with suggestions, feedback or questions, email podcast@collectivehorology.com.

Brian and Andy open up the Porch this week to discuss the current state of their teams: the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors. Get your pumps, inflate your balls, and take a listen!

COPE POD!  Fear the 'Fro discusses the disastrous Toronto trip,  and the state of the series heading into a pivotal Game 5.  We talk about the offensive frustrations, the recurring year over year themes of playoff execution failures, and reasons to be optimistic despite the taste currently in our mouths.  TONS OF MAILBAGS IN THIS ONE.

Why are there over 400 phase three oncology programs but only one in dialysis? John Butler, who has spent over 30 years in the kidney disease space, breaks down the regulatory and reimbursement dynamics that have created a surge of innovation in rare kidney diseases while leaving dialysis patients behind, and what it would take to change that.John discusses how FDA clarity on endpoints transformed the rare kidney disease investment landscape, why the dialysis bundle makes innovation functionally impossible for providers, and how the Kidney Care Access Protection Act could be the first meaningful step toward a sustainable path for new dialysis therapies.A few of John's key takeaways:Regulatory clarity is the single biggest driver of rare kidney disease investment — FDA's work with industry to define approvable endpoints changed the entire landscapeThe dialysis bundle is structurally hostile to innovation — at $280 per session for all services, supplies, and drugs, there's no room for new therapiesThe Corsuva story is a cautionary tale — a good product at a reasonable price failed because the payment mechanism didn't workK-CAPA could change the calculus by extending the TDAPA window to three years and shifting to pay-per-use reimbursementInvestors are willing to take clinical risk, but they need a clear path to both approval and paymentFDA and CMS are generally better when they don't try to coordinate — FDA should focus on science and benefit-risk, not system costThe science is moving upstream — SGLT-2s, GLP-1s, porcine kidney transplants, and wearable kidneys all point toward a future with fewer patients on dialysisAbout John ButlerJohn Butler is President and CEO of Akebia Therapeutics, where he has led the company for over 12 years. He has worked in kidney disease since 1991, with roles at Amgen and 13 years at Genzyme leading the renal and rare disease businesses. John chaired the American Kidney Fund and Kidney Care Partners, and recently testified before the House Ways & Means health subcommittee on dialysis innovation and reimbursement reform. He holds an MBA from Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business and a BA in Chemistry from Manhattan University.About The FDA GroupThe FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates. Our resources assist in every stage of the product lifecycle — from clinical development to commercialization — with a focus on staff augmentation, auditing, remediation, QMS, and other specialized project work in Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations. Learn more: https://www.thefdagroup.com/

Choice Classic Radio presents Lux Radio Theater which aired from 1934 to 1955. Today we bring to you the episode titled "A Tale of Two Cities.” Please consider supporting our show by becoming a patron at  http://choiceclassicradio.com We hope you enjoy the show!

The Yankees are at the top. The Sox at the bottom. And John is STILL grumpy. We talk Opening Day, ABS, big contracts for minor leaguers and more.

Send us Fan MailThe Bible Project Daily Podcast is a daily, in-depth, encouraging, and uplifting study through the entire Bible,  chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Today's Episode: A Tale of Two Kings (1 Kings 14 1-31)Charles Dickens once wrote one of the great classics of English literature, A Tale of Two Cities. The cities in Charles Dickens' novel were London and Paris. I'd like to borrow that title—but with a slight twist, because today's passage could easily be called: "A Tale of Two Kings". Because in 1 Kings 14, we meet the first two rulers of the newly divided kingdom of Israel—one in the north, one in the south. And their stories are not just historical curiosities. They are warnings. They are lessons in leadership, obedience, and consequences. Their story is one we need to know so that we don't repeat their mistakes….Support the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

We open with thoughts on TIger and Gary Woodland's "Tale of Two Cities" weekend. And then preview the upcoming Masters with John Patrick of The Augusta Golf ShowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Axel Merk compares the longer-term price divergences between Brent crude and WTI crude and explains what it means for energy markets. He looks at why gold prices have fallen recently and says the market has priced in a “much rougher environment.” However, if people “have done the proper risk management,” he sees plenty of opportunities. He discusses what he expects from potential incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and his strategy for the economy to outgrow the national debt.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

In this episode of Cities 1.5, we bring you another "Tale of Two Cities" - but this time, David sits down with two pioneering mayors from opposite ends of the globe. Despite their vastly different histories, both Athens are Melbourne are inspiring and leading the way through the climate crisis, and mitigating its impacts.We explore Athens is embracing progressive economics and tackling energy poverty, and how Melbourne is transforming and greening urban spaces and trailblazing renewable energy schemes and much more.These urban leaders are protecting city residents from climate impacts, engaging the next generation, and proving that local innovation and leadership is the best way to navigate the climate crisis. Featured guests:Haris Doukas, Mayor of AthensNick Reece, Lord Mayor of MelbourneLinks:Inside the World Mayors Summit: Cities throw down the gauntlet - Cities 1.5Inside the World Mayors Summit: The battle for cities, truth and a fossil fuel free future at COP30 and beyond - Cities 1.5Athens mayor focuses on getting capital through extreme heat - The GuardianA blueprint for European cities? Athens announces new initiative to tackle energy poverty - Net Zero CitiesDoughnut Economics Action Lab4th Youth Assembly on Climate Change with the participation of University Students - EliamepNick Reece reveals plan to make Melbourne the “Garden City” - Southbank Local NewsMelbourne Renewable Energy Project Disinformation and the City - Melbourne Centre for CitiesWhat should Melbourne be like in 2050? - Docklands NewsM2050 Summit ReportIf you want to learn more about the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, please visit our website at https://jccpe.utpjournals.press/Listen to the Cities 1.5 five-part miniseries “Going Steady with Herman Daly: How to Unbreak the Economy (and the Planet)" here: https://lnk.to/HDMiniSeriesCities 1.5 is produced by the University of Toronto Press and the C40 Centre, and is supported by C40 Cities. Sign up to the Centre newsletter: https://thecentre.substack.com/Writing and executive production by Peggy Whitfield.Narrative and communications support by Chiara Morfeo.Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://jessdoespodcasting.com/Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/Music by Lorna Gilfedder: https://origamipodcastservices.com/

On this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Elizabeth are discussing: Bookish Moments: Reading modes and finding books for every moment Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: Which authors' complete works we would take to our hermitage Before We Go: our new segment featuring bookish friend posts and a sleeper hit brought by Elizabeth. Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . . :10 - Bite Size Intro  :51 - Fabled Bookshop :57 - Currently Reading Patreon 2:47 - Our Bookish Moments of the Week 8:23 - Our Current Reads 8:52 - These Is My Words by Nancy Turner (Elizabeth) 10:37 - Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder 10:40 - Centennial by James Michener 11:50 - This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum (Meredith) 16:34 - London Falling by Patrick Raddon Keefe (Elizabeth, pre-order releases April 7, 2026) 17:06 - Defending Jacob by William Landay 17:07 - Someone We Know by Shari Lapena 19:14 - The Plea by Steve Cavanagh (Meredith) 21:40 - Thirteen by Steve Kavanagh 21:41 - Fifty Fifty by Steve Kavanagh 22:40 - The Defense by Steve Kavanagh 24:20 - Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton (Elizabeth) 28:42 - Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Meredith) ***Each current read this week is 10% off if you order through Fabled Bookshop with the code "currently" 35:47 - Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser 35:58 - Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns 36:20 - To sign up for Book Lover Weekend head to their website! 37:07 - Deep Dive: The Works of Five Authors for the End of Time Min Jin Lee (Elizabeth) 39:12 - Pachinko by Min Jin Lee  39:16 - American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee Louise Penny - all of them (Meredith) Anthony Horowitz (Elizabeth) 40:22 - Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz 41:02 - Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz Charles Dickens (Meredith) 41:56 - A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens 42:02 - Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 42:07 - Bleak House by Charles Dickens Patrick Radden Keefe (Elizabeth) 42:42 - Dead Wake by Erik Larson David Sedaris (Meredith) Kristen Hannah (Elizabeth) Stephen King (Meredith) 45:46 - Fairy Tale by Stephen King Liz Moore (Elizabeth) 46:31 - Long Bright River by Liz Moore 46:32 - God of the Woods by Liz Moore Debbie Macomber (Meredith) Rick Bragg (Elizabeth) 50:40 - Before We Go Meredith highlights a bookish friend post 51:33 - StoryGraph Elizabeth brings a sleeper hit 52:35 - No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard 52:40 - Sarah's Bookshelves Live   Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. March's IPL is brought by our lovely friends at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads | Substack | Youtube The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

A Tale of Two Cities | Acts 17 | Pastor Howie Van Dyk by GraceChurchNJ

It's a tale of two cities, with Canterbury crowned the top regional economy and Wellington finishing last. ASB's latest Regional Economic Scoreboard shows Canterbury outperformed in nearly every key measure, including employment, retail spending, housing activity, and population growth. Otago and Waikato tied for second and Auckland climbed to fourth. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking it follows the theme they've seen over the past few years of export-focused regions being more resilient. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isaiah 1:18-2:5 – A tale of two cities - Neil Douglas by Christ City Church Dublin

We begin in Revelation 17, where the Apostle John is invited to witness the judgment of The spirit of the age - the City of Man. As G.K. Beale notes, these chapters (17–18) are an "expanded replay" of the final judgments, showing us the inner rot of the world system.Robert H. Mounce famously called this “A tale of two cities.” Throughout history, and peaking in Revelation, we see a collision between:The City of Man (Babylon): The world system organized in opposition to Christ.The City of God (New Jerusalem): The bride of Christ, the community of the elect.The Augustinian Insight: St. Augustine argued that these two cities are built on two different loves. The City of Man is built on amor sui: the love of self to the point of despising God; The City of God is built on amor Dei: the love of God to the point of despising self. Today, we see the "City of Man." We see it in its most seductive and predatory form. We see its demise and destruction.

We begin in Revelation 17, where the Apostle John is invited to witness the judgment of The spirit of the age - the City of Man. As G.K. Beale notes, these chapters (17–18) are an "expanded replay" of the final judgments, showing us the inner rot of the world system.Robert H. Mounce famously called this “A tale of two cities.” Throughout history, and peaking in Revelation, we see a collision between:The City of Man (Babylon): The world system organized in opposition to Christ.The City of God (New Jerusalem): The bride of Christ, the community of the elect.The Augustinian Insight: St. Augustine argued that these two cities are built on two different loves. The City of Man is built on amor sui: the love of self to the point of despising God; The City of God is built on amor Dei: the love of God to the point of despising self. Today, we see the "City of Man." We see it in its most seductive and predatory form. We see its demise and destruction.

3.4.2026 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Iran War Escalates. Robin Kelly Eyes Durbin Seat. Georgia GOP Racist Ad. Talarico Defeats Crockett As Operation Epic Fury enters its fourth day, tensions continue to rise in the war between Israel and Iran -- and the United States. Retired Army Lieutenant General Russel Honore and Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly be here to discuss this war. Representative Kelly will also discuss her desire to replace Senator Dick Durbin. More on blatant racism in America from MAGA Republicans. Georgia Republican State Senator Greg Dolezal is under fire for posting a racist ad. We'll talk to the Democratic Senate Minority Leader, who called him out for his Racist 'Sharia law' video. The city of Atlanta is being described as a tale of two cities. The Co-Founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, Ryan Wilson, will join us to talk about why a seven-mile difference in Atlanta can mean a 20-year gap in life expectancy -- and what Atlanta's Mayor plans to do about it. Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Big Retail Shakeup: Stripe's PayPal Play & Walmart's High-Income TakeoverThe retail and fintech worlds are moving faster than a 150-day tariff cycle, and this week, Watson Weekly Weekend edition hosts Rick Watson and Jessica Lesesky break down the seismic shifts you can't afford to ignore. From "sharks in the water" at PayPal to Walmart's sneaky-good transformation into a tech-first powerhouse, we're unpacking the data behind the headlines.Is Stripe about to carve up the "Good Ship PayPal" to fuel its own world domination? And how has Walmart managed to win over the $100k+ crowd while automating its way to record margins? We're diving deep into the "tale of two cities" in consumer spending and why being "bold" is the only strategy for 2026.In this episode:The PayPal Pivot: Why Stripe might be circling Venmo and what it means for the future of Stablecoin.Tariff Redo: Navigating the Supreme Court's recent ruling and why your CFO shouldn't be the one making marketing decisions.Walmart's Trillion-Dollar Climb: How 72% grocery penetration and automated fulfillment are widening the gap with the competition.Agentic Commerce: Is "Sparky" the real deal or just a higher AOV glitter?.Stay Ahead of the CurveSubscribe to the Newsletter: Get the deep dives Rick and Jess mention at watsonweekly.com.Join the Conversation: Are you a "turtle shell" business or are you playing for growth this year? Let us know in the comments.Stay bold. Stay classy.Chapters:0:00 - Welcome to the Watson Weekly Weekend 1:00 - PayPal without a captain6:29 - Trump Tariff Redux10:06 - Walmart earnings10:10 - https://youtu.be/K-IPpyhtwMM#FintechNews #WalmartEarnings #Stripe #PayPal #EcommerceStrategy #WatsonWeekly #BusinessTrends2026 #SupplyChainInnovation #AgenticCommerce

With Carl unavailable because of moving duties, Kevin is back to help breakdown everything in the world of enterteinment.First, Eitan and Kevin deep dive into the world of sports and breakdown the great coverage of the Winter Olympics by NBC/Peacock, and how they proved (again) that they are the best product channel fit in the streaming world.They then chat about how the preparations are going for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, before expressing their flabergastedness (that's not a word, is it?) at BAFTAs broadcast mess after a racial slur went out on air, and the way it was managed afterward raised a lot of questions.Other topics include thoughts on The Knight of The Seven Kingdoms, The Pitt, and Kevin's thoughts on Hamnet.Join us!

Genesis 4 moves us out of the perfect garden and into a reality that looks exactly like our own world today. It is a world filled with family arguments, technological leaps, and the crushing pressure to achieve.In this message from the "Foundations" series, Pastor Adam Burton explores the story of Cain and Abel to reveal the two paths of humanity. You are either walking the way of Cain by trying to earn your place, or you are in the line of Seth by calling on the name of the Lord. Discover why willpower cannot break the chains of sin and how to trade your "resume virtues" for true legacy.

Matthew 17:1-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” That's how Charles Dickens opens A Tale of Two Cities.It's also how comedian Anthony Griffith begins a story on The Moth about the season when his career was taking off and his daughter was dying. He had just moved his family to Los Angeles for stand-up. And almost immediately he got two phone calls.The first was from a talent coordinator offering him his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The moment he moved there for.The second was from his daughter's doctor telling him her leukemia had returned.It was the best of times.It was the worst of times.During the day, Anthony cared for his daughter — watching the heart monitor, giving her medication, driving back and forth for blood work and platelets.At night, he was in comedy clubs, working and reworking his set, trying to get it perfect for The Tonight Show.Finally the night came. He's backstage waiting to be introduced, thinking to himself, Don't screw this up. Don't screw this up. The curtain goes up. He is terrified. And for the next six minutes he doesn't even remember what he said — but he gets six applause breaks. He cooked, as the kids say.In the parking lot Johnny Carson tells him, “You're extremely funny. Start working on your second Tonight Show. I want you back.”It was the best of times.But by the time the official call came for that second appearance, his daughter had been admitted to the hospital.It was the worst of times.Peter, James, and John knew that rhythm too — the worst of times pressing in on the best. Because just six days earlier Jesus had told them that everything was about to fall apart. That he was going to Jerusalem to suffer and be killed. And that if they were going to follow him, their road would look the same.These were men who had already left their homes, their work, their security for him. And now the one they trusted most was talking about crosses and death. They had six long days of despair to sit with that.But on that sixth day, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain. And suddenly his appearance changes — his face shining, his clothes dazzling white. And he's not alone. Moses and Elijah are there — the heroes of their faith, the ones their parents told them stories about at bedtime. No wonder Peter blurts out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”Of course it is.This would be like us seeing Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Oprah standing together atop the Rockies. You'd want to set up camp and stay awhile.After six long, confusing days — here it is — a moment that makes sense of everything.Now they see who Jesus really is. Not just another teacher of the law. Not just another prophet pointing to the promises they made with God. But the one who is the fulfillment of both.It is the best of times. And Peter wants to hold on to it.While Peter is still talking, a cloud comes and covers the mountain. And a voice — “This is my Son, the Beloved… listen to him.” And just like that, the moment is over. The disciples fall to the ground, terrified.But Jesus comes to them. He touches them. “Get up. Do not be afraid.” Because it is time to go back down the mountain. Back to the valley. Back to the hard days he has already told them are coming.The best of times gives way to what they could only imagine would be the worst of times. This is not the mountain where the story ends: the cross and the empty tomb are still ahead.”That's how life is.You plan a wedding, get married — and then you find yourself signing divorce papers.You finally hold the baby you prayed for — and then you're walking through postpartum depression. Your loved one makes it through chemo and radiation and is declared cancer free — and six months later the cancer is back.The best of times. The worst of times. Over and over again.And just like Peter, James, and John, we too can faint — knocked down by the fear or sheer exhaustion of it all. The constant movement from the best of times to the worst of times, the interruptions that come whether we want them or not, can bring us to our knees.And that is exactly where the disciples are in this story. But when they look up, the only person standing there is Jesus. That's what our text tells us: “When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself.”Jesus himself, ready to go back into the valley with them.Jesus himself, ready to face the difficult days with them.Jesus himself, who is with his disciples — then and now — at every moment of the journey.And we see exactly this in Anthony's life.By the time he appeared on The Tonight Show for the third time, Brittany had died — not yet three years old. For ten years, Anthony says, he and his wife walked around like zombies, shells of who they once were. It was their church community that endured those dark days with them. Someone eventually suggested that Anthony teach Sunday School. He knew it wouldn't bring Brittany back, but not long after he said he began to feel her presence more powerfully than ever.About that same time, The Moth called and asked him to tell a story. He knew which one it had to be.In the memoir he wrote with his wife, Anthony says, “Life is cruel sometimes, and it's okay to have whatever emotion you have when you lose someone you love. If you want to cry, if you want to get mad, if you want to shout out — God's shoulders are big enough. It's okay. God still has you.”I hope and pray that we are that kind of extraordinary community: gathered by Jesus, helping one another endure the dark days we all will face, and catching small mountaintop glimpses of his glory along the way.That this place is one where, whether you are in the best of times or the worst of times, you find yourself saying, “It is good for us to be here. It is good for me to be here” Because I believe it is.When we get it right, we walk with one another through a whole life: from the first promises spoken at baptism, to weddings and graduations, to hospital rooms and funeral homes, and everything in between.Above all, rest in this truth and promise: when we leave this place and come down from this mountain, or any other, all that is left for us, for you, is Jesus himself.Jesus himself, coming to us and raising us up, again and again, never leaving us to face the perils and the joys of this life alone.Amen.

We discuss two books: George Orwell's Animal Farm and Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. What do these two books have in common? Which books are most like these books? What lessons should we learn from Animal Farm? Are The Lord of the Rings and A Tale of Two Cities more similar than they appear?

Acts 17:1-15

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://theultimatepartner.com/ebook-subscribe/ Check Out UPX: https://theultimatepartner.com/experience/ In this high-impact podcast episode to kick off 2026, Vince Menzione sits down with Jay McBain (Canalys/Informa) to decode the tectonic shifts reshaping the technology ecosystem. Jay reveals why the tech economy is forecasting double-digit growth while the broader economy lags, introducing a “Tale of Two Cities” where direct infrastructure sales are booming but partner influence is more critical than ever. He explains the drop in channel transact share to 66.7% and why the “96% Partner Assist” is the new metric for success. Jay also details the shift away from traditional “Gold/Silver/Bronze” programs toward point systems that recognize partners at every one of the “28 moments” in the customer journey, from influence to long-term retention. Key Takeaways The tech industry is forecast to grow 10.2% in 2026, outpacing the global economy’s 2.7% growth. Channel transact share has dropped from 75% to a forecast of 66.7% as infrastructure deals go direct. Nvidia and the “Magnificent Seven” are driving a massive direct infrastructure build-out for the next era. Microsoft measures a 96% “Partner Assist” rate, with up to seven partners involved in every deal. 80% of customers now prioritize partner certifications and competencies over relationships when choosing partners. The number one request from partners is to be recognized for value across all 28 moments, not just the point of sale. If you're ready to lead through change, elevate your business, and achieve extraordinary outcomes through the power of partnership—this is your community. At Ultimate Partner® we want leaders like you to join us in the Ultimate Partner Experience – where transformation begins. Key Tags: Jay McBain, Canalys, Informa Tech, Partner Assist, 28 Moments, Tech Growth 2026, Channel Strategy, Nvidia, Infrastructure Buildout, Partner Economics, Microsoft Ecosystem, AWS, Direct Sales, Indirect Sales, Partner Influence, Multiplier Effect, Customer Journey, Partner Programs, Tech Economy, Ecosystem Orchestration. https://youtu.be/ntogEr6mjKg?si=_AaBPBfv9KcMRA9D Transcript: [00:00:00] Jay McBain: By the way, marketplaces, the massive growth in marketplaces for everyone that doesn’t own the marketplace is also an indirect sale. It should be helping these numbers. Yeah, so, but there’s one company that’s driving and happens to be the most valuable company in the world right now. [00:00:15] Vince Menzione: Let’s start off with the first, my burning question I have first, let’s cover it first. [00:00:21] Vince Menzione: If you had a sum up 2026 for partners in one sentence. What is it and what are people still underestimating? [00:00:29] Jay McBain: Yeah, it’s one, one word is probably opportunity. Opportunity. Um, so we look around the world, uh, the world economy without technology in it is gonna grow at 2.7%. That’s about $120 trillion with technology in it, technology industry, we’re forecasting to grow by double digits. [00:00:47] Jay McBain: Amazing. You know, in a world that’s growing at two, uh, we’re expecting 10.2%. Growth. And this industry, as you know, is surrounded by partners. Yes. And there are opportunities in hardware, in software, in services, in telco, all the different parts of the customer’s budget. And to look through the double digits though, I mean the, the extension of the sentence is, it’s a tale of two cities. [00:01:11] Jay McBain: Yeah. I was gonna ask you about this. Police do. There isn’t an opportunity in every slice. You know, some of the slices are shrinking by single digits. Some of them are growing by low single digits, but some of them are in the 20, 30, 40% growth range. And this is what partners are starting to think, these tectonic shifts that are happening, the ultimate partnerships that are happening are in very specific places that you kicked off this session talking about. [00:01:35] Vince Menzione: Yeah. So I would love to di dive in here because we have your, we have your slide up behind us. In fact, in talking about this $6.1 trillion economy around te uh, tech and telco and this opportunity. So, you know, we’re, there are gonna be winners and losers right in, in terms of these, uh, these segments or slices of the economy. [00:01:55] Vince Menzione: We can talk about that now. I, I think maybe it would be a good idea to talk about both the channel and, and why the par the channel plays such a big role in this growth. And then talk about what the winners and losers are gonna be. [00:02:07] Jay McBain: Yeah, I mean, broader. Um, actually if we go to the next, uh, slide, there is, um, a declining number and in the world economy that 120 trillion, 75% of it. [00:02:20] Jay McBain: Uh, moves indirectly. You bought your last car from a dealer. Yeah. You bought your last, uh, TV from a retailer, you know, peanut butter from a grocer, that type of thing. But the agencies, the brokers, the resellers, the retailers, the franchisees, the gas stations, pharmacies, grocery, all the different parts of the 27 industries, you know, play an incredible role. [00:02:40] Jay McBain: Our industry was at 75, not just three years ago. Wow. It dropped to 73.2. Two years ago, down to 70.1 last year, and this year’s forecast to be 66.7, so it’s dropping by about 3% each year and it’s this how money changes hands. Yeah. By the way, marketplaces, the massive growth in marketplaces for everyone that doesn’t own the marketplace is also an indirect sale. [00:03:05] Jay McBain: It should be helping these numbers. Yeah, so, but there’s one company that’s driving and happens to be the most valuable company in the world right now, Nvidia. Yeah. And the broader data center buildup mostly on consumer side, but this infrastructure data center build out globally happening right now is mostly happening direct. [00:03:22] Jay McBain: Yeah. There are the magnificent seven who are spending hundreds of billions of dollars each. On these chips and on this, uh, capability and capacity for this next 20 year era. And this is not a resell gain. They’re not buying through distribution and not buying through a reseller. And that’s where you talk about haves and have nots. [00:03:40] Jay McBain: You talk about this economy that, you know, Nvidia for example, was growing at triple digits, quarter in, quarter out, you know, becoming the most valuable company. And it’s not. A traditional technology opportunity, right? There isn’t managed service providers inside these data centers. There isn’t technology folks like VARs and system integrators in plugging in the equipment. [00:04:02] Jay McBain: Yeah. So we gotta watch and, and look at where this next shift takes us and where this multiplier opportunity wraps around it. So that’s the second number here. 96%. Which hasn’t changed. This is a number by the way, that Microsoft measures Yes. Understand. And, and Microsoft looks at it and, you know, second most valuable company in the world measures every deal they’re in and then have been for decades. [00:04:26] Jay McBain: And they measure this 96% of partner assist upwards of seven partners in every one of their deals. And looking at this partner assist number is what drives them. And in Microsoft’s case. You know, perhaps without a better product price or uh, promotion than their lead competitor. AWS, they’ve outgrown them for 26 straight quarters. [00:04:45] Jay McBain: Yes. And they point to place as the reason why that two, three, maybe even four of those seven partners may be leading with Microsoft in critical moments. And so every company, large, medium, and small, look at this partner assist number. And this is where we take that ecosystem conversation. [00:05:02] Vince Menzione: So with 96% partner assist, why do partners touch, touching, everything still feel invisible in many cases. [00:05:11] Vince Menzione: And what’s the one move that they, they make? Or need to make to make them undeniable to [00:05:15] Jay McBain: vendors in 2026? Yeah, I mean, this is a long legacy. There’s 44 years of legacy of being measured at the point of sale where programs were built and paid at the point of sale. Yeah. Assuming you did a bunch of stuff like consulting and design and advisory before the point of sale, assuming you’re gonna stay after the sale and get the renewal and get the upsell, cross sell, and enrichment, there was this assumption, but you were really recognized only at one moment. [00:05:41] Jay McBain: And when we did the survey last year across, you know, 20,000 partners around the world, the number one thing they’re asking vendors for now. Is to recognize, measure monitor me at every moment. Mm-hmm. 28 of them before the sale every 30 days. Forever after the sale. Yep. At the point of sale, the provisioning, the procurement, all the pieces of where we add value. [00:06:02] Jay McBain: And now Microsoft was one of the leaders that came out with a point system over three years ago to say, we’re gonna start measuring and, you know, spreading the program dollars around a little bit like peanut butter. There’s over 400 companies now who have followed suit. You know, Cisco goes live in two weeks, so we’re in this mode now where the world is changing of economics, of partnering. [00:06:23] Jay McBain: It’s changing how recognition happens and it’s the number one thing partners want. [00:06:27] Vince Menzione: Yeah, we’re moving away from the gold, silver, bronze, uh, days of the past and, and tying ’em to these moments. In particular, the Ultimate Partner Winter retreat is gonna be here in the Boca Studio. This is the third year. [00:06:41] Vince Menzione: That we’re gonna be here in Boca. This is always a favorite of our community members, our executive members, our sponsors and speakers. We’ll all be here in the studio, which is a really intimate setting. We can see it upwards of 40, 50 people. We’ll be hosting an incredible dinner at the Boca Resort overlooking the golf course. [00:07:01] Vince Menzione: That’s an incredible property and uh, we’d love to have you join us. Thank you for being part of the ultimate Partner community, and I hope to see you this year at one of our events. Thank you.